Brian May reflected on how the song marked a pivotal moment in the band’s career as it marked the 50th anniversary of Queen’s chart-topping hit Bohemian Rhapsody.
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Queen with Adam Lambert, who joined the band in 2011 (Image: Getty)
Bohemian Rhapsody, one of the band’s most popular anthems, has a surprising influence, according to legendary Queen legend Brian May. After dominating the charts for a remarkable nine weeks in 1975, the song now celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The group simply expressed the hope that it would be a “nice track” for their record A Night At The Opera when it was released in a time of financial hardship and soaring inflation. It spurred a dramatic change for the band, and it continues to be regarded as one of their most significant successes to this day.
The anthem’s operatic passages, rock ballad elements, and guitar solo, which were all composed by their late frontman Freddie Mercury, set it apart from their other works. Looking back on the masterpiece, Brian said, “We thought, This is going to be a nice track for our new album, which hopefully is going to save us, because we’re seriously in debt and in a very bad situation with regard to management.”
Roger Taylor, his bandmate, said, “We certainly weren’t thinking in terms of number one; we just thought it was the album’s best song. The most intriguing, unusual thing ever happened.
The song, according to Brian, 78, may have resonated with listeners because it conveyed a message during a time when Britain was hailed as “the sick man of Europe.” The phrase was used to describe the country’s financial problems and workplace disruptions at the time.
The guitarist continued, “Music can really save you and lift your spirits when times are difficult.” “I’ve received so many letters over the years saying that one of our songs has helped people overcome depression and find a new purpose.”
Nobody really knows where Bohemian Rhapsody came from, so perhaps the right time was right for it.
No one could have imagined that it would have been so devastating to the general public at that time, he added.
Beyond topping the charts, Brian recalls finally becoming popular with the public, not just their devoted followers.
Frontman and keyboard player Freddie, who passed away in 1991 at the age of 45, wrote the legendary song.
Brian and Roger continued recording and performing until a short while after his tragic passing, occasionally collaborating with other musicians.
The duo released the album The Cosmos Rocks in 2004 and collaborated with Paul Rodgers between 2004 and 2009.
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The American Idol sensation took on vocal duties on the tour with Queen + Adam Lambert from 2011 onward.
The 79-year-old actress from “lovely piece” about the sensitive subject of growing older shared words from the “lovely piece” that she referred to as “conscious of growing older.”
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Joanna Lumley revealed that she’d discussed her funeral plans with her husband(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Joanna Lumley has admitted that she’s “conscious of growing older” as she shared insights into her views on death. Speaking in a recent interview, the 79-year-old Absolutely Fabulous actress, who has recently released a book featuring lines from some of her favourite authors — titled My Book of Treasures — addressed the topic of death.
Her comments came as she discussed a “lovely piece” by 18th-century English writer Samuel Johnson, whose words, Joanna says, convey a “general feeling” that “life goes by” and that we must be “ready” for death.
It also prompted her to reveal that she’d discussed her funeral plans with her husband, Stephen Barlow, and shared a segment from a profound poem by a “great sage poet”, the Indian polymath, Rabindranath Tagore.
Joanna told Hello! magazine: “One’s conscious of growing older. And therefore I’ve got a lovely piece by Samuel Johnson, written in 1770, saying: ‘I’m an old man now, so hope I get through the year and granted the grace to behave properly.’
“Be prepared for it, everyone, regardless of how old or young we are, and life goes on, whether it’s good or bad.”
Joanna explained further that she had spoken with Stephen about her death and that he thought your own funeral had nothing to do with you.
In response, Joanna stressed that she wouldn’t like to have a service, to which she says he replied that this would “be up to him and her son, photographer Jamie Lumley, if they’re around.”
She continued, “I like the very last poem in the book by the great sage poet, Rabindranath Tagore, who said, “Death is not extinguishing the light: it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” And you think, “Oh, that’s amazing.
In other news, Joanna, who plays Grandmama Hester Frump in the most recent season of Netflix’s Addams Family spin-off show Wednesday, reportedly took aim at Bad Romance singer Lady Gaga last month.
Joanna, a member of the House of Gucci actress, claimed that no one was able to see her during the shooting in Ireland because she makes an appearance as Rosaline Rotwood’s spirit on the show.
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Meanwhile, Joanna compared this to “utter sweetheart” George Clooney, who starred in a comedic Downton Abbey sketch alongside her, and claimed he “did photographs with every single person.”
She also shared a behind-the-scenes tidbit about Wednesday during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show. Speaking to hosts Alex Jones and Angellica Bell, Joanna opened up about her accent on the show.
Reggae music legend Jimmy Cliff’s passing was revealed by his family this afternoon. His hits include You Can Get It If You Really Want.
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Jimmy Cliff has died at the age 81(Image: Getty Images)
Reggae music legend and cultural icon Jimmy Cliff has died at the age 81, his family have announced.
