FROM THE VAULT: Queen’s 'Bohemian Rhapsody': How Freddie Mercury Leaked the Song That Became a #1 Hit

On this day in 1969, Freddie Bulsara—later Freddie Mercury—made his live debut with Ibex in the UK.

To celebrate his legacy, we revisit the story of Queen’s greatest song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Part rock, part ballad, part opera, it was first rejected by the label until Freddie leaked it to radio, where fans made it a sensation. It topped charts in the ’70s, returned in the ’90s with Wayne’s World, and remains one of the greatest rock songs ever written.

The story is coming up next… on Professor of Rock.

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