Adam Lambert delivers glam-tastic show at The Tabernacle
Considering the amount of theatricality in an Adam Lambert show, there’s an extreme danger that it could all collapse into a pile of forgettable fluff.
Adam Lambert is one of the most talented singer “American Idol” has seen in its nine seasons. Hyosub Shin/hshin@ajc.com
But Lambert is more than a prettily painted pinup able to get both boys and girls to fawn over him.
He is one of the most – if not the most – talented singer “American Idol” has seen in its nine seasons.
So while it’s a hoot to watch him prance around the stage in feathered shoulder pads and a top hat – call it his own Freddie-Mercury-meets-P.T.-Barnum look – his presence is even more gripping when he starts to sing.
See photos of Wednesday’s Adam Lambert concert at the Tabernacle.
At a nearly-sold-out Tabernacle Wednesday night (his second show in as many nights, the first at Woodruff Arts Center), Lambert bopped through an hour-plus set that highlighted his multi-octave voice and solid pop songs that veer from potent ballads to club thumpers.
His supple voice sounded undiminished as he stalked through a haunting version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and the disco-tastic “Fever” – impressive considering he’s been on a fairly grueling tour since June and will soon head to Japan and Australia for dates through October.
Lambert is a natural showman who moves fluidly and is vocally capable of taking a song such as “Sleepwalker,” one of the more pedestrian offerings on his “For Your Entertainment” debut album, and making it a highlight thanks to his lovely voice that can swing from a whisper to a wail.
But the most illuminating example of his abilities came on the operatic “Soaked,” a powerful ballad that he handled with the polish and passion of a Broadway vet.
Though Lambert was clearly enjoying himself throughout the show, thrusting his pelvis for a sassy routine with a cane on “Strut,” gleefully aerobicizing the glam rock anthem “Music Again” and even turning the uncomfortable warmth inside the venue into a joke about the “hotness” of the crowd, he was particularly unfettered during a special encore.
It’s usually his bassist, the New Romantic/Flock of Seagulls throwback Tommy Joe Ratliff , who garners most of the non-Lambert attention on stage, but on this night, drummer Longineu Parsons received a tribute that should have the Glam Nation all atwitter.
Since the dreadlocked sticksman is departing Lambert’s tour to return to his band, Yellowcard, Lambert and the other three members of his group donned dreadlocked wigs during a tight and tuneful rendition of T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy” as a cute way to say goodbye.
Expect to find it soon on YouTube, where Lambert’s evolving career is already a digital encyclopedia.
Since the start of his tour, Lambert has given his fellow season eight competitor Allison Iraheta primo visibility with an opening slot.
The upside is that Iraheta, who was recently dropped from her label, gets a chance to remind people that she possesses a brawny set of pipes and the potential to develop a career.
The downside is that, live, Iraheta too often resorts to shouting rather than singing and could use some guidance in steering her vocals.
As with most of the “Idol” alums – especially the also-rans such as David Archuleta, Elliott Yamin and Melinda Doolittle – it was gratifying to see how Iraheta, at only 18, has developed as a performer.
A diminutive figure in black with a maroon mane that she flailed like any good rocker chick, Iraheta connected with the snarling rocker “Don’t Waste the Pretty” and the acoustic “Scars.”
But her messy, breathless version of Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker” and the hoarse yelling throughout “Friday I’ll Be Over You” were evidence that Iraheta’s raw edges still need some smoothing.
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81 comments Add your comment
B
September 16th, 2010
5:02 pm
@Leigh,
You’re wasting your time trying to correct/inform/enlighten @Jackson. You might as well be saying ‘blah,blah,blah,blah….” He, and his ilk, only see and hear what they want to and have little respect or need for the truth. He’s been on other blogs and it doesn’t matter that everyone else makes crazy sense (even some non-Adam fans have admitted to Adam’s talent)…proof means nothing. I’d be willing to bet he has never taken the time to even listen to him (at least not with an open mind)! He always compares Adam to others,even though Adam has never compared himself to ANYONE!
That’s his m.o..
Don’t take him seriously!!
danp.
September 16th, 2010
5:08 pm
i love when the haters see people lovin lambert they feel compelled 2 post, just 2 naysay. no one is going ever change my mind. enjoy that guy, lambert.
danp.
September 16th, 2010
5:10 pm
and I really enjoyed the red ..purple headed girl that opened. oldschool rocked it.
Older, Definitely Wiser
September 16th, 2010
5:38 pm
Lets see, the review in Houston was homophobic, the bloggers for the first review in Atlanta not only slammed Adam, but also older women and a certain political persona, too. And some of the hate spewers showed up to blog here. Hmmm, come on down to Florida, Adam, we know good music here and have been waiting a very long time to see you!!
409musiclover
September 16th, 2010
5:44 pm
I have been to 32 concerts with @adamlambert and @AllisonIraheta. I enjoyed the opening act Allison and so did the crowds like she was the headliner. I have yet to hear her shout. She has an amazing soulful voice that pierces your soul and brings chills. Most people fill the seats for Allison’s opening act and warm up for Adam. I enjoyed Adam performances, too. It is about the music with me. They both should be rock stars.