The You Can Get It If You Really Want hitmaker’s wife, Latifa announced the sad news via a statement on Instagram this afternoon, which was also signed by also signed by their children Lilty and Aken. It read: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
Andrew Holness, the prime minister of Jamaica, is one of the tributes to the actor. He described Jimmy as a “true cultural giant whose music has opened the door to the world for our country.” He continued, “Jimmy Cliff told our story with all the love and care.” His music gave people hope during difficult times, inspired generations, and contributed to the respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.
He was a teenager before his father moved him to Kingston, where he would become known as Jimmy Cliff. He sold millions of records and collaborated with Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, and he became a star when he was born in Saint James, Jamaica, in the name James Chambers.
The humanitarian activist’s I Can See Clearly Now cover was featured on the soundtrack to the 1993 film Cool Runnings, which featured Johnny Nash.
In a 2019 interview, he said, “When I’ve accomplished all my goals, I guess I’ll have done it and I can just say “great.” However, I’m still hungry. I desire it. I’ve got the brightly burning fire inside of me, as I just said to you. There are still many rivers I need to traverse.”
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Working with Wyclef Jean and his 30 studio albums, he released his most recent album, Refugees, in 2022. He also had an acting background, appearing as the lead in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come.
His family has made an announcement about the legendary singer’s passing in a statement.
Money and lifestyle hub, Robert Rowlands deputy editor
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Jimmy Cliff performs on stage in 2006
Jimmy Cliff, a legendary singer, has passed away. His wife made a statement about the news. Jimmy was 81.
After the release of the movie The Harder They Fall, the reggae singer attracted attention everywhere. He sang the soundtrack and played the hero in the film. Some people believe that the movie introduced reggae to America. You Can Get It If You Really Want and I Can See Clearly Now are two classics that he sang.
Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death in a statement on Instagram. She said: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.
“Jimmy, my darling, I wish you a peaceful rest. I’ll make your wishes come true. Lilty and Aken, their children, also signed the message.
People can look out for red flags of pneumonia. The condition is an inflammation of the lungs that is normally caused by an infection. The NHS says that most people get better within 2 to 4 weeks.
However, the NHS says that people who have heart or lung conditions, such as those who are older, are at risk of developing serious illnesses and may require hospital treatment.
What signs and symptoms of pneumonia should you look for?
The NHS website outlines what to look for – and says signs can appear suddenly. These include:
a high temperature
feeling exhausted
breathlessness
chest pain
an aching body
Feeling confused is a common occurrence for older people.
a cough – yellow or green mucus (phlegm) may be sneezed up.
breathing that makes wheezing sounds. Babies may also make grunt sounds.
Appetite decline
If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, you’ve been coughing up blood, experiencing chest pain that keeps coming on and going, or experiencing shortness of breath, you should request an urgent GP appointment or seek medical attention from NHS 111.
If:
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Your baby’s floppy sensation prevents you from awakening them.
you are choking, gasping, and unable to speak because you are struggling to breathe.
you suddenly become perplexed, for instance, you don’t know where you are.
you have lips, tongue, lips, or blotchy skin that is pale, blue, or blotchy.
Richard Madeley pulled out of hosting Good Morning Britain last week after falling ill, and it’s not the first time the presenter has faced health issues
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Richard Madeley has been open about his health issues over the years (Image: ITV)
Richard Madeley caused worry last week when he withdrew from Good Morning Britain due to sickness. After being replaced by ITV News editor Paul Brand for two days, the 69-year-old host made his comeback and told audiences he had been battling Covid, and it’s not his first encounter with health troubles over the years.
Perforated eardrum
In 2024, Richard disclosed that a Covid infection he picked up in France made him deaf in one ear, which sparked difficulties on Good Morning Britain. Detailing the “big mistake” that made the problem deteriorate, he revealed: “After I was no longer infectious, I took the short-haul flight home. Big mistake.
“A build-up of fluid behind my right eardrum burst it as the cabin air pressure fluctuated. Perforated eardrums, my hearing consultant reassured me, almost always repair themselves. I just had to be patient,” he told The Spectator.
“But it turned out it was everyone else who had to be patient. Conversations were now peppered with: ‘Pardon?’ ‘What?’ ‘Say again’ ‘Speak up!’ It drove my wife mad. And the sensation of deafness on only one side meant my world seemed permanently off-kilter,” he added. “Try walking around with a finger stuck in one ear and you’ll see what I mean.”
Richard went on to say that the condition had also forced him to lip-read during interviews on Good Morning Britain, and struggle hearing what people said in busy restaurants and pubs. After enduring his “muted new world” for five months, he claimed his hearing then “returned overnight”.
He recalled: “Went to bed deaf, woke up to hear the birds singing outside. Perfection miraculously healed. So if it happens to you, hang on in there.”
