Queen named UK’s most played rock act of 21st century
Queen has achieved the title of the UK’s most played rock act of the 21st century according to PPL, the organization responsible for licensing recorded music for radio, television, and public spaces. With over 400 million seconds of airplay, equivalent to 12.5 years of continuous play, Queen holds the top spot on the chart compiled by PPL. Their track “A Kind Of Magic” is their most played song.
To commemorate National Album Day on October 18, PPL released this chart, showcasing the most played rock acts of the 21st century in the UK. The event, organized by the BPI and ERA in partnership with BBC Radio 2, has become an annual celebration spanning eight years. This year’s focus is on rock music, with record labels releasing 60 limited edition albums for music enthusiasts and collectors.
Alongside Queen, other notable rock acts making the top 10 most played list include David Bowie, U2, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Stereophonics, The Rolling Stones, The Police, The Killers, and Kings of Leon. Queen guitarist Brian May expressed his gratitude for topping a 21st-century list despite the majority of the band’s renowned works being from the 20th century.
Queen’s prominence in the charts and airplay is attributed to their streaming success and enduring legacy. Their record-breaking fourth studio album, “A Night At The Opera,” which included hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” solidified their position as rock legends. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Queen is honoring their legacy with special vinyl reissues of “A Night At The Opera” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The CEO of PPL, Peter Leathem OBE, applauded Queen’s achievement and recognized the enduring popularity of rock music on UK airwaves. He emphasized the significance of their music catalogue in resonating with UK audiences even today. Queen’s top 5 most played recordings of the 21st century including tracks like “I Want To Break Free,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Somebody To Love.”
With their timeless appeal and continued relevance, Queen’s music continues to captivate audiences and earn them accolades in the music industry. This recognition of their impact on the rock genre underscores their status as one of the most iconic and influential bands of all time.