Rapper Reacts to Queen FOR THE FIRST TIME!! | Bohemian Rhapsody (Full Analysis)

[@KnoxHill]

What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you want to support the channel grab your official merch 🤟www.knoxhillmusic.com/shop

[@triv1993]

Would love to see your reaction to their live aid concert, it has everything a music fan would want

[@nibblerzmeal2546]

Bonfire - Childish Gambino

[@jimmorrison9690]

Knox I would love to see your breakdown of some classic SlipKnoT. It's the 25th anniversary of their self titled album and it's very hip-hop in the lyrical delivery on a lot of those songs. Perfect for Halloween too, just sayin🤘

[@BlackOpsChuck]

@KnoxHill “Death on Two legs”. The original Diss Track. From 1975 and dedicated to their manager.

[@thevishualscottage]

I'm just patiently waiting on tomorrow to get here❤ can't wait to see you're take on kujo beat down

[@candicesantiago727]

Bohemian Rhapsody is a combination of three songs that Freddie wrote while he was in college, combined them , added a bit more and created this masterpiece.

[@turnermarius4471]

And it had no fate that this is good music.

[@EggPotionFilms]

Wow didn't know that. I wonder what each song was about

[@brianrigsby7900]

I didn’t know it was a combination!

[@asmodeus5326]

​@@EggPotionFilms I believe the band has said this song is about him having to come out to his dad

[@LucasF25]

​@@asmodeus5326i mean, wouldn't it make more Sense that he's coming out to... Mama??

[@JimboP3K]

Knox: What genre is this? Answer: Yes

[@hemmerix7687]

None of it...all of it

[@seabass819]

Correct, we would also accept "queen"

[@mindfullness9217]

​@@seabass819 most definitely

[@eclecticapoetica]

😂😂😂

[@jimbirch158]

Rock Opera

[@anglosaxon5874]

The song went through the 5 stages of grief: denial; anger; bargaining; depression and acceptance. A masterpiece and am so glad I was around in my youth when it came out [I'm 63].

[@sherryheim5504]

The opening Acapella portion is all Freddie multi-tracked to sound like a choir. The rest of the song is Freddie, Brian and Roger with Roger (drums) doing the extremely high notes. Queen used 180 overdubs to get the three voices to sound like a 100 voices at certain points. This was recorded on 24 track tape and at one point when they felt like they were losing bits with the overdubs, they examined the tape and it was so thin you could see through it, it was literally transparent. These four men did not shy away of pushing the edges of the envelope and developing new ways to achieve what they wanted in their music. Bear in mind, this was released in 1975, there was no computer tech to help them. They actually recorded their voices over the tape of their voices over and over again. There is so much metaphor in these lyrics and so many people have tried to put a spin on what it all means but Freddie never said, he said it was up to the listener to decide. This song was actually 3 different songs that Freddie had started and never finished all on a similar topic so he sandwiched them together and formed a Rhapsody. Freddie loved the opera so this song is very much like a tragic opera with three acts. The crime, the judgment and the outcome which in the end, nothing really matters. No matter what the song is about, it is outstanding and has been a favorite for nearly 50 years. Everyone has covered it but to be honest, nobody does it better than Freddie and Queen. I think if there is a meaning to this song other than just being a musical walk through a theatrical production, you are correct in your assumptions. Many think it is Freddie coming out but I don't really buy that because of the timing when the three original pieces were written but to each , their own. I just love everything about the song and appreciate it for the masterpiece it is. The truth never actually did come out about Freddie's sexuality, it was assumed by many but Freddie didn't address it publically because he felt that it was about his music, not about his personal life. At one point he did answer the questin in a rather aloof manner when asked if he was gay he responded "I am as gay as a daffodil" which sort of still leaves it open to interpertation. Even as Freddie was dying, he continued to record music until the ver end, propping himself up against the mixing board and slugging back a vodka he delivered vocal perfection. There is a Queen video called "The Making of One Vision," One Vision of course being a Queen song but you might enjoy watching them working together in the studio to produce that song. I believe there is a longer version and a shorter, check out the longer version, it is great. Thank you for your reaction and analysis of this outstanding piece of music.

[@dianeemanuel8541]

❤ wow! Appreciate this❤

[@jasonhutcherson6224]

Actually Sherry he did say that he was inspired by a case in his town the part saying Momma just killed a man put a gun to his head pulled My trigger now he's dead. A teenager came home and saw his mother after his step father had beat her. He lost it left and came back hour or 2 later. Mom was asleep in bed he'd looked at her again. and now was bruised more and swollen he started balling quietly, to not wake stepfather who was drunk and passed out in his chair. Tommy got his stepfathers police issue pistol went woke him up and said you'll never hurt her or me again. Pulled my trigger now he's dead. Apparently it was one of 1st cases a psychologist used temporary insanity plea on. He was a cop so nobody believed him when he'd told someone about the abuse. Freddie was a genius storyteller.

[@ThePositive0ne1]

I'm pretty sure he has said that part you mentioned was his way of coming out, and it kinda proves he was gay by how he died. He died with complications from drugs, alcohol, and AIDS. So it kinda is a conformation that he was gay.

[@oskarobit]

@@ThePositive0ne1 the complete lyrics fits perfectly in getting out and the hate and violence a gay people could have from every corner in the late 70: today's hate multiplied. He killed the man he was pretending to be so he could be him.

