Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody: The Story Behind the Legendary Song

Released on October 31, 1975, as the first single from Queen's fourth studio album A Night at the Opera, Bohemian Rhapsody is a rock rhapsody blending hard rock, glam rock, pop, opera, baroque music, and theatricality. Its meaning remains mysterious; Freddie Mercury originally considered the title Mongolian Rhapsody, as shown in a 1974 manuscript sold at Sotheby's in London for £1.38 million. The song became a chart-topper, staying at number one for nine weeks. In 2018, following the success of the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody directed by Bryan Singer and starring Rami Malek as Mercury, it became the most streamed song of all time. The film recounts the band's early years, including the dispute with EMI executive Ray Foster, who refused to release the single due to its unconventional structure and length. Mercury then persuaded DJ Kenny Everett to play it on the radio, securing its success. The promotional video, produced by Jon Roseman for just £2,000, is considered the first music video made by a record label. It was shot without special effects, using a monitor and camera panning technique, and first aired on Top of the Pops in November 1975.