Fifty-one years ago today, Queen released a track that would go on to be crowned as the greatest rock song of all time. Decades after its Halloween 1975 debut, “Bohemian Rhapsody” earned another massive honor. Guitarists voted Brian May’s performance the “Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time,” cementing its status in music history.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen Was Released on October 31, 1975
One of the reasons why Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” has continued to connect with listeners for decades is that it breaks the mold of other hit songs. However, before it became legendary, its unique elements held it back so much that the record label refused to release it as a single.
After EMI decided the song was too long to be a single, they wanted to release “You’re My Best Friend” instead. According to Vice, Freddie Mercury then took the matter into his own hands by giving a copy of “Bohemian Rhapsody” to Capital Radio DJ Kenny Everett. The radio employee then played the track 14 times over a single weekend. That resulted in fan demand for the song, which inspired EMI to relent and quickly release it in the U.K. as a single on a day that happened to be Halloween in 1975.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen Was Voted the ‘Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time’ by Guitarists
In July 2022, Guitar World published its ranking of the “50 greatest guitar solos of all time.” The article noted that the list was built after the outlet ran a poll of its readers, which is a group that is dominated by guitarists. The list was topped by Brian May’s unforgettable performance from Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song surpassed other tracks that are often recognized for having all-time great solos, including “Eruption,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Comfortably Numb.”
Unlike other guitar solos that are built on speed and virtuosity, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is heralded as the best guitar solo of all time because of its raw emotion. Coming immediately after the track’s ballad section, May’s epic solo feels like the ultimate release after a tune that takes listeners on a truly remarkable sonic journey. It is a solo so iconic that fans often sing along with every note, which makes it stand out as a rare guitar moment that connects with listeners on an instinctual level. Despite how brief it is, the effect it has on people makes it a deserving choice to top any ranking.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen Was Also Voted the ‘Greatest Rock Song of All Time’
It has often seemed like it is a no-brainer that Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the best songs ever recorded, since lists and rankings regularly recognize its greatness. Still, it was special when Planet Rock Radio published a list that named the track as the “Greatest Rock Song of All Time” in January 2026. As an article on Queen’s website notes, the reason it was so noteworthy is that votes from the station’s listeners decided the ranking, which included 500 tracks.
Next: 57 Years Ago, Led Zeppelin Released the ‘Greatest Drum Solo of All Time’
