PENTATONIX - BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. Classical musician's reaction & analysis.

[@SirHairless]

Check out my other Pentatonix reactions in my Pentatonix playlist 🎶 kzbin.info/aero/PL-tAjLxAAkA9QsmC8pTH2x4La4cIws5Us

[@DravenGal]

Cool, I can listen to these A Cappella groups for hours! Oh, hey, as a classical music fan, I don't know if anyone's mentioned it, but Voiceplay has done a cover of "In The Hall of The Mountain King," all voice, and it's EPIC! Just thought you might like to know.

[@davidcochran6291]

I have to correct you. You said there was no Beats going on so Kevin could do a straight singing part. However, he was doing Beats intermittently throughout the piece. He does that quite regularly. Anyway, it's no big deal but I'm a know it all, even if I'm wrong, so I just had to put that out there. Otherwise a great reaction.

[@SirHairless]

Hi @@davidcochran6291 , I can't remember where exactly in the video you're referring to - but I believe I said it's good to see Kevin having more of a singing part when there is not a beat. For example, in the introduction where there is no beat

[@davidcochran6291]

@@SirHairless My bad I'm old and have terminal ADHD so sometimes I only hear half of a statement. So I apologize for my error.

[@SirHairless]

@@davidcochran6291 Please don't apologise! That's what the comment sections are for - to discuss the videos!

[@sonjarussell7332]

It took PTX five years to perfect this enough to confidently release it. When Sir Brian May heard it, he posted it to his social media sites with a single word…..”Enjoy”…..can’t get any higher praise than that!

[@SirHairless]

[@objectiveobserver4278]

The megaphone is a prop. Mitch is actually using his voice to play the guitar. When they perform this live, the megaphone is not used.

[@SirHairless]

@@objectiveobserver4278 Thanks, others have let me know that there is an effect added in on his voice here, as Kevin said in an interview (I don't have the source). They've also said that Mitch's guitar effect sounds almost identical live, which is very cool to hear

[@carmengibson]

I couldn’t wait to hear your reaction! I adored it!!! You never disappoint in your breakdown! ❤

[@yourenotmysupervisor9311]

@@objectiveobserver4278 I saw them live in 2019, they ended the concert with this song and Mitch used the megaphone

[@keddiewye6517]

When the video pans up to the sky with the four shooting stars near the end of the songs is PTX’s homage to the 4 members of Queen and especially Brian May who also has a PhD is Astrophysics.

[@lschoenrank]

That's so cool!

[@thechomiji]

Another cool visual homage occurs when when they all pile up on the sofa near the end just before the astronomy visual. Check out the cover for Sheer Heart Attack, Queen's third studio album: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheer_Heart_Attack

[@martiwalsh2069]

I've never seen you unintentionally "mouth" the words quite this much on any other song. Your enjoyment was palpable!

[@SirHairless]

[@carolelewin2054]

That motorised couch (a nod to their early days when they would sit on a couch and sing), was a nightmare. There’s a behind the scenes of the recording of the video and it was clear that there was a danger of any one of them falling over the back of it. Hence Kirstie holding Mitch’s hand and whenever they could they had ‘fielders’ behind the couch if someone was standing on it. They deserved danger money for this!

[@betsyvondracek4009]

I think Sir should watch that documentary

[@SirHairless]

I also think Sir would @@betsyvondracek4009

[@Dixieburk1]

It would be fun to hear Sir react to that video.

[@jeancaldwell5391]

When you watch that behind the scenes video, watch very carefully and you will see Kevin fall off the couch. It’s in the background of a scene.

[@terriepurkey708]

They sing this song in every live show; it's a standard. And when I saw them last summer, Mitch sings it without a megaphone and it's pretty much the same. It's extraordinary! I think they were so good at changing the lead parts up as needed to move the song forward. Great reaction and like that you enjoyed it so much.

[@occamsrazor5376]

I watch EVERY review of Pentatonix. Yours are my favorite because you explore the depth of their work far more than others. Thank you!

[@SirHairless]

Thank you!

[@MJCDA3]

Same!

[@camillep3631]

I concur 100% !

[@ellenstrack6274]

I love the shooting star sequence they place as a nod to Dr. Brian May, PhD. Astrophysics.

