Mama Mia! Is this real life or is it just a fantasy that Queen's iconic song, "Bohemian Rhapsody," is turning 40 on Oct. 31? Queen, one of the most iconic rock bands in modern history with Freddie Mercury in the lead, has gifted the world with so many timeless songs like "Don't Stop Me Now," "We Will Rock You," and "We are the Champions," but among all their brilliant songs, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a big favorite.
"Easy come, easy go, will you let me go?" Freddy Mercury sang and the world answered "Bismillah! No, we will not let you go" because after 40 years, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is still undefeated in the eyes and ears of many and the music industry still celebrates its existence even with such a tragic story weaved within its lyrics.
What started out as an idea in the mind of the band's front runner, Freddie Mercury, became an elaborate six-minute rock-opera that stretched the 70's recording technology to its limits until the song became a reality. However, even at that point, the band was still told that the song would be a hard sell. Fortunately for the world, the band did not lose their faith in the song and it was released in 1975. After that, as they say, the rest is history.
History, indeed, because after its release, the song became number 1 in the United Kingdom Single's Chart for nine weeks and sold more than a million records by January 1976, and once more entered the charts at number two in the U.S. after its re-release in 1992 brought upon by an homage to the song in the American movie "Wayne's World."
Since its release and despite the many rumors surrounding the real meaning of the song, many artists still try to do their own renditions of this beloved song. While some of them are less than good, you can't really blame them for paying homage to the masterpiece. Below are some, whose tribute would probably get the thumbs up from the band, or at least amuse them in more ways than one.
Panic at the Disco's homage, complete with the shirtlessness of it all.
Sir Elton John and Axl Rose share their magnifico performance at Freddy Mercury's Tribute conert too.
How about this one that's set for four violins
Wayne's World! Wayne's World!
Gonzo leads the Muppets with their own rendition of the song.
Doesn't that banjo background with Hayseed Dixie's version make you want to dance to the song?
If you think you can handle a tenor voice, how about The Ten Tenors?
We already all know that Pink is amazing, but watching her homage is mindblowing.
This Finnish street band, Porkka Playboys, is something else.
Let's not forget Jonathan Groff's homage as Jesse, lead of Vocal Adrenaline, from the television series "Glee."
There are so many reasons to love the band and this rock classic, but if you want another one, here's a bonus tidbit for when you shop: "Bohemian Rhapsody" has the complete set of highs and lows in instruments and vocals with its elaborate intro, ballad, guitar solo, opera, hard rock and outro. In short, if you want the best speakers, earphones, headphones or headsets, test out their sound quality by playing "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Happy 40th birthday, "Bohemian Rhapsody," and thank you for many years of taking our senses to a whole new level.
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