Effects of smoking
Once a smoker, Richard has previously revealed how a chilling interview spurred him to kick the habit.
The presenter, who described himself as having “a very addictive personality,” explained that this characteristic resulted in a routine of puffing through three packets of cigarettes a day.
Richard eventually made a U-turn on his habit after the death of journalist John Diamond left him “so shaken”.
John, Nigella Lawson’s first husband, died in 2001 from terminal throat cancer triggered by smoking. Though the father-of-two managed to ditch the addiction, its consequences still persist.
Writing in his Daily Express column, Richard revealed he has been left with a permanently compromised respiratory system and a greater cancer risk compared to those who have never smoked.
He reflected: “Cigarettes killed my father at 49 (I was 21 when he died). Yet still I continued to smoke, despite numerous attempts to give up. I finally managed to stop aged 40, after interviewing John Diamond, Nigella Lawson’s first husband, who was dying (horribly) from smoking-induced throat cancer.
“I was so shaken by the encounter I never touched a cigarette again. Even so, I’ve been left with a permanently impaired respiratory system, and my cancer risk will never return completely to normal.”
Heart disease concerns
Following the deaths of his grandfather, father, and uncle from heart attacks, Richard remains “conscious” about his health and takes steps to reduce any potential heart disease risk.
The presenter believes their deaths resulted from poor individual lifestyle decisions – including heavy smoking and carrying excess weight – and therefore doesn’t worry about a strong hereditary connection.
However, he takes preventative measures to maintain his fitness and health, including walking 10,000 steps daily and monitoring his diet carefully.
He also drinks a daily shop-bought yoghurt formulated to help reduce cholesterol levels.
Speaking about his regime, he said: “I’m active around the house, my kids say I’m very annoying because I never really sit down. I’m always doing stuff on my feet. I’m on my feet a lot and I walk a lot. I don’t do a step count, but I’m sure I do over 10,000 steps a day. We all know that walking is one of the most effective exercises you can do.”
While a guest on The Dr Hilary Show podcast, he continued: “My blood pressure is very good and my cholesterol level is low. I take a little supermarket-bought statin every day – a little yoghurt – which does help lower cholesterol, and I have regular health checks.”
Dementia fears
Richard and his wife of many years, Judy Finnigan, have spoken candidly about their fears of developing dementia.
Speaking to The Guardian, he confessed the condition “frightens [him] in ways death doesn’t.” He continued: “These days forgetting things comes with a pang of panic. So far, I seem to have avoided it, but the worry won’t go away.”
Sharing his fears in her Daily Express column, Judy said the “dramatic rise” in life expectancy has “come at a price”.
She explained: “It’s brought with it a host of anxieties mostly unknown to our grandparents’ generation, and the generations before. Sadly, today it’s the leading cause of death in the country.”
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The former This Morning presenter disclosed that such concerns often prompt them to constantly monitor themselves, and question whether small memory lapses could signal early stages of the illness.
She went on: “Is forgetting why we just opened the fridge an early warning sign? Or mislaying the car keys? Or struggling to remember if it was William Hague or Ian Duncan Smith who took over from John Major as Tory leader? Of course, generally it’s others – family, friends, or colleagues – who make that first, hesitant diagnosis.”
However, if you’re bored of Love Actually and The Holiday, you might as well check out this week’s Netflix “alternative” Christmas movie starring a former Disney Disney star.
Assistant Editor, Social News, Samantha Bartlett
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Many people are excited to watch the upcoming Christmas film (stock image)(Image: Nico De Pasquale Photography via Getty Images)
With the nights getting dark and cold as autumn is upon us and winter approaches, many people are searching Netflix for something to watch, and what better way to get ready for Christmas than a festive film. If you’re bored of the likes of Love Actually and The Holiday though, you’re in luck, as this week Netflix is releasing an ‘alternative’ Christmas film starring a former Disney star.
Olivia Holt portrays Sophia, a sharp-witted retail worker who tries to rob Christmas Eve’s most notorious department store in Jingle Bell Heist. The only issue is that Nick (Connor Swindells), a pitiful repairman, also wants the same prize.
Sophia and Nick’s relationship is threatened as they are forced into an uneasy alliance and as their feelings for one another grow.
Olivia, a US actress, is best known for playing the roles of Kim Crawford and Lindy Watson in the Disney Channel original film Girl vs. Monster and Olivia is best known for her roles in the Disney Channel original movies Girl vs. Monster and Kickin’ It on Disney XD.
Sophia voiced characters in Ultimate Spider-Man, Tinker Bell, and the Legend of the NeverBeast and also appeared as Young Georgia in Shake It Up.
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Connor Swindells meanwhile is best known for starring in Netflix show Sex Education as well as the Barbie film and series SAS Rogue Heroes.
Many people were enthralled to see Olivia playing a novel role, as well as the possibility of working with Connor.
One person gushