A few fun facts about Queen: * Guitarist Brian May has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and built his electric guitar (Red Special) when he was 17 (with his dad). * Bassist John Deacon has a degree in electronics. He designed and built the amp that Brian sometimes uses to create unique sounds on Red Special. John was also involved in the band’s financial management. * Drummer Roger Taylor has a degree in biology (pre-med). His vocal range is better than most lead singers of other groups. * Lead singer Freddie Mercury has a degree in graphic design. It goes without saying that his vocal range was amazing and he was the best front man of any band. * All four have written #1 hits, and all are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Interestingly, in 1978, Astrophysicist Brian May, assisted by assistant Freddie Mercury postulated that the world's rotation is due to "Fat-Bottomed Girls." After more than 40 years without being disproven, refuted, or, really, even seriously questioned, this now must be considered scientific fact. and, no, I didn't come up with this, myself, but I'm not going to lest a quote as good as this go unused for this opportunity.
After note: The Red Special was made of the wood from his childhood home's fireplace mantle because the family was too poor to afford to buy him a new guitar
@@leodejongful There are a few more modern groups blending genres that are well worth a watch/listen. Falling In Reverse, Electric Callboy, Skindred immediately come to mind.
This came out in 1975. He was a freakin' Genius and is a Legend!!! God Bless Freddie Mercury!! There will never be another like him, ever! Freddie will never be forgotten and will always be missed. RIP Freddie! ❤💋🙏
I am always stunned to hear that there are people who haven't heard this song or of this group they are iconic and Freddie is considered to be one of the best if not the best vocalist of all time and also the best frontman of all time. Thank you for your reaction to this amazing song. This song came out in 1975.
@@katesmyth4839 If all you ever listened to was rap and hip-hop, I think you might have missed it, maybe caught a fragment in a commercial or movie but perhaps never really heard or bothered to listen to the song. If it came on the radio, the channel was most likely switched. There are a lot of cultural differences in this country as I learned while working in public health in some of the worst neighborhoods. People there listened to the music the other people in the neighborhood listened to and really had little to no cultural experience beyond where they grew up. It is a bad situation well beyond music to a culture that includes differences in food and clothes, with a an abundance of teen pregnancy, prostitution, lack of education, drugs, lack of respect bad language skills and gangs, it is something that is self perpetuating and doesn't change from generation to generation. It is heartbreaking to witness and know that another generation will end up living the same as this one . It is like these people are living in a cultural vacuum. The only other people living among them are generally just poor, undereducated and very religious so there is little to no interaction. However the latter families are usually trying their best to keep their kids focused on education and get them out of the situation. Some succeed and it is always a pleasure to see. When I hear someone here say that they have never heard of this song and then not even be able to pronounce the title, my mind spirals to those communities and people I used to know.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song and the one thing that seems to be lost on the reactor is the word rhapsody in the title. Here is a brief description of what rhapsody means: "a piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas. A Rhapsody is all about dynamics: light and shade, high and low, loud and soft, happy and sad… It’s a story, a journey and usually quite the musical ride." When you know that then it all makes more sense.
Stepping into the QUEEN rabbit hole is an experience you won't forget...you've heard their music before in commercials, movies, t.v.shows, sports...WE WILL ROCK YOU, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS are just two of many greats...all four members wrote, music very diverse...you can't box QUEEN into just one category...Bohemian Rhapsody was done in 1975.
1975 My Birth year and “Stepping into the Queen Rabbit Hole” PERFECT WORDS! I’ve loved Queen since my day 1 way back in 1975 when Music was Music and people sang without Auto Tune!
I was 10 in 1975..and knew this word for word as It was played so much on the radio in UK. Completley hooked on Queen since Killer Queen which was even earlier and still am, as are my kids and grandkids. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 💕
You have just watched a song regarded by many as the greatest ever written. Released in 1975 it spent 9 weeks at number 1 in the UK . There had been nothing like it ever heard before and arguably never since. Four outstandingly talented musicians!! Great reaction. Best wishes from the UK.
Written 1975. They used five types of music styles in the one song. A CAPELLA (is this real or just fantasy) BALLAD (mama just killed a guy) OPERA (just a silhouette of a man) ROCK (you think you can stomp me) CODA (nothing really matters) While Freddie would never confirm the meaning behind the song and preferred it to be interpreted by each listener for themselves. Many view it as Freddie finally accepting himself and 'killing off the heterosexual side of himself'. Just imagine the angst of anyone with sexual orientation confusion or flat out homosexuality at the time. It was illegal until 1967 to be gay in England (people sent to prison seriousness) and Freddie was 21 in 1967. And just because they wouldn't throw you in jail anymore doesn't mean it was an acceptable life style and this song is just 8 years after that. But it doesn't have to be about that specifically. I DO stand behind the idea that the opera section with the triangle sets of 4 and multiples of the 4 are acting like jury and society judging the character in the song and Freddie's big head and Roger's big head are like the Prosecutor and Defense Lawyer pleading the case. The rock portion of the song is the ANGER of the main character having been judged and the CODA being the resolve of kinda giving up OR realizing it doesn't matter how anyone judges you. You thought this song went 'dark' I just had it go 'deep' hahahaha LOVE THIS SONG.
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
@@RoverWaters Well I hope you've contacted all the authors of countless books and articles to 'correct' them. It may take you a lifetime. Good luck with that. And for a reading comprehension lesson I'll point out that I said this song contains five kinds of music. That is an equivalent to writing 'ic section' for each type of music. Thus, avoiding the repetitive word 'section' which is handy aesethetically as well as for character counting. The point is similar enough. A Capella section Ballad section Operatic section Rock section Coda section I'll also point out that I never classified this song as a 'rock opera'. Your comment would be better suited to someone who did.
Back in my early working days, I was the most prompt employee ever. The single time I was ever late for work was the first time I ever heard Bohemian Rhapsody. I was in my car in the parking lot when it came on the radio. I simply could not stop listening to it. It went on and on and every second it was more and more amazing. I have listened to Bohemian Rhapsody thousands of times all these years later and it never ceases to amaze me.
Queen is a British rock group formed in 1970 whose lineup consists of: Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals John Deacon - Bass guitar Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals Queen is one of the most influential groups to come out of the 20th century. They produced 15 studio albums, numerous live and "Best Of' albums, and a multitude of hits singles that achieved either a gold or platinum status. Their music is still sampled by artists today. Have you ever heard Vanilla Ice's hit, "Ice Ice Baby"? He stole (yes there was a legal settlement) the bass riff he used in "Ice Ice Baby" from the Queen/David Bowie song, "Under Pressure". Not only were all four members of Queen amazing musicians but each of them was a composer who have hit singles. I will bet that you know some Queen songs without knowing that they were Queen songs. Have you ever heard "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You", or "We Are The Champions" (the song played after nearly every sports game)? They are all Queen hits "Bohemian Rhapsody" was composed by Freddie Mercury and it was released in 1975. It was on their 4th album, "A Night At The Opera". Freddie never explained the meaning of the song but he did admit that is actually 3 different songs that he had been working on but couldn't seem to finish. So he combined them together, adding some transitions and bridges to create it. I believe it was designed to experience more than to understand.
Dr. Brian May, astrophysicist. He also built his guitar, The Red Special, out of spare parts with his dad in their garage. The Red Special's unique sound is just as much Queen as Freddie was.
They are not just an ordinary band... They are a bunch o college educated guys, highly familiar with classical music who decided to rock the world their extraordinary music.
Queen is the most versatile rock band, they wrote their own stuff in several genres from rock to jazz, to pop, etc. about 200 songs. They all were highly graduated and of course they were great musicians who spent 20 years together until Freddie Mercury's early death in 1991. There are several theories about the meaning of Bohemian Rhapsody, but Freddie never explained his lyrics and especially not this one, it remains his secret forever. Why is it so famous? It was absolutely uniqe in that era, they played never listened harmonies, they multilayered the vocals (in the first Freddie is hamonizing with himself), they created an operatic section and who else started a song like this: "Mama, just killed a man". Pls, check out Somebody To Love at Montreal 81.
