Queen and Adam Lambert’s latest show took place in Sapporo, Japan where the band performed for 42,000 in a mammoth local venue.
Despite playing live for countless thousands for over 50 years, Sir Brian May still gets nerves and shared with fans how he overcomes them.
On the journey up to the show, the guitarist posted on Instagram: “Journeying to the Sapporo Dome – a magnificent gleaming structure that looks like it just landed on Earth packed with aliens intent on colonising our ailing planet. Maybe they will fix it ?! Probably by first getting rid of the plague of humans … But I digress.
“Drawing up to this enormous Dome does give me chills up the spine … after all this time it’s hard to believe that we will tonight populate this indoor stadium with music fans who ALL know what to do at a Queen show !! It’s alarmingly big. If you thought about it too much you’d get too scared of going out there in that vastness.
“But I have great confidence in our touring team – and I know I just have to do my thing and all will be well. When playing rock shows it’s vital to remember that it isn’t a test !!! It’s an OPPORTUNITY !! An opportunity that few humans are ever given.”
Sir Brian continued: “Now all this might sound obvious, but when you’re sitting all alone in your dressing room getting frocked up and mentally going through the set list, it’s a fine line between eager anticipation and runaway apprehension. That’s the fear that stops many people from treading this road. you learn to deal with it.
“Right now – having just escalatored up to that incredible viewing platform at the top of this dome … I feel lucky – and excited. In the last 2 dome shows it’s been very hard to hear what you’re playing because of the enormous scale of the auditorium. Somehow I feel tonight is going to be better. it sounded great in sound check this afternoon. Sapporo no Minnasan – LET’S DO THIS !!! Bri.”
Posting footage of his guitar fireworks from A Kind of Magic, the Queen legend wrote: “Rockets away ! Thank You Sapporo !! Yes, the Sapporo Fire Marshall smiled upon us !!! Arigatou !! Bri.”
Capturing the weather on the way out, Sir Brian thanked local fans:
“Sapporo snow. Another day, another pile of snow ! I’m sure with this much snow overnight London would be at a stand-still – but here nobody turns a hair. It’s a beautiful crisp morning and we are heading back to Tokyo. BIG THANKS to everyone in Sapporo who made us feel so welcome – you know who you are !! After a 42-year wait it was lovely to see Hokkaido again. Onwards ! Ikimashou ! 2 more big shows !!! Bri.”
Queen and Adam Lambert will play the final two shows of their Japan tour on February 13 and 14 in the Tokyo Dome.