“Bohemian Rhapsody” reaches a billion views on YouTube

By mbrooks on July 22, 2019
FILE – 8th September 1976: British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs, where they were presented with silver, gold and platinum discs for sales in excess of one million of their hit single ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. The band are, from left to right, John Deacon, Freddie Mercury (Frederick Bulsara, 1946 – 1991), Roger Taylor and Brian May. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

By Matthew Brooks

Queen’s signature song, and maybe the best song ever, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” has reached one billion views on YouTube.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is reportedly the oldest song to reach a billion views.

The song that came out in 1975 has been made new again.

To celebrate the viewership milestone, the song has been reissued with a remastered version on YouTube on Monday.

The global head of music YouTube, Lyor Cohen, says the newly remastered “Bohemian Rhapsody” video is “a sonic and cinematic masterpiece” for “one of the most enduring songs of all time.”

In a statement, bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor thanked their fans for their multi-generational support. They also announced an event for fans to become a part of the band’s songs.

“We are honored that ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has just hit one billion views on YouTube. … We want to thank you all and celebrate with our amazing fans all around the world by creating three new music videos to our songs, all featuring you! Whether you are a musician, singer, dancer, visual artist or you just want to have some fun. Go to www.youarethechampions.com to find out more and we’ll see you on the road somewhere.”

“Bohemian Rhapsody has benefited from three major ‘releases.’

The song was originally part of the “A Night at the Opera” album, released on Oct. 31, 1975. It reached number nine on Hot 100 Billboard.

In 1992, the movie “Wayne’s World” launched into theaters.”Bohemian Rhapsody was part of an iconic head-banging scene in the movie. The song reached number two on Billboard in 1992.

In 2018, in song re-entered Billboard for a third time when the “Bohemian Rhapsody” movie was in theaters. The song peaked at No. 33. in 2018.

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