The Beatles were also very versatile as well and came before Queen, they also wrote their own music covering many "genres" I love Queen as well, but the Beatles were also considered a versatile rock band. 😊
Queen's 21-minute set at Live Aid in 1985 was voted the greatest live performance of the 20th century in a 2005 poll of artists, critics and music industry representatives from around the world. If you can track it down, it's well worth watching, or alternatively, you can see a near-perfect recreation of it in the movie 'Bohemian Rhapsody', a bio-pic of the band's beginnings and rise to fame. Rami Malek was cast as Freddie Mercury and did a truly amazing job of it.
Queen is one of the biggest British rock bands formed in 1970. Freddie Mercury had one of the best voices around with an amazing range. He was a real showman as the live concerts show. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is their most famous song but they had so many great hits in the 70's-90's such as "We Will Rock You", "We Are The Champions", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "Love Of My Life", "You're My Best Friend", "Who Wants to Live Forever", "Somebody To Love", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "The Show Must Go On" etc.
I really enjoy seeing younger people listen and appreciate Queen ❤. It’s beautiful to watch. ❤😂 I’m 53. And still get chills every single time I hear this song
Bohemian Rhapsody is by far the greatest of all the "rock operas" ever created. Keep in mind that when this song was to be released, the music studios & radio DJ's were against airing it, thinking it would be a huge flop. Back then songs that were featured on main stream radio were only about 3 - 4 minutes long on average. So for Freddie to compose an 11 minute masterpiece, which basically gives you 3 different genres of music in 1 song, it was too much to wrap around their brains. Freddie was ahead of his time. I can only imagine what other treasures would have come from his brilliant mind (& that voice), had he not died so tragically at such a young age. Oh, to help ya out with the song title, just sound it out like this... Bo - he - me - an Rap - so - dee :-)
You HAVE heard Queen before, I guarantee it....Another one bites the dust, We are the Champions, We will rock you. I'm SURE you've heard those and don't realize it or knew who they were. Not 4 ordinary rock musicians. Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara) (piano and most lead vocals) studied art and graphic design, John Deacon (bass) Honors degree in electrical engineering and inventor, Dr Brian May (guitar) PhD in astrophysics and has worked with NASA, Roger Taylor (percussion) degree in biology. All 4 wrote songs and were multi-instrumentalists.
In my opinion the line" I don't want to die. I sometimes wish i never been born at all." Is one of the best lines in any song EVER. Always resonated with me
You know, I think you’re right because I think at some point and everybody’s life they probably think the same thing that they wish they never been born at all. I thought it before I think that’s how Queen resonated with people globally
WELCOME to the Queen rabbit hole! It's an amazing journey. The 1st section is Freddie overdubbing himself. The rest of the harmonies are Freddie (piano, vocals), Brian (guitar, vocals) and Roger (drums, all the high vocals). John didn't think he was a very good singer so never sang on Queen studio material, but did do occasional backup vocals in concert. They had so many overdubs on this song that you could see through the tape. They had to mix it down onto another tape so they'd have room for more overdubs. 😅 All 4 members wrote multiple hits and because of this and each member's varied musical interests their music spans many genres (and, like you just heard, even WITHIN a song). They've got music from rock, metal, rockabilly, gospel, funk, blues, folk, opera and more. Next up - Somebody To Love Montreal '81 and then Live Aid '85. At this point you'll be so far down the rabbit hole that you won't be able to climb out. 😁
Worth pointing out; that high soprano is the drummer, Roger Taylor. Freddy Mercury is the lead singer and plays piano & guitar. The lead guitarist is Brian May, who also has a PhD in astrophysics.
I had to laugh, "I don't even know what to say". Sums up this song perfectly! That's pretty much everyone's initial reaction to it. It's a true rock and roll classic. Never been a song like it before or since. Musicians and singers played with a lot of different styles of music back in the 70's. Now that you've heard the original of this song here, you need to now react to Pentatonix's acapella version of this song! Can't wait to see you compare the two!
In terms of storytelling I see this song can be broken down into five parts: 1. Protagonist intro (acappella ) 2. Murder, regret and arrest (ballad). 3. The Trial where he is convicted of murder (opera). After conviction he has his chance to speak before he is sentenced to death. 4. Enraged he tells everyone in disgust what he really thinks (rock). 5. Acceptance of his fate (soft outro).
Also the five stages of grief: denial (is this the real life, is this just fantasy), depression (mama, life had just begun...), bargaining (the opera part), anger (the rock part) and acceptance (anyway the wind blows)
Welcome to an education, British style ! Queen ran from 1973 to 1991 (when Freddie Mercury passed away). They did 21 albums. Not one was the same. But all truly superb. Bohemian Rhapsody is from 1975. They had talent in buckets. Arguably one of the most unique vocals and pianist, the world's best lead guitarist, the world's best drummer, and the bass guitarist was good too. All four members of the band were accomplished songwriters in their own right, but together they made magic happen. Other bands worth checking out are Slade, The Sweet and for something modern try Within Temptation. You can thank me later ! Regards from London, England.
I was 11 when this song came out and I requested my favourite radio station to play this song soooooo many times! After listening mostly to pop music this song put me on a new path, entirely. You can’t go wrong with reacting to Queen!
Queen did a rock opera song on purpose. Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest singers of all time. Please watch the movie starring Rami Malek. Also check out the stadium anthems We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions, Another One Bites The Dust
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
@@RoverWaters Why not? Isn't that what good music is about? For me, as someone who studied opera, it DOES fit in the category of Rock Opera. Like any work of art, it will ALWAYS be debated. That is how creative ideas are exchanged. Look at an abstract piece of artwork. To you, it might mean one thing, to me, something totally different. Neither is right or wrong. For you, this is not a Rock Opera...for me, it is.
Freddie was a musical genius, he loved to push boundaries! It wasn’t until he refused to cut the song down that radio stations started playing extended tracks.. I remember when he died, I was living in London at the time. It was so surreal.. everyone leaving messages on his door and rear garden wooden gate, standing quietly in silence for a moment then leaving. He was soo loved! His parents even came out to thank everyone for being so supportive and respectful. The saddest part is I don’t think Freddy ever truly knew just how loved he was. 😞
Greg, I’m so glad you have arrived at Queen because this is one of my favorite journeys to watch from genuine reactors!! My favorite part will be when you soon realize that you know at least 2-3 Queen songs even though you thought that you have never heard of them!!! It’s usually that exact moment, most start realizing how truly legendary Queen is! I love your channel and I am so excited to watch your Queen journey. A few of my favorites are listed below. RIP Freddie, he was so talented!! They are some of the 🐐🐐🐐🐐💯💯 Somebody to Love Live in Montreal: ruclips.net/video/aA2IRoPFIn0/видео.html Fat Bottomed Girls: ruclips.net/video/VMnjF1O4eH0/видео.html We Will Rock You: ruclips.net/video/-tJYN-eG1zk/видео.html We Are the Champions: ruclips.net/video/KXw8CRapg7k/видео.html Another One Bites the Dust: ruclips.net/video/rY0WxgSXdEE/видео.html
Exactly! This whole comment! I LOVE watching reactions to this song more than anything! The love, intensity, shock, fun, everyone is just dumb founded! It makes the song feel fresh every time I see others enjoyment for it! And yeah, once you hear more Queen the dawning realization is a beautiful moment! 😍 Legendary. It just goes without even having to say it.
When the band Green Day tours, they play this track on the loudspeakers before they hit the stage and there is a video of the massive crowd singing along with it, word for word. It's awesome.
Queen is an amazing group in a time of amazing groups/artists; there weren't really even genres back then, that is a more modern thing really, but Queen was unique, 4 extremely smart men, all university graduates, who became the phenomenon that we older people love so much. They have done so much awesome music, I cannot think of a single song that I don't like out of... so many of their songs. If you go down the Queen rabbit hole, you are going to love it, even if you don't understand what they're singing about, because the music, the musicianship, the Talent of the 4 is astounding. RIP Freddie Mercury, you are missed good sir.
I'm not sure when they shot this video. The song was on an album in 1975 and the video came out shortly afterward which changed the entire music video experience thereafter. When the song came out, it was an experience because we weren't used to songs that lasted 6 minutes long and mixed rock, opera, blues tones, etc. It was very different but people could not get enough of it. This is the first song that I remember hearing that showcased Freddie's voice in the way that it did. I think this is the point where we realized, Holy Crap, this guy's voice is an instrument onto itself! One thing that is interesting about the song. Although it was never explained what it was about, based on the timing of the song, I think Freddie wrote about killing a man because he was killing his old self and realizing he was gay. He is from a traditional Parsi Indian family in the 1970's and he knows that he is killing his old life and nothing will be the same again. "Got to leave you all behind and face the truth." It's a song about tragedy, truth and broken heartedness. But if you listen to the song, it could just as easily be a song by a black man trapped in poverty who has ended up killing a man and now having to face that his life is ruined or a boyfriend who has killed a man in jealousy or a drunk man who just killed someone on the highway. It's a song that can fit many realities and that is when you know a song is really good because it can transcend the songwriter's original meaning to become a song for everyman.
Right! And almost 50 years later we're still trying to figure it out! It doesn't really matter, it means something different to everyone. That's the way Freddie Mercury wanted it!
Here is the crux of the song. Freddie here is referring to realising that he is bisexual (not gay). He has just murdered his old self, the person his parents knew and who has certain expectations placed upon him. Freddie knows he's going to disappoint his mother and as such the reference to having thrown it all away.
That was a Freddie song. Freddie Mercury was a one of a kind talent, best voice and best frontman in rock history! The rest of the band were great in their own right. There will never be another group like Queen. Lightning in a bottle.
Recommend “Somebody to Love” live version … either Montreal 1981 or Milton Keynes 1982. Btw I am sure you know Queen … ever heard “we are the champions” or “we will , we will rock you” or dada dum dum dum ( my attempt at bass line) “another one bites the dust”. Then you have heard Queen. 👑❤️👑❤️👑
Welcome to the genius of Queen! The most versatile rock group in history -- and one of the most educated. Every one of the band has/had college degrees and I believe they were self-taught/trained on their instruments. Definitely check out their Live Aid performance from 1985. You will see how Freddie can masterfully command a crowd of thousands and how he, Roger, John and Brian worked perfectly together.
Having grown up with these guys (I'm 62) I must admit I find it difficult to imagine anyone could have not heard of them in some way. They permeate the American culture in so many places. I mean, 50 plus years of constant playing, radio, movies, tv, everywhere.
i’m 13 and this is one of my top songs. queen is my favorite band it’s so deep and just there songs are beautiful i cry every time j listen to this one
By far the most talented , and unique rock band of all time. Welcome to the Queen Experience. They were to rock /Pop music what Mozart was to classical. Absolute Virtuoso musicians , and vocals, who just so happened to be musical geniuses. They were so influential , that they inspired musicians from ALL genres, from rock, Pop , R&B , Soul , and even country music. The famous Country legend Garth Brooks began his music career being inspired by Queen, Kiss, and the rock bands of the 70's . Lady GaGa was so taken by their talent that one of their songs was actually the inspiration for her stage name Lady Gaga . The song was Queens " Radio GaGa". Bohemian Rhapsody is considered to this day the greatest Rock , Pop Ballad of all time.
. . . and those four guys are making all that grandiose music, Starting with composer, Vocalist Freddie, at the piano and Deaky steady alongside with his strong bass then Roger's pounding/rolling percussions and Brian's unique guitar all exploding performance perfection giving us Freddie's (Queen's) legendary masterpiece - "Bohemian Rhapsody" (since 1975). Loved being on this reaction journey with you, sir.
To me this song is a perfect song expressing the the inner roller coaster of emotions that the AMAZING Freddie Mercury ( so love him) was facing in his life with his diagnosis. At that time there was no cure and very low survival rate. In those days... it was all new to the world. "Bohemian Rhapsody" NAILED what so many emotionally felt once diagnosed. I appaud his strength and his fight for what he loved. 😪
Welcome to the Queen journey. Your reaction was how I felt 50 years ago when I first heard Queen. If you like transitions within the song, check out "Prophets Song"
It's so cool when our younger people enjoy the music I listened to every day. I still love rock, but the bands now don't compare to what I grew up on! Enjoy! Loved watching your reaction!
Queen is incredible. Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the band, is the absolute GOAT. Dude is as talented as any 5 people you know. A few others of theirs: Killer Queen Don't Stop Me Now Princes of the Universe Crazy Little Thing Called Love and about a bajillion more amazing songs
Love seeing people discovering this literal work of art. This is with absolutely no doubt one of the greatest song of all time... in every aspect that is. Words can't do it justice
No other song has ever accomplished what Queen did with Bohemian Rhapsody.....1 story line...5 parts.....Acapello (introduction)...Ballad (confession), Operatic (trial), Rock show (acceptance) and a Coda
The song is from "Night at the Opera" and is operatic in nature. Freddy is singing about selling his soul. "Pulled my trigger now he is dead" Talking about himself and the devil put aside just for him.
welcome to the world of queen The song Bohemian Rhapsody was published in 1975 and was a great success in the United Kingdom, where it spent 9 weeks in the first place. The video is said to have been the first for promotional purposes. 4 genius members all. Freddie Mercury vocalist and piano, Brian May, guitar, Jhon Deacon, bass and Roger Taylor drums.
In classical music a rhapsody is a single-movement work that is episodic (i.e. has distinct groups of musical ideas), free-flowing in structure, and features a range of highly contrasting moods. That is exactly what Queen did in Bohemian Rhapsody. It is a rock opera and a true work of genius in the modern era.
It's going to be fun to see you dive into their rabbit hole. One of the greatest bands ever. It will be fun to see how many songs you actually do know that you didn't realize was theirs. And don't forget to watch the full Queen performance at the Live Aid Concert.
Queen was so far ahead of many forms of music. Rock, gospel, ballads, come with us down this rabbit hole!! You will never forget it! I’ve been a fan since 1976
Freddie Mercury left us way too soon. Him along with the other members of Queen were ahead of their time. You have alot more songs to go with them. At some point in time, listen to Pentatonix cover this song. I think they did a great job of it. I think Freddie would approve :)
Check out their Live Aid performance in Wimbledon stadium. It’s like 20 minutes, but you will hear several songs that you know. You just didn’t know they were Queen.
This is called a “rock opera”, and it’s one of the best there is! It was released in 1975. He’s not singing about what you think he is. It’s actually about Freddy Mercury (the lead singer) coming out of the closet, and letting everybody know about him being gay. When he wrote this, in his mind, he “pulled the trigger” on his old life, and killed his old version of himself, so he could live life freely, the way he wanted to, and the troubles he faced coming out. In typical Freddy style, he came out big-time! One of the last sentences he sings is, “Nothing really matters to me!’ is about how he doesn’t care what anybody thinks about him, he’s gonna live his life his way! Kudos to Freddy, and kudos to you for listening and reacting so (confused, but) positive for this rock legend! 😆 😆 😆
And I thought it was alluding to the fact that he had AIDS at a time when it was a death sentence, and that he may have caused the death of a lover. I'm 66, and with millions of others, was aware that he was gay, way back.
I distinctly remember this song being played on the bus riding home from school (the drivers at that time played rock music on their buses). The girls spontaneously broke out singing along. It was an incredible moment!
I'm glad to see you appreciating the song through headphones. Most music in those days were recorded so it sounds like coming from different directions. A lost art in these days of overwhelming bass. There was a song before this by Iron Butterfly, called "In A Gadda Da Vida", that has like a 7 minute drum solo play back and forth.
Okay, with this one I decided to subscribe. This song was the defining moment for Queen. The producer they had at the time refused to produce it so they broke their contract and found a producer who would. They went on to become super stars and their old producer went down in history as the man who lost Queen...all because the song didn't fit into the neat little package of 3:00-3:45 in length. Radio stations were plagued with calls asking for this over 6 minute song and the rest is history 😂
We Will Rock You and We are the Champions are Queen songs played at literally every level of every kind of sports. Queen's music as a part of culture. Listen to another all-vocal group's (like Home Free) version of this from Pentatonix and you'll be similarly blown away.
It's three songs in one which Freddie wrote back in the early 70's, the majority of what you think are harmonies is just Freddie with a lot of overdubs in the studio, and they put the video together in around 4 hours as they were on tour when this was released in 75, there is a video on the official Queen RUclips channel about how they put this together, it's about an hour long, and you'll have at least 250 songs if you go through the catalogue
For another video that will almost certainly astonish you, Check out Freddie Mercury singing with Monserrat Caballe (I might have the spelling of her name right). The title of the song is "Barcelona". It was a fulfillment of one of Freddie's biggest wishes, to sing with an opera singer as prominent as she was at the time. He was able to meet with her, and pitched the collaboration to her, including singing the part he had written for her, in her vocal range. Check into the story of the song once you've listened to it, and you'll see some of the tragedy of Freddie's life. I don't want to spoil anything more, but I recommend the song and the story, in that sequence.
Mind blown!! It came out in 1975. I was 15, almost 16. Freddie owned the stage! P. S. He had 4 extra teeth that he never had removed. He didn't want to risk it changing his technique.
You have just experienced mono recording (the left and right thing) now days you youngsters call the effect panning in our day one mic. only picked up one voice. And it all came together on the final tape. The multi voice choir effect halfway through was made form 84 individual tape layers, individually cued by hand to have overlaps and minor differences in start positions, to give the echo effects. This is an unofficial antham for 70s, 80s kids in the UK You should check out Green Day crowd bohemian rhapsody it's brilliant ruclips.net/video/cZnBNuqqz5g/видео.html Bohemian BO-HE-MI-AN comes from an area in the old Slavic counties in eastern Europe (bohemia)and was used to describe Avant Garde artistic types The 3 songs in one is know as a rhapsody pronounced {RAP-SOD-Y}
You are the first person I've ever seen that LISTENED to the lyrics FIRST!! I love that in you. I'm just sorry it took me so long to discover you. You have made this old lady's day. Thank you!! I'm 68 years old. I think this came out in the '70's.
This is awesome! The OG track is the only one that has that panning...from one side to the other! Thank you for doing this track! One of thee most historical songs in R & R history! No one had ever done anything like this before! Freddie Mercury had a ..I think its 4 octave range..? He was Indian and he brings his culture into this song! He loved opera and it shows! Before he passed ...a dream come true for him when a song he wrote was sung by a famous opera singer! He actually got to have a duet with her! I forget her name....darn it! This song has several musical genres and the transition from one to the other is flawless!!! Freddie was truly gifted!!! I believe he wrote this when he was a teenager!
As a young person who has been a Queen fan for much of their life it is always hysterical to see people's reaction to listening to the transition for the first time.
1975 and it was genius, Freddie Mercury (main singer) decided to mix rock with classical and the record label was against it but it ended up being LEGENDARY!!!! Queen is definitely a band u wanna look into I see ur a Saints fan so I KNOW uve heard Queens “We are the champions” before….it’s been played at all sports arenas
Hi Greg - I kinda grew up with Queen (ya I’m old🤣) and this song is really a masterpiece. Freddie was a genius. So here’s a question for you. I see you appreciate a capella (Home Free). Why don’t you check out Pentatonix’s version of Bohemian Rhapsody? I think it will 🤯🤯🤯 blow your mind. Subbing for some PTX. Home Fry’s and Pentaholics are amazing folks to hang with. 🤙🏻
My Dad introduced me to Queen in 1990. I was devastated when he died from AIDS. He is the true definition of an true artist. no one could peacock on stage like Freddy!
Queen were megastars, but at a time when US listeners didn't want non-formulaic music and were still suspicious of anyone as openly gay as their lead singer. Their performance at the enormous Live Aid concert in London is widely agreed to be one of the greatest of all time - check it out for how to keep thousands in an audience enthralled. Superstars following them at Live Aid wondered aloud how they could follow Queen. The guitarist Dr Brian May, widely recognised as one of the greatest rock guitarists ever, is also an astrophysicist who has had a meteor named after him. Freddie Mercury, lead singer, died very young. Queen still perform with American Adam Lambert on vocals.
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
The enunciation of Bohemian is BOW(like BOW & arrow) HE- ME- UN. The "choir" you hear is just the 4 band members. When this song was recorded the studios still used was tape. They created all those voices by the 4 of them singing different harmonies and redubbing over and over on the same tape. When they finished the choir part, the tape was so thin they were afraid they would lose it. As for songs, listen to Who Wants to Live Forever, We Will Rock You, Show Must Go On, I'm going slightly mad, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Radio Gaga, and Another One Bites the Dust. Basically anything of the Nightbat the Opera Album. You should also watch them play live at Live Aid. It's amazing. Freddy also did an album on his own just before he passed. It's an album full of many genres that just shows you his rang of talent. The album is called Barcelona. Welcome to the beginning of your journey to Queen.
Greg, thanks for tuning into Queen. I've loved this group since I was about 10 or 11 years old (I'm pushing 60). I was 12 when this album came out. You're right that there are at least 3 or 4 discernible styles being presented here. The entire album played with different influences including Dixieland jazz, prog rock, hard rock, etc. But, if this song seems overwhelming, at first, notice that there is a consistent thread throughout - drama (they are glam rock, after all) and death.
Freddie has been voted as having the BEST VOICE IN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY!
Iim glad you found him.
A few fun facts about Queen:
* Guitarist Brian May has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and built his electric guitar (Red Special) when he was 17 (with his dad).
* Bassist John Deacon has a degree in electronics. He designed and built the amp that Brian sometimes uses to create unique sounds on Red Special. John was also involved in the band’s financial management.
* Drummer Roger Taylor has a degree in biology (pre-med). His vocal range is better than most lead singers of other groups.
* Lead singer Freddie Mercury has a degree in graphic design. It goes without saying that his vocal range was amazing and he was the best front man of any band.
* All four have written #1 hits, and all are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Thank you for sharing!! 😊❤️
Not to mention you need a dictionary for the lyrics.
Interestingly, in 1978, Astrophysicist Brian May, assisted by assistant Freddie Mercury postulated that the world's rotation is due to "Fat-Bottomed Girls." After more than 40 years without being disproven, refuted, or, really, even seriously questioned, this now must be considered scientific fact.
and, no, I didn't come up with this, myself, but I'm not going to lest a quote as good as this go unused for this opportunity.
After note: The Red Special was made of the wood from his childhood home's fireplace mantle because the family was too poor to afford to buy him a new guitar
0% autotune
100% talent!
And 0 synths!
Hear!Hear!!👏👍💯❤
@@leodejongful You said it, brother!
@@leodejongful There are a few more modern groups blending genres that are well worth a watch/listen. Falling In Reverse, Electric Callboy, Skindred immediately come to mind.
yeah back then there was no such thing, hahahha, Freddy is just that good, period
This came out in 1975. He was a freakin' Genius and is a Legend!!! God Bless Freddie Mercury!! There will never be another like him, ever! Freddie will never be forgotten and will always be missed.
RIP Freddie! ❤💋🙏
I am always stunned to hear that there are people who haven't heard this song or of this group they are iconic and Freddie is considered to be one of the best if not the best vocalist of all time and also the best frontman of all time. Thank you for your reaction to this amazing song. This song came out in 1975.
Right! And we will find every single one of them and play Bohemian Rhapsody!
Freddie was also great poet.
@@RobertClaeson Yes he was.
I just don’t don’t believe these reaction videos are ever real. Everyone over three years old has heard this song.
