First Time Reaction to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Pentatonix

In this video we will be taking our first look at the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Pentatonix. We will be watching the Official Music Video and a Live performance from The Hollywood Bowl in 2022.
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[@margretrosenberg420]

Part one, the official video: The audio panning on "little high, little low" is a direct quote from Queen. If you listen to Queen's original you'll hear the same panning on the same phrase. Pentatonix loves Queen, and they love "Bohemian Rhapsody," so they always wanted to cover this song, but they feared that they couldn't do it justice, so they decided to wait until they were sure they were ready. That took them five years (this official video may be more recent than you thought), but it was worth the wait - they were definitely ready. One of the reasons this strikes you as a very early Pentatonix release is probably the initial setup, with the trio on the back of the couch and Avi and Kevin on the seat. This was frequently the way they presented themselves in their early KZbin videos, after Epic dropped the contract they'd "won" on _The Sing-Off:_ just five very young people sitting on a couch together, singing their hearts out, working to make their dream come true. That's why they arranged themselves this way in this video; they're deliberately recalling their early days together. And it's one of the reasons the couch has to move; it's taking Pentatonix (and us) on a trip down Memory Lane. The more important reason the couch moves is that it's standing in for the car in _Wayne's World,_ where Wayne and Garth introduced a whole new generation to the genius of Queen by putting a tape of "Bohemian Rhapsody" into the car's tape player. The words on Mitch's blue jeans are largely unreadable (I've tried) and are unimportant. They came that way, some kind of designer jeans. The couch was motorized, and not very well balanced. (Note that when they're sitting on it their feet don't quite reach the ground. The little curtain thing on the bottom was added to hide the motor.) It kept trying to tip over during the filming, actually managed to throw Kevin off at one point. And yes, there was a small platform attached to the back so that Kirstie could climb on the couch from behind - Scott, being a foot taller than Kirstie, didn't need it. You're also correct that this was filmed outside, on a very cold night. I believe it was in a parking lot, though, not on a road. There's a behind the scenes video you'd probably enjoy watching. A lot of reactors think there was some kind of electronic distortion provided by something in the megaphone to make Mitch's electric guitar sound the way it does. Not so, that was all Mitch. Mitch just saw the megaphone lying around on the set and thought it would make a cool prop and it's been confusing people ever since. During the "Bismillah" argument, note that Scott, whose range includes both bass and tenor registers, is actually singing along with both the high and low sides of the argument. Scott has said that this rapid switching is the hardest part of the song for him. When the camera pans up to show us the starry night sky during Mitch's second guitar solo it's meant as a tribute to Queen's lead guitarist, Brian May, who has a doctorate in astrophysics. The four shooting stars honor the four members of Queen. When the camera pans back down to show Pentatonix lying on the couch together it's meant to recall the cover art for Queen's "Sheer Heart Attack" album. Kevin and Mitch are both singing that last "Any way the wind blows." Note that this completes it; EVERY member of Pentatonix had an opportunity to play Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody," a dream come true. And when this official video was first released, Brian May posted a link to it on all his social media accounts with a one word comment: "Enjoy."

[@TouchyReactions]

Thank you so much for sharing the history with us ❤️

[@Badger77722]

Interesting trivia: Mitch Grassi was born less than 1 year after Freddy Mercury passed away. Brian May, guitarist for Queen, posted a link to the official video on his social media with a single word: "Enjoy!" There a number of things in the official video that are callbacks to Queen and their original music video. The audio panning left to right early in the song replicates something Queen did in the original track. The bell tones in the first verse replicate the piano notes that Freddy played in the original. The darkened background with the flashlights illuminating PTX is a simple way to emulate the effect Queen used in their music video. The 4 shooting stars after the end of the "head banging" section represent the 4 original members of Queen, and also are a nod to Dr. Brian May, who received a PhD in Astrophysics after his career with Queen. The "cuddle group" on the couch just after that is a recreation of the album cover for Queen's Sheer Heart Attack. I'm sure there are probably others I've forgotten to mention. The Grassi Guitar using the megaphone is just a visual prop for the music video - as you'll see, when Mitch does it live, he just sings into his microphone. The couch is a throwback to very early Pentatonix videos, where they all sat on someone's couch and recorded themselves singing for their early KZbin videos. Apparently the couch was pretty dangerous, as it wasn't very stable and tended to "run away" if the remote control wasn't carefully monitored. And yes, they shot the video outdoors, in fairly cold weather, so you can see their breath frosting in the night. There's a pretty entertaining BTS video of the making of the official video - check it out when you have a couple of minutes to spare!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Badger. You always have great comments.

