BBC Radio 2 has released the final episode of Eras: Queen, a podcast series exploring the band’s extraordinary journey through five decades of music, legacy and innovation.
The five-part series is to mark National Album Day: Rock and the 50th anniversary of Bohemian Rhapsody today (31 October).
Hosted by comedian and lifelong fan Bill Bailey, the episode features an intimate conversation with Brian May and Roger Taylor as they reflect on Queen’s early struggles, creative triumphs, and enduring impact.
The Eras series, which draws on rare BBC archive material and personal insights from those who knew the band best, celebrates Queen’s lasting contribution to British and global music culture.
Queen remain one of the UK’s most successful musical exports, boasting more than 45 million monthly Spotify streams, over 300 million records sold, and 18 Number One albums and singles worldwide.
But, as May and Taylor recall, the band’s success came after years of hard work and financial difficulty.
Roger Taylor remembered being told not to “drum too hard” because they couldn’t afford new sticks, saying: “We were being badly handled. We were massively in debt… A Night at the Opera was crucial – we had to make it a good one to get out of our situation.”
The pair also shared memories of Freddie Mercury joining the group after the breakup of their previous band, Smile.
“Freddie had such drive and passion, it was impossible to resist him,” said Taylor. “He literally forged himself – an extraordinary man who created himself into this powerful voice and wonderful singer.”
Reflecting on Bohemian Rhapsody, Roger Taylor described the song’s timeless power: “Fifty years on, I am never bored. It still connects with audiences of all ages. It’s Freddie’s masterpiece, but I’m proud to still be a part of it.”
Brian May added that Queen’s sound was shaped by their influences from The Who and Led Zeppelin to The Beatles and Buddy Holly, and by their shared goal of moving audiences: “We wanted to entertain people, to make them feel passion in every way; in sound, in light, in costume,” he says.
The conversation also revisited how Queen helped redefine live performance. Taylor said: “One thing we understood was the power of involving the audience, which wasn’t really done before. We Will Rock You made it simple for anyone to join in.”
The full interview with Bill Bailey, Brian May and Roger Taylor is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and the complete Eras: Queen series can be heard on BBC Sounds.