[@SirHairless]

🌠

[@pjb3583]

I thought this was an audacious selection on their part - until I heard it, of course, and then I was reassured that yes, they can do anything they set their minds and voices to. One of the judges during their run on The Sing Off commented repeatedly on the surprises they managed to include in their performances and wondered how long they could keep that up. Turns out, more than a decade. Loved your reaction, as always! Peace …

[@alicegibson685]

The megaphone is just a prop for the video. They sing this live and it is amazing and just as impressive. There is many videos on YT from concerts of this.

[@SirHairless]

The sound is different to his guitar sound at the end, so Mitch does different sounds for the guitar? Very cool

[@hernameispekka_Rebecca]

@@SirHairless It is some distortion on the official track. Kevin has said it, I think Mitch has said it. He does however sound very close to it live.

[@melissacoviello2886]

I have heard this live from them and Mitch doesn’t use the megaphone and it sounds the same. It’s mind blowing. That’s one of the parts of the show where I looked at my husband be fully shocked, because he’d never heard their version of this.

[@MaishaOnTop]

How did hubby react?

[@r.p.8906]

my academic teacher (boss) loved this song and played it in surgery all the time, singing and smiling under his mask. He adored Freddie Mercury and hated anyone who tried to sing this song. He did not know Pentatonix at that time but he might have had the same reaction. Thank you for this amazing reaction. This song is crazy beyond words!! It's very courageous to sing this song considering the genius of Freddie.

[@lleldridge1]

Great breakdown, as always, thank you. Yes, there is a live version on YT (Mitch without the megaphone) called “Bohemian Rhapsody” Pentatonix live at the Hollywood Bowl 2022 live stream.

[@gailseatonhumbert]

That's a newer one. There are several that have been done throughout the years.

[@shelbychesnut99]

PTX worked on this for 5 years until they felt they could do it right. Brian May apparently posted it on social media with the word "Enjoy".

[@r.p.8906]

yes. I can believe that!

[@LindaVernon]

​@@r.p.8906 Believe it. 😃 On Twitter he went even further writing (caps his) "GREAT VERSION! Enjoy."

[@Maria...-mo5qm]

Thank you for your amazing work, Sir! Congrats on getting to the 20K milestone so fast and with so much elegance, magnetic charisma and captivating intelligence :) You deserve all that and much more!

[@SirHairless]

Thank you so much! Really means a lot

[@stacyl7783]

There is also a behind the scenes video of them making this. I don't think it will help to figure out who is singing what, but it is fun to see what they go through to make these videos.

[@occamsrazor5376]

it is The Making of Evergreen and it is amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2eThH6BoLZ_p9Esi=JPrFEg5T2VdpJaPu

[@tikilocklin]

I absolutely *love* how you're getting more and more comfortable bringing jokes into your videos, when i found your channel it was already super suoer super enjoyable but the subtle comedy just adds that little bit extra. im always looking forward to your next ptx reaction 🫶

[@SirHairless]

[@kayecastleman6353]

Nothing like the humour value of what we lovingly call "British Dry."

[@tikilocklin]

@@kayecastleman6353 British humor >>>>>>

[@donnaj9769]

They have said several times that the most difficult part they’ve ever sang is the “ Let him go/Bismillah (sp?) we will not let him go” because they had to sing both parts without pauses. They nailed it! Everyone else has hit the other important parts. Great reaction..like everyone else you can’t help but mouth the words 😂. Queen are the GOAT!

[@cathyboyce6457]

Loved watching your eyes smile ~ followed by your mouth ~ then the pure look of pleasure/surprise as PTX threw in their special touches! Wonderful fun reaction, big thanks,Sir!

[@stacyl7783]

There are live versions available on KZbin if you'd like to hear Mitch do the guitar live. It is just as impressive. And to think, we thought we were cool doing the air guitar..🤣🤣

[@Joodster]

Mitch has a special talent for mimicry. One of my favorites is when he mimics the sound of a marker on a whiteboard..perfect!

[@stacyl7783]

@@Joodster That is a great moment. Still makes me giggle. lol

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

That was absolutely enjoyable, both our beloved Pentatonix AND your reaction. After your reactions I go back to listen to the actual song and hear so much more. TX for this. Greetings from South Africa

[@Masq1980]

These guys are just flippin amazing alien unicorns! It took them 5 years to feel ready to do this song and to do it the justice that it deserves. They are all massive Queen fans. Brian May, lead guitarist from Queen, heard this song when it came out and posted a link to his socials with the one word comment 'Enjoy!' I feel like that is giving Queen's Seal of Approval right there! They also inserted a lot of references and easter eggs into this video in tribute to the original video - which by the way, if you haven't seen - you should probably check it out! Queen couldn't perform this song live because of all the layering they did in post! And not only can Pentatonix do this Live, but the Mitch Grassi Guitar has no need for a Megaphone. Mitch just saw it lying around the set and decided to use it to draw attention to who was doing the guitar solo part - the megaphone was not on, Mitch can do this live! The couch is in reference to their beginning videos where they recorded themselves on various of theirs couches to post onto KZbin after they were dropped by Sony because they didn't think that Acapella would be popular enough to sell records. It is also a tip of the hat to Wayne's World movie scene with the car and head banging to this song which brought in a whole new generation to Queen's music! The part where Mitch is laying on the couch is in reference to Freddie's death and the members walking alongside are his coffin's Pallbearers. A lot of the visuals in here are in tribute to the original video's trippy graphics; like when they all line up and do the 'oh, oh, oh's' one after the other, and also when they line up behind Kirstie standing on the couch only to fan out behind her with their vocal parts. The shot of the sky is in tribute to Dr. Brian May who is Queen's lead guitarist and also an astrophysicist! Each shooting star represents a member of Queen. When they all collapse onto the couch with the shot from above is a homage to the cover art of Queen's record 'Sheer Heart Attack' Also I am pretty sure, Mitch is a reincarnation of Freddie Mercury - one...he can grow the Freddie Stash and looks so much like Freddie that it is amazing the resemblance - two...he can sing just as high if not higher than Freddie could - and three...Freddie died 8 months before Mitch was born!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for all the info!

[@kristinewalberg2938]

Even as a skeptic, I can't even express how much I love the thought of my favorite singer returning to the world in the body of my other favorite singer. For awhile there, in the full mustache era, the resemblance really was uncanny. To add to the list of similarities, just before Queen, Freddie ran a stall in one of the London markets that sold dramatic, off the-beaten-track clothing, and we all know about Mitch and fashion. Both men are also quite shy and introverted in "real life" clothing stI feel blessed to have Freddie as the voice of my youth and now, now Mitch is the voice of my not-quite-old-age.

[@larryross9492]

I love the fact that Kirsty jumps up on the couch in heels, and then helps Mitch up. Once again, it is awesome how brilliant they were at such an early stage of their development.

[@buddasquirrel]

Been waiting for this one. I'm so glad you liked it. I could listen a million times and it would still take my breath away. Excellent reaction. Thanks! 😎

[@tor_sgith]

Love this analysis! In an interview from when this was originally released Kevin said they added a bit of guitar style distortion onto the Mitch guitar part for the studio recording, similar to how a pedal would work on a real electric guitar. I presume they add a touch of this onto his mic when they do a live version, but having heard it live it certainly isn't a lot. It is mostly just his ridiculous voice. I'm glad Mitch sang the high part so that you didn't have to delete your channel! And epic just about sums it up.

[@slhoog8164]

For the past few years of tour (post-Covid) this piece has usually been used as their encore at each concert. It's amazing to see it live, in person. One of the better videos out there of it done live is from the 2022 Hollywood Bowl concert on ptxlive channel. That one, of course, has Matt instead of Avi. It might be a little easier to see who is doing which parts in the areas where you had questions in the live videos. And, as others have said, the behind the scenes video of them shooting this MV is fun to watch (on your own time).

[@SirHairless]

I'm sure it would be (so I could have some closure 😅). This version also isn't strictly 5-part which makes it even more difficult at times to pick out each part confidently

[@catherinelopresti7121]

I have not seen you smile so much in a reaction before. So glad you enjoyed it! I would love to hear your take on their cover of an instrumental piece, Waltz of The Flowers. it is wonderful and it's a yule log video, so you can't see them, buy I absolutely love it and it gets stuck in my head every time I hear it for days. Mitch does the "guitar" live and it sounds the same. Megaphone is just a prop to highlight what he's doing.

