Adam Lambert says Queen gigs are making him become a 'better live performer'

Adam Lambert believes touring with Queen is helping to hone his stagecraft.

The singer has been on the road with the British rockers this summer across North America and they are now hitting other regions.

Speaking to the New Zealand Sunday Star Times, Lambert said that stepping into Freddie Mercury's shoes has given the US star food for thought in terms of what kind of performer he can be.

The 'Trespassing' man said: "I was extremely apprehensive the first few times I fronted this band, because I was so intimidated by their legacy. Freddie Mercury was such an iconic vocalist, a once in a lifetime star, and their songs are fabulous.

"Plus you've got Brian [May] on guitar and Roger [Taylor] on drums, who are such great players. But they made me feel comfortable, and we have fun. Playing with these guys is an amazing adventure. It's making me a better live performer, and it also makes me think about what kind of artist I could be."

Speaking meanwhile about performing Freddie Mercury's songs, Lambert said:

"Has Freddie Mercury left me big shoes to fill? Of course. That's why I have such fabulous shoes on tour. You should see my f.....' heels! But fortunately, Freddie and I have some things in common. We're both big, loud singers, but our voices are different, so finding my own voice within the songs has been an interesting challenge.

"It's important to put my own stamp on them without straying too far from the originals. The key is to be mindful of the original intention of the songs. What is the emotional core of this song? What feeling is it trying to generate in the listener? I try to focus on that."

Watch Adam Lambert perform with Queen below: