By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
January 22, 2019
After a successful residency last year in Las Vegas, Adam Lambert and Queen will reunite again this summer for their Rhapsody tour across North America. Lambert says being on the road is made more pleasurable by bringing along a few must-haves. “My iPad is my saving grace,” says the Los Angeles resident, who grew up in San Diego. “I load it up with shows and movies to pass the time. There’s so much great entertainment out there right now — Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Amazon …” Fans may interact with the musician on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For updated tour dates, check out Lambert’s website.
Q. Having spent so much time in Las Vegas, what are some of your observations about the city?
A. I feel like I had a much more relaxing experience this time, maybe because this was the longest I’ve ever stayed there. The accommodations were very private and peaceful, so that added to the experience. I think Vegas is whatever you want it to be, if you know where to go. The live entertainment is the heart of the city. See as many shows as you can. “Le Reve” was spectacular. Absinthe was hilarious. Also the dining options are countless. Lakeside at the Wynn is wonderful. Also at the Park MGM, Bavette’s immediately transports you to a sexy, dimly euro bistro the very second you enter. I didn’t feel like I was in Vegas inside.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I remember going up to Lake Tahoe as a kid. It’s a beautiful place. I think we saw David Copperfield’s magic show. I also swallowed too much lake water while wakeboarding and developed a bacterial infection in my stomach. Good times. Another memory is my first trip to New York City. I was 14 and went with my mother. As a theater kid, I was thrilled to take in four different Broadway shows. The one that had the biggest impact on me was “RENT,” which had just opened a few months beforehand. My Mom and I have some hilarious memories from our time there, including getting caught in a downpour while strolling in Central Park.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. That people are people. Language barriers can be broken with good eye contact and a smile. I was in Paris a day before a friend once and so I just wandered around for about five hours and felt so enchanted by the architecture and sights around every little corner and down every alley. I purposely let myself get lost before I finally called my Uber to take me back to my hotel. I feel you can absorb a lot of cultural energy by simply walking around with open eyes and ears. When my friend arrived, we went to museums and had the more traditional tourist experience. Paris is truly beautiful. I think the cliche that the French don’t like Americans tends to be more true when we act like we are still in America.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Amsterdam, Berlin, Sydney, Barcelona and home — L.A.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Sydney has a real Southern California feel, but the people there are friendlier and the quality of life is higher. There’s a simplicity to it that keeps people more humble, I think.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Egypt. I want to sail on the Nile and visit the pyramids. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of ancient Egypt. I would also like to see Rome for similar reasons.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My Ultimate Ears Megaboom speaker; it sounds really good — great undistorted bass — a great candle like Tom Ford Oud Wood or Japanese Amber by Byredo or Champaca by Votivo and when I’m flying, I always have mint-flavored liquid chlorophyll drops for my water.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. I always go for the dark chocolate. I also love to book massages in the spa. But I feel more guilty about the chocolate.
Q. One of the things that people always point out about you is that you have such style. Does traveling help define your fashion choices?
A. Well, I’m flattered. I’m not sure travel really affects my sense of style. I depend more so on editorials and runway for inspiration and online shopping for the damages.
Q. When you travel, are there certain things you like to buy and bring back home on each trip?
A. I don’t tend to shop much while I travel because my luggage is usually filled to capacity. The exception is that I usually try to visit Barney’s in New York City when I’m there.
Q. What are some of your favorite hotels?
A. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I’ve stayed in some really impressive hotels. The Amanzoe in Porto Heli, Greece is minimal yet decadent and very peaceful. The Sanara in Tulum has a great vibe. The Four Seasons in Bora Bora is stunningly beautiful. If anyone goes to Cabo, I recommend the Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort. They curate a very contemporary, unpretentious version of a resort. It’s a perfect getaway. My fave new hotel in San Diego is the Pendry. The EDITION hotel chain is excellent. I stay there often in New York and London. They’re opening one in L.A. Also high on my favorites list are the Soho Houses in Miami, Berlin, Barcelona. Also a favorite is the Park Hyatt in Sydney, Australia.
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
i love adam!!….emy….i love my beautiful boy adam!