Proof positive that Queen remains bigger than ever, over 45 years after its release, the band's signature tune "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been officially certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The award represents 10 million or more in sales and stream equivalents in the United States. The honor also marks Queen as the first British band in music history to earn the Diamond song award.
Guitarist Brian May said in a statement: "This is incredible news. At times like this I have to pinch myself to be sure it’s real. All those wild dreams we had — this is beyond any of them. Huge thanks to all who have believed in us over the years."
Drummer Roger Taylor added: "It’s a wonderful and gratifying thought to know the song has reached out and connected with so many people! We thank you all. . . onwards."
In 1977 Freddie Mercury shed light on how and why Queen decided to break new ground and go against the grain by issuing "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a single: ["What we, I think, try and do is, with each album, try and work out where our music is at at the current, given time, and try and showcase it in, say, one single. With A Night At The Opera, we just felt that 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was the song that would say what we're doing at the given time. So we, sort of chose that. Obviously we came across certain barriers, like, it being six minutes long — or whatever."] SOUNDCUE (:20 OC: . . . long or whatever)
Freddie Mercury On ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ As A Single :
