Glam Bam Reboot

The Struts’ Adam Slack Pays Homage to a Guitar Hero

- Michael Molenda

THE STRUTS LOVE OF QUEEN GOES DEEP. YOU can hear it in the epic glam-like grandeur of the songs, and it’s beamed front and center by vocalist Luke Spiller’s uncanny resemblance to Queen’s late and legendary front person Freddie Mercury. The cherry on top is the Brian May-influenced fretwork of Strut’s guitarist Adam Slack.

Yet, despite the reverential tribute to a beloved band, the Struts are not a pack of clone-worthy renegades from the Queen musical We Will Rock You. A mere tribute act probably wouldn’t be asked to open arena shows for Guns N’ Roses, the Who, Foo Fighters, and the Rolling Stones, and fan interest is wildly impressive. The Struts have logged millions of You- Tube views, with their latest single for “One Night Only”—a full album is expected this year—charting upwards of 300,000 views. While the band itself may not be above accentuating certain musical similarities to Queen, the full package includes a ton of energy, great songwriting, and, at least in Slack’s case, a desire to pay homage to a hero, while simultaneously striving to develop a personal style.

We’ve only heard the premiere single “One Night Only,” but can you reveal what gear you used for the new-album sessions?