More than 40 years after its release, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been RIAA-certified Diamond - making Queen the first band from the United Kingdom to achieve the milestone.
The song, which was released in 1975, reached the diamond status by amassing over 10 million in sales and stream equivalents in the United States. "Bohemian Rhapsody" was Queen's first top 10 hit in the US. It peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became the group's first single to reach #1 on the UK chart that year.
After Freddie Mercury's death, the tune returned to the top of the UK singles chart in 1991. It also rose to #2 on the US tally that year, propelled by its iconic appearance in the comedy Wayne's World. In 2018, the song was introduced to a new generation of music lovers from the Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
"This is incredible news," said Queen guitarist Brian May in a statement. "At times like this I have to pinch myself to be sure it's real. All those wild dreams we had -- this is beyond any of them. Huge thanks to all who have believed in us over the years."
Drummer Roger Taylor added, "It's a wonderful and gratifying thought to know the song has reached out and connected with so many people! We thank you all...onwards."
In related news, Queen's Platinum Collection, Vol. 1-3 compilation, which includes "Bohemian Rhapsody," has just been certified five-times Platinum by the RIAA. Additionally, Queen has a new YouTube series called Queen The Greatest, which highlights 50 of the greatest moments from the band’s history. New videos are uploaded every Friday. Watch the debut episode here.
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Article Image: Queen during a 1980 concert in The Netherlands. (Buurserstraat38 via DepositPhotos.)
