'Bohemian Rhapsody' becomes oldest song to hit a billion views on YouTube

Queen’s legendary ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has just managed to score an amazing achievement, becoming the oldest song to reach a billion views on YouTube.

Ever since Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ became the first video hit one billion views back in 2012, this achievement has started to become less and less impressive, with a large number of videos achieving this milestone.

However, if you look at the videos that have managed to hit the billion-view mark over the years, you’ll notice that they are overwhelmingly recent, with the top 30 videos having an average release date of 2014.

Now, the classics have received a bit of recognition, with Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ becoming the oldest video on YouTube to hit one billion views, and the first video released prior to the ’90s.

Receiving the honour just months after it was named the most-streamed song of the 20th century, Queen’s 1975 hit has been celebrated by band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, who teamed up with YouTube to reveal a newly-remastered version of the song’s video, along with a trio of user-generated film clips.

“We are honoured that ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has just hit one billion views on YouTube,” May and Taylor explained in a statement “We want to thank you all and celebrate with our amazing fans all around the world by creating three new music videos to our songs, all featuring you!”

Likewise, YouTube’s Global Head of Music, Lyor Cohen, noted that the track is not only a phenomenal song but also one that clearly resonated with listeners on a global scale.

“Bohemian Rhapsody is a sonic and cinematic masterpiece that’s one of the most enduring songs of all time,” Cohen explained.

“The newly remastered video on YouTube will ensure the song continues to be rediscovered, embraced and beloved by old and new generations of music fans around the world; it’s incredible to help change the way fans experience music and provide a place for artist and fan connections worldwide.”

In related news, Queen are set to bring their Rhapsody tour to Australia in 2020, performing shows all around the country with acclaimed singer Adam Lambert tackling Freddie Mercury’s iconic vocals.