Half a century after its release, Bohemian Rhapsody still feels like a lightning bolt — and on September 13, 2025, the BBC Proms managed to catch that spark in a bottle. With a full orchestra, massive choirs, and rock royalty in the spotlight, the Royal Albert Hall became something bigger than a venue. It felt like a cathedral built for glam.
As the familiar operatic whispers swelled, Brian May’s guitar sliced through the air and Roger Taylor’s drums rolled like thunder. This wasn’t just a trip down memory lane — it was living history, supercharged for Queen’s golden jubilee. Critics agreed: The Financial Times called it “the most fun Last Night for years,” while The Telegraph declared that May and Taylor “reign supreme,” giving the night a confident 4/5.
And of course, Freddie was there — not in body, but in spirit. His grin seemed to echo in every “Galileo,” his presence stitched into every harmony and dramatic twist. Even reviewers who thought the orchestral treatment leaned a little glossy admitted the sheer joy of it. As Brian May later said, “I missed a couple of things… but the feeling was great.” Judging by the ovation, the crowd agreed.
Under conductor Elim Chan, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, BBC Singers, and the National Youth Choir gave the song its tuxedo moment — as though Bohemian Rhapsody had secretly been waiting 50 years for a symphony makeover. Arranger Stuart Morley balanced orchestral elegance with rock grit, while tenor Sam Oladeinde and soprano Louise Alder shone in the operatic sections. Then May’s unmistakable solo soared, and Taylor punctuated the night with perfect thunderbolts.
But the magic wasn’t just onstage. The real electricity came from the crowd — teenagers, lifelong Queen fans, opera lovers, all singing and swaying as one. That shared heartbeat made the night unforgettable.
Fifty years isn’t just an anniversary — it’s proof that a six-minute, genre-bending epic can outlive trends, algorithms, and generations. It still carries theatre, joy, and heart in every bar.
So raise a glass, a glowstick, or even your best air-guitar. Bohemian Rhapsody just turned 50, and it’s still as wild, weird, and wonderful as ever. Freddie would’ve loved it. And somewhere, he’s still singing with us.