Josh D.
September 16th, 2010
6:22 pm
I love Adam Lambert. He is very gifted, and I was looking forward to seeing him at the Tabernacle……………. Alison was entertaining as an opening act even though the crowd Talked through most of her songs. Could be why she had to scream……….. Adam started out strong, but it ended up a choppy mess as he was constantly having to head over and have words with his mixer. There were gaps between songs that were downright uncomfortable and even the head stage manager had his fingers in his ears from all the kick-back. Something just was not right. It felt very unorganized……. Adam is a showman, but the concert felt sort of unorganized……Of course the people watching was fun, and only one queen and his hag got thrown out at the very beginning.
VoodooCookie
September 16th, 2010
7:22 pm
@melissa, Thankyou for giving a review that in no way reflects on non-show aspects of Adam. It is refreshing to read about what his show was like and not how gay he is. Adams voice is the first reason I am his fan and being a musician myself, it is not often I find someone I enjoy so thoroughly. Aside from his incredible talent he also has major charisma and a personality that shines on stage and off. If you are going to say “I bet he ruined” (@Humpty Humpinstein) you havent heard it, you dont know him and u obviously have a problem with other aspects of Adam. He doesnt ruin songs, he changes them to fit with his persona.
Carol
September 16th, 2010
7:35 pm
I do feel like I need to point out that the RAG REVIEW from Houston was homophobic. That publication is a lowclass piece of trash and always has been. The only actually newspaper in Houston, the Houston Chronicle, gave Adam and GNT a very positive review. Houston loves Adam!!
MerryM
September 16th, 2010
8:21 pm
Great review. Unfortunately I was only able to attend one of Adam’s concerts this summer and I had to fly 3000 miles from home to do that. I was blown away by his live vocals and showmanship. Since he’s never likely to come handy to where I live, I’m already saving to attend at least one show on his next tour.
staciegirlie
September 16th, 2010
8:31 pm
@Jackson I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. Adam doesn’t put down other artists. (that’s your job, buddy) and he CAN dance and write his own music. Too bad you know nothing about music history to tell that Adam’s idols include the 60’s, 70’s rock showmen like Bowie, Mercury, Zepplin, etc. Here’s a vid of Adam channeling MJ. Notice how Adam focuses first and foremost on his singing, dancing secondary without any lip-synching or auto-tuning like a singer is supposed to.
http://youtu.be/EGT63ZDab2o
MerryM
September 16th, 2010
8:37 pm
Enter your comments here
marlock276
September 16th, 2010
9:01 pm
“Hatred is the coward’s revenge for being intimidated.” ~~George Bernard Shaw
LambertsLabelle
September 16th, 2010
9:26 pm
dear Mr.HH..your comment is as silly as your name..I believe both are meant to provocate at purpose??????
I didn t knew Allison was dropped???WHAT a shame!!!!!
thanks for the great report!!!!!!!!!
glambert
September 16th, 2010
10:05 pm
humpty….you’re a douche, get a life
Cricket
September 16th, 2010
10:25 pm
Poor Humpty Dumpty,,jealous,,could you ba an entertainer who feels threatened by Adma,,the most fantastic singer to come along in decades and the most charismatic,,could that be it?? The little green monster has you in it’s clutches???????? Suffer,,,baby,,Adam is here for good,,
Glamity58
September 17th, 2010
12:06 am
OMG these posts are hilarious! I love the post about the nursing home calling…..you left your teeth on the nighstand! I love the banter. The review was spot-on and I loved the description of Adam’s persona as “Freddie Murcury meets P.T. Barnum.” Freddie would have loved this I’m sure (I’m from that era and loved Freddie and Queen). Adam continues to excite audiences and his fans. I hope the tour overseas goes as well. Wish I could be there. I wonder why this one didn’t sell out. Very few haven’t. Love this great performer!
gypsyqueen
September 17th, 2010
12:58 am
I actually found the Rumpled Stilt-Skin comment to be hilarious. In a crazy skat-a language, the Rumpled One means Adam’s performance was the BEST IT HAD EVER HEARD OR SEEN, just like saying something is ‘Mean’, meaning the thing is the very best. So in a roundabout way, Adam was paid a compliment.
sizzling
September 17th, 2010
1:09 am
I find it very entertaining how some relentless naysayers can’t stay away from Adam either. They are drawn to him just like his countless fans, but don’t have the guts to admit it. It’s okay, keep looking him up and enjoy! I am certainly having the greatest time to of my life to see a young talented dude with the most spirited soul win the hearts of so many.
