In October 1975, the fate of Queen’s groundbreaking track “Bohemian Rhapsody” was uncertain. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, the song defied radio norms and faced skepticism from record labels wary of its length and unconventional style. But one clever DJ’s cheeky on-air tactic transformed the song from a risky gamble into a chart-topping sensation—and helped cement its place in music history.
The “Accidental” Airplay That Was Anything But
Capital Radio’s Kenny Everett found himself in possession of an early pressing of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” discreetly handed over by Queen’s producer Roy Thomas Baker—and possibly Freddie Mercury himself—with strict instructions not to play it. Instead of keeping it under wraps, Everett hatched a brilliant plan.
Over the weekend, he teased his listeners with brief snippets of the song, humorously claiming that his “finger had slipped” and accidentally played parts of the track. These playful “slip-ups” sparked immediate curiosity and excitement among fans, who began flooding Capital Radio with calls and lining up outside record stores to get their hands on the single—weeks before its official release.
A Weekend of Relentless Airplay
By the time Monday rolled around, Everett had played the full song 14 times over the weekend. The unprecedented listener demand overwhelmed record stores and pressured EMI to reverse its initial hesitation. The single was released promptly and swiftly rose to No. 1 on the UK charts, ultimately becoming the Christmas number one and dominating the top spot for nine weeks.
Crossing the Atlantic and Breaking Radio Rules
Everett’s bold support didn’t just ignite UK success. His actions helped “Bohemian Rhapsody” break into American airwaves, with stations like RKO picking up the track. This momentum encouraged Elektra Records to back the single’s U.S. release, launching Queen’s international stardom.
At a time when radio singles typically ran around three minutes, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a six-minute epic—a format many considered unplayable. Everett’s sneaky “finger slip” and humor defied conventions, proving that daring, unconventional songs could captivate audiences and commercial success.
The Legacy of a Cheeky DJ
Kenny Everett didn’t just spin a record; he engaged listeners with a clever narrative that built anticipation and demand. His innovative approach not only propelled “Bohemian Rhapsody” to legendary status but also reshaped the music industry’s approach to radio airplay and song length.
In the end, Everett’s playful “slip-up” was no accident—it was a masterstroke that helped launch one of rock’s most iconic anthems, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules is the key to success.