@@katesmyth4839 If all you ever listened to was rap and hip-hop, I think you might have missed it, maybe caught a fragment in a commercial or movie but perhaps never really heard or bothered to listen to the song. If it came on the radio, the channel was most likely switched. There are a lot of cultural differences in this country as I learned while working in public health in some of the worst neighborhoods. People there listened to the music the other people in the neighborhood listened to and really had little to no cultural experience beyond where they grew up. It is a bad situation well beyond music to a culture that includes differences in food and clothes, with a an abundance of teen pregnancy, prostitution, lack of education, drugs, lack of respect bad language skills and gangs, it is something that is self perpetuating and doesn't change from generation to generation. It is heartbreaking to witness and know that another generation will end up living the same as this one . It is like these people are living in a cultural vacuum. The only other people living among them are generally just poor, undereducated and very religious so there is little to no interaction. However the latter families are usually trying their best to keep their kids focused on education and get them out of the situation. Some succeed and it is always a pleasure to see. When I hear someone here say that they have never heard of this song and then not even be able to pronounce the title, my mind spirals to those communities and people I used to know.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this song and the one thing that seems to be lost on the reactor is the word rhapsody in the title. Here is a brief description of what rhapsody means:
"a piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas. A Rhapsody is all about dynamics: light and shade, high and low, loud and soft, happy and sad… It’s a story, a journey and usually quite the musical ride."
When you know that then it all makes more sense.
Thank you for the definition. The only other piece I know of is George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and that is also all over the place.
I've never heard it described better. I miss Freddy's musical genius.
Stepping into the QUEEN rabbit hole is an experience you won't forget...you've heard their music before in commercials, movies, t.v.shows, sports...WE WILL ROCK YOU, WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS are just two of many greats...all four members wrote, music very diverse...you can't box QUEEN into just one category...Bohemian Rhapsody was done in 1975.
This was 1975
What a perfect way to describe them because it’s exactly true all the band members got to have their own twist to different songs
1975 My Birth year and “Stepping into the Queen Rabbit Hole” PERFECT WORDS! I’ve loved Queen since my day 1 way back in 1975 when Music was Music and people sang without Auto Tune!
He probably should have started with Somebody To Love. And gradually get to this one.... this one is a lot to take in. Great, but a lot.
I was 10 in 1975..and knew this word for word as It was played so much on the radio in UK. Completley hooked on Queen since Killer Queen which was even earlier and still am, as are my kids and grandkids. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 💕
The harmonies are just insane in this song. As you said, they just bounce off each other. It's a rare thing to hear such perfectly matched voices.
You have just watched a song regarded by many as the greatest ever written. Released in 1975 it spent 9 weeks at number 1 in the UK . There had been nothing like it ever heard before and arguably never since. Four outstandingly talented musicians!! Great reaction. Best wishes from the UK.
Greatest ever written? Uh, no.
@@williambowers2820 That's why I said regarded by many. I'm not saying it is.
It isn’t. It’s a novelty song.
@@williambowers2820 Thank you so much for enlightening me!
Well, somebody has to enlighten Queen fans. Queen is just Kiss without makeup.
I love seeing your reactions, mostly because you are so appreciative of the artists and also because you simply have a delightful sweet face!
I love that I found this guy! SO funny, enjoy all of his comments.😀❤
Written 1975. They used five types of music styles in the one song.
A CAPELLA (is this real or just fantasy)
BALLAD (mama just killed a guy)
OPERA (just a silhouette of a man)
ROCK (you think you can stomp me)
CODA (nothing really matters)
While Freddie would never confirm the meaning behind the song and preferred it to be interpreted by each listener for themselves. Many view it as Freddie finally accepting himself and 'killing off the heterosexual side of himself'.
Just imagine the angst of anyone with sexual orientation confusion or flat out homosexuality at the time. It was illegal until 1967 to be gay in England (people sent to prison seriousness) and Freddie was 21 in 1967. And just because they wouldn't throw you in jail anymore doesn't mean it was an acceptable life style and this song is just 8 years after that.
But it doesn't have to be about that specifically. I DO stand behind the idea that the opera section with the triangle sets of 4 and multiples of the 4 are acting like jury and society judging the character in the song and Freddie's big head and Roger's big head are like the Prosecutor and Defense Lawyer pleading the case. The rock portion of the song is the ANGER of the main character having been judged and the CODA being the resolve of kinda giving up OR realizing it doesn't matter how anyone judges you.
You thought this song went 'dark'
I just had it go 'deep' hahahaha
LOVE THIS SONG.
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
@@RoverWaters Well I hope you've contacted all the authors of countless books and articles to 'correct' them. It may take you a lifetime. Good luck with that. And for a reading comprehension lesson I'll point out that I said this song contains five kinds of music. That is an equivalent to writing 'ic section' for each type of music. Thus, avoiding the repetitive word 'section' which is handy aesethetically as well as for character counting. The point is similar enough.
A Capella section
Ballad section
Operatic section
Rock section
Coda section
I'll also point out that I never classified this song as a 'rock opera'. Your comment would be better suited to someone who did.
Fabulous explanation! I love this song too.
@@bethford6007 I’m just here for your comments!! NAILED IT!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
@@MegsFK all i remember is i 12 when this song came out
Back in my early working days, I was the most prompt employee ever. The single time I was ever late for work was the first time I ever heard Bohemian Rhapsody. I was in my car in the parking lot when it came on the radio. I simply could not stop listening to it. It went on and on and every second it was more and more amazing.
I have listened to Bohemian Rhapsody thousands of times all these years later and it never ceases to amaze me.
The dj was good friends with Freddie and played the song on repeat on his station
By the end of the week everyone knew it
Queen is a British rock group formed in 1970 whose lineup consists of:
Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano
Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals
John Deacon - Bass guitar
Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals
Queen is one of the most influential groups to come out of the 20th century. They produced 15 studio albums, numerous live and "Best Of' albums, and a multitude of hits singles that achieved either a gold or platinum status. Their music is still sampled by artists today. Have you ever heard Vanilla Ice's hit, "Ice Ice Baby"? He stole (yes there was a legal settlement) the bass riff he used in "Ice Ice Baby" from the Queen/David Bowie song, "Under Pressure".
Not only were all four members of Queen amazing musicians but each of them was a composer who have hit singles. I will bet that you know some Queen songs without knowing that they were Queen songs. Have you ever heard "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You", or "We Are The Champions" (the song played after nearly every sports game)? They are all Queen hits
"Bohemian Rhapsody" was composed by Freddie Mercury and it was released in 1975. It was on their 4th album, "A Night At The Opera". Freddie never explained the meaning of the song but he did admit that is actually 3 different songs that he had been working on but couldn't seem to finish. So he combined them together, adding some transitions and bridges to create it.
I believe it was designed to experience more than to understand.
Dr. Brian May, astrophysicist. He also built his guitar, The Red Special, out of spare parts with his dad in their garage. The Red Special's unique sound is just as much Queen as Freddie was.
They are not just an ordinary band... They are a bunch o college educated guys, highly familiar with classical music who decided to rock the world their extraordinary music.
This is considered in many polls around the world, the # 1 song of the 20th Century. In any case, a masterpiece.
Queen is the most versatile rock band, they wrote their own stuff in several genres from rock to jazz, to pop, etc. about 200 songs. They all were highly graduated and of course they were great musicians who spent 20 years together until Freddie Mercury's early death in 1991.
There are several theories about the meaning of Bohemian Rhapsody, but Freddie never explained his lyrics and especially not this one, it remains his secret forever. Why is it so famous? It was absolutely uniqe in that era, they played never listened harmonies, they multilayered the vocals (in the first Freddie is hamonizing with himself), they created an operatic section and who else started a song like this: "Mama, just killed a man". Pls, check out Somebody To Love at Montreal 81.
The Beatles were also very versatile as well and came before Queen, they also wrote their own music covering many "genres" I love Queen as well, but the Beatles were also considered a versatile rock band. 😊
Queen's 21-minute set at Live Aid in 1985 was voted the greatest live performance of the 20th century in a 2005 poll of artists, critics and music industry representatives from around the world. If you can track it down, it's well worth watching, or alternatively, you can see a near-perfect recreation of it in the movie 'Bohemian Rhapsody', a bio-pic of the band's beginnings and rise to fame. Rami Malek was cast as Freddie Mercury and did a truly amazing job of it.
Queen is one of the biggest British rock bands formed in 1970. Freddie Mercury had one of the best voices around with an amazing range. He was a real showman as the live concerts show. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is their most famous song but they had so many great hits in the 70's-90's such as "We Will Rock You", "We Are The Champions", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "Love Of My Life", "You're My Best Friend", "Who Wants to Live Forever", "Somebody To Love", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "The Show Must Go On" etc.
