Hi rick. This one is one of the best of the series. Ive been wandering if there's any chance to have a video on travis meeks music. Not any hit of the first record, but in general. He is a great musician and i would like to know what do you think.
@@mastymachicao7931 I think it's the record label who does the blocking. Not Queen. Rick has mentioned that the artist generally isn't responsible for the block. Nor is UA-cam. The big music companies do it & UA-cam is forced to comply. Usually the artist can't do a thing.
I’m surprised but not shocked that Brian agreed to join you, Rick. This is a testament to your incredible scholarship and an honor from one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. Well done!
When you think about quitting Rick, remember THIS is why you do it. Not only do you get to interview your heroes, but you get to bring those heroes to us. Thank you.
I don't know, if you want to quit at your peak, this might be it. Let me correct myself: That should have said 'if you want to go on a break' ;-). In all seriousness: I'd completely understand if any content creator wants to beat the UA-cam slur before it beats you.
I am 67 years old and I've heard parts in this breakdown today for the first time. I will never hear this song the same after this. It probably qualifies for the greatest song performance and production EVER written.
May this be the turning point, the moment when labels finally realize that it is an honor to be featured on Rick’s channel, and not a reason to block a video.
Yes, maybe Rick should invite Joe Walsh and then Don Felder … and the maybe finally Don Henley might be standing in the queue himself, begging for having his chance to become a member of this exquisite circle of selected and honored artists 😉
Isn’t Brian May so modest and humble about his own talents? He always has wonderful comments about his band members. This gent is one of the greatest guitar player/composers that has ever graced the planet!
Thing is, he's proved himself over and over and over, who can doubt his skill and creativity? Often the most capable people are both humble and generous with ideas, as they have more ideas than time to materialize them.
I have a kiddo with a severe developmental disability who has been fixated on Queen since she was in elementary school, she's 18 now and still loves it. She has a hard time with words, but can say Bohemian Rhapsody.
A lot of us aren't kids any more. I was born in 1992, slightly less than a year after Freddie died and Queen are absolutely up there on the list of my favourite bands.
@@kingofrunescapepking Brian May or no Brian May, it's up to the record company whether the video stays up. Don't be surprised if a tin eared executive at the record company blocks the video.
This was a band so hungry. They just left the Sheffield brothers. They had NO money. They were broke. They put everything into this song, this album. Bet on themselves and WON it all. This song lives on for the ages. Almost 50 years later and it still endures.
@@deadosaka1712 Yes, they had a big hit with Killer Queen, but they weren't seeing much money from it. That's part of the reason they wanted to leave the Sheffield brothers and sign a new manager. I remember Brian saying in an interview one time that, had A Night At The Opera not been a success, that would've probably killed the band (of course, that is speculation on Brian's part and we will never know for sure what would've happened, but at the very least, that shows that the financial situation of the band was pretty bad, so they had to give absolutely everything they had into these recordings).
The fact that he's explaining how COMPLEX this recording is goes to show how much of a MUSICAL MASTERMIND MONSTER Freddie was. He was a WHOOOLE lot more than a powerful voice, flashy stage behavior and good looks. He was a GODZILLA LEVEL musician/ artist....simply untouchable. 💎💎💎💎💎
You really get it on Somebody to Love. The live version performed in Montreal is absolutely incredible, the refrain at the end really showcases Taylor’s singing
On Tenement Funster and I’m In Love With My Car he sounds like Rod Stewart, I always liked Roger Taylor’s lead vocals. He does the screaming at the start of In the Lap of the Gods as well. Incredible range. And he’s ‘only’ Queen’s backing and second banana singer! 😂
Appropriate quote, considering that Wayne's World introduced the song to a younger generation who had never heard of Queen. I remember everyone going out to buy their albums (one of the Greatest Hits compilations and maybe A Kind of Magic, to be fair) after the movie came out. Like, "What the hell was THAT? I want to hear more!"
I'm not any sort of musician, just "a poor boy", but, God, isn't it so mind-blowingly beautiful that (a tiny fraction of gifted) humanity can create such art. For every evil thought and deed that mankind has produced there is the antidote, and this is such. Rest in peace Freddie. Thank you for being among us.
Some things were simply always "meant to be done" I can't imagine a world where Queen never happened, especially the genius of this great master-piece that almost should have been written by some ancient famous composer, but had to wait for the electric guitar to be invented. It is some of the greatest art, ever produced.
Brian May was genuinely emotional at the end of the video. Here's one of the world's greatest rockstars actually being grateful to *us* that we are listening to his music.
Well said! I have a great appreciation for musicians like him. They know that they are incredibly talented but always work to build up and praise those around them.
AFTER SEEING THIS DOCUMENTARY, I HAVE TO SAY THAT "BOHEMIAN RAPSODY" IS "TIMELESS" AND ALL FUTURE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL STILL BE LISTENING TO THIS SONG AND THEY WILL REMEMBER QUEEN. I'M 71 MYSELF AND I LISTEN TO THEIR SONGS EVERY SINGLE DAY. PURE PERFECTION ❤🎉
"Freddie was like a metronome, but a metronome with a lot of balls *gesticulates*" - honestly the best description of the man I've ever heard. Appropriate it came from Brian
Really great to see how both guys get the best out of each other in this amazing episode. It has only made my admiration for this song and the members of Queen bigger. Amazing job Rick, keep up the good work!
When I was 12, my mom got me out of bed to hear queen perform love of my life and bohemian rhapsody on the midnight special and my life was changed. I was in tears in the throw of emotions I couldn't understand fully as Freddy sang his sad song to his momma. I just wish we could give everyone a musical moment like that so they could understand that music drills into your soul and enriches it. Hearing that Queen song changed my life and I entered a life of music from that moment.
I can see the three guys looking at Freddie and asking, "What chords are we going to use?", and Freddie answering, "why, all of them darlings." Awesome episode Rick. My favorite one yet!
Cool as the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. The second I received notification of this video, my first reaction was, "WTF? No way can this be true."
Brian May is so generously talking ablut the incredible talents Freddie had... what a lovely man to be able to speak so lovingly about Freddie not himself. That is truly brotherly love. Thank you, Brian...I was fascinated learning so much from you & Rick Beato , it is truly wonderful to learn about this music you all created together.
I kid you not, just this morning I was driving around, thinking to myself "Rick should do a WMTSG on BH. Even though it's overplayed, oversaturated, and I'm almost tired of hearing it, this recording is so deep and so layered and so complex, Rick can resurrect the fascination within us by dissecting this masterpiece, rendering it new again." And that's exactly what you have done. Bravo! This may be the best WMTSG thus far! Thank you. Mr. Beato.
The reason he has not before now is that whoever handles the rights to Queen's music is very very very very aggressive with take downs. Rick could do a video on the 20 greatest cold guitar openings, literally have 5 seconds of something from Queen and see the whole video of it pulled. It has happened to him time and time again. It is only the live interview with Dr. Brian May that is keeping it from happening this time. Which I am very glad for. This song deserves the WMTSG treatment, Dr. Brian May is always insightful and a pleasure to listen to. Rick pulled out all the stops on this one. Almost 40 minutes long on what has to be one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
You could go to any of the kids at my school and play some random rock song from that 70s-80s era of music and they won’t know them but they’ll always recognize Queen. Just goes to show how big of a legacy this group forged in their day.
Oh man oh man oh man. I was 13 at the time this came out, I remember what I was doing exactly and where, and going through the song in such detail and with Brian's gentle guidance I just feel so grateful that I was part of that era. Thank you Rick for this time journey.
I have accepted the fact that Rick’s channel will continue to ascend until it is of another universe and is no longer accessible to mortals like me. You’re awesome Rick what an amazing video
you describe bohemian rhapsody as a small, lesser-known song? really? maybe in parts of the u.s., but in japan, south america or europe and especially great britain it‘s been several times on top of the charts. with their greatest hits album they‘ve sold more than the beatles in england. they‘re massive huge.
A funny/sad story for all you here in the comments section: This was the first ever (and quite honestly the only to hold the title unchallenged) song I considered my all-time favorite. Born in 1971 to a mother who sang lead in a rock-and-roll cover band, this was one my brother, mom, and myself rocked hard and loud whenever we heard it. Eventually, it got less airplay on the radio, until one day I realized I hadn't heard it in quite some time. From the age of nine or ten and for many years following, I called every radio station in my listening range AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, most weeks more, requesting to hear this fantastic song. I kid you not, I did this for YEARS and NOT ONCE EVER did any station indulge me. We owned many records, of course, but this was not in our collection. Eventually, I quit calling, but the song would occasionally come to mind and I would sing it to myself in my head. Fast forward to whatever fateful year it was and whatever ridiculous movie it was (i was so disgusted i could never force myself to watch it) and suddenly all my buddies (and everybody else) at school are constantly singing it like it's a fresh new song created just for them and their juvenile sensibilities, radio stations are playing it a dozen times a day... and it's RUINED for me. Clearly, it's one of the greatest songs written and performed in the modern age, but it wasn't until about a decade ago that I was able to hear it without unpleasant feelings of heartless radio deejays and uncultured teens clouding my listening experience. To this day, this is a once-every-year-or-so- only jam for me. I'm glad it is appreciated for the masterpiece it is, for sure, and now I'll give my one listen this year and watch Rick geek out on its awesomeness.
Brilliant indeed. Have you heard The March Of The Black Queen from two albums previous when they were still developing their skills? It's a bit more raw, perhaps more ambitious, and the untethered Queen that I prefer.
@Conor K March of the Black Queen is one of my favourite songs ever. I just Queen would have released it as a single, that way they would have preformed more of it live, compared to just 2 minutes
Dear Rick, when this song came out I was a just teenager like yourself. The only "minor" difference is that I was stuck behind the iron curtain in a communist Eastern European country with no hopes I would ever get to see Brian as if he would be speaking directly to me in my living room! Can't thank you enough for everything you do and especially for this wonderful video!
Fun fact Queen was the first major rock show behind the iron curtain when they played in Budapest in 1986. Almost 3 months to the day after a certain nuclear reactor exploded.
Nice to see the living legend that is Brian May joining you Rick. I grew up in the late 70s and through the 80s, when Queen were at their absolute peak and loved them. Now my seventeen year old daughter, without any encouragement from me, has also found them and absolutely loves their music. Out of curiosity I asked her why she doesn't follow or play anything in the charts like I used to when I was her age. Her answer, 'because it's all crap'.
Brian May after describing the motivation for his solo: "That might sound pretentious or it might sound plain stupid." What a down to earth humble guy.
It’s obvious Rick’s peers totally respect and appreciate the insight with which he dissects the songs. When Rick plays the piano notes of Freddie’s amazing singing it really brings home the beauty and intricacy of the melodies. As a non musician Rick’s analysis enhances the listening experience and deepens my appreciation immeasurably for the music. Rick is simply a treasure.
Rick's deconstruction of music is kind of like Penn & Teller's deconstruction of magic. Seeing the craftsmanship that goes into it, and the thoughtfulness of how they structure it, enhances my enjoyment of the ones who do it well.
Rick, you are really creating a piece of history here. Nobody ever broke down this music piece in this way. So dankie meneer. (Just means Thank you Mister. in Afrikaans)
Queen is the best rock, easy rock, melody, even country band ever for me.. WIth Freddie that band would of never been. RIP Freddie your music will go on forever..
I love how Rick just lets Brian talk. So many others would interrupt with questions or feel the need to interject. Let the legend talk about a legendary song. Good stuff!!
Yes, but also Brian is a great interviewee. He just talks and tells you interesting stuff in a way that's enjoyable to listen to. A perfect interlocutor. Let me tell you that as a person that interviewed quite a few people in my life ;-)
Side story. Back in my pro video editing days we licensed a bit of this song for a movie trailer we were creating. Part of our workflow was checking the audio through a vectorscope to confirm accurate surround sound spatial recording. In one of the early vocal parts instead of the vectorscope displaying a bunch of squiggly lines (like it normally did) it displayed an evenly spaced 9 dot grid (3x3). I have no idea how Freddie Mercury's voice did that. And In 30 years of editing I have never seen anything like that ever again.
Brian's solo on this tune is, in my opinion, perhaps the greatest guitar solo ever made.. Its a song within a song, almost it's own being, played with a perfect amount of feel. Anytime I'm called into the studio for a lead guitar session I think about this solo when writing my own. How can I write something so memorable and "Sing-songy", compliment the lead vocal but not copy it.. Use some great technique without showing off and over playing.. It's really as close to a perfect guitar solo as they come.
"I hear the solo as a continuation of the vocals" Brian, I think I speak for everyone who's sung along to the solo in the car when I say we all agree 100%
I know! Right? Fantastic musicians. No wonder there was nothing odd about me loving the Philadelphia orchestra with Eugene Ormandy right along side loving Queen. They were peers for God's Sakes!
Queen. The first British group to have an album sell over 7 million copies in the UK. Greatest Hits, released in 1981. They're streamed on Spotify more than The Beatles.
Best song ever! EVER ❤ I think the most amazing thing about Queen is that it always sounds like it is music from the future. This song is from 1975, I was born in 1990 and it is 2022 but this song still is ahead of our time. It could be released today and it still would be mindblowing. And I‘m sure that would be the same in 2040.
Exactly..for all of Rick’s hard work and how much we appreciate his work.. Brian taking the time to do this is just as incredible..if only we could get Gilmour and Page to do something like this..Page talking Stairway, and SiIBLY would be epic..
@@masonbooth2363 Yes,and so many others,also for the respect for Rick's efforts,trying to remember us all of these fantastic groups. It's pure publicity for them.That they don't collaborate is one thing but that they block him is just insolence.l lost my respect for a lot of those l took for cool boys.....shame on them ......
Rick, I'm not sure how I just found this video but anyway I wanted to say that's such a privilege to see Bryan himself and you breaking down this masterpiece, it truly is a privilege.
Rick, you may never see this, but I have to comment... I'm not sure if you would call this an analysis, a de-construction, a dissection... But whatever, it was one of the most incredible 40 minutes of my musical life. Like, EVER. Thank you SO much for this amazing interview and explanation. Am I ever glad I found your stuff!!
I feel for the young generations now that will never hear incredible rock music like Queen. Every concert was beautifully original. Most of today’s music sounds alike. One reason to be grateful for living through the 70’s, 80’s.
I think a big part of why Queen crosses the generational boundaries is their trendlessness. While they occasionally mucked with the "current sound" by and large they just made Queen music. And nobody was dumb enough to try to follow them. So Queen from any era sounds like Queen, not that era. Which takes it out of time. So it never gets "old", it's never "70s music", it's just Queen.
What an erudite comment. Spot on, and I think the same might apply to Rush, as well. When you see some of Rush's later vids - in particular, the concert in Brazil - they are all kids going nuts over the band over the music.
The Game was derided a lot back when it came out, by "fans". Due to them incorporating synthesizers (well, one synth, but for many "fans" that was already too much, particularly since you could, you know, prominently hear it :D). And of course the derision was of the "they're selling out, they use these non-musical machines they call 'synthesizers'. It's all synthetic, it says so in the name!"
I agree that there is an 'out of time' quality to Queen's music, but they definitely drew from most of the musical genres of their era, and from previous eras. Most importantly, the experimental nature of their music would have been (nearly) universally rejected in most eras. I remember the first time I heard Bohemian Rhapsody, my mind was blown, then I was asking myself: "Is this prog? Is this a parody of prog?" Songs like Killer Queen raised the same questions, but Bohemian Rhapsody doubled down on the over the top operatic sound.
Bohemiam rhapsody is possibly one of the greatest song of all times, I love it, my parents loved it and my kids love it. It has truly stood the test of time. Unfortunately, if it were written today, would it even get released?
@@user-to6do4fz6u I've got to disagree. I think Queen is one of the very very few bands that you could move to any era, and would be just as successful even with the exact same songs. I think Freddie Mercury had an extremely unique presence, he was almost too big personality wise to not be successful.
The look on Brian's face when Rick says that Queen is idolised in today's generation made me have that same smile. There will never be a band like them. Hats off to you and the rest of Queen
The word appears to be getting out; instead of blocking it makes good business sense to keep your music relevant and talked about as much as possible. Rick, you are probably single-handedly responsible for this change in business philosophy. Congratulations on getting Brian May to sit down and talk about this song. A real feather in your cap and I see this interview opening a lot more doors for you in the future. “Well Brian May will sit down and talk with Rick about music so if I do it that it means I am in the same orbit as Brian.”
Brian’s humble reaction to Rick saying how Queen are so well known to the new generation reminded me of the time I briefly met him after a solo concert in ‘92. I was 16, overawed and I talked silly childish nonsense at him for a moment - and he just responded with kindness, humility and respect. That stayed with me.
This may be the BEST “What Makes This Song Great” in the history of the series. Thank you, Rick. Well done. Thank you, Brian May! This song is a touchstone for my generation, and for my children’s. You boys created a transcendent body of work!
What I love about May in these types of interviews is that he really understands the fan and audience. He must have been asked similar questions 1000s of times of the years but he always keeps things fresh and recalls with genuine fondness.
I agree. The GREATEST rock song ever written. This shows what extraordinary musicians and poets Queen were and for those still living today, still are. Freddie was the Mozart of his genre. Brian May is such a wonderful historian for the group. And I think Bohemian Rhapsody was Freddie's mirror.
There's so much to be said for simple pleasure. We've kind of lost the knack. He does indeed look like a kid looking through the window of a sweet shop.
Rick im crying and yelling here, you got stuff out of Brian that he has rarely spoken about in such depth, I've seen him interviewed a million times over 40 years. WOW
Brian seems to approach music the same way he did his doctoral thesis. I guess there are a lot of similarities between tracking every note on a music track to tracking every spec of dust in the solar system so you know where it's been and where it's going.
God, I love Brian May. So smart, gentle, eloquent, humorous , humble, interesting and with one final sidebar, one of the best guitarists in rock history!
This is one for the record books. To break down this incredible song that I have grown up listening to for more than 45 years was a joy to watch. Brian May agreeing to do this helped make this episode so brilliant.
One of many things I love about this song and Queen in general is that they could be so creative and intricate in producing the music but then still sound amazing live.
There's no escaping the fact that Freddie was just in a league of his own. To be that good a frontman, that good a singer, that good a songwriter... there's been no one like him before or after. I was lucky enough to be at his final Queen gig. Sheer unfettered genius.
@@maplesyrup4881 Prince was a talent alright, but it's pushing it a bit to say he was a guitar virtuoso. Joe Pass and Eddie Van Halen were virtuosos; Prince was a competent and tasty player, no more. Freddie's solo stuff was very much aimed at people who shared his lifestyle, and it doesn't take away from his work with Queen. Not all of Prince's stuff was top drawer either... for every Let's Go Crazy, there's a Raspberry Beret or a Manic Monday. Importantly, Freddie was a one-off who rewrote the rule book on being a frontman in rock, whereas Prince's act owes a heck of a lot to Larry Graham's act.
@@maplesyrup4881 Prince a better guitarist than EVH? We need to draw a distinction between people who can play, and people who changed the game. I've been playing guitar 47 years so far and I promise you: however good Prince was as an overall package, he wasn't remotely close to Eddie as a guitarist in terms of skill or impact. I can play anything Prince could play on a guitar but I can't get anywhere near Eddie.
@@maplesyrup4881 Freddie has said himslef that he didn't think his strength was in writting but composition tis vide shows how complex this song is but it's still easy to listen to,it's not trying to be clever for the sake of it he didnt find it easy to write lyurics but still wrote hits Brian added solos other than that freddie did write his own songs I'm not sure why you think he didn't
No matter how many times I listen to Bohemian Rhapsody, I always hear something new which I never noticed before. Just a testament to what a complex masterpiece it is. Excellent video Rick, one of your best. Those 38 minutes went by so fast.
That guitar coming in to the shuffle part is one of the best I've heard . I'm a little older than Rick so I remember it ALL coming out on the radio. Glorious 70s!
Before anybody we knew, (in the west coast, bay area rock scene ) had taken note of Queen, a fellow guitarist introduced me to Queen II. Especially "March of the Black Queen". It was our job to bring the album, and pay a visit to the local denizens, and blow their minds. I remember this as being a seminal moment in Rock music, taking no prisoners. "March of the Black Queen" still hit's the Bull's Eye. Bohemian, is what made Mom's and Dad's like Queen. Rick, when you can, please show everyone how technical this song was to produce.
I've heard this song hundreds of times but Rick was isolating parts I'd never noticed before. Fascinating, and with Brian's contribution it's the best one Rick's done yet, in my opinion..
They use the those trills a lot in their music to highlight/accentuate certain feelings or concepts. Always subtle but like the chimes on bohemian rhapsody they send a shiver down your spine
@@johnsrabe Brian came up with that sound by plucking the strings at the end 9f the guitar Bridge, creating a metallic bell-like sound. I first thought the harmonics were similar to the FM piano that was yet to exist.
The look on Rick’s face when Brian was showing him how he played the guitar was like a three year old looking at ice cream for the first time. His absolute amazement and appreciation of music is always refreshing.
I do not know an infitesimal part of what you know, but listening to you pick chords apart as if you were a surgeon and showing us the inner workings just makes watching your videos that much more interesting and a great way to learn. Thank you for amazing work.
![[실시간] 전철에서 찍힌 기생생물 감염 장면 | 기생수: 더 그레이](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4nkFvwxGAfA/mqdefault.jpg)
Check out my full length interview with Brian on my Rick Beato 2 channel. If you are not subscribed remember to ring the bell!
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Hi rick. This one is one of the best of the series. Ive been wandering if there's any chance to have a video on travis meeks music. Not any hit of the first record, but in general. He is a great musician and i would like to know what do you think.
Hey rick did you ask him about queen being blockers on youtube?
I did...Excellent!
@@mastymachicao7931 I think it's the record label who does the blocking. Not Queen. Rick has mentioned that the artist generally isn't responsible for the block. Nor is UA-cam. The big music companies do it & UA-cam is forced to comply. Usually the artist can't do a thing.
Hey Rick, im a little bit late but could you do Call Of The Mountains from Eluveite?
I’m surprised but not shocked that Brian agreed to join you, Rick. This is a testament to your incredible scholarship and an honor from one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. Well done!
Yes, it demonstrates the credibility that Rick has earned. Peter Frampton, Joni Mitchell, Ron Carter and others too.
Brian May really gets social media, check out his Instagram. Great stuff! No wonder he's aware of Ricks videos. What a legend ❤️
And the generosity and humility of Brian! Incredible video!
@@urbangorilla33 Don’t forget the big recent convo w/Pat Metheny.
I'm not. Brian has always been a fantastic person. My father knows him via astronomy and all I've ever heard is Brian is such a down to earth person.
When you think about quitting Rick, remember THIS is why you do it. Not only do you get to interview your heroes, but you get to bring those heroes to us. Thank you.
Well put.
Who's quitting? Bite your tongue! 🤣
wait, he’s quitting??
I don't know, if you want to quit at your peak, this might be it. Let me correct myself: That should have said 'if you want to go on a break' ;-). In all seriousness: I'd completely understand if any content creator wants to beat the UA-cam slur before it beats you.
I don’t think Brian May is his hero
Bohemian Rhapsody really is genius. It's really the perfect encapsulation of Queen as a band- eccentric, complicated, powerful, and wholly unique.
I am 67 years old and I've heard parts in this breakdown today for the first time. I will never hear this song the same after this. It probably qualifies for the greatest song performance and production EVER written.
May this be the turning point, the moment when labels finally realize that it is an honor to be featured on Rick’s channel, and not a reason to block a video.
AMEN!
Yes, maybe Rick should invite Joe Walsh and then Don Felder … and the maybe finally Don Henley might be standing in the queue himself, begging for having his chance to become a member of this exquisite circle of selected and honored artists 😉
Invite Mr Henley ...
Great that Brian got on board. Science and music hand-in-hand. So perfect.
Wouldn’t that be good 👍
Rick gets Brian May to discuss Bohemian Rhapsody….yeah, this is going to be amazing
...and it WAS!!! Peace.
Unbelievable, right??
this one probably won't get a take-down notice
@@yinoveryang4246 Loved to have been a fly on that wall when those conversations when going on.
@@MobiusBandwidth Queen does not block their music on youtube.
Isn’t Brian May so modest and humble about his own talents? He always has wonderful comments about his band members. This gent is one of the greatest guitar player/composers that has ever graced the planet!
Loved him since I was a kid ☺️
He most certainly is. What a crew to grow up with
Thing is, he's proved himself over and over and over, who can doubt his skill and creativity? Often the most capable people are both humble and generous with ideas, as they have more ideas than time to materialize them.
Not to mention he's also a freaking astrophysicist
He is a wizard..Still here new bits evertime I hear Queen 2 especially
I have a kiddo with a severe developmental disability who has been fixated on Queen since she was in elementary school, she's 18 now and still loves it. She has a hard time with words, but can say Bohemian Rhapsody.
The smile on Brian’s face when Rick mentioned their music is still so popular to kids warmed my heart.
Totally! My kids, 8 and 6 are right there with that group!
A lot of us aren't kids any more. I was born in 1992, slightly less than a year after Freddie died and Queen are absolutely up there on the list of my favourite bands.
My 12 yo comes home from school, puts his headphones on, sits out the garden and listens to 1 hour of Queen before starting his homework. Every day.
@@andrewwebb3431, you lucky boy, for us you're still a kid.
@@hermannus3894 Stop acting like you're some ancient God that's lived for a thousand years boomer. 30 years old is not a kid.
Christ. Just the fact that this video EXISTS is a miracle…so far…
I imagine having Brian join him on the video helped a lot with getting it approved
"The miracle"
"Peace on earth and end to war today!"
@@kingofrunescapepking hell yeah I agree. It’s also really cool to get that behind the scenes details.
@@kingofrunescapepking Brian May or no Brian May, it's up to the record company whether the video stays up. Don't be surprised if a tin eared executive at the record company blocks the video.
Explicit analysis of a masterpiece! I feel lucky to have discovered your channel. Keep up the good work Rick !
This was a band so hungry. They just left the Sheffield brothers. They had NO money. They were broke. They put everything into this song, this album. Bet on themselves and WON it all. This song lives on for the ages. Almost 50 years later and it still endures.
eh, they were quite big by the time the album came out
@@deadosaka1712 Yes, they had a big hit with Killer Queen, but they weren't seeing much money from it. That's part of the reason they wanted to leave the Sheffield brothers and sign a new manager. I remember Brian saying in an interview one time that, had A Night At The Opera not been a success, that would've probably killed the band (of course, that is speculation on Brian's part and we will never know for sure what would've happened, but at the very least, that shows that the financial situation of the band was pretty bad, so they had to give absolutely everything they had into these recordings).
@@deadosaka1712they were in debt before bohrap. they were getting popular but wasn't earning much
They weren't earning much money because they were getting screwed over by their manager I believe
The fact that he's explaining how COMPLEX this recording is goes to show how much of a MUSICAL MASTERMIND MONSTER Freddie was. He was a WHOOOLE lot more than a powerful voice, flashy stage behavior and good looks. He was a GODZILLA LEVEL musician/ artist....simply untouchable. 💎💎💎💎💎
I don’t think Roger Taylor gets enough credit for his singing. His ability to harmonize is amazing.
Raspy, soaring back up vocals. And his few lead singing songs are classics.
You really get it on Somebody to Love. The live version performed in Montreal is absolutely incredible, the refrain at the end really showcases Taylor’s singing
@@terptek1 Completely agree. Songs like I'm In Love With My Car, Drowse and Tenement Funster are all great Queen songs written and sung by Roger.
On Tenement Funster and I’m In Love With My Car he sounds like Rod Stewart, I always liked Roger Taylor’s lead vocals. He does the screaming at the start of In the Lap of the Gods as well. Incredible range. And he’s ‘only’ Queen’s backing and second banana singer! 😂
I'm fond of the songs Roger wrote in the 80s like Radio Gaga, a kind of magic, breakthru, these are the days of our lives, innuendo, the invisible man
Brian May playing the Bohemian Rhapsody solo for you is a Wayne’s World “We’re not worthy” moment. Brilliant video!
Yes!!!
I was thinking that exactly!
Appropriate quote, considering that Wayne's World introduced the song to a younger generation who had never heard of Queen. I remember everyone going out to buy their albums (one of the Greatest Hits compilations and maybe A Kind of Magic, to be fair) after the movie came out. Like, "What the hell was THAT? I want to hear more!"
Agree, I feel uneasy when listening to it.
I'm not any sort of musician, just "a poor boy", but, God, isn't it so mind-blowingly beautiful that (a tiny fraction of gifted) humanity can create such art. For every evil thought and deed that mankind has produced there is the antidote, and this is such. Rest in peace Freddie. Thank you for being among us.
True, I listen to he song and my small brain can't grasp how something like that was composed.
Well said. There is hope because we recognize this
Or maybe it was inspired by God himself?
@@MrVahe69 Indeed, Freddy is god.
Some things were simply always "meant to be done"
I can't imagine a world where Queen never happened, especially the genius of this great master-piece that almost should have been written by some ancient famous composer, but had to wait for the electric guitar to be invented.
It is some of the greatest art, ever produced.
Brian May was genuinely emotional at the end of the video. Here's one of the world's greatest rockstars actually being grateful to *us* that we are listening to his music.
Dr May not mentioning his own amazing talent, but prefers to compliment his bandmates. Gentleman.
That's our Bri for you.
I mean, guitar legend, astrophysics PhD, the guy doesn't need to prove anything to anyone anymore...
Man of a culture🤍🛐
That's how civilised people behave.
Well said! I have a great appreciation for musicians like him. They know that they are incredibly talented but always work to build up and praise those around them.
Bohemian Rhapsody? Nice!
40 minutes? Glorious!
Brian May? (faints)
and a separate interview to follow soon from what Rick mentioned on his second channel.
The perfect place for the Vince McMahon meme.
@@pliskenmovieLiterally 😂
The most beautiful, complicated song ever written and sung
AFTER SEEING THIS DOCUMENTARY, I HAVE TO SAY THAT "BOHEMIAN RAPSODY" IS "TIMELESS" AND ALL FUTURE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL STILL BE LISTENING TO THIS SONG AND THEY WILL REMEMBER QUEEN. I'M 71 MYSELF AND I LISTEN TO THEIR SONGS EVERY SINGLE DAY. PURE PERFECTION ❤🎉
"Freddie was like a metronome, but a metronome with a lot of balls *gesticulates*" - honestly the best description of the man I've ever heard. Appropriate it came from Brian
Brian May and Rick Beato in the same video. My birthday came in early this year!
I knew that Brian was a talent, but listening to him discuss the particulars is a real treat.
My jaw dropped when I saw mr. May
@@felipecoutinho3125 Please, let us use the correct honorific. It is Sir May.
Sir Dr. May, if you will.
Really great to see how both guys get the best out of each other in this amazing episode. It has only made my admiration for this song and the members of Queen bigger. Amazing job Rick, keep up the good work!
He talks about Freddie in the present tense which is one the most beautifully sad things I’ve heard
When I was 12, my mom got me out of bed to hear queen perform love of my life and bohemian rhapsody on the midnight special and my life was changed. I was in tears in the throw of emotions I couldn't understand fully as Freddy sang his sad song to his momma. I just wish we could give everyone a musical moment like that so they could understand that music drills into your soul and enriches it. Hearing that Queen song changed my life and I entered a life of music from that moment.
I can see the three guys looking at Freddie and asking, "What chords are we going to use?", and Freddie answering, "why, all of them darlings."
Awesome episode Rick. My favorite one yet!
Am I the only one who read that and heard it in Freddie's voice? :-)
@@aussiebloke609 You're not alone... I also heard and 'saw' Freddie when I read this. :-)
Brian may is THE coolest.
Notice he's engaging with Rick rather than blocking the video.
Cool as the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation.
The second I received notification of this video, my first reaction was, "WTF? No way can this be true."
@@nicholashylton6857 That's so fitting, since he's finally completed his PhD. - in astrophysics, no less. :-)
LOL Not only that! Notice that Rick even got the original stems of the greatest rock song in history!! Invaluable treasure right there!
@@aussiebloke609 His doctoral dissertation was on dust. Go ahead and start singing.
@@fredlougee2807 The zodiacal light. Yes.
I'd love to find a site with really dark skies where I could see it one day.
Brian May is so generously talking ablut the incredible talents Freddie had... what a lovely man to be able to speak so lovingly about Freddie not himself. That is truly brotherly love. Thank you, Brian...I was fascinated learning so much from you & Rick Beato , it is truly wonderful to learn about this music you all created together.
It's crazy how this song feels like it's still ahead of today's time
The “What Makes This Song Great” episode we’ve all been waiting for
I couldn't agree any more with you. Literally. There is no way possible in which I could agree with you here. 😋
Exactly
I kid you not, just this morning I was driving around, thinking to myself "Rick should do a WMTSG on BH. Even though it's overplayed, oversaturated, and I'm almost tired of hearing it, this recording is so deep and so layered and so complex, Rick can resurrect the fascination within us by dissecting this masterpiece, rendering it new again." And that's exactly what you have done. Bravo! This may be the best WMTSG thus far! Thank you. Mr. Beato.
The reason he has not before now is that whoever handles the rights to Queen's music is very very very very aggressive with take downs. Rick could do a video on the 20 greatest cold guitar openings, literally have 5 seconds of something from Queen and see the whole video of it pulled. It has happened to him time and time again. It is only the live interview with Dr. Brian May that is keeping it from happening this time. Which I am very glad for. This song deserves the WMTSG treatment, Dr. Brian May is always insightful and a pleasure to listen to. Rick pulled out all the stops on this one. Almost 40 minutes long on what has to be one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
You could go to any of the kids at my school and play some random rock song from that 70s-80s era of music and they won’t know them but they’ll always recognize Queen. Just goes to show how big of a legacy this group forged in their day.
Oh man oh man oh man. I was 13 at the time this came out, I remember what I was doing exactly and where, and going through the song in such detail and with Brian's gentle guidance I just feel so grateful that I was part of that era. Thank you Rick for this time journey.
I have accepted the fact that Rick’s channel will continue to ascend until it is of another universe and is no longer accessible to mortals like me. You’re awesome Rick what an amazing video
2050
"today i have what makes this song great with phil, from mars"
*hard cut to an alien with a guitar hologram*
Rick finally does Queen AND gets Brian May to appear?! This man has officially reached god status.
Actually Rick has to do one ABBA song and then he gets the god status.
Yeah- If he can manage to get Anni Frid from ABBA on the show I will call him God of the matrix.
But..- he won’t
@@Evilyoo never say never
@@Evilyoo Why not? I'm not disagreeing, just wondering why he wouldn't?
@@GjergjMero what song would Rick do? Dancing Queen would be a deserving choice, but I feel there's gotta be one that's stronger.
I’m 85 and have no musical knowledge but I remember when I first heard Bohemiam Rhapsody, I knew it it was special. I never get tired of hearing it.
Queen were blessed with four song writers but most of all four great musicians.
Glad you're giving small, lesser-known songs a chance to shine.
Winning.
I really appreciate getting to hear new music from undiscovered bands like this. I think they might have a real shot.
Bohemian Rhapsody probably Queen’s most underrated song.
you describe bohemian rhapsody as a small, lesser-known song? really? maybe in parts of the u.s., but in japan, south america or europe and especially great britain it‘s been several times on top of the charts. with their greatest hits album they‘ve sold more than the beatles in england. they‘re massive huge.
@@greenogre22 They're all being sarcastic
Rick, I guess you realize this is the best _What Makes This Song Great_ that you've ever produced.
Certainly the one we've all been waiting for.
A funny/sad story for all you here in the comments section:
This was the first ever (and quite honestly the only to hold the title unchallenged) song I considered my all-time favorite. Born in 1971 to a mother who sang lead in a rock-and-roll cover band, this was one my brother, mom, and myself rocked hard and loud whenever we heard it. Eventually, it got less airplay on the radio, until one day I realized I hadn't heard it in quite some time. From the age of nine or ten and for many years following, I called every radio station in my listening range AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, most weeks more, requesting to hear this fantastic song. I kid you not, I did this for YEARS and NOT ONCE EVER did any station indulge me. We owned many records, of course, but this was not in our collection. Eventually, I quit calling, but the song would occasionally come to mind and I would sing it to myself in my head.
Fast forward to whatever fateful year it was and whatever ridiculous movie it was (i was so disgusted i could never force myself to watch it) and suddenly all my buddies (and everybody else) at school are constantly singing it like it's a fresh new song created just for them and their juvenile sensibilities, radio stations are playing it a dozen times a day... and it's RUINED for me. Clearly, it's one of the greatest songs written and performed in the modern age, but it wasn't until about a decade ago that I was able to hear it without unpleasant feelings of heartless radio deejays and uncultured teens clouding my listening experience. To this day, this is a once-every-year-or-so- only jam for me. I'm glad it is appreciated for the masterpiece it is, for sure, and now I'll give my one listen this year and watch Rick geek out on its awesomeness.
This is in my humble opinion the best song ever created.
Brilliant indeed. Have you heard The March Of The Black Queen from two albums previous when they were still developing their skills? It's a bit more raw, perhaps more ambitious, and the untethered Queen that I prefer.
@Conor K March of the Black Queen is one of my favourite songs ever. I just Queen would have released it as a single, that way they would have preformed more of it live, compared to just 2 minutes
This is the most recognizable song across generations and genres. It’s truly a masterpiece.
Thank God for QUEEN.
Bohemian Rhapsody.
Brian May might be the nicest man in music. What a humble, articulate and decent person.
Dear Rick, when this song came out I was a just teenager like yourself. The only "minor" difference is that I was stuck behind the iron curtain in a communist Eastern European country with no hopes I would ever get to see Brian as if he would be speaking directly to me in my living room! Can't thank you enough for everything you do and especially for this wonderful video!
Adrian Palmer does not like a " behind the iron curtain" name : )
I don’t think anyone thought they would see this lol
Fun fact Queen was the first major rock show behind the iron curtain when they played in Budapest in 1986. Almost 3 months to the day after a certain nuclear reactor exploded.
I actually got teary eyed on that final Mercury bit isolated. Such a powerful voice, it made me sad for his death again
Greatest of all time.
Still and forevermore.
Nice to see the living legend that is Brian May joining you Rick. I grew up in the late 70s and through the 80s, when Queen were at their absolute peak and loved them. Now my seventeen year old daughter, without any encouragement from me, has also found them and absolutely loves their music. Out of curiosity I asked her why she doesn't follow or play anything in the charts like I used to when I was her age. Her answer, 'because it's all crap'.
You raised her right 😊
she is spot on.. I lived through 60s,70s and 80s.. Thats all I play now.. apart from classical music.. Electric and rap....aaaaaah
Brian May after describing the motivation for his solo: "That might sound pretentious or it might sound plain stupid." What a down to earth humble guy.
People like Kanye tell everyone they are God. Real rock Gods don't have to..
@@alfsmith4936 Sometimes I snicker or LOL when I hear them do that.
It’s obvious Rick’s peers totally respect and appreciate the insight with which he dissects the songs. When Rick plays the piano notes of Freddie’s amazing singing it really brings home the beauty and intricacy of the melodies. As a non musician Rick’s analysis enhances the listening experience and deepens my appreciation immeasurably for the music. Rick is simply a treasure.
Rick's deconstruction of music is kind of like Penn & Teller's deconstruction of magic. Seeing the craftsmanship that goes into it, and the thoughtfulness of how they structure it, enhances my enjoyment of the ones who do it well.
Non musician?
Are you saying Rick is a non musician ?!?
@@bobouzala No he's saying *he* is the non-musician appreciating Rick's analysis
Rick, you are really creating a piece of history here. Nobody ever broke down this music piece in this way.
So dankie meneer. (Just means Thank you Mister. in Afrikaans)
Queen is the best rock, easy rock, melody, even country band ever for me.. WIth Freddie that band would of never been. RIP Freddie your music will go on forever..
I love how Rick just lets Brian talk. So many others would interrupt with questions or feel the need to interject. Let the legend talk about a legendary song. Good stuff!!
I love how star-struck, yet respectful and totally in awe Rick is as he listens to Brian.
If I was video chatting with Brian May I would also mostly smile and nod my head!
Lool literally every interview video has a comment like this.
Yes, but also Brian is a great interviewee. He just talks and tells you interesting stuff in a way that's enjoyable to listen to. A perfect interlocutor. Let me tell you that as a person that interviewed quite a few people in my life ;-)
Roger Taylor's falsetto is the underrated secret sauce of this.
What note even is that? I can go pretty high on a screech but I cannot even get close
Yes, most likely 'Worcestershire Sauce'.=)
@@MisterBoy316 Bb5
Yeah.. can’t remember any drummer or anyone can do that.
There are many secret sauces in this. It's like a burger made entirely of different types of secret sauce.
And it's the best damn burger you ever had.
Side story. Back in my pro video editing days we licensed a bit of this song for a movie trailer we were creating. Part of our workflow was checking the audio through a vectorscope to confirm accurate surround sound spatial recording. In one of the early vocal parts instead of the vectorscope displaying a bunch of squiggly lines (like it normally did) it displayed an evenly spaced 9 dot grid (3x3). I have no idea how Freddie Mercury's voice did that. And In 30 years of editing I have never seen anything like that ever again.
Brian's solo on this tune is, in my opinion, perhaps the greatest guitar solo ever made.. Its a song within a song, almost it's own being, played with a perfect amount of feel. Anytime I'm called into the studio for a lead guitar session I think about this solo when writing my own. How can I write something so memorable and "Sing-songy", compliment the lead vocal but not copy it.. Use some great technique without showing off and over playing.. It's really as close to a perfect guitar solo as they come.
"I hear the solo as a continuation of the vocals"
Brian, I think I speak for everyone who's sung along to the solo in the car when I say we all agree 100%
“We very rarely did edits…we kept doing it until we got it right” - We need more musicians like this
I know! Right? Fantastic musicians. No wonder there was nothing odd about me loving the Philadelphia orchestra with Eugene Ormandy right along side loving Queen. They were peers for God's Sakes!
Literally almost the exact opposite of a lot of musicians today, relying too much on editing and effects
Queen. The first British group to have an album sell over 7 million copies in the UK. Greatest Hits, released in 1981. They're streamed on Spotify more than The Beatles.
You must be joking.
@@AsadAli-jc5tg deadly serious. I Britain I hear them on the radio more than The Beatles as well.
Queen is the most played music on the radio in Britain
Best song ever! EVER ❤ I think the most amazing thing about Queen is that it always sounds like it is music from the future. This song is from 1975, I was born in 1990 and it is 2022 but this song still is ahead of our time. It could be released today and it still would be mindblowing. And I‘m sure that would be the same in 2040.
Brian May is one of the coolest dudes alive right now. He's a freaking astrophysicist rockstar...
Buckaroo Banzai was Brian May's secret love child!
@@Fakeaorta hahaha. I had to look that one up.
Who also made his own one of a kind electric guitar!
@@jasonstanford and it's one of the most bad ass guitars ever too
he also has the world's largest sixpence coin collection
Brian May is such a legend for doing this
and such a nice,gentle and humble man.....loved that.....
Exactly..for all of Rick’s hard work and how much we appreciate his work.. Brian taking the time to do this is just as incredible..if only we could get Gilmour and Page to do something like this..Page talking Stairway, and SiIBLY would be epic..
Brian May plays the most melodic solos..I have great respect for him.
@@masonbooth2363 Yes,and so many others,also for the respect for Rick's efforts,trying to remember us all of these fantastic groups. It's pure publicity for them.That they don't collaborate is one thing but that they block him is just insolence.l lost my respect for a lot of those l took for cool boys.....shame on them ......
Rick, I'm not sure how I just found this video but anyway I wanted to say that's such a privilege to see Bryan himself and you breaking down this masterpiece, it truly is a privilege.
My kid, now 18, has been singing so many Queen songs since she was 5
Let's take a moment to contemplate the fact we get to listen to Brian May explain a Queen song. This is pure gold.
Brian May: Rock legend, Astrophysicist and a very humble guy.
Brian May wrote all the guitar solos in Freddie's songs
Yes, Brian is amazing. I was a full day with him jn a astronomical observatory. It is like to meet Jesus christ. He is very soft, friendly, humble
Rick, you may never see this, but I have to comment... I'm not sure if you would call this an analysis, a de-construction, a dissection... But whatever, it was one of the most incredible 40 minutes of my musical life. Like, EVER. Thank you SO much for this amazing interview and explanation. Am I ever glad I found your stuff!!
I feel for the young generations now that will never hear incredible rock music like Queen. Every concert was beautifully original. Most of today’s music sounds alike. One reason to be grateful for living through the 70’s, 80’s.
I think a big part of why Queen crosses the generational boundaries is their trendlessness. While they occasionally mucked with the "current sound" by and large they just made Queen music. And nobody was dumb enough to try to follow them. So Queen from any era sounds like Queen, not that era. Which takes it out of time. So it never gets "old", it's never "70s music", it's just Queen.
What an erudite comment. Spot on, and I think the same might apply to Rush, as well. When you see some of Rush's later vids - in particular, the concert in Brazil - they are all kids going nuts over the band over the music.
The Game was derided a lot back when it came out, by "fans". Due to them incorporating synthesizers (well, one synth, but for many "fans" that was already too much, particularly since you could, you know, prominently hear it :D). And of course the derision was of the "they're selling out, they use these non-musical machines they call 'synthesizers'. It's all synthetic, it says so in the name!"
They only made one bad album.... “Hot Space”.... even that one has “Under Pressure”, which almost redeems the entire thing with one song.
agreed rush is that way so is zeppelin a lot of timeless music came from the 70s
I agree that there is an 'out of time' quality to Queen's music, but they definitely drew from most of the musical genres of their era, and from previous eras. Most importantly, the experimental nature of their music would have been (nearly) universally rejected in most eras. I remember the first time I heard Bohemian Rhapsody, my mind was blown, then I was asking myself: "Is this prog? Is this a parody of prog?" Songs like Killer Queen raised the same questions, but Bohemian Rhapsody doubled down on the over the top operatic sound.
The best song analysis series doing the greatest song of all time. Yes please.
When are you going to cross the Fandango, using the Galileo, that would be Magnifico o o o o.
My favourite youtuber is a queen fan too?
Geowizard here? Best crossover ever
What are you doing here?
Yesssss geoooo
Queen songs are just timeless.
Saw them 3 times late 70s early 80s what a band!!!
Brian May is always so humble and complimentary of other musicians. A true class act.
Brian May is so down to earth and eager to talk about his work. One would never guess he is a rock legend and astronomy expert.
And a PhD!!
Brian is a rock god, and also a brilliant person. He always was my favourite in Queen.
he was so awesome at getting in to the "back in my day" stuff without having that "mrah back in my day!" vibe! Really interesting stuff!
Yes, Brian is amazing. I was a full day with him jn a astronomical observatory. It is like to meet Jesus christ. He is very soft, friendly, humble
Yes, he's an Astro Physicist and he loves animals too! He protested about Fox Hunting and Badger culling here in the UK.
Bohemiam rhapsody is possibly one of the greatest song of all times, I love it, my parents loved it and my kids love it. It has truly stood the test of time.
Unfortunately, if it were written today, would it even get released?
Sadly you’ve made an excellent point
I think if queen was in fact around today and they decided to release Bohemian Rhapsody it would do well,considering how well it’s compromised
Were it released today it wouldn’t gain as much attention as way back then simply because todays market is very fragmented.
I loved it, my sons love it, and my grandsons are beginning to love it.
@@user-to6do4fz6u I've got to disagree. I think Queen is one of the very very few bands that you could move to any era, and would be just as successful even with the exact same songs. I think Freddie Mercury had an extremely unique presence, he was almost too big personality wise to not be successful.
What a talent Freddie Mercury truly was
OMG 😱 he passed away???
@@AsadAli-jc5tg Yes Freddie Mercury passed away on November 24 1991
The look on Brian's face when Rick says that Queen is idolised in today's generation made me have that same smile. There will never be a band like them. Hats off to you and the rest of Queen
The word appears to be getting out; instead of blocking it makes good business sense to keep your music relevant and talked about as much as possible. Rick, you are probably single-handedly responsible for this change in business philosophy. Congratulations on getting Brian May to sit down and talk about this song. A real feather in your cap and I see this interview opening a lot more doors for you in the future. “Well Brian May will sit down and talk with Rick about music so if I do it that it means I am in the same orbit as Brian.”
I truly hope you are right, there are so many classic rock artists I’d love to hear talk about their creations.
It’s amazing that their just figuring that out now!
Just invite the artist to participate! Who'd a thunk it?
Frustratingly, dude on skateboard drinking cranberry probably had more impact to opening this door, but at least it's opening.
