5 facts you might not know about Bohemian Rhapsody
If there’s one song that never fails to get the whole room singing, it has to be Queen’s 1975 genre-defying hit, “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It’s widely regarded as one of the best songs of all time, and, according to Rolling Stone magazine, “practically [invented] the music video seven years before MTV went on the air”.
So, to celebrate this iconic song, join us as we learn fivelittle-known facts.
1. Freddie Mercury began writing it in 1968
It took a whole seven years for Mercury’s vision to come to fruition. While he was a student at Ealing Art College in London, he thought of the opening line, “Mama, just killed a man,” but had no melody to go with it. He dubbed the work in progress “The Cowboy Song”, believing the line had a Wild West vibe to it.
2. Elton John wasn’t an instant fan
Queen played a rough mix of the song to Elton John to get his opinion. Turns out, it wasn’t great. “Are you f***ing mad?” he asked, deeming the song too long and “weird” to be played on radio.
3. The vinyl could make you a fortune
In 1978, EMI records released a special edition blue vinyl pressing of the song to mark the band winning the Queen’s Award to Industry for Export Achievement (that’s Queen Elizabeth II, not the band). Only 200 were created, and they can fetch upwards of $6,500 when sold.
4. It shares a special connection with The Beatles
The piano used by Mercury while recording the song was the very same one used by Paul McCartney when the Beatles recorded “Hey Jude”.
5. It re-entered the charts in 1992
Following Freddie Mercury’s tragic death in 1991 – as well as its appearance in the cult film Wayne’s World, the song once again entered the charts in Australia, Canada, France and the US (where it peaked at number two). It has been certified platinum four times in both the UK and the US, and is the third best-selling single in the UK.
What’s your favourite song by Queen? Let us know in the comments!