Queen continues the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of ‘A Night At The Opera’ with a new installment of the Queen The Greatest series. This week, Brian May and Roger Taylor reflect on the creative evolution that led to their landmark 1975 album. The band recorded the project at the famous Rockfield Studios in South Wales, where they rejected traditional rock constraints regarding genre and runtime. To mark the anniversary, a special limited edition crystal clear vinyl reissue of the album is available now.
The recording sessions tested the resolve of the group as they moved toward an eclectic sound. Roger Taylor notes that the band wanted different styles, including the fun atmosphere of “Seaside Rendezvous” alongside the monumentally long “The Prophet’s Song.” Brian May shares that he initially struggled to tame that eight minute opus and describes wrestling with the different pieces of the arrangement. He recalls the challenge of getting Freddie Mercury to perform the vocal canon sections. May describes the late singer as very supportive during those complex studio experiments.
The band maintained total creative control when discussing the release schedule for the project. Roger Taylor explains that Queen never thought of themselves as a singles band and preferred the eclectic approach of classic albums like ‘Dark Side of the Moon.’ The group viewed a single as a flag for the album rather than the primary goal of the recording process. Despite pressure from management and the record company, the band insisted on releasing “Bohemian Rhapsody” in its entirety. This decision came at a time when industry experts suggested the six minute song would fail.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” topped the UK charts for nine weeks upon its release and remains a vital part of rock history. Brian May observes that the song continues to resonate and feels fresh when performed with a full orchestra and choir. He describes the track as truly immortal and notes the amazing reaction it still receives from audiences. The Queen The Greatest series continues to air weekly throughout November to document these historical milestones. This retrospective highlights the band’s commitment to following their muse without compromise.