You mean, the biggest rock band
Geniuses...No auto tune here, just raw talent, this song is a masterpiece.
I really enjoy seeing younger people listen and appreciate Queen ❤. It’s beautiful to watch. ❤😂 I’m 53. And still get chills every single time I hear this song
Bohemian Rhapsody is by far the greatest of all the "rock operas" ever created. Keep in mind that when this song was to be released, the music studios & radio DJ's were against airing it, thinking it would be a huge flop. Back then songs that were featured on main stream radio were only about 3 - 4 minutes long on average. So for Freddie to compose an 11 minute masterpiece, which basically gives you 3 different genres of music in 1 song, it was too much to wrap around their brains. Freddie was ahead of his time. I can only imagine what other treasures would have come from his brilliant mind (& that voice), had he not died so tragically at such a young age.
Oh, to help ya out with the song title, just sound it out like this... Bo - he - me - an Rap - so - dee :-)
You HAVE heard Queen before, I guarantee it....Another one bites the dust, We are the Champions, We will rock you. I'm SURE you've heard those and don't realize it or knew who they were.
Not 4 ordinary rock musicians.
Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara) (piano and most lead vocals) studied art and graphic design, John Deacon (bass) Honors degree in electrical engineering and inventor, Dr Brian May (guitar) PhD in astrophysics and has worked with NASA, Roger Taylor (percussion) degree in biology. All 4 wrote songs and were multi-instrumentalists.
I love you are sitting stunned. They were an amazing group.........very unique. This was around the mid 70's. Harmonizing beautifully.
In my opinion the line" I don't want to die. I sometimes wish i never been born at all." Is one of the best lines in any song EVER. Always resonated with me
You know, I think you’re right because I think at some point and everybody’s life they probably think the same thing that they wish they never been born at all. I thought it before I think that’s how Queen resonated with people globally
the deepest line ever
You do know Queen. You just don’t know you know Queen. Welcome!
I love how it makes you smile and laugh. That’s the genius of the song writing.
Freddie's still wowing people. I think this song is a masterpiece. I really enjoyed watching your reaction. One more added Freddie.
WELCOME to the Queen rabbit hole! It's an amazing journey.
The 1st section is Freddie overdubbing himself. The rest of the harmonies are Freddie (piano, vocals), Brian (guitar, vocals) and Roger (drums, all the high vocals). John didn't think he was a very good singer so never sang on Queen studio material, but did do occasional backup vocals in concert.
They had so many overdubs on this song that you could see through the tape. They had to mix it down onto another tape so they'd have room for more overdubs. 😅
All 4 members wrote multiple hits and because of this and each member's varied musical interests their music spans many genres (and, like you just heard, even WITHIN a song). They've got music from rock, metal, rockabilly, gospel, funk, blues, folk, opera and more.
Next up - Somebody To Love Montreal '81 and then Live Aid '85. At this point you'll be so far down the rabbit hole that you won't be able to climb out. 😁
Brian May wrote the guitar solo
Worth pointing out; that high soprano is the drummer, Roger Taylor. Freddy Mercury is the lead singer and plays piano & guitar. The lead guitarist is Brian May, who also has a PhD in astrophysics.
I had to laugh, "I don't even know what to say". Sums up this song perfectly! That's pretty much everyone's initial reaction to it. It's a true rock and roll classic. Never been a song like it before or since. Musicians and singers played with a lot of different styles of music back in the 70's. Now that you've heard the original of this song here, you need to now react to Pentatonix's acapella version of this song! Can't wait to see you compare the two!
Dang…I’m turning 54 this Saturday. From age nine, when first hearing it, to today THIS song STILL gives me chills🤘🏾🎼🎵🎶🤙🏾
In terms of storytelling I see this song can be broken down into five parts: 1. Protagonist intro (acappella ) 2. Murder, regret and arrest (ballad). 3. The Trial where he is convicted of murder (opera). After conviction he has his chance to speak before he is sentenced to death. 4. Enraged he tells everyone in disgust what he really thinks (rock). 5. Acceptance of his fate (soft outro).
Also the five stages of grief: denial (is this the real life, is this just fantasy), depression (mama, life had just begun...), bargaining (the opera part), anger (the rock part) and acceptance (anyway the wind blows)
@@cst2437 WOW
Welcome to an education, British style ! Queen ran from 1973 to 1991 (when Freddie Mercury passed away). They did 21 albums. Not one was the same. But all truly superb. Bohemian Rhapsody is from 1975. They had talent in buckets. Arguably one of the most unique vocals and pianist, the world's best lead guitarist, the world's best drummer, and the bass guitarist was good too. All four members of the band were accomplished songwriters in their own right, but together they made magic happen.
Other bands worth checking out are Slade, The Sweet and for something modern try Within Temptation. You can thank me later ! Regards from London, England.
I was 11 when this song came out and I requested my favourite radio station to play this song soooooo many times! After listening mostly to pop music this song put me on a new path, entirely. You can’t go wrong with reacting to Queen!
Glad you found queen, they got a lot of good music. This was their masterpiece
Queen did a rock opera song on purpose. Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest singers of all time. Please watch the movie starring Rami Malek. Also check out the stadium anthems We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions, Another One Bites The Dust
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
Arguably the best
@@RoverWaters As someone who trained in opera for over 20 years, the middle section "break" is most definitely opera.
@@LadyDragonsblood this is not a debate
@@RoverWaters Why not? Isn't that what good music is about? For me, as someone who studied opera, it DOES fit in the category of Rock Opera. Like any work of art, it will ALWAYS be debated. That is how creative ideas are exchanged. Look at an abstract piece of artwork. To you, it might mean one thing, to me, something totally different. Neither is right or wrong. For you, this is not a Rock Opera...for me, it is.
Reaction rabbit hole done and I can say, ALL of the reactors have a smiles on their face. Power of Queens talent right their (in all of these videos)
You have to watch "Live Aide" from 1985. Queen's performance was and still may be the greatest live act of all time.
Freddie was a musical genius, he loved to push boundaries! It wasn’t until he refused to cut the song down that radio stations started playing extended tracks.. I remember when he died, I was living in London at the time. It was so surreal.. everyone leaving messages on his door and rear garden wooden gate, standing quietly in silence for a moment then leaving. He was soo loved! His parents even came out to thank everyone for being so supportive and respectful. The saddest part is I don’t think Freddy ever truly knew just how loved he was. 😞
Greg, I’m so glad you have arrived at Queen because this is one of my favorite journeys to watch from genuine reactors!! My favorite part will be when you soon realize that you know at least 2-3 Queen songs even though you thought that you have never heard of them!!! It’s usually that exact moment, most start realizing how truly legendary Queen is! I love your channel and I am so excited to watch your Queen journey. A few of my favorites are listed below. RIP Freddie, he was so talented!! They are some of the 🐐🐐🐐🐐💯💯
Somebody to Love Live in Montreal: ruclips.net/video/aA2IRoPFIn0/видео.html
Fat Bottomed Girls: ruclips.net/video/VMnjF1O4eH0/видео.html
We Will Rock You: ruclips.net/video/-tJYN-eG1zk/видео.html
We Are the Champions: ruclips.net/video/KXw8CRapg7k/видео.html
Another One Bites the Dust: ruclips.net/video/rY0WxgSXdEE/видео.html
Exactly! This whole comment! I LOVE watching reactions to this song more than anything! The love, intensity, shock, fun, everyone is just dumb founded! It makes the song feel fresh every time I see others enjoyment for it! And yeah, once you hear more Queen the dawning realization is a beautiful moment! 😍 Legendary. It just goes without even having to say it.
When the band Green Day tours, they play this track on the loudspeakers before they hit the stage and there is a video of the massive crowd singing along with it, word for word. It's awesome.
Queen is an amazing group in a time of amazing groups/artists; there weren't really even genres back then, that is a more modern thing really, but Queen was unique, 4 extremely smart men, all university graduates, who became the phenomenon that we older people love so much. They have done so much awesome music, I cannot think of a single song that I don't like out of... so many of their songs. If you go down the Queen rabbit hole, you are going to love it, even if you don't understand what they're singing about, because the music, the musicianship, the Talent of the 4 is astounding. RIP Freddie Mercury, you are missed good sir.