[@shilohauraable]

Scott calls this the most dangerous video they've recorded because he almost fell off the back of the couch when it started to move! 😅

[@TouchyReactions]

@@shilohauraable LOL

[@helimustonen8895]

ptw BTS is different band. PTX

[@vmcgriff]

There is a “Making of” video out there where they filmed the filming and a lot of the how. ❤ 🎥

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks 😊

[@monykasaso]

They usually don't have a choir in regular tour (this was a special concert) but people in the crowd sing it too... The concert I went people choose their "favorite" to sing so it was cool.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@tammyree6200]

The smiley guy you pointed out is the groups friend Mario Jose. He sang with Superfruit on a song called "Rise". There is also a duet he did with Scott called "Lost On You". Check them out!!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Tammy 😊

[@ankhgirl3]

Little side note. Mario José also opened up for them during their tour back in the day. He’s a close friend of the group. Great guy who sings with a group called Scary Pockets. 😁

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

yeah, he's one of Scotts best friends so his happiness has another level than "omg it's Scott". The amount of pictures that exist of Scott riding piggyback on his back lets me think he's probably over the starstruck point haha

[@madelynadams332]

Somewhere I remember seeing a behind the scenes making of this video

[@TouchyReactions]

We're going to have to check that out

[@yvonneclaes5208]

The guy you pointed out as being happy to have Scott sing in front of him is Mario Jose, a great singer himself. He used to work on tour for PTX as part of their road crew. PTX eventually had Mario open one of their shows, while PTX members stood behind stage cheering him on and crying. Mario now has his own successful singing career, thanks to PTX believing in him. They remain good friends with Mario and remain his biggest cheerleaders.. Mario and Scott sing "Lost on You", which is on KZbin and a gorgeous duet. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/imfUfmCLlNpogZY It's a Hans Zimmer song. Beautiful.

[@TouchyReactions]

That's awesome 👌

[@rickneumann7349]

LIttle correction His name is Mario José, not Lopez He worked with Superfruit (Katy Perry - cover of "Rise"), and he has some cool solo songs as well You might want to check it out

[@katkaplesarova1446]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp6VdYGVaKx3mrM this was awesome

[@yvonneclaes5208]

@@rickneumann7349 Thanks for he name correction. I was thinking of the actor. Duh! I will fix in my original post.

[@TouchyReactions]

Cool, thanks for sharing

[@vidsorama2]

Thank you for reacting to both Pentatonix videos. I love them. Fun facts: The smiling guy in the audience is Mario Jose. He is one of Scott's best friends. (Scott has hundreds, lol). That night, Mario was a backing vocalist for Darren Criss who was the opening act that night. It was also Mario's birthday. He had all sorts of reasons to smile. He and Scott commented to each other on social media afterwards that it was a dream come true for both of them to have performed at The Hollywood Bowl on the same night.

[@TouchyReactions]

That's awesome 👌

[@heinleinreader]

And Avi is a bass guitar, and of course Kevin is a complete drum kit with cymbals. By the way, whenever you hear the wind blowing through the scene, that's also Avi.

[@TouchyReactions]

They're all so talented

[@christinekremling6790]

I’m seeing them live for the first time in Indianapolis. Can’t wait. They just announced they are dropping a new song August 11 called I Rise. Mitch has just released a new solo under Messer (the name he uses for his solo work) and is releasing another August 11 also. Scott just released a solo EP.

[@TouchyReactions]

They are busy

[@gordon9995]

I worked at a Toyota truck plant for several years. They used automatic vehicles to bring large parts to the assembly line (axels, bumpers, etc..) They used a universal drive unit smaller than a bread box. It could follow a magnetic strip on the floor.

