Forever in the business of surpassing milestones, Queen’s music video for their magnum opus “Bohemian Rhapsody” has reached over 1 Billion views on YouTube.
Think about that, 1 Billion people have gone out of their way to enjoy the “operatic section”, to listen to Brian May’s crushing guitar solos, and to headbang along like Wayne and Garth.
In a world where “Baby Shark” and “Gangnam Style” can easily get over a Billion views, it is a true testament of Queen’s long lasting and generation spanning appeal.
This milestone begs the question: what rock artist is next to cross the threshold into 1 Billion views? Here’s a list of who might be next to cross that Billion view line..
Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
GNR already have the most viewed Rock video on YouTube with “November Rain”, because of course that’s the most viewed video it has a full minute of just sweeping shots of Slash wailing out a solo. But now they are eyeballing another spot at the top of the list with the second single off Appetite For Destruction soon to cross the 1 Billion threshold.
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Is there a sure fire way to get a Gen-Xer pumped and ready to tackle that Farmer’s Market this weekend? Why yes there is, and it’s a band from Seattle called Nirvana. This is the lead single off their breakthrough album Nevermind and it always has been and forever will be a “banger”.
4 Non-Blondes – “What’s Up”
I’m not here to pass judgment, and I will not speak ill of a song I sing loudly in the shower, but I am genuinely surprised this is as close to hitting 1 Billion. I mean, Linda Perry wrote a great song…but also, really? 4 Non-Blondes?
Scorpions – “Wind Of Change”
Dear 80s Hair Metal Fans, somehow you have kept this genre alive and now the Scorpions might have 1 Billion viewed video. Are you happy now? P.S. Thank you for mullets, something so heinous it might be beautiful.
The Police – “Every Breath You Take”
It makes sense that the stalker national anthem would have almost 1 Billion views online because the internet basically exports creeps. I could sit here and say that the song is well written and well played by The Police, but no I’m gonna chalk this up to dudes named Travis who can’t take a hint.
Photo Credit- PR PHOTOS