[@regburgundy8701]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@lorig-ski]

"Mama just killed a man" is absolutely symbolic! Freddie is talking about himself and how he couldn't be who he really was out of fear of disappointing his family. Farrokh Bulsara "died" and Freddie Mercury was born. And it's the drummer, Roger Taylor, hitting the highs.

[@mikeh8416]

Well you're PARTLY right. Yes it was Freddy killing himself, but it was about his recent experience with a trucker in the men's room at a truck stop. The rest is about his religious beliefs and fear of how he'll suffer in eternity for what he's become. "Stone me and spit in my eye" and "love me and leave me to die (the family's response)" are a direct references to the traditional punishment for being gay. Bismillah is a pretty big hint. The high in the opening is NOT Roger Taylor. The ENTIRE harmonizing opening is Freddy harmonizing WITH HIMSELF on a 16 track.

[@nortski78]

@@mikeh8416 utter nonsense! There's no factual record ANYWHERE of Freddie stating that this is about him or any trucker (you obviously just took the movie literally). Also, you won't find any interview of any of the band members saying otherwise. Fans just LOVE to analyse lyrics way to seriously to suit their own individual narrative.

[@mikeh8416]

@@nortski78 You obviously can't interpret the lyrics. Freddy never SAID it because it wasn't acceptable at the time. Would you like me to break them down one at a time so you can understand?

[@ninjacat4929]

Let everyone take their own interpretation from it , this has been going on for forty years , just don't add bits that were just padding in a film about Queen .

[@ivor000]

​@nortski78 don't know about the trucker story, but it's absolutely true that the man he killed was his straight persona

[@Widdermaker]

Can you imagine driving down the road some night way back in the fall of 1975, listening to regular rock tunes (Eagles, Elton John, Doobie Bros., etc.), on your favorite FM Rock station…. and then all of the sudden Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” starts playing? I can. We almost drove off the road! It was so different, so heartfelt and melancholy, and so POWERFUL all at the same time. We thought it was a joke at first (some Rock stations refused to play it!), but by the end of the song we were almost in tears. It was one of those songs where ALL conversation stopped when it started playing. It was (and is) on another level. We knew this one was a song for the ages - to arrest people with its brilliance and originality for years to come, and long after all of us were gone. The 1970’s produced some of the greatest music of all time. And this one might be the greatest.

[@josephjames9387]

I was 14 and in my bedroom when this "newest release" from Queen was played. I couldn't believe it either! I might be able to remember where I was when I heard four other songs for the first time. But this is the clearest memory I have of hearing ANY song for the first time. Thanks for your memory.

[@jimjam139]

Initally they didnt get air play until they gave a copy to UK DJ Kenny Everett who He said he wouldn't play it (with a wink). It was in october 85. Kenny didn't just play it, he teased his audience with bits of the song before playing it 14 times in 2 days. And then it got momentum.

[@Widdermaker]

@@jimjam139 I remember hearing it on the radio in late 1975, after seeing “Jaws” at the movies with friends. We were awestruck. It was on legendary radio station WNAP FM 93, “The Wrath of the Buzzard.” I’m pretty sure my sister bought the single about the same time. Those were wonderful days!!

[@whazthatusay]

YES!!! This is still my favorite song from back then!

[@AnnBoye]

Bro you might be the biggest Glazer I ever seen

[@matthewsann6077]

To answer your question on what genre Queen is, their genre is Queen. Essentially, they transcended any genre. They recorded everything from hard rock to dance music.

[@Great-Documentaries]

Only Prince has his own genre. Queen is classic rock. Never varied from that one bit.

[@Auggievf]

This. So much this. I feel like every album could classify as another subgenre

[@stephenfrasure9351]

@@Great-Documentaries Hot Space???

[@Simio5_1]

@@Great-Documentarieswho wants to live forever? A kind of magic, under Pressure, Life is Real and the list goes on with non classic rock numbers

[@LeChaunce]

@@Great-Documentaries How to spot a guy who only knows Queen's hits.

[@wild_lee_coyote]

What is really impressive is this was recorded using only 24 track analog tape, and no auto tune. Pure musical talent in every way possible.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

Proper musicians, not like the manufactured charlatans we're subjected to today.

[@AnnBoye]

​@@MGrayl-ib5fonew music better than old

[@sydneybird2462]

I'm sorry, but I have such a hard time believing any adult has never heard Bohemian Rhapsody

[@Patchnose]

I personally never heard it until my mid 20s. To be fair in my case I was very musically sheltered and didn't explore much until then. Now I've hit 30 and have been appreciating music I shunned in my early years. It happens, even something as globally known and generationally known as this song.

[@gabolujan]

Yeah, I feel the same way. This song has had unlimited radio play, has been on multiple tv shows, on multiple movies, on múltiple comercials, on sport events, on cartoons. You name it.

[@MarthaArgaw]

But he is good. I’ve seen so many of them and he has a better sense in music and knowledge of different languages. I like him.

[@tasker6425]

When he refers to killing a man he is referring to the man his parents “expected” him to be. Essentially killing himself to start a new version of who he really is.

[@frankverschaetzing]

this!

[@occheermommy]

It was also him coming out to them which I guess he did late in life. That’s what I heard recently that people assumed but I guess band members had confirmed it.

[@monniebrown8581]

Wow. What a way to see this. Thank you. It makes a lot of sense to me now.

