http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ What other song could really take the top spot? Recorded in 1975 for the band's album 'Bohemian Rhapsody' it was certainly the most elaborate and musically complex song Queen had ever recorded. The song has no chorus and instead mixes a number of genre's including a ballad section, guitar solo, hard rock segment and operatic bridge. It was first helped to fame by DJ Kenny Everett, who played the song allegedly against the bands express wishes on his radio show in the UK. Everett had been to visit the band earlier that day and received an early pressing of the song. Queen's label originally objected to the idea of the song being released, especially as a single, but following the response from Everett's show they quickly changed their mind and supported a full release. The band used a specific instrument, known as a tam-tam or "gong" to play the last note of the song, often resulting in a variety of parody situations from comedians using over the top and unusual instruments in songs. One of the more famous examples of this is John C Reilly's performance in the film 'Walk Hard'. A specific tam-tam was used, by Roger Taylor, for most performances of this song in the 1970's and usually situated behind his drum kit in the stage setup. During this time Taylor also experimented with a number of different percussion instruments as part of his own "solo" piece during live shows. The song received a revival of sorts in 1991 when it was used again, without permission in the film 'Wayne's World' during the opening monologue. The production received a letter from Brian May believing they would be sued which simply thanked them for using the material. The song has never been far from public consciousness and in 2012 topped an ITV poll to find the "Nation's Number One". And, of course, there is also The Muppets own version! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY
First studied Journalism in Ireland in 2003, returning to Sunderland University on the tenth anniversary of my first studies in the subject to continue towards an MA. Interested in all sorts including WWE, Music, Film, TV and Games. Has travelled around a bit to places like California, Ontario and Mexico and plans to do more of the same soon again.
Recently I've been writing pieces on my favourite topics which have included obscure theme music from nostalgic shows, Guns N' Roses and a few other surprises I'll be happy to share in time!