[@heidifruchtl354]

I did see them do this live. I actually found the tickets recently. The megaphone is just a prop. There's a lot of homage to Queen, and to PTX. It took them 5 years to get the arrangement to where they felt like they were ready to release it. Brian May let the world know that they should enjoy it.

[@franciscojavierp.7162]

This is a very "happy" video, both, the PTX video and yours. Btw, I love your reactions, but much more your insights about the music. Thank you very much for all your work

[@SirHairless]

Thank you for your support!

[@stephaniebray3983]

I enjoy your break down of their singing. You have the most musical knowledge of anyone I’ve watched.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks, I appreciate it ☺

[@maggiex1212]

Been waiting for this one. Very good guesses on the vocal parts you questioned. Learned things I did not know in relation to the original. I could not imagine an a cappella group attempting this song but here you go. Thanks for a wonderfully fun reaction. 😊

[@SirHairless]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed Yes, there are also a fair few sections where there are (I think) 7-8 parts, which makes figuring out the voices that teeny bit more difficult

[@murrannlehovitch6204]

I cannot explain how much I enjoy your reactions. Your facial expression are priceless and convey exactly how you feel about what you’re hearing. You are my soulmate and you don’t even know it!😊😊😊

[@richardwilson5560]

Yeah, you can see the light bulbs flashing in his head! He catches everything so quick!! 😃😃😎

[@johnhelwig8745]

Sir, Pentatonix has a video on YT on the making of the Bohemian Rhapsody. It is a fun video to watch. You will enjoy it. The trials and tribulations of recording a music video on a motorized sofa.

[@tersommers]

You are getting good at the part placement game with PTX! I commend you! Their cover is so fun! I can't imagine anyone watching your reactions and skipping your analysis portions! They are the best! I still recommend their cover of Cosmo Sheldrake's Come Along! I know you aren't to any Matt as bass songs yet, but when the time comes, I highly recommend listening to Cosmo's quirky original so you know how much PTX made it their own! Thank you for your wonderful ears and your understandable breakdowns!

[@pweiner7597]

One of my favorite covers is Pentatonix singing Come Along. I was familiar with the Cosmo Sheldrake’s original and loved its quirkiness, but Pentatonix has raised the song to a whole new level. Watching reactions to it are fun because most reactors are not familiar with the original and they don’t what to make of the song - there’s often some sort of comment about what genre of song is this, followed by “but I like it” 😂

[@jdb4519]

Epic Indeed. 😊 I so appreciate your teachings when you react to PTX. As if watching you smile and your eyes light up when listening to them were not enough, I get to learn more about their vocal arrangements, which adds so much more to my enjoyment and understanding of why they choose to arrange their songs the way they arrange them. Well done and thank you. ❤

[@occamsrazor5376]

My 15-year-daughter pointed out in this video, that Sir's eyes actually teared up a bit a few times. She thought that was sexy!

[@Badger77722]

I don't know if KZbin would allow it, but I personally would love to hear ALL of the things you didn't have time to say in this reaction video about Pentatonix's version of the song. It's always fun to hear someone knowledgeable point out things that I've missed, even though I've heard the song dozens (hundreds?) of times by now. Just a few points: the panning early in the song ("little high, little low") is a direct throwback to Queen's original recording; they did the same thing. Something that is usually missed is that in the line before the panning happens ("easy come, easy go") the audio changes from stereophonic to monophonic for just that one line - another thing that Queen did in the original. Mitch's wah-wah guitar sound is sometimes known as the Grassi Guitar - it's usually a shock to reactors, but Mitch does it every time PTX performs this song live (which is most of their non-Christmas concerts). As one reactor said, "Everyone has tried to imitate a guitar with their voice - Mitch just does it better than anyone else." There's a BTS making-of for this video, which has got some interesting tidbits. They spent all night shooting this on a cold night, so they were having problems with their breath showing in the video (I think you can still see it occasionally). Apparently the remote-controlled couch was a lot more dangerous than it looks in the video: it nearly ran over Kevin, Scott joked that they should be wearing helmets in order to ride it, and since Kirstie needed a ledge on the back of it to be able to climb over it, it's balance wasn't good and it tipped over a few times. Here's a link to the BTS in case you want to watch it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2nYmH2kfqySgs0 And a link to a more recent (Sept. 2022) version of the song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH6pgaalqsaoo5I

[@occamsrazor5376]

I didn't know that about the dangers of the couch. Thank you for that and also the links!

[@ingridd3672]

When asked by interviewer to "explain" Bohemian Rhapsody, Freddie Mercury replied "It's a rhapsody, darling...a rhapsody" Ingrid from Australia

[@Gwennedd]

Great and really informative reaction!! As usual, you've expertly dissected this impressive cover PTX did. There's a few "easter eggs" within the video that people don't often get: * The couch is both a nod to the days when PTX began after losing their recording contract by singing on one of the couches in their apartments...and to Wayne's World that re-introduced another generation to BH and Freddie/Queen in that movie by playing it at volume on the road trip. The crew for PTX actually motorized that couch and it was quite a hazard...it tried to run over Kevin!! The entire video was shot at night ( all night) on a deserted piece of road. There's a Behind The Scenes video of how they put this together. * The Guitar solo...the megaphone is just a prop. Mitch does the solo without any help in live shows. * The shot of the starry sky...a nod to the four members of Queen ( the shooting stars) and a special nod to Lead guitar, Dr Brian May, astrophysicist who actually has a comet named for him. * The sprawl on the couch....a nod to another of Queen's album cover art, Sheer Heart Attack. Looking forward to your next PTX analysis!!!

[@slhoog8164]

I've also seen mentioned that when Mitch is lying on the couch singing it's meant to be homage to Freddie Mercury's death, with the others walking along side the couch as pall bearers.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks! I'm embarrassed I didn't know about the Sheer Heart Attack reference! Just googled it and I've not seen that album cover before

[@Gwennedd]

@@slhoog8164, thanks for adding that! I'd forgotten about it.

[@Gwennedd]

@@SirHairless , you're entirely welcome. I kinda get a chuckle when I watch Scott look down finding his mark right before he falls backwards onto the couch.

[@lauraa4294]

Totally agree, this is epic. It still amazes me how well you pick up on everything so quickly.

[@tikilocklin]

i felt that "blimey indeed" ✋😩

[@r.p.8906]

I just realized that the lyrics in the beginning of the song are literally written in ACIM, that was downloaded in 1965. Did Freddie read ACIM? A course in Miracles. "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide No escape from reality Open your eyes Look up to the skies and see. (.. REALITY... Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. ). Maybe only a coincidence? But the timeframe matches :) THANK YOU!! Superb work, once again!!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks Rayna! I don't know ACIMThe lyrics are in this book verbatim?

[@r.p.8906]

Not verbatim but exactly these words and meanings are used in ACIM @@SirHairless

[@B3thBakes]

10:50 SirHairless happyface right there!!! 😊😊❤

[@AudioVile]

I'm not 'worthy' of commenting on the masterpiece itself (song, writer, arranger, or singers). What was aMAZing to me is that, after I have heard this at LEAST 50 times, you picked up on nuances and subtleties that I never noticed. On your FIRST LISTEN! I find that truly impressive! This was probably the best reaction/analysis of this performance that I have heard! Thank you!!

[@SirHairless]

Thanks so much! This performance was great (And do please remember that off-screen I have the opportunity to listen to certain things a couple of times to make sure of what I'm saying in these analyses )

[@verenaheckmann5723]

Enjoy your face while hearing something extraordinary❤. So into it 😌

[@annmoomau881]

once again, love your reaction. I will say that I have noticed in some of their live versions of this, they actually have a live choir show up in the audience for a section of the piece.

[@michaelrunnels7660]

Moving the sound from left to right was done by Queen in the original. Mitch called the couch the "Killer Couch" because everytime they attempted to mount it from behind, it fell over backwards. There is never a scene mounting the couch from the rear that isn't cut and pasted. The video was shot in Portland, Oregon at night. It was very cold.