[@rhondaserges5136]

Yup .. known that for awhile ..

[@chantellecline6945]

Yes that is how I always interpret it as well.

[@elizabethbottroff1218]

It's a timeless masterpiece. Goosebumps every time that I listen.

[@veracarey8895]

Here is what I am reacting to...I am 69. This man, in my opinion, was the absolute best. This guy, at the beginning, has no idea what his opening song is about. They all assume it is drugs and alcohol....it wasn't. They LOVED their music and LOVED playing it.... these guys were a dying breed ..THANK GOD some of us are still here to enilighten you.

[@autumnsong7256]

I'm 61. I first heard Bohemian Rhapsody when I was a sophomore in high school. I. Fell. In. Love. Queen speaks to my soul.

[@EvilSean62]

i was informed this was about a breakup ... oh and since we are all sharing now ...im 62 , bass player ... first time i heard queen was the album with the robot on the front ... as i called it at the time ... i had no clue ...no idea ...then decades later i started playing and that was it for me ...there are singers and then theres freddie

[@Danielik25]

Next year this song will be fifty, but it is still young, fresh, and beautiful, Queen Forever

[@Mikey-DiLo]

This is not a generational talent. This talent spans multiple generations.

[@stevensmith3616]

There is absolutely no way he doesn't know this song. This is silly.

[@catslowgamin]

​@@stevensmith3616true

[@GizmoGremlinDog]

Hearing a song in passing or without realising isn't the same thing as sitting down and listening to it properly.​@@stevensmith3616

[@JudyB1980]

@@stevensmith3616I agree. This song has been everywhere. No way he hasn’t heard it before.

[@Anonymous25012]

@@JudyB1980 It's very possible...

[@darcystcorner2580]

I love when the younger generation discovers how good Gen x music is. I appreciate your attention to the lyrics and how you interpreted them. I know you’re a lyricist and it makes a difference 😊

[@RadCenter]

I claim Queen for the Boomers! LOL

[@darcystcorner2580]

@@RadCenter lol fair

[@trofajuniordiogo]

Discover? C'mon, tell me one person that does not know this song. It does not exist xD

[@darcystcorner2580]

@@trofajuniordiogo I meant the music in general not a particular song

[@Onz70]

Always blows me away how many young reactors are puzzled by figuring out the genre of older bands. But that was the great thing they were musicians who tried many genres which made their albums and songs incredible. Today many artists just stick to the same beat and it's boring after a while. I miss the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

[@rdmrdm2659]

Really good musicians don’t necessarily need a genre.

[@The_Absolute_Dog]

Pre-internet music was a whole nother thing

[@sunshynff]

Well, I agree they didn't care about critics or the industry putting them in a genre, and played what they wanted, but according to Brian May, different specific genre's was kind of Freddie's intentions. He used to refer to it as a "mock opera" and stated he wanted to combine a pop ballad, with opera and a rock song. May said it was a group effort recording it, but it was all in Freddie's head for years. It was a combination of 3 separate songs, and he'd play them here and there for the band and close friends. Once he played the opening ballad section on the piano for the bands producer Roy Thomas Baker, who later said..."He played the beginning on the piano, then stopped and said, 'And this is where the opera section comes in'! Then just got up and we went out to eat dinner" 😂

[@Cripplified]

I'm sorry, Knox is my age or slightly older and I'm 30. Ain't no way he's travelled the world and never heard Bohemian Rhapsody. That's like saying you've never heard Thriller or Lose Yourself. At some point in your life, you've heard the song. Whether you listened is a different thing.

[@jaimicottrill2831]

Well, to be fair, a lot of fans are a bit rabid now and switching genres can cause a backlash. When Taylor Swift went "pop" there were many upset people and critics who said she should stick to country.

[@brianpakula6376]

Freddie always said he was never a musician. He was a performer. Queen never gave you a concert they gave you an experience that was orgasmic

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

Don't let Roger Taylor hear you say that! He'll give you an earful about Freddie's musical prowess. 😄 I agree, though, there are few, if any, who could command a stage like Freddie Mercury.

[@brianpakula6376]

@@BadgersInTheAttic Freddie was a god on stage and behind scenes no doubt

[@ziggystardust3060]

Knox, this is the first time seeing your channel. 📽️ 😂I clicked on it because I've always been a HUGE fan of Queen. I was blown away by the depth of your perception and analysis of Queen's earth shattering work of art. It's rare to come across someone as eloquent in their observation and connection as you. I'm a British Nana at 67, and I remember the day Freddy died like yesterday. I was driving, and heard the news on the radio. I had to stop the car and have a long moment, with tears instantly flooding my face. A legend had passed. 🤍 Thank you for your video. Saving this one to rewatch (new subscriber here). ❤🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@kavinraveendran5108]

Knox Hill tuning up into all music genres , respect 🫡🫡🗿🔥

[@Ed7501]

That's the drummer with the high voice! the drummer!!!

[@iris67si]

Yep, that's Roger Taylor and his "dog pitch voice" as Freddie would jokingly refer to ... 😅

[@jazzlefettie]

Actually, the high voice at the beginning section of this song is Freddie; he recorded all of the many parts himself for that section. Roger sings the high parts in the rest of the song and in other Queen songs too. Freddie had an amazing voice but Roger is incredible too.

