Queen Revisits “Bohemian Rhapsody” In New The Greatest Video

Queen revisits their timeless classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” in the most recent episode of the weekly series, The Greatest Live.

This iconic song, recorded in 1975, has remained a staple in Queen’s live performances, consistently thrilling audiences with Freddie Mercury’s ambitious rock opera.

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” born at Rockfield Studios during the making of 1975’s A Night At The Opera, has become one of Queen’s most iconic anthems. This six-minute rock opera showcases the band’s musical prowess and has been a game-changer in their career, as Roger Taylor once noted.

Transitioning from intricate harmonies to energetic hard rock, Mercury’s grand composition posed a unique challenge for live performances. However, Queen has kept it on their setlist without fail.

How Queen Carried Bohemian Rhapsody Around the World

In the latest episode of Queen The Greatest Live, a visual compilation of memorable “Bohemian Rhapsody” performances throughout Queen’s history highlights how the band has carried this timeless anthem across generations and around the world.

Fans can go back to 1975 at Hammersmith Odeon, where a youthful Mercury captivates the audience with his piano rendition and the evocative opening line, “Mama, just killed a man…”. In 1982, at Seibu Lions Stadium in Japan, Mercury performs topless and emotionally delivers the confessional lyrics, with Brian May adding ethereal guitar touches.

The Milton Keynes Bowl performance in 1982 exudes authority and intensity, with Mercury’s piano intro seamlessly blending into May’s heartfelt guitar solo. Then, there’s the iconic riff from the 1985 Rock In Rio performance. May explained:

“We thought it was kind of pointless to try to recreate that huge, multi-part operatic section with just the four of us.”

Their solution was to briefly leave the stage, change their outfits, and return to rock out during the heavy section.

Finally, join the front row at Wembley Stadium in 1986 for the heartfelt conclusion of the song as Mercury triumphantly throws a fist to the heavens, marking the end of the rock odyssey of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Watch the video below.