This year marks the 50th anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen’s magnum opus.
And this weekend at the annual Last Night of the Proms, Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor were joined by Sam Oladeinde on vocals, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, BBC Singers and National Youth Choir for a new orchestral arrangement of the song.
Sir Brian played his iconic guitar solo while drummer Taylor slammed a massive gong in a unique rendition of the British classic at the Royal Albert Hall, which you can watch on BBC iPlayer.
The Queen guitarist took to social media after “making some history”, adding “Thank you dear promenaders for making a wonderful noise for us !!! And thanks to The BBC and the RAH for this wonderful invitation. Bri.”
Sir Brian wrote: “Last night at the Last Night ! Of the fabulous Proms ! I’m fascinated by this ‘fan’ video, posted by our esteemed friend Dennis, filmed from a great audience position close to the stage of that unique hall dedicated to Queen Victoria’s beloved husband Albert. In some ways this gives you a better feel even than the BBC’s coverage, of what it was like to be there. Thanks @dennisqueentourblog for sharing this. I’m very proud of my dear friend Stuart Morley, who delivered what should stand for all time as the definitive orchestral arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody. And proud of the entire Proms ensemble for delivering it with such passion – including our magnificent soloists – Sam Oladeinde, Louise Alder, and Alison Balsom. And special honours to awesome conductor of the whole evening @itselimchan – what a truly amazing woman ! There are some nice Easter eggs hidden in here – including Freddie’s sung line – did anybody notice that, in the moment ?
Sir Brian added: “You all noticed Roger, of course ! ?????? I’m proud that I persuaded him to do it – it was a hard decision for him because there was no way to incorporate his full kit in that staging. Proud of him because he made that gong talk! And transformed a mighty moment into a splendidly mighty moment ! As almost always, I suffer from the plague of perfectionism, and came off stage beating myself up about something I thought I had missed. Watching this, I now realise I missed something that wasn’t actually there ! So now I am at peace, and feel proud of myself for dealing with it in a way which made everything hold together ! It’s completely and utterly live and dangerous, of course — very much in tune with traditional QUEEN values !!! And I feel Henry Wood would be proud too ! VIVA LIVE MUSIC for all ! VIVA THE PROMS ! I might add to this text later on …. Bri.”