[@katehaynes5735]

I am amazed by drummers who can sing live, i.e. coordinating all four limbs AND sing? Yeah, that's far beyond me!

[@savageclasher1014]

@@jazzlefettiedoes he sing the devil part

[@dantreadwell7421]

The entire group were amazing musicians, and showmen par excellence

[@58jennypenny]

Queen is Queen simple as that, don't need a genre...

[@Chris-rh9ej]

Guitar player Brian May(who is thankfully okay after his recent minor stroke) has a PhD in astrophysics

[@margaretchalmers9551]

Was gonna post this - Brian May is still an active astrophysicist. What an amazingly talented man.

[@ClaireBevan-gm3vf]

Musically, scientifically and environmentally a god. So glad Brian is ok after his stroke. He is an amazing man

[@DOUGBohn-n1t]

He is expert in stereoscopically which is taking 2d pictures of an object in space and with time lapse creating 3d pictures of it. He has worked with NASA on multiple projects.

[@chantillylee]

And an all around gentleman

[@Noelle0026]

I didn’t know he had a stroke. So glad he is ok. He is a treasure.

[@bertieblack5639]

This is the only song I can safely state in my own personal opinion transcends music and becomes pure art in and of itself. I LOVED your analysis!

[@Danandrea919]

I can not believe this is your first time! 😊 Yay!

[@fathmaamir]

Freddie chants "Bismillah", which means "In the name of Allah" in arabic. Whatever muslims do, even the simplest acts like starting/ending our day or eating/drinking, we start with this word Bismillah. Freddie grew up in Zanzibar which has a muslim majority so he was aware of the significance of the word.

[@Britton_Thompson]

There was also an old, popular 19th century German opera that ran for a long time in which 'Bizmila' was a demon who could be bartered with to prevent Satan from taking too much of an interest in your case. He was a judge who could be bought off, in other words.

[@josephjames9387]

Thank you for sharing your insight. That's beautiful.

[@muftimistakes5493]

It can also have a connection with his ancestry. His family genes traces back to Iran, which means freddie mercury was an Aryan; an Irani Minority in India. Also he grew up in Gujarat, India.

[@gaara_of_the_desert1118]

Definately watch Queen's Live Aid performance, and for a fun example of Queen's impact check out "Green Day Crowd Singing Bohemian Rhapsody."

[@Waas]

The crowd singing gives me goosebumps.

[@Miss_Kitty_82]

I was in that crowd at Green Day and I'll never forget it.

[@mattayc266]

Yes, watch both of these videos please absolutely fantastic

[@KitsyX]

I think it’d be better if he’s familiar with the songs before watching the Live Aid performance, but it’s certainly worth watching either way.

[@user-gp9es3rd3e]

The Live Aid performance and then the tribute concert from a few years later where George Michael sings the Freddie Mercury part

[@authormarymalcolm]

Listen here, Knox. The way I just threw my pencil at the screen because you won't just get to the headbanging part of the song.

[@georgiacoombes699]

🤣

[@dimitrasotirakoglou2553]

Freddie layered his voice for that song at the beginning..and the high notes is from Roger Its inspired by 3 different songs that Freddie couldn't figured out what to do with them and that masterpiece came to life.. ❤ Thank you

[@asvagar8163]

iirc Freddie had a vocal range of bloody 8 ( in words Eight ) Octaves, which is less than many professional opera singers have. i mean, just listen to Freddie with Montserrat Caballé - Barcelona

[@Darth_Lunas]

​@@asvagar8163 YES!

[@mrjrountree]

​@@asvagar8163 *4 octave range

[@shirleybarclay5631]

Roger Taylor ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bbbfst]

Given he was talking about the opening, that is only Freddie. Roger's high stuff is later in the song.

[@whatsername123]

No auto tune No pitch correction . Actual talent/genius. Roger does the high falsetto, and is extremely instrumental in direct backing for Freddie in a lot of songs, especially live. They also layered about 150 dubs for the sound

[@w33dsm0k3r]

❤

[@mandzipop1752]

I saw a video a couple of years back and someone put Freddie's voice through autotune. Can't remember which song. It sounded awful. Lifeless, no personality. All emotionwas gone. I wish autotune was banned.

[@whatsername123]

@@mandzipop1752 Fil @wingsofpegasus has an entire video about it(maybe 2?), bc on Queens official channel some of the songs have now been re released and auto tuned. He uses the pitch software to show it. It takes every ounce of human emotion out of the music

[@seanculver8876]

Freddie, Queen and this song are unique. Also…this level of talent and production were reasonably normal and ubiquitous, from the mid-60’s until digital cheating took hold. The cheating made new bands musically weak.

[@whatsername123]

@@seanculver8876 yep and yep

[@suvijii841]

I could just listen to Knox analyzing musical masterpieces all day long. You should react/analyze classic pieces like this more often.There's a reason some pieces are considered classics, and you have the mind to recognize those elements. Great job!

[@philhallbrook7008]

AHH, a drummer that can nail high notes like an instrument. Gotta love Roger. Saw em 6 times, played a hundred gigs, seen a thousand, and nothing compares. Cheers Knox.

[@ibrayuri8386]

The word Rhapsody comes from the Greek word rhapsodios, which means a person who recites epic poems, and whose root is rhaptein, meaning to stitch. A rhapsody is also a musical piece noted for its improvisational nature and irregular form. which literally is this song!

