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Queen Becomes First British Band to Receive RIAA Certification For ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

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Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody” is now RIAA Diamond-certified.

All About Queen’s Diamond Status

Over four decades after the single’s release, the song has reached another milestone. The smash-hit has been officially certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing 10 million or more in sales and stream equivalents in the United States.

Additionally, Queen is the first British band in history to earn the Diamond song award.

“This is incredible news. At times like this I have to pinch myself to be sure it’s real,” Brian May said. “All those wild dreams we had – this is beyond any of them. Huge thanks to all who have believed in us over the years.”

“It’s a wonderful and gratifying thought to know the song has reached out and connected with so many people!” Roger Taylor added. “We thank you all…………..onwards.”

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Beginnings

The song marked Queen’s first Top 10 hit in the United States. In addition, it held the No. 1 spot in the U.K. for nine weeks straight. It became a chart-topper once again in 1991. Unsurprisingly, it was given the title of “most-streamed song of the 20th century.”

Their music video reached one billion views on YouTube. This is the first pre-1990s video to achieve the milestone. The Grammy Hall of Fame inducted the song in 2004.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is also one of the many Queen hits featured on the band’s blockbuster compilation, Platinum Collection, Vol. 1-3, which was just certified 5X Platinum. This blockbuster compendium, which hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200, features tracks like “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Killer Queen,” “Under Pressure,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are The Champions” and so many more.

Be sure to catch Queen on their YouTube channel for their weekly series Queen The Greatest: A Celebration of Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The show highlights their fifty greatest moments as a band so far.

 

Jacklyn is the Editor In Chief of Stage Right Secrets. Jacklyn's photography and articles can also be found on The Recording Academy's GRAMMY.com GRAMMYPro, GRAMMYU, PopCrush, Taste of Country, among other outlets. Besides press Jacklyn is a "Jack of All Trades" working various jobs at local concerts and touring. JacklynKrol.com