I'm not sure when they shot this video. The song was on an album in 1975 and the video came out shortly afterward which changed the entire music video experience thereafter. When the song came out, it was an experience because we weren't used to songs that lasted 6 minutes long and mixed rock, opera, blues tones, etc. It was very different but people could not get enough of it. This is the first song that I remember hearing that showcased Freddie's voice in the way that it did. I think this is the point where we realized, Holy Crap, this guy's voice is an instrument onto itself!
One thing that is interesting about the song. Although it was never explained what it was about, based on the timing of the song, I think Freddie wrote about killing a man because he was killing his old self and realizing he was gay. He is from a traditional Parsi Indian family in the 1970's and he knows that he is killing his old life and nothing will be the same again. "Got to leave you all behind and face the truth." It's a song about tragedy, truth and broken heartedness. But if you listen to the song, it could just as easily be a song by a black man trapped in poverty who has ended up killing a man and now having to face that his life is ruined or a boyfriend who has killed a man in jealousy or a drunk man who just killed someone on the highway. It's a song that can fit many realities and that is when you know a song is really good because it can transcend the songwriter's original meaning to become a song for everyman.
Right! And almost 50 years later we're still trying to figure it out! It doesn't really matter, it means something different to everyone. That's the way Freddie Mercury wanted it!
Here is the crux of the song. Freddie here is referring to realising that he is bisexual (not gay). He has just murdered his old self, the person his parents knew and who has certain expectations placed upon him. Freddie knows he's going to disappoint his mother and as such the reference to having thrown it all away.
That was a Freddie song. Freddie Mercury was a one of a kind talent, best voice and best frontman in rock history! The rest of the band were great in their own right. There will never be another group like Queen. Lightning in a bottle.
Recommend “Somebody to Love” live version … either Montreal 1981 or Milton Keynes 1982. Btw I am sure you know Queen … ever heard “we are the champions” or “we will , we will rock you” or dada dum dum dum ( my attempt at bass line) “another one bites the dust”. Then you have heard Queen.
👑❤️👑❤️👑
Welcome to the genius of Queen! The most versatile rock group in history -- and one of the most educated. Every one of the band has/had college degrees and I believe they were self-taught/trained on their instruments.
Definitely check out their Live Aid performance from 1985. You will see how Freddie can masterfully command a crowd of thousands and how he, Roger, John and Brian worked perfectly together.
Play this song in front of any British crowd and they know it by heart x
Loved your reaction. Queen was one of a kind. Never to be equaled.
Queen is Freddie Mercury-piano/vocals, Brian May-guitar/vocals, Roger Taylor-drums/vocals, John Deacon-bass/some back vocals
Thank you for this reaction and being diverse in your reaction videos. There are so many bands from that era to learn from and embrace.
Having grown up with these guys (I'm 62) I must admit I find it difficult to imagine anyone could have not heard of them in some way. They permeate the American culture in so many places. I mean, 50 plus years of constant playing, radio, movies, tv, everywhere.
i’m 13 and this is one of my top songs. queen is my favorite band it’s so deep and just there songs are beautiful i cry every time j listen to this one
By far the most talented , and unique rock band of all time. Welcome to the Queen Experience. They were to rock /Pop music what Mozart was to classical. Absolute Virtuoso musicians , and vocals, who just so happened to be musical geniuses. They were so influential , that they inspired musicians from ALL genres, from rock, Pop , R&B , Soul , and even country music. The famous Country legend Garth Brooks began his music career being inspired by Queen, Kiss, and the rock bands of the 70's . Lady GaGa was so taken by their talent that one of their songs was actually the inspiration for her stage name Lady Gaga . The song was Queens " Radio GaGa". Bohemian Rhapsody is considered to this day the greatest Rock , Pop Ballad of all time.
Loved Freddie.
. . . and those four guys are making all that grandiose music, Starting with composer, Vocalist Freddie, at the piano and Deaky steady alongside with his strong bass then Roger's pounding/rolling percussions and Brian's unique guitar all exploding performance perfection giving us Freddie's (Queen's) legendary masterpiece - "Bohemian Rhapsody" (since 1975). Loved being on this reaction journey with you, sir.
To me this song is a perfect song expressing the the inner roller coaster of emotions that the AMAZING Freddie Mercury ( so love him) was facing in his life with his diagnosis. At that time there was no cure and very low survival rate. In those days... it was all new to the world. "Bohemian Rhapsody" NAILED what so many emotionally felt once diagnosed. I appaud his strength and his fight for what he loved. 😪
Welcome to the Queen journey. Your reaction was how I felt 50 years ago when I first heard Queen. If you like transitions within the song, check out "Prophets Song"
It's so cool when our younger people enjoy the music I listened to every day. I still love rock, but the bands now don't compare to what I grew up on! Enjoy! Loved watching your reaction!
Welcome to the Queen rabbit hole!! Greatest band of all time! Please check out Somebody To Love live in Montreal!!
Queen is incredible. Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the band, is the absolute GOAT. Dude is as talented as any 5 people you know.
A few others of theirs:
Killer Queen
Don't Stop Me Now
Princes of the Universe
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
and about a bajillion more amazing songs
Queen is always an epic journey of musically talent! Freddie is insanely skilled. Absolutely loved the look in your face as each switch up occurred! 😎
Bohemian Rhapsody came out in 1975! It was off a Night at the opera!
Love seeing people discovering this literal work of art. This is with absolutely no doubt one of the greatest song of all time... in every aspect that is.
Words can't do it justice
No other song has ever accomplished what Queen did with Bohemian Rhapsody.....1 story line...5 parts.....Acapello (introduction)...Ballad (confession), Operatic (trial), Rock show (acceptance) and a Coda
The song is from "Night at the Opera" and is operatic in nature.
Freddy is singing about selling his soul.
"Pulled my trigger now he is dead" Talking about himself and the devil put aside just for him.
So sad and ironic that he died the way he did. Gone too soon..what a legend in the music industry. RIP❤
welcome to the world of queen The song Bohemian Rhapsody was published in 1975 and was a great success in the United Kingdom, where it spent 9 weeks in the first place. The video is said to have been the first for promotional purposes. 4 genius members all. Freddie Mercury vocalist and piano, Brian May, guitar, Jhon Deacon, bass and Roger Taylor drums.
In classical music a rhapsody is a single-movement work that is episodic (i.e. has distinct groups of musical ideas), free-flowing in structure, and features a range of highly contrasting moods. That is exactly what Queen did in Bohemian Rhapsody. It is a rock opera and a true work of genius in the modern era.
It's going to be fun to see you dive into their rabbit hole. One of the greatest bands ever. It will be fun to see how many songs you actually do know that you didn't realize was theirs. And don't forget to watch the full Queen performance at the Live Aid Concert.
Queen was so far ahead of many forms of music. Rock, gospel, ballads, come with us down this rabbit hole!! You will never forget it! I’ve been a fan since 1976
RIP, Freddie. We miss you, such a loss.
OMG, I absolutely love that you appreciate this MASTERPIECE! One of the absolute BEST rock bands in history! Musical genius.
Freddie Mercury left us way too soon. Him along with the other members of Queen were ahead of their time. You have alot more songs to go with them. At some point in time, listen to Pentatonix cover this song. I think they did a great job of it. I think Freddie would approve :)
Check out their Live Aid performance in Wimbledon stadium. It’s like 20 minutes, but you will hear several songs that you know. You just didn’t know they were Queen.
This is called a “rock opera”, and it’s one of the best there is! It was released in 1975. He’s not singing about what you think he is. It’s actually about Freddy Mercury (the lead singer) coming out of the closet, and letting everybody know about him being gay. When he wrote this, in his mind, he “pulled the trigger” on his old life, and killed his old version of himself, so he could live life freely, the way he wanted to, and the troubles he faced coming out. In typical Freddy style, he came out big-time! One of the last sentences he sings is, “Nothing really matters to me!’ is about how he doesn’t care what anybody thinks about him, he’s gonna live his life his way! Kudos to Freddy, and kudos to you for listening and reacting so (confused, but) positive for this rock legend! 😆 😆 😆
It's a "rhapsody," hence the name.