[@The0Stroy]

And "Bohemian" refers to Boheme - as an overall artistic community.

[@lucywills9740]

​@@The0Stroyyes, though Bohemia is also a real place, which has experienced brutal wars and political turmoil. Scars remain.

[@The0Stroy]

@@lucywills9740 I know. Also known for its vibrant culture and art. That's why the art world started to be called Bohema.

[@scott3744]

It's always fun to see a genuine first-time reaction to the one and only *Bohemian Rhapsody* 👍😁

[@christinamoxon]

I will never get tired of people discovering Queen. Beautiful breakdown, thank you KH.

[@jamieserrano827]

Roger doing his thing on the drums and Brian doing his thing on the guitar at Freddy with his vocals you just couldn’t beat it

[@carolinechaney3287]

​@@jamieserrano827not forgetting John on bass ❤

[@jamieserrano827]

@@carolinechaney3287 man, how can I forget the base I do love a good bass like flea from the Red Hot chili peppers not to mention whoever does the base for parliament funkadelic

[@sjbclaeys]

Your analysis of lyrics is next level. You make me really understand songs and that's precious!

[@emmagill4047]

I recently read that there was a study done on Freddie Mercury's voice and that his voice literally is one of a kind because his vocal resonance vibrates at a higher frequency than average ..or something like that

[@brandygammon9784]

He had extra incisor teeth they say helped

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

“I remember Freddie coming in with loads of bits of paper from his dad’s work, like Post-it notes, and pounding on the piano,” May said in 2008. “He played the piano like most people play the drums. And this song he had was full of gaps where he explained that something operatic would happen here and so on. He’d worked out the harmonies in his head.” One of the reporters asked Freddie about "Beelzebub", and he answered, it's a great word.

[@module79l28]

Just like all the other random words he used in the operatic part, they don't mean anything to the song, they're just words that sounded good in that part. Knox was reading TOO MUCH into those lyrics, trying to make connections that don't really exist. 😄

[@mikeh8416]

@@module79l28 They mean more to the song than you know. Virtually every verse is tied to the meaning of the song, but Freddy wouldn't talk about it, because at the time "coming out" was *still* not acceptable (especially to him and his family).

[@MaryMonet]

Let me summarize this song for you: Young poor boy-nothing to lose, no hope for gain; the crime; the confession; the trial; the judgement; the sentence; the punishment; the end-figuratively and literally. It’s absolutely brilliant story telling!

[@Bryt25]

It's getting pretty tedious with all the suppositions...

[@wookiewarhol5080]

The "man" he killed was his old self after he finally came out .. this man is a legend in every sense of the word

[@seabass819]

One of if not THE most influential songs ever put onto paper.

[@NextWeeek]

up there definitley. id personally put Black Sabbath as more influential bcs it essentially created a whole genre nd changed rock forever, but bohemian rhapsody is second on my list of influence.

[@dean5422]

@NextWeeek No Sabbath or any other metal band without The Kinks

[@seabass819]

@NextWeeek I can definitely see the reasoning, I'm a Sabbath fan too, I just don't know if I personally like any of their songs as much as I like Bohemian rhapsody.

[@NextWeeek]

@@seabass819 yea id put A National Acrobat and Hand Of Doom (nd a few others) above rhapsody personally, but i can see that on ur side too

[@seabass819]

@NextWeeek I think the moral of this story is Sabbath Kicks ass, as much as queen lol

[@heartwork8318]

Freddie is like no other! The guitarist is Sir Brian May, he has a PhD in astrophysics, he is 77 now his hair is still the same except grey but he still shreds! This was such a great reaction! More Queen please, love your breakdowns!❤️‍🔥✌🏻🫶🏻

[@psibert]

I remember as a teenager in the 1970s lying on my bed listening to the first ever radio play of this song. It was just as amazing as your reaction here.

[@MithrilMagic]

I just went to a Green Day concert and they played BoRap over the speakers before the concert started. The ENTIRE STADIUM WAS GOING CRAZY! Everyone on their feet, singing every lyric and loving every minute of it! It was so emotional and intense. I loved it. The power this song has after 50 years is just incredible. RIP Freddie❤ You are greatly missed but never forgotten 🕊️

[@DevonRex116]

I saw a recording of a similar gig from a few years ago. Great way to warm up the crowd - but one hell of an act to follow!

[@BKKRED2008]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYvRc4Grptata8k

[@cherylphillips1361]

Yep! They did the same thing in San Francisco on the Hella Mega tour. So fun!

[@kentnottingham9635]

Probably the best part of any Green Day concert was the Queen part. This was done on purpose to get people to buy tickets

[@flakeyyylora396]

@@kentnottingham9635i mean that’s good. I would buy a ticket too. I get green day and I get to sing this song with thousands of people! It’s a win.

[@lynette.]

My mind is blown that you have not seen this iconic video. It was made for Top of the Pops because they could not appear. Well before videos were a regular thing. An opera in one track. Still sung word perfect by crowds to this day.

[@KnoxHill]

You gotta remember I'm a rapper from a hip hop community. That's what I was raised on. Rock was never on my playlist. I have honestly never seen this music video before

[@aisobr1]

Love this, I have grown up with this song, it’s always been there, my kids also love queen. So cool to hear a perspective of someone who hasn’t actually heard this before. I’m almost jealous. You have so much more gold to find ❤

[@SchussinBoots]

@@KnoxHillAnd yet, you utterly nailed the analysis of this. I’ve known this song.. every lyric, every note since it was released and you still brought a new view of it, enhanced my understanding of it. You are so much more than a rapper from a hip hop community Knox.

