Bohemian Rhapsody, the famous Queen hymn, has sold over six million copies worldwide and is the third best-selling single in the UK, solidifying its position in music history. Its impact has only increased over time, and in 2004 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. After the release of the Freddie Mercury biography in 2018, the song saw a significant comeback, rekindling affection for it around the world and bringing its genius to new listeners. In addition to becoming the most-streamed Classic Rock song ever, Forbes named it the most-streamed song of the 20th century, demonstrating its enduring influence.
It’s not easy to cover such a great work of art, but UC Berkeley’s all-male a cappella group rose to the occasion and gave a performance that went viral. The quintet transformed Queen’s classic with only their voices, captivating spectators with their perfect harmonies and dramatic flair.
Notable ensembles in Berkeley’s a cappella scene include DeCadence, which is well-known for its daring performances and distinctive gold capes, and Drawn to Scale, which combines musical diversity with unadulterated skill. Beyond only providing amusement, these student performances highlight the artistic talent on campus and provide a creative diversion from the demands of the classroom.
The Berkeley octet enthralled the listeners from the very first note. Their performance ended with a high-energy rock segment where the singers turned into air-guitar-shredding rock stars, combining humor, emotion, and vocal prowess. Their viral performance has received over 4.7 million YouTube views, demonstrating that Queen’s music continues to inspire people of all ages. The internet couldn’t get enough. Freddie Mercury himself would have been pleased to see his masterpiece reinterpreted with such vitality and uniqueness, given his passion for dramatic, thrilling performances. Did you miss this unique moment? You can watch their viral performance here, so don’t worry!
