Adam Lambert Nailed His 'Rocky Horror' Song

The role of Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is known for being short, but memorable. With such a flash in the pan appearance, the actor who plays Eddie has to have a certain gravitas — after all, he’s only got one musical number to peak viewers’ interest. Meat Loaf more than pulled off the role in 1975, and his appearance, however brief, became a fan favorite. Adam Lambert played Eddie in FOX's Rocky Horror remake, but did he have what it took to pull off the motorcycle and beloved song that come with the job? Lambert's “Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul),” performance was a high point of the remake, for sure.

At the time Adam Lambert’s casting was announced, the Grammy nominated American Idol alum told FOX, “I grew up watching Rocky Horror, but could never imagine that I would be part of this new vision … Rocky Horror always made me feel like it was OK to celebrate my weirdness.” And, this acceptance and eccentricity is honestly what has lead to a decades-long cult following of the film.

And, in Lambert's hands, the musical number was a memorable rendition of the fan-favorite, and Eddie was just as sympathetic and dreamy as ever.

Fox’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again was performed in a theater-setting, not a mansion like the 1975 film, as an homage to the long-running theatrical showings of the film, known for their raucous audience participation. This setting lent itself to a different type of “Hot Patootie” performance. Eddie felt more like a rock star than ever as he played to his girl from a stage with a band, complete with back up singers. But, the staples of the original Eddie were still there: Lambert donned the leather jacket, head wound, and “love, hate” knuckle tattoos with style. And, the costume was not the only nod to Meat Loaf.

When Magenta announced dinner and the group sat down to eat, Columbia said, “I hope it’s not Meat Loaf again,” referencing that in the last film the group did in fact eat Meat Loaf, as Eddie is what — or who — was being served for dinner.

While Eddie is only on the screen for a few moments, his character arc runs throughout the film. His sad story of a delivery boy turned Dr. Frank-N-Furter groupie, who Columbia “nearly loved,” could make you cry (and I did) — and Lambert did the song and role justice.

Image: Steve Wilkie/FOX; Giphy