Angie
September 17th, 2010
6:01 am
these so-called naysayers/haters, they come here because they are fascinated. Also, they are just spying. you see they are fans for someone that didn’t get famous, and so they just had to peek here to read the review. Although they know deeply Adam is THAT FANTASTIC, they just had to say puke or be negative just so they feel comforted. So i don’t believe a word of negativity from them. I sincerely believe they secretly agree with us that Adam is fantastic and that he is an icon in the making! They are just in denial. It’s ok, they are forgiven!
Humpty Humpinstein
September 17th, 2010
8:06 am
Adam Lambert couldnt hold Boy Georges jockstrap.
Humpty Humpinstein
September 17th, 2010
8:09 am
This Adumb Lamebutt stage will soon pass and you all will move onto the next lame corp america sycophant/mildly talented crooner all the while wetting yourselves over same and those who might disagree with you.
PS…Could you idiots please give us a new buzz word? Hate, hayin, hater-tater etc is so played and lame like Adumb and yourselves.
Adam Lambert
September 17th, 2010
8:18 am
Hi Fans!! I love you all and was so happy to see each and everyone of you. Lets have a good time and let Mr Humpty have his good time. Meanwhile TOURING THE WORLD and have plenty of lipstick, boys, hairspray, eyeshadow, boys, light days oval pads, money, did I mention I have plenty of BOYS!!
Cmon fellas…lets go boogy in the flower patch!! tee hee.
Ahem!
September 17th, 2010
9:46 am
@ Humpty – you are funny but I am thinking Boy George would disagree with you:
“Boy George: “Adam Lambert Is Adorable”
The Karma Chameleon singer seems to have fallen for the Idol star…
16:39, Monday, 22 March 2010
Boy George has described American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert as ‘adorable’.
George, who wrote on his Twitter page that he met Lambert at a nightclub said: “Adam Lambert is lovely, we met tonite. He’s a beauty. And very normal in the best possible sense. Merha club was s**te. Adam was the highlight!”
http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/boy-george/news/200333-boy-george-adam-lambert-is-adorable
Adam Lambert Week in Review September 12-18, 2010 « On the Meaning of Adam Lambert
September 17th, 2010
10:18 am
[...] Access Atlanta – Adam Lambert delivers glam-tastic show at The Tabernacle “Lambert is a natural showman who moves fluidly and is vocally capable of taking a song such as “Sleepwalker,” one of the more pedestrian offerings on his “For Your Entertainment” debut album, and making it a highlight thanks to his lovely voice that can swing from a whisper to a wail.” [...]
Marie
September 17th, 2010
10:40 am
@Jackson, Can you please come out? I’m sick of you stalking Adam’s article to write the same stupid comments. You must have the statement typed up and copy and paste to all of Adam Lambert’s article. I know you want Adam Lambert and he does not want you.
Sydney
September 17th, 2010
2:36 pm
Sorry Adam is NOT the most talented ever to be on American Idol. Adam is the most flamboyant showman. Do you not know who David Cook is? Now that guy can sing anything AND he plays instruments. Really you should do your home work.
yup agree with sydney
September 17th, 2010
4:34 pm
theres better singers that came from idol.. like carrie underwood,kelly clarkson, allison iraheta,
Kelly
September 17th, 2010
7:47 pm
David Cook is not going to go down as that great, sorry. His voice is OK; nothing to write home about. AFL all the way. Most brilliant entertainer I’ve seen in awhile. Adam is playing concerts all over the world. Cook? doubt they have even heard of him much outside US.
Roni
September 19th, 2010
3:54 am
Adam is the most talented singer ever, niot just from idol! I have seen him live twice, unbelievable! No words can describe just how good he is! As for his bass player Tommy, I dont get what teh appeal is! He looks a bit silly trying to get in the way of the camera! Come on guy, your famous for what? LOL! He seems to want to copy Adam but is not too succesful! Sorry, but its true! He kind of likes the attention, but dont you have to earn it? Whatev….
As for those who are naming the others who are better, Adam is in a league of his own, idol was just one link on his career, it doesnt define him like the rest who were on it! He is more comparable to artists like Freddie, MJ, Elvis! If you dont believe me, just go to one of his shows and its this guys first tour! Wow, cant imagine what it will be like with a few years under his belt but Im looking forward to it!
The musician who does stand out though is Monte Pittmann, his guitarist! The guy rocks and you can tell that Adam and him have great chemistry together!
Oh, and O went to David Cookes show! He was just allright, not that great of a showman, I have seen 1000 other artists with better chops than him! Maybe you just havent stepped out of the idol bubble to notice? Oh well, to each his own!
Adam Lambert Brasil | A sua maior e melhor fonte brasileira sobre o cantor! » Blog Archive » Review do Atlanta Journal-Constitution do Show de Atlanta, GA – 15/09
September 19th, 2010
9:41 pm
[...] Fonte: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
Cindy
September 22nd, 2010
6:49 pm
Great article! it made me hate that I missed it! I guess I’ll have to catch Freddie – I mean Adam another time! (He really does remind me of Freddie Mercury) . . . shame he wasn’t considered for the new movie on Freddie and Queen