And I thought it was alluding to the fact that he had AIDS at a time when it was a death sentence, and that he may have caused the death of a lover. I'm 66, and with millions of others, was aware that he was gay, way back.
@@jamiedenton4492 it's from some time before his diagnosis and, in fact, before AIDS was well known.
@@jamiedenton4492 this was done long before he contracted aids.
Not one of the best. The best
I distinctly remember this song being played on the bus riding home from school (the drivers at that time played rock music on their buses). The girls spontaneously broke out singing along. It was an incredible moment!
I'm glad to see you appreciating the song through headphones. Most music in those days were recorded so it sounds like coming from different directions. A lost art in these days of overwhelming bass. There was a song before this by Iron Butterfly, called "In A Gadda Da Vida", that has like a 7 minute drum solo play back and forth.
Okay, with this one I decided to subscribe. This song was the defining moment for Queen. The producer they had at the time refused to produce it so they broke their contract and found a producer who would. They went on to become super stars and their old producer went down in history as the man who lost Queen...all because the song didn't fit into the neat little package of 3:00-3:45 in length. Radio stations were plagued with calls asking for this over 6 minute song and the rest is history 😂
We Will Rock You and We are the Champions are Queen songs played at literally every level of every kind of sports. Queen's music as a part of culture. Listen to another all-vocal group's (like Home Free) version of this from Pentatonix and you'll be similarly blown away.
I keep watching your reaction it is so classic thank you!
It's three songs in one which Freddie wrote back in the early 70's, the majority of what you think are harmonies is just Freddie with a lot of overdubs in the studio, and they put the video together in around 4 hours as they were on tour when this was released in 75, there is a video on the official Queen RUclips channel about how they put this together, it's about an hour long, and you'll have at least 250 songs if you go through the catalogue
This song was made in 1976. The first time I heard this song I thought who is thus band. But I fell in love with the band.
For another video that will almost certainly astonish you, Check out Freddie Mercury singing with Monserrat Caballe (I might have the spelling of her name right). The title of the song is "Barcelona".
It was a fulfillment of one of Freddie's biggest wishes, to sing with an opera singer as prominent as she was at the time. He was able to meet with her, and pitched the collaboration to her, including singing the part he had written for her, in her vocal range. Check into the story of the song once you've listened to it, and you'll see some of the tragedy of Freddie's life. I don't want to spoil anything more, but I recommend the song and the story, in that sequence.
Mind blown!! It came out in 1975. I was 15, almost 16. Freddie owned the stage! P. S. He had 4 extra teeth that he never had removed. He didn't want to risk it changing his technique.
You have just experienced mono recording (the left and right thing) now days you youngsters call the effect panning in our day one mic. only picked up one voice. And it all came together on the final tape.
The multi voice choir effect halfway through was made form 84 individual tape layers, individually cued by hand to have overlaps and minor differences in start positions, to give the echo effects. This is an unofficial antham for 70s, 80s kids in the UK
You should check out Green Day crowd bohemian rhapsody it's brilliant ruclips.net/video/cZnBNuqqz5g/видео.html
Bohemian BO-HE-MI-AN comes from an area in the old Slavic counties in eastern Europe (bohemia)and was used to describe Avant Garde artistic types
The 3 songs in one is know as a rhapsody pronounced {RAP-SOD-Y}
You are the first person I've ever seen that LISTENED to the lyrics FIRST!! I love that in you. I'm just sorry it took me so long to discover you. You have made this old lady's day. Thank you!! I'm 68 years old. I think this came out in the '70's.
This is awesome! The OG track is the only one that has that panning...from one side to the other! Thank you for doing this track! One of thee most historical songs in R & R history! No one had ever done anything like this before! Freddie Mercury had a ..I think its 4 octave range..? He was Indian and he brings his culture into this song! He loved opera and it shows! Before he passed ...a dream come true for him when a song he wrote was sung by a famous opera singer! He actually got to have a duet with her! I forget her name....darn it! This song has several musical genres and the transition from one to the other is flawless!!! Freddie was truly gifted!!! I believe he wrote this when he was a teenager!
Monserrat Caballe. They did a full album together, not just the song Barcelona.
As a young person who has been a Queen fan for much of their life it is always hysterical to see people's reaction to listening to the transition for the first time.
1975 and it was genius, Freddie Mercury (main singer) decided to mix rock with classical and the record label was against it but it ended up being LEGENDARY!!!! Queen is definitely a band u wanna look into
I see ur a Saints fan so I KNOW uve heard Queens “We are the champions” before….it’s been played at all sports arenas
The creative musicality of Queen made them the band to listen to and see in concert. I danced to this song at my high school graduation, :) 1975
Hi Greg - I kinda grew up with Queen (ya I’m old🤣) and this song is really a masterpiece. Freddie was a genius.
So here’s a question for you. I see you appreciate a capella (Home Free). Why don’t you check out Pentatonix’s version of Bohemian Rhapsody? I think it will 🤯🤯🤯 blow your mind.
Subbing for some PTX. Home Fry’s and Pentaholics are amazing folks to hang with. 🤙🏻
Hi, fellow oldie. I'm old, too! Glad to be in such august company. CHeers! :-)
My Dad introduced me to Queen in 1990. I was devastated when he died from AIDS. He is the true definition of an true artist. no one could peacock on stage like Freddy!
What a blow your mind if I told you lead guitarist, Brian May, has a PhD in astrophysics.
Queen were megastars, but at a time when US listeners didn't want non-formulaic music and were still suspicious of anyone as openly gay as their lead singer. Their performance at the enormous Live Aid concert in London is widely agreed to be one of the greatest of all time - check it out for how to keep thousands in an audience enthralled. Superstars following them at Live Aid wondered aloud how they could follow Queen.
The guitarist Dr Brian May, widely recognised as one of the greatest rock guitarists ever, is also an astrophysicist who has had a meteor named after him. Freddie Mercury, lead singer, died very young. Queen still perform with American Adam Lambert on vocals.
😂 it’s a rock opera …queen is great loved seeing you do this one 😂😂
This song does not classify as rock opera! as per the definition of "rock opera". This song does not contain any opera genre in it, as per definition of "opera"...it contains an operatic section.
I saw this on ITV 1974. I was 9 and completely transfixed!
There are only two types of music that moves me, every cell in my body reacts to Queen and bag pipes. Weird?
You have your priorities straight.
The enunciation of Bohemian is BOW(like BOW & arrow) HE- ME- UN. The "choir" you hear is just the 4 band members. When this song was recorded the studios still used was tape. They created all those voices by the 4 of them singing different harmonies and redubbing over and over on the same tape. When they finished the choir part, the tape was so thin they were afraid they would lose it. As for songs, listen to Who Wants to Live Forever, We Will Rock You, Show Must Go On, I'm going slightly mad, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Radio Gaga, and Another One Bites the Dust. Basically anything of the Nightbat the Opera Album. You should also watch them play live at Live Aid. It's amazing. Freddy also did an album on his own just before he passed. It's an album full of many genres that just shows you his rang of talent. The album is called Barcelona. Welcome to the beginning of your journey to Queen.
The clothes and hair are glam rock style.
I literally cry every time i see someone getting the gift of Queen.Boy,your life just got different
Greg, thanks for tuning into Queen. I've loved this group since I was about 10 or 11 years old (I'm pushing 60). I was 12 when this album came out. You're right that there are at least 3 or 4 discernible styles being presented here. The entire album played with different influences including Dixieland jazz, prog rock, hard rock, etc. But, if this song seems overwhelming, at first, notice that there is a consistent thread throughout - drama (they are glam rock, after all) and death.
If you feel like diving further back into rock history (and its various influences) listen to Deep Purple's 'Lazy'. I'm having this at my funeral.
How can you have not heard this. It is a rock classic. Every 80s rocker knows every beat. It was Queen's masterpiece.