[@TouchyReactions]

Ah, maybe that's how they did it 🤔

[@carmengibson]

I believe Mitch and Kevin sing the ending. High harmony for Kevin. ❤

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Carmen 😊

[@shilohauraable]

When you see them live, i think you'll be surprised at how much Kevin actually sings... And then drops right back into beat boxing. Watch the end of The Prayer among other high note songs. Just FYI. ❤

[@TouchyReactions]

@@shilohauraable Can't Wait

[@rfiliagaful]

I think Kevin was singing there and it is Avi doing the wind at the end, I believe.

[@larryross9492]

Looks like you've found the key to avoiding blocking. I like your format of showing the official video and a live one. The rolling couch is a great homage to their early couch videos. The couch has a remote controlled motor and there is indeed a step on the back. One of my favorite moments is when Kirsty leaps up on the couch in heels, then has to help Mitch up. Also, punctuation is so important. Another reactor thought that Mama was really bad, since she just 😆killed a man.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Larry. Was the screen switching too distracting? It does help me clear the video Copyrights.

[@larryross9492]

@@TouchyReactions No problem. Interesting, dynamic, and best of all, no copyright block.

[@TouchyReactions]

@larryross9492 thanks for letting me know

[@perrystevenson6364]

So, some things to know about this cover and video: -It took PTX years to get the arrangement to where they felt they could do the original masterpiece justice. -The cover, and especially the video, was meant to be an homage to Queen. Some of the moments paying respect were: The mono-recording of the line "easy come, easy go" followed by the panning of the voices from left to right on the line "little high, little low" (which is how the original was recorded), obviously the flashlights being used to mimic the lighting on the operatic part of the original video, the four shooting stars to represent the four members of Queen, as well as acknowledge the fact that Dr. Brian May is an astrophysicist, and the overhead shot of them lying on the couch is to represent the Sheer Heart Attack album cover. -The megaphone was just a prop. It is not needed to reproduce the electric guitar distortion. -PTX can, and does, perform this live with no backing track...something even Queen and the Great Freddie Mercury could not do. -Freddy once said he didn't care what people did with his music as long as they "...don't make it boring, darling!", so I think he would absolutely approve. -The overall video--with the "living room" and couch--is an homage to Pentatonix's own journey as a group. They lost their record deal right after winning the Sing Off and moving to LA, so they started putting out videos on KZbin, performing covers. They would sit on the couch in Kevin (beatboxer) and Avi's (bass) living room and just record themselves on Mitch's (counter tenor who took the lead on this song) iPad. Some of their earliest videos went viral and they eventually were able to secure a new deal, record an EP, go on tour, release chart-topping albums and win three Grammy awards...so they moved out of the living room and down this new, unknown road. At the end of the day, though, they're still the same choir-nerds they've always been; just happy to sit together on a couch and sing. Also when Brian Mays heard this bhe posted it on his web site a with the word "enjoy".

[@TouchyReactions]

Wow Perry. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of these facts with us. I can tell that you are a true Pentaholic 👍

[@chrispavlich9656]

There is a behind the scenes video for the making of this cover. You two should check that out. Enjoyed!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Chris 😊

[@frankhartranft1588]

in a video about Pentatonix voices they all say that Kevin has the highest voice in pitch - you should watch that one also

[@lynnsoeth5301]

If you liked Daft Punk you're going to love Love Again! It's original and fire!!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thank you 😊

[@ruth2141]

Although the couch is a nod to their early days, this song is from the PTX Vol 4 (Classics) EP, released in 2017, and they had the budget to do more elaborate music videos. The couch is motorized, and you can get some good views of it in the behind-the-scenes video, here -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2nYmH2kfqySgs0 P.S. -- I think we have similar personality types because on my first viewing I was so distracted by the moving couch that I had to re-watch to hear the music.

[@TouchyReactions]

Lol thanks 😊

[@sigmoe17]

Home free? Who’s that? Wait, I don’t see them with a star on Hollywood Blvd. don’t get me wrong they are pretty good, but….

[@ruth2141]

I never followed Queen growing up but got into their live videos during the pandemic and now have almost all their albums. When I listened to the Pentatonix version after getting more familiar with the Queen version, I thought that Mitch was a good choice for the soft sections but did not think he captured the emotion of Freddie Mercury's version (really, that's a high bar). I remember thinking maybe Mitch was a bit young and lacking in confidence and wished I could hear a version by the older Mitch. In this Hollywood Bowl live version (and the videos from this year's tour) I think Mitch's performance has definitely improved.