[@nancyankrom3803]

@@KnoxHill When you get the chance watch Pentatonix singing this. It will also blow your mind. No instruments, just voices and Mr.May reposted it and said enjoy. He loved it which is the highest praise as you know an artist can get from one of the original singers.

[@rog2224]

Watching a Green Day crowd singing along to Bo-Rap is always surreal. It's almost like they're reacting to the band.

[@nevilo1]

There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who are fans of Queen, and those who don't know they are fans of Queen.

[@brunchiebrunchie]

for real

[@burningprophecy]

Bruh. I've been listening to this song for 30+ years & I've never heard a breakdown this well done. Bra-fuckin'-vo. 🤘🤘

[@reneemcgowan5684]

Yeah, he needs to be a music professor somewhere. Signed, someone with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

[@debrajames3869]

Freddie never told us what the lyrics meant; however, I am convinced the "person" he killed was his closeted self. We lost him way too soon. Thank goodness his music will never die and there are so many videos of Queen!

[@mikeh8416]

Correct. The verses in the song reflect his disappointment with what he discovered about himself, and how his religion influenced his feelings about it.

[@karidrgn]

There's several 70s songs about the singer killing someone and having to face the consequences

[@heatherh7299]

I've heard this song for years and your deep dive into it was amazing. Thank you for doing that

[@davidflores0227]

Under Pressure next! That was the original melody before Ice Ice Baby.

[@lloyd4301]

Oh YES YES YES! Love that track.......er, Under Pressure, not Ice etc etc. 😂

[@kindred1665]

You have to see the green day concert bohemian rhapsody video! It was at a green day concert and before the concert started, they played this song and the whole crowd, like 65,000 people, are all singing it together in nearly perfect harmony. It's honestly beautiful and inspiring and shows the power that Queen and Freddie really had. Gives me chills in the best way every time I watch it. Even if you don't react to it, I recommend you checking it out!

[@tianam.964]

I bet that was epic for those who were there! Green Day’s song Jesus of Suburbia always reminded me of this song (as intended, I’m sure).

[@The0Stroy]

"Who is making that high voice" It just reminds me of the biopic about Freddie (Bohemian Rhapsody - same title as this song, brilliant movie), from the scene when they were recording that: "Higher! Higher!" "Little higher and only dogs will hear me!"

[@EdB-w7i]

How much has Bohemian Rhapsody seeped in to entertainment culture? You have to see the crowd singing it at the Green Day concert in the UK. You can feel the love for the song/ Queen

[@vorkosigrrl6047]

There’s even a Sesame Street version! Check it out.

[@genny5309]

@@vorkosigrrl6047Or the movie Wayne’s World… the singing in the car scene is classic.

[@hummingbirdstones]

I was a sophomore in high school when this came out. Nobody really cared that Freddie was bi. Nobody talked about it really and nobody paid any attention to it. We all just loved Freddie and Queen and rocked out. Great reaction, Knox. Your facial expressions were priceless!

[@WitchelliB]

EXACTLY

[@philipbutler6608]

Queen came out just when 8 track Recording became popular prior to that it was Stereo LP’s, 45’s and 78’s. They used layers of tracks. An 8 track player in your car really made road trips special. They exploited the Technology of their time. They were science nerds. Brian May and his father built his guitar.

[@scottclark3761]

Freddy wasn't just singing what he was feeling....he made YOU feel what he was feeling. That's true genius.

[@eclipse5367]

Freddy was once asked what he plays. His response was “The audience”

[@almabjohnson4876]

I am impressed by your take. Your familiarity with the various elements of this story is beyond expectations. You got a sub from me.

[@ConspiracySmurf]

Me 2 :)

[@simonedmondson8875]

If you ever want a truly deep dive into a song by someone who always seems to get it Knox is your guy

[@VampEdits]

I loved this analysis with my entire being. I’ve always been here for your hip-hop reactions, but you speaking so kindly on my favorite band, and my hero, Mr. Freddie Mercury, really meant a lot. Aside from the incredible musicianship of Queen as a whole-- as a fellow bi-- Freddie’s legacy means so much to me on other levels as well.

[@jrex6649]

Rarely have I clicked a Knoxhill video THIS fast. Queen is one of my all-time favourites next to Eminem. I am beyond excited to see you react to this. RIP Freddie.

[@luckylady6871]

OMG your face! Never seen you speechless before lol.. I feel sorry for those who have never known real music with real instruments, written by real people and sung by those who bared their soul taking you on a journey. Freddie was a true showman, but also a kind soul and I will never forget sneaking out at age 14 to break my way into their outdoor show in France. Security caught me slipping under the chain link fence near the stage and Freddie spotted it just as he was going on, jumped down and pulled me through to front and centre of the crowd. Best night of my life.

[@bramscheDave]

This was released when I was a small kid, but it still gives me goose bumps and sends a shiver down my spine when I hear it. I heard it live at Wembley during the 80s when they played the Magic Tour. Freddie was an incredible presence on the stage and such range.

[@Sir_Lionheart]

Brian May, the lead guitarist suffered a heart attack on 2020, and recently had a minor stroke this month. Though he temporarily lost the use of his left hand he’s reported that he’s recovering well.

[@jimbo92107]

The intro to Rhapsody is a juicy inside story. The band members all worked hard on the acapella, but then Freddie went behind their backs and layered his own voice for all four. It worked. They got over it.

[@stormhawk3319]

Historically, it’s the first true music video released in late 1975 and brought British glam rock to its ultimate conclusion.

[@osc630]

5:32 is what I call the "just fell in love with Freddie's voice" face. Welcome to the club, mate.

[@beccatorres]

11:36 The shock and awe! Knox’s expression is all of us the first time we hear this song. 😂 This has been one of my favorite songs since I was a kid, and I still get goosebumps.

[@bellarose6501]

I absolutely love your descriptive reactions. Very eloquent and intelligent 💫

[@EvoDevo2004]

Freddie never explained his lyrics. He purposedly left that for the listener to interpret. Masterful!

[@philritter9042]

It‘s kinda like paintings in a way you can just interpret them however you want

[@KittyInTheGarden]

11:55 😂the stunned look on your face! your life will never be the same again! thanks for pulling out some threads from previously incomprehensible lyrics. i've loved this song for so long and can now bring a new appreciation to it.

[@cmoplay1]

The high voice is Roger Taylor, the drummer

[@AishaIsFabulous-x-]

I love your analysis of the lyrics. Queen is one of our best exports from the UK. Freddie was THE ultimate front-man, but the whole group oozed talent. Great reaction. Lots of Love from the UK 💜 -x-

[@NativC2ndChannel]

yes but wouldn't it be so much better if he ran the song like a noraml person and refer to it in the end? like a normal person? he ruined a great song. you can't kill music like that. 2 solos? 2 times the beggining? it's effing annoying. and then he goes on and on with talking every 5 sceonds stops the song for 10 sconds. what is this..

[@Missmambo12]

Loved your breakdown of this. Heard this since I was a kid but never seen it analysed before, explanation of some of the characters mentioned. Absolutely great. Thank you from the UK ❤️

[@Stuart_Lonewolf_Holloway]

Should have waited until tomorrow and dropped this on Freddies birthday. Great work Knox, keep exploring

[@stephenpartridge6021]

Dude your knowledge of everything is crazy , you truly make me rethink everything about every song you do a reaction too, I grew up loving this song not really knowing what they were singing about , thank you 🎉❤

[@mollymollie6048]

@Knox Hill this was the most real, intellectual, intelligent understanding of how to break down lyrics and the written word along with music that I’ve ever heard. Very much appreciate the analysis that you did….you’ve got a big library of work to look into. Love to see you review White Queen and In The Lap of the Gods (including Reprise) from the earlier albums. Both Freddie masterpieces as well.

[@cenky3]

1 of the best ever written pieces of music . Your ears will never forget

[@Kitty4Catz]

Knox, you don’t know HOW HAPPY you’re making me today with that reaction to one of the best songs ever written! That song, it gives me chills!!! Thank you for reacting to it today! ❤

[@WendyDarling1974]

There are literally hundreds of reactions to this song and video here on KZbin and I’ve watched quite a few of them. Yours is one of the better tanks, particularly because you actually take the time to think about the lyrics. I agree with your interpretation and a lot of points.

[@judithdoughty7967]

Loved your face when the opera section kicked in 🤣 You have Roger Taylor (drummer) to thank for the high notes which he had to record over and over and over... All of Queens members are exceptional, as a whole they were magic. Fun fact. Brian May (guitarist) hand built/ crafted that epic sounding guitar with his Dad. Unique is a overused word, but for Queen it actually applies ❤

[@hunted3355]

The lesson to learn from Queen is to never be afraid to try something different. So many genre's of music to play with. Freddy and the band are the G.O.A.T

[@Jim87_36]

Ronnie Radke is going to be remembered similarly I think. Not to the Exact level but a close one imo

[@superstardeejay2468]

Are you even aware that you you are hands down the best reactor on KZbin when it comes to understanding music and lyrics?

[@ademoss80]

You're not ready for this. No one ever is.❤Freddie Mercury had four extra teeth that pushed the others forward. He was self conscious about it, but refused to take them out because it could have changed his voice. He had an almost 4 octave vocal range.

[@KayFruehwald]

Fun fact: The Bohemian Rhapsody music video is also said to be the first ever real music video.

[@ImFrelled]

The first-ever music video is considered to be “The Little Lost Child” by Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern from 1894.

[@courtney5796]

@@ImFrelled NOT a music video. At best a video of still-portraits during a song.

[@AdamMPick]

1966 Nancy Sinatra "Those Boots are Made for Walkin' " 1966 The Kinks "Dead End Street" Alice Cooper, David Bowie whole bunch of concept videos 1973 Don Williams "The Shelter of Your Eyes" 1974 The Sparks "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us" 1975 Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody" Just because the Rolling Stone magzine says they invented the music video, does not make it true.

[@damot1051]

@@AdamMPick It was the first music video to be produced to replace a 'live' performance on TV. As they were number one in the UK and couldn't perform on Top of the Pops, Freddie came up with the idea of the video to replace them - the video being as theatrical as the song. Very expensive at the time. Its mentioned in one of the videos about Queen.

[@sunshynff]

The first "ever" music video will never be agreed upon, because there's way too many old videos of older bands, whether for promotion, or a live performance. The first video ever shown on an all music cable channel, MTV, aka Music Television, and called a "music video" was by The Buggles "Video Killed The Radio Star".

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

Thank you for a lovely insightful reaction. For the first time I never got annoyed over you interrupting the music - - because you had something interesting on your mind - and you made sure to go back in the music so nothing was lost. I don't know (about) you, but as Freddie/Queen you are much more than a rapper - thank you for sharing.

[@stephaniekinloch9094]

The Live Aide Concert was a charity concert where a lot of well known bands & singers performed to raise money. I'm not sure where Queen was placed in the lineup, but until they got on stage, apparently it had been a so so performance. Nobody talks about who else performed that day. By the end of their performance everyone in the crowd became a Queen fan - regardless as to who they attended for!! Proof of Freddie's legacy is the Green Day Concert intermission!!!

[@shawnw8717]

They played near the end of the London portion (there were two sites with simultaneous performances: Wembley in London and JFK in Philly - they would alternate acts - the Philly crowd would watch the UK performance on the Jumbotron and vice versa). The act who had to follow them? David Bowie, who gave a great performance as well, and famously remarked to Freddie and the rest of Queen as they exited, "You fucking bastards!" Freddie and Brian came back out after Bowie to perform two acoustic songs ("Love of My Life" and "Is This The World We Created?") before ceding the stage to some guy named Paul McCartney for the London finale.

[@Kade_Kapes]

Yo, respect for acknowledging Freddy as bi, so many people just refer to him as gay because that’s all they’ve heard other people refer to him as. Props.

[@precious926]

It never ceases to amaze & delight me that you catch absolutely everything. You have a great "ear" and I love it!

[@mr.jglokta191]

“Bismillah” (بسم الله) is a common Arabic term meaning “In the Name of Allah.” It is shortened from the phrase “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim,” meaning ‘in the name of God, the merciful and compassionate.’ According to Genius, for anyone that wanted to know 😊

[@kopykat6843]

Freddy and his family are zorrestrian.

[@endthisnonsense7202]

Why would anybody want to know gibberish?

[@mr.jglokta191]

PSA: Do _NOT_ feed the troll! It will harass you forever if you do. You have been warned

[@Billy01113]

I can't belive there are people out there, growing up without knowing this song. I guess it is a generational thing, growing up in the 80s and 90s, everyone knew this song and after Waynes World just about everyone could sing along, too. 😄 The LP this came out on was "A Night at the Opera"

[@vorkosigrrl6047]

First time viewer here. I do believe you’re the most thoughtful and articulate reactor I’ve seen. Well done! I’m grateful that young people are getting exposure to the old hits we ancients love!

[@mwinstanley7]

Roger Taylor, the drummer, normally did the high harmonies. It may interest you to listen to I'm In Love With My Car, where Roger takes the lead vocal.

[@johnfarmer888]

It's truly shocking there are still people today who've never heard this MASTERPIECE Freddie is upfront Brian may (lead guitar (is behind Freddie John Deacon (bass guitar )is on the left Roger Taylor(drums) (the high notes in the operatic section )on the right

[@boltsi]

Yep. Actually i don't believe that he hasn't heard this before. This is played everywhere. Sport events, commercials, on radio, basically everywhere.

[@johnfarmer888]

@@boltsi like seriously. The only way I think anyone hasn't heard it are those uncontcted tribes like those on North sentinel Island or those who who are in like North Korea.

[@hays9008]

Everyone has heard this song

[@timothymeyer3632]

You see how he keeps saying “I haven’t seen this video before” way different than never hearing the song before. He has heard the song before and will never convince anyone otherwise. Literally every human who has heard music has heard this song whether they wanted to or not.

[@javaprogrammer23401]

​@@timothymeyer3632I swear to my life I've not heard this song ever before yesterday ong. The only song I heard of queen before was the rock you song fr

[@inkmastertim]

You have one of the best, deepest, most instinctive understandings of these lyrics I've ever heard. When one of my daughters, who is an extraordinary vocalist in her own right, was about twelve years old, I had her listen to this song. When she took the headphones off, she said, "That's probably the three greatest rock and roll songs ever written."

[@SB-tb8zi]

Can’t believe you’ve never heard this one before, but honestly it’s a blessing 😅🎉

[@SheldonRoachford]

Dude this is one of the BEST recordings ever made, this song is an ABSOLUTE MASTERCLASS of music!

[@caleb1450]

This is why i love watching reactions. Your musical intelligence carved a new way of looking at this song in which i never knew. Thank you

[@hibuy100]

4 highly intelligent, musical geniuses who had tremendous interest in producing the best sounds possible. The sweated blood & tears to give us their best. 🩷

[@lindsaymckeown513]

Should watch Queen live at Live Aid, 1984 I think. Unreal, magical energy.

[@NativC2ndChannel]

no no don't give him ideas.. he ruind b r now you want him to dismental live aid? do a 2:30 hour long shit about nothing just talking every 5 seconds? no. better not.

[@triarb5790]

I did. I was there!!! ❤

[@jimpierce7422]

Amazing song and loved your reaction to it, also loved your reaction to Hi Ren! Keep up the awesome work!

[@RiverSong5683]

That whole first section is Freddie singing in different notes,etc. The whole song is a masterpiece that Freddie started writing in the ‘60s, but wound up with 3 songs he decided to put together and make it blend. RIP to the master. ❤