Queen is my 7 year old daughter’s favorite band. Incredible how their music spans generations. So so good
People will be discovering and enjoying this song for centuries.
Omg, this is the best video on UA-cam ever! My favorite song analysed by Brian May himself and my favorite UA-camr!
Amazing!
@@amjan how many of those other analyses are _by_ Brian May and Rick Beato though? Oh none? ok then calm down and go fack right off.
What he said.
This is my favorite to
@@iComplainer there's always one isn't there
Brian’s humble reaction to Rick saying how Queen are so well known to the new generation reminded me of the time I briefly met him after a solo concert in ‘92. I was 16, overawed and I talked silly childish nonsense at him for a moment - and he just responded with kindness, humility and respect. That stayed with me.
Didn’t he try and get you backstage?
This perhaps more than anything else I've seen or heard about Queen gives you the sense of how ridiculously talented they all were.
Brian has talked about this so many times, but he makes it sound fresh each time.
This may be the BEST “What Makes This Song Great” in the history of the series. Thank you, Rick. Well done. Thank you, Brian May! This song is a touchstone for my generation, and for my children’s. You boys created a transcendent body of work!
Easily the best, and there have been some good ones too so the competition is tough!
What I love about May in these types of interviews is that he really understands the fan and audience. He must have been asked similar questions 1000s of times of the years but he always keeps things fresh and recalls with genuine fondness.
perfect Deconstruction of one of the best song ever... it's pure magic
I agree. The GREATEST rock song ever written. This shows what extraordinary musicians and poets Queen were and for those still living today, still are. Freddie was the Mozart of his genre. Brian May is such a wonderful historian for the group. And I think Bohemian Rhapsody was Freddie's mirror.
The face Rick makes when Brian was explaining the solo is just priceless. Such joy and wholesomeness.
There's so much to be said for simple pleasure. We've kind of lost the knack. He does indeed look like a kid looking through the window of a sweet shop.
I thought the same thing! Watching Rick’s face when Brian is talking was incredible.
Yeah, at 15:44 I think Rick's going to explode with joy as Brian plays to him!
Rick im crying and yelling here, you got stuff out of Brian that he has rarely spoken about in such depth, I've seen him interviewed a million times over 40 years. WOW
Brian seems to approach music the same way he did his doctoral thesis.
I guess there are a lot of similarities between tracking every note on a music track to tracking every spec of dust in the solar system so you know where it's been and where it's going.
We heard this song a million times, but you give us goosebumps for 38min straight again.
God, I love Brian May. So smart, gentle, eloquent, humorous , humble, interesting and with one final sidebar, one of the best guitarists in rock history!
The smile on Ricks face when he realizes Brian is personally playing guitar for him 🤘🏼🤩🤘🏼
I will be ready to die immediately after that, and say I had a great life!
That face is saying "I can't believe I am getting this."
And the cut to the actual recording is perfect too.
This is one for the record books. To break down this incredible song that I have grown up listening to for more than 45 years was a joy to watch. Brian May agreeing to do this helped make this episode so brilliant.
One of many things I love about this song and Queen in general is that they could be so creative and intricate in producing the music but then still sound amazing live.
There's no escaping the fact that Freddie was just in a league of his own. To be that good a frontman, that good a singer, that good a songwriter... there's been no one like him before or after. I was lucky enough to be at his final Queen gig. Sheer unfettered genius.
Was that the one where Deacon slammed his bass against the amps?
@@maplesyrup4881 Prince was a talent alright, but it's pushing it a bit to say he was a guitar virtuoso. Joe Pass and Eddie Van Halen were virtuosos; Prince was a competent and tasty player, no more. Freddie's solo stuff was very much aimed at people who shared his lifestyle, and it doesn't take away from his work with Queen. Not all of Prince's stuff was top drawer either... for every Let's Go Crazy, there's a Raspberry Beret or a Manic Monday. Importantly, Freddie was a one-off who rewrote the rule book on being a frontman in rock, whereas Prince's act owes a heck of a lot to Larry Graham's act.
@@maplesyrup4881 Prince a better guitarist than EVH? We need to draw a distinction between people who can play, and people who changed the game. I've been playing guitar 47 years so far and I promise you: however good Prince was as an overall package, he wasn't remotely close to Eddie as a guitarist in terms of skill or impact. I can play anything Prince could play on a guitar but I can't get anywhere near Eddie.
@@maplesyrup4881
Freddie has said himslef that he didn't think his strength was in writting but composition
tis vide shows how complex this song is but it's still easy to listen to,it's not trying to be clever for the sake of it
he didnt find it easy to write lyurics but still wrote hits
Brian added solos other than that freddie did write his own songs I'm not sure why you think he didn't
@@curbowman Yep
No matter how many times I listen to Bohemian Rhapsody, I always hear something new which I never noticed before. Just a testament to what a complex masterpiece it is. Excellent video Rick, one of your best. Those 38 minutes went by so fast.
It’s kind of like reading Dune. So many layers
And now that you have broken the song down even more Rick, I'll be listening for the sounds you solo' d as the song play! Thank you!!
Also it gets played a lot and your in a different mood every time you hear it. Wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, more amusing and novelty.
Check out the cover by Brooklyn Duo & quartet. Strictly instrumental with piano, violin, & cello.
It's compositional hash.
That guitar coming in to the shuffle part is one of the best I've heard .
I'm a little older than Rick so I remember it ALL coming out on the radio.
Glorious 70s!
Before anybody we knew, (in the west coast, bay area rock scene ) had taken note of Queen, a fellow guitarist introduced me to Queen II.
Especially "March of the Black Queen". It was our job to bring the album, and pay a visit to the local denizens, and blow their minds.
I remember this as being a seminal moment in Rock music, taking no prisoners. "March of the Black Queen" still hit's the Bull's Eye.
Bohemian, is what made Mom's and Dad's like Queen. Rick, when you can, please show everyone how technical this song was to produce.
I'll be a bad boy /
I'll be your bad boy /
I'll do the March of the Black Queen
I've heard this song hundreds of times but Rick was isolating parts I'd never noticed before. Fascinating, and with Brian's contribution it's the best one Rick's done yet, in my opinion..
Right! The chimes? I NEVER heard them despite hearing the song 9b times while playing Galaga!
They use the those trills a lot in their music to highlight/accentuate certain feelings or concepts. Always subtle but like the chimes on bohemian rhapsody they send a shiver down your spine
@@johnsrabe Brian came up with that sound by plucking the strings at the end 9f the guitar Bridge, creating a metallic bell-like sound.
I first thought the harmonics were similar to the FM piano that was yet to exist.
Yes - my only complaint is that it was not long enough!!!
I could not agree more, great vid!
The look on Rick’s face when Brian was showing him how he played the guitar was like a three year old looking at ice cream for the first time. His absolute amazement and appreciation of music is always refreshing.
Brian May wrote the solo
@@roverwaters3875 yeah we know??
@@BangersNMashYT well I haven't seen you saying that when dimwits comment Freddie wrote it.
I do not know an infitesimal part of what you know, but listening to you pick chords apart as if you were a surgeon and showing us the inner workings just makes watching your videos that much more interesting and a great way to learn. Thank you for amazing work.