The Lincoln Theatre was home to a classic rock revival that is unmatched. The world-renowned Queen tribute band, Killer Queen, stopped in DC on their 2026 US Spring tour. Formed in 1993 by Partick Myers and his fellow students at London University, the band was formed in grief following Mercury’s passing in 1991. Myers intended to play just a single show to celebrate the music they’d never experience fully again. Instead, their little band exploded into a decades long global touring group. Over the years, they became the first tribute band to secure a residency in London’s West End, won “Worldwide Best Tribute Band” in 1999, and were even picked to represent Queen in a restaged Live Aid charity concert.
At 8pm on April 28 at the Lincoln Theatre, the lights dimmed, and the darkness was pierced by an extensive lighting setup, heavily inspired by Queen’s 1986 Magic Tour. As the bandmates came out, Patrick Meyers strutted out on stage, wearing Mercury’s iconic yellow jacket and white trousers. The opening chords of “One Vision” rang out with such volume that you forgot you were in a theatre and, more so, an arena.
A very memorable moment occurred when the band paused and allowed Meyers to initiate the world-famous, “Ay-Oh” vocal call-and-response. Solidified in history during Live Aid, this sequence lasted for an impressive length of time, with an impressive vocal showcase. Meyer not only impersonated Mercury but also honored his incredible vocals, showcasing his own unmatched talent.
The set concluded with “Radio Ga Ga,” which truly united the crowd. Almost the entire theatre stood up from their velvet cushioned seats and clapped in sync during the chorus. Bridging the gap between this theatre and the massive stadiums of the past.
Watch Killer Queen perform a tribute to Queen live at Ahoy Arena on YouTube:
Meyers came out for the encore and had some of that Mercury charm with him. He said, “You know the rules, we come back out on stage– you’ve all got to stand up because you know it’s the big guns, don’t you?” He continued with, “I know we’re in the Lincoln Theatre, but from this point on, it’s the Lincoln Arena.” Encouraging fans to get their flashlights up in the air, and even calling for some tech support to a section that was struggling a little with the task.
The familiar opening piano notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody” rang out, resulting in the strongest crowd reaction of the night. It was during this song that the band showed their chops. All the members had an incredible part in piecing the song together, especially the tribute to Brian May. He stole the show during the classic guitar solo of the song and is an incredibly talented guitarist. The band shortly exited the stage, leaving a heavy-hitting drum solo.
A solo that transitioned into the classic, “We Will Rock You,” echoed through the newfound Lincoln Arena. The song transitioned into the ultimate finale of the night, “We Are The Champions.” Meyers’ vocal delivery was solid on this track, leading to a massive sing-along from the crowd. Returning on stage dressed as a king or Queen, Meyers, sporting a royal robe, turned to the crowd, held the crown up, and took a bow with the band. Thanking DC for the night of reminiscence.
Setlist
One Vision
I Want It All
Tie Your Mother Down
Ay-Oh
Under Pressure
Another One Bites the Dust
You’re My Best Friend
Killer Queen / Bicycle Race / Fat Bottomed Girls (Shortened and mixed)
Stone Cold Crazy
I Want To Break Free
Save Me
These Are The Days of Our Lives
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Band Intro
Don’t Stop Me Now
Somebody to Love
Radio Ga Ga
Encore
Bohemian Rhapsody
Drum Solo
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
All photographs from Killer Queen’s performance at The Lincoln Theatre on April 28, 2026, are copyright and courtesy of Caden Forrester (@flicksby4ster).