[@anchorskid]

It never occurred to me before that you're right! There are few repetitions, no choruses save perhaps for "nothing really matters" and "anywhere the wind blows." Notice how Avi's first version of "anywhere..." ascends, and Mitch takes the second while Avi descends into the abyss. Very effective. Wonderfully melodic. Is the minimization of repetition very unusual in modern music? Can you think of other such songs?

[@mad_maddie]

Thank you for this reaction. It's usually after hearing Bohemian Rhapsody people truly start calling themselves pentaholics. Also, people have probably said this before in your comments, Pentatonix never do covers... they do upgrades. My request for a reaction would be Can't Sleep Love. It's an original of theirs that is very underrated. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@SirHairless]

I've not received that request before! I will add it to the list, thanks

[@slhoog8164]

@@SirHairlessThey have an official video for Can't Sleep Love, but personally I like the Popspring 2016 live performance better, because of Mitch. Won't give any more away. I agree it's a great original of theirs.

[@akinpaws]

​@@SirHairless I agree you should go with the Popspring live version. The whole set is 4 songs long, ending with one of my favorite PTX originals, Water.

[@boldbumblebee2735]

Thanks for this!

[@AliciaMoore-Morada]

The couch is a nod to their early videos which were frequently filmed with them sitting on a couch (in Avi's apartment, I believe.)

[@AnnetteB59]

Yes Yes! Great reaction Sir Hairless. 20K subscribers, and counting...

[@SirHairless]

[@kayecastleman6353]

Seems all my info-comments have already been made, so the only thing left to do is compliment your superb analysis of this PTX classic. I was around for the original Bohemian Rhapsody, which was such a departure from the popular music of the day. Freddie and Queen are legendary, and this song represents their best. Thanks to you and Pentatonix for adding your expertise to the talent of giants.

[@SirHairless]

[@elainecourteau6231]

So glad you enjoyed it. What an arrangement! You can feel the love and respect for the original. And fun! Congratulations on 20k subs. You deserve it and more.🤗

[@SirHairless]

[@stephenstephens4892]

So so glad you got to this one. Great reaction and analysis

[@bettinasade9385]

I saw this Song in the Last three hours in many different Covers Just because i Like it and now Here you areand as usual i learn a lot of new stuff. Amazing

[@SirHairless]

[@ellenstrack6274]

Also check out "Is This the World We Created" with Freddie and Brian from Live Aid. It was something to see in person. The Live Aid Queen set is also a show to behold.

[@kathymchugh689]

One of my favorites!

[@karajoy581]

Epic is the right word...you nailed it!

[@bethphillips9693]

There is a Behind the Scenes video of how they made this that is very interesting to watch! Always enjoy your reactions! You really wanted to sing along with them, didn't you? They do perform this live in concert - I'm sure there are videos of them. The megaphone is just a prop for Mitch - he doesn't use anything when performing live.

[@jayneperry5433]

Thank you for your reactions. I cannot hear what you hear. I wish I could. But you help me to understand and appreciate what I am hearing better than before I listened to your reaction. Your videos can’t be too long as far as I am concerned.

[@smithpauld1501]

Yeah. The megaphone is only for the video. There are several live versions and the mitchtar is just his standard mic

[@maryhampton8686]

Epic!! I agree. As always love your reactions to PTX. They performed on a tribute show to Queen. Also excellent performance.

[@SirHairless]

[@anglstampr1]

I love your explanations and interpretations of how you feel they have moved to their version of songs... they are truly creative and imaginative on so many levels!!

[@Karen-Campos]

Your accurately predicting who sings which part simply means you are getting to know PTX just like us Pentaholics!! Well done!! And don’t worry, they still catch us by surprise often!

[@beckyv3369]

Excited you reacted to this one!!! Keep going with PTX reactions.

[@RicIngh]

Check the album cover for "Sheer Heart Attack" and you'll notice the similarity of the overhead shot near the end. Subtle, yet honoring the band

[@jane4him]

Mitch has solo music under the name Messer. At the end of the pandemic, he had Parteon and did an hour-long podcast weekly. Wow. PTX headed out on their year-long tour. Mitch had to stop the podcast. As part of his way to stay in touch with his fans, he did Cameo's. I have to admit that I did more than I should have (8) but I had so many questions, One time I asked what he liked signing on the Europen leg of the tour and he said Bohemian Rhapsody was his favorite song to sing. No wonder with his amazing voice and the parts he sang. Thanks again for this reaction you are heading to the part of their catalog that takes my breath away, They just get better.