[@murtheblur]

Your honesty brings a tear to my eye. Thank you.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Ruth. He's really phenomenal

[@9012505]

The panning left to right was in the original Queen recording.

[@TouchyReactions]

Nice

[@StephanieStarfall]

did you know that Scott from PTX created a girl group (started out acapella but is experimenting now with their own sound) they are called Citizen Queen and they are AMAZING. he also helped to create and form a kids/teens acapella group called ACAPOP Kids! they are so talented. i love Acapop's mashup of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody to Love. I love Citizen Queen's cover of Never Enough (from the greatest showman) please check these groups out!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Stephanie 😊

[@frankhartranft1588]

A member of Queen has this in a link on their web site

[@leanndawson1570]

I would like to recommend Wizard of Ahhhs. I think you would really enjoy the costumes and storytelling in this mashup. Kirstie takes the lead in this one, and there is a broadway feel to it. It is also different from any of their other videos. It's from the wonderful mind of Toddrick Hall, who is a huge fan of Wizard of Oz. Love the PTX. Keep their videos coming.

[@TouchyReactions]

Great suggestion!

[@laurasmith2522]

This is the concert i was at last year. H0LLYWOOD BOWL i will be seeing them in Washington State this Sept akready have my tickets. Youguys are gonna Loce them Live, AMAZING !! KEEP HAVING FUN . . LOVE YA. .

[@TouchyReactions]

Thank you Laura

[@brian52763]

From what I understand, they worked for about 5 years on this, just to get it perfected..!

[@TouchyReactions]

It Worked

[@TerryYelmene]

Kevin is a great singer in his own right. In fact, when the 5-way harmonies are being done, I think PTX is at its best!

[@melissacoviello2886]

Definitely check out the behind the scenes of this video. I believe Kevin fell while trying to get on the couch (which I believe was remote controlled).

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Melissa

[@Try2sayit]

There is a backstory video to answer all of your questions

[@TouchyReactions]

We'll check it out

[@vanessalloyd2346]

I believe that there is a behind the scenes video on bohemian rhapsody. I think the couch was remote controlled and on small caterpillar tracks . It was not particularly safe either. Kevin apparently fell whilst shooting this

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Vanessa 😊

[@richzip]

Catching up on your PTX reactions..fantastic! May i recommend their original "Thank You"? It was written as a Christmas song, but the lyrics are brilliant, and appropriate for any time! It was written by Scott and his now husband, Mark, at the end of 2020 (covid year). The first and last lines allude to that year. Ive listened to it a couple dozen times (at least!) and it still makes me cry (in a good way)

[@TouchyReactions]

I'll add it to my list

[@richzip]

@@TouchyReactions It's a different style from what they usually do, but I think that makes it even more special

[@miguelmory7472]

It took them 5 years to perfect.

[@TouchyReactions]

They succeed

[@carolscott1686]

I believe it was Mitch that was mouthed that last phrase. It sounds more like Kevin's voice,

[@TouchyReactions]

Really???

[@marcgarrett4401]

No. Kevin sang harmony to Mitch's lead.

[@shilohauraable]

Not a bad recording for a phone video from the audience! Thanks for the reaction! 💖

[@TouchyReactions]

No problem 😊

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

Not a phone video. Look at all those angles. It was from their stream of the show that you could buy and watch

[@mollykeefe2870]

watch the original Queen video- you'll see the homage, particularly with the flashlight scene... and the tribute to band member Brian May- who is an astrophysicist...(with the shooting stars toward the end..)

[@TouchyReactions]

Thank you so much 💓 💗

[@beverlykrebs4372]

I am seeing them in Charlotte in about 2 weeks, & I know your concert is coming up fast too! I'm sure you guys are as excited as I am!!! Just a friendly reminder - Kirstie rhymes with thirsty.. y'all keep pronouncing it Keerstie. Don't feel badly - there are a lot of reactors who have mispronounced it. I think she has said that one of her pet peeves is having her name mispronounced. So this way, if you get to meet her, by some wonderful miracle, you can win brownie points by saying her name correctly! 😉 I see everyone else has informed you of all the knowledge surrounding this video, so I'll just let you know I loved your reaction & how observent you are! HAVE FUN AT YOUR CONCERT!!!

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Beverly 😊

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

As a rule they don’t lip synch.

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

They kind of do for some background stuff and specific parts when on tour just for vocal health, but they do a vast majority live.

[@frankhartranft1588]

there is a behine the scene video you can watch for this

[@frankhartranft1588]

it is motorized but there were several takes to get the speed right

[@jeffgoldman1479]

There is a behind the scenes video of this song. It will answer all your questions.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Jeff

[@totoro123]

I thought of a question for Mitch if you get a chance can't think of any... Where/how do you breathe in Carol of the Bells?!

[@TouchyReactions]

I'll try to remember.

[@rachellephipps1361]

Still hoping to see some of Avi's solo stuff on your channel. Great reaction

[@TouchyReactions]

I'll get there. As you may imagine, I have a list a mile long of requests for reactions to different artists. I like to add new artists, go through their main catalog, and then move on to the next.

[@georgegriffin413]

If you have the time or interest, there's a behind the scene video for the making of this video. The video will answer many of the questions you've asked.

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks George

[@melissacoviello2886]

Definitely it was meant to be for Mitch to sing Freddie Mercury.

[@garyhughes5480]

Great reaction as always...please react to Voctave's Disney Princess Medley. An 11 member acapella group their harmonies are awesome. Thanks !

[@TouchyReactions]

Ok will do

[@janetburrows137]

No if you actually bother too watch the the filming of this video. You know nobody is pushing it as Kevin did actually get run over by the couch!!!!!

[@TouchyReactions]

We plan on checking it out. You seem angry today Janet.

[@Pentaholic96]

that that by Suga and psy

[@TouchyReactions]

10 points to Gryffindor

[@janetburrows137]

This is 100% Miche’s song 😮

[@cindycollins2997]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2nYmH2kfqySgs0 (Behind the scenes link) Enjoy your reactions 😊

[@TouchyReactions]

Thanks Cindy

[@janetburrows137]

Does it actually matter how the blinking couch is moving do your home work!!!!! Goodbye 👋

[@TouchyReactions]

Bye Janet 👋

[@susanstein6604]

Later in Freddy Mercury’s career he song with a deeper voice than in his Bohemian Rhapsody days but not as low as Avi. I wish Freddie Mercury could have heard this. Brian May posted a link in his social media account just saying, “This is great. Enjoy!” Why are you focusing on unimportant details I don’t care about?

[@TouchyReactions]

I'm not you.

[@darrinlindsey]

They spent 5 years getting this arrangement just right, out of respect for Freddie.

[@TouchyReactions]

I respect that so much.

[@janetburrows137]

Who the hell is bothered about what’s flipping written on someone’s jeans??? Come on guys???😮😮😮😮

[@TouchyReactions]

Nobody is bothered

[@murtheblur]

No depth to the lead singers voice.

[@jcs1025]

Excuse me? I guess we are all entitled to our opinions. Sounds like you listened to 30 seconds, left a snarky comment, then clicked off. It’s not meant to be a copy, it’s meant to be an homage. This group has a lot of respect for Queen.

[@murtheblur]

@@jcs1025 His voice needs a little bass. It lacks richness.......at least with this song. They have better songs. If you don't agree, I don't care. I think they are Homefree wannabees.

[@ruth2141]

I'm a huge Pentatonix fan AND Freddie Mercury fan and thought that on the Pentatonix studio version Mitch was lacking some confidence. But the older Mitch in the live version has matured and shows more depth. And for the sections that need more grit and baritone, Scott and Avi / Matt take over.

[@jeffreydarwin7943]

​​@@murtheblurdont watch then Pentatonix came first, Homefree followed so it must be the other way around. Home Free came 2 seasons after Pentatonix

[@peterdavis226]

@@murtheblur Homefree wannabees. Hmmm, Lets compare. Subscribers - PTX 20 million - Homefree 1.66 million. Grammys - PTX -3 - Homefree - 0. Stars on Hollywood Blvd - PTX -1- Homefree -0. Most watched song - PTX - 715 million - Homefree -43 million (with Avi from PTX). Homefree wannabees. Yeah, Nah