[@rayofsunshine72cz]

An amazing reaction to a superb performance! 👍👏😃

[@JanSkaggs]

Great reaction as I knew it would be. I appreciate the information you give to add extra interest to the song. You always point out things I kind of took for granted and overlooked or maybe under heard. 🥴 Much thanks! ❤️

[@tammykiernan1839]

I've been waiting for you to react to this one!! There are several on my wish list, and this one was at the top 😄 I've watched this video dozens of times and you still manage to find little details and intricacies that escaped my notice. Your ability to discern who is singing which notes still amazes me, and as always just the pure joy for the music itself shows on your face. As you watch the video your eyes never stop moving so we can tell that your trying to catch as much as you can. And I think I can speak for a lot of us when I say that you needn't worry about the length of your videos. Your reactions and analysis are informative, entertaining, and captivating. Thank you again, Sir, for sharing your appreciation for music with us 😊

[@SirHairless]

Thank you so much - glad you enjoyed

[@betsyvondracek4009]

Totally made my day! They are so awesome. BTW I got my tickets to see Pentatonix in August!!! I can not wait till then ❤R/A Sir⭐🎵🎼 P.S Hallelujah is in the Avi era ( hint hint)

[@SirHairless]

Woo, only 6 months to go

[@traciesamdal5760]

Oh, Sir Hairless... your little smile at the great parts just make me happy. In all of their songs. It means they earned it! And rightfully so.

[@katjohnson6315]

I have listened to this reaction several times and was so stunned that i didn’t even leave a comment. I always leave your reactions informed and more appreciative of the performance. Thank you, Sir, sincerely.

[@lastregacheammalia]

Epic reaction 😂❤

[@sandyleewhite]

💝 *There is something so special about a group, that can make you feel every lyric in the song, & is their amazing gift* 💝 Loving your in depth analyzation of their performances, and voice techniques! Can't wait to see you react to their version of The Prayer, Hallelujah, & Amazing Grace, where their voices shine so brightly 😊

[@staciemoisa4884]

That was fun. Great reaction to an epic PTX cover paying homage to the original epic song and video.

[@madelynadams332]

Congratulations on 20 thousand subscribers!!!!! Well deserved. Love your reactions.

[@SirHairless]

Thank you so much!

[@MC1002MT]

Okay - now you MUST listen to Forestella's rendition of this classic. It is truly mind-blowing.

[@Covertghost]

most impressive thing in this song is kevin's drum kit absolutely crazy

[@jenniferloomis5052]

My favorite Queen song. Been listening to this since I was a kid.

[@SabineO2010]

Would love to hear your opinion/analyses of Pentatonix MAD WORLD, COME ALONG, THE WIZARD OF AHHHS or CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT! Love your reaction videos - Thank you so much for your passionate work, so interesting and informative, I can learn a lot from you! Many greetings from Austria!

[@verinhajor]

This one giving chills all over! This megaphone is just a prop he didn't use it in concert!

[@jasgem76]

Ive been very keen to see you react to this and i was not disappointed. That they were able to put out a version of possibly one of the best songs of all time, and not disappoint people, is absolute testament to their insane talent. And yes, the Mitch electric guitar is ridiculous. That man is such a unique talent.

[@SirHairless]

[@LindaVernon]

While I understand that the image, near the end, of them laying together on the couch is seen as paying homage to a cover of a Queen album, you are only the second reactor I have seen who gets a familial feel from that moment. It really does convey just how much of a family they are.

[@SweetSlytherinGirl-Jennifer]

The fact that they closed each 2023 summer U.S. tour show with this song just shows how epic it really is!! I was there, front row, on the first night of tour, and the audience went NUTS! All these years later, and they still perform it live! And while there is no distortion on Mitch's guitar solo live, he still sounds incredible. They all do!

[@lovesmusic0845]

Since 2011 it’s been a joy to watch them grow and refine their sound. That first performance on Sing Off was so different and compelling. We knew right away we were seeing something special. They won the contest but as often happens in the music business, the hype and the reality of the contact failed to really support them as promised. I have a lot of respect for their drive and skill to craft their careers. There is an interview with Ben Bram who Scott met through SoCal VoCal. Ben helped them on Sing Off and has been their arranger for many years. There is a KZbin interview with him, where he gives a little history of their rise to stardom. I remember seeing them perform in little small venues early on. I was worried they’d get lost into oblivion like so many contest winners. They definitely earned their stardom. They worked their way out with talent and ingenuity. Filming videos in less than ideal conditions, touring and promoting their music and being very open with their fans. Early videos of Can’t Hold Us and Thrift Shop were so much fun. Thrift Shop will make you LOL. Thank you for your reactions!

[@Dixieburk1]

So happy you reacted to this one. There’s a really interesting video somewhere on you tube about the making of this music video. And there are also quite a few videos of them performing it live. Just FYI, lol. Thanks, entertaining and educational as always.

[@paulinejane9742]

Seen it live several times without the megaphone…….just as perfect x

[@normawade9426]

EXCELLANT!!

[@mirandafolland3440]

Thank you. thank you. thanks. I always appreciate your depth of reaction to Pentatonix mastery.

[@carey9019]

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this one. I was on my lunch break at work when I saw you posted this so I had to run and grab my earbuds so I could listen asap! Thanks, so much, great reaction!

[@SirHairless]

[@user-rn1hn3fg5y]

Thoroughly appreciated your technical reaction to this as well as your appreciation for what you heard. Thank you!!

[@guedoe4u]

I'm excited that you're reacting to this!

[@2341chacha]

Your reactions are always spot on - and this was no exception!! Just Great!!! I'd like to know how long it takes you to do all the research you do on your reactions, and then put everything together for us - and I just love how in depth they are. It's amazing to me how you are able to break it down. Just another excellent job. Thank You!

[@SirHairless]

Thank you! The length varies video to video; I get asked this question somewhat frequently so please allow me to copy in a previous response below: Most of the time-consumption of these videos is actually the editing A 10min video takes about 1.5 hours to edit, and a 20min video will take around 3 hours to edit. The raw filming itself usually takes around 30-45minutes? Obviously it varies from video to video, but these are ballpark figures So the final product you're seeing now is the recording with all the gaps etc cut out, to make the videos as short as possible for you It's the only way I can get in all the info without making each video a mini-documentary 😅

[@Matriarch456]

Really was looking forward how you would react to this arrangement and it truly is epic. wonder how high it will end on your monthly scoreboard and Congrats on 20k subscribers ;)

[@SirHairless]

Guess you'll need to check back in in about a week's time when my ratings video comes out Thank you so much

[@janeramirez8767]

It's such a tiny thing, but my brain is wired this way: the first time I saw this video, I listened hard at the very end--probably held my breath. Then, oh, the satisfaction and relief when Mitch very softly added the "s" at the end of "blo-o-o-o-o--ws"! As magnificent as this performance is, it would have been tarnished, just a wee bit, and just for borderline OCD people like me, if that "s" sound had been missing. Perfect.

[@SirHairless]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@janeramirez8767]

@@SirHairless I wish you had mentioned it! I'm not surprised; you pay attention to details like that. But IIRC, only one reactor that I have seen react to this video has ever said anything about it. But I get it--it's impossible to mention everything! Your video would be hours long.

[@tomhansen45]

It was Epic! I really enjoy listening back to the parts of the song you describe.

[@perrystevenson6364]

Pentatonix Bohemian Rhapsody Insights: 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. Also when Brian Mays heard it... he posted it on his web site with the word "ENJOY”. -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.

[@SirHairless]

Thank you

[@tinanichols203]

Pentatonix sings this live in concert without the megaphone. In the Queen, version Roger Taylor sang the high notes.

[@ronsandahl274]

Freddy Mercury's lover has said that Bohemian Rhapsody was the story of Freddy coming out as a gay man. When he says, "Momma, just killed a man.." he's talking about "killing" his former straight persona. The "bismillah" part is his struggle with realizing that he is gay. And the rock & roll part is his defiant acceptance of being gay, "So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye." After all his struggle, in the end he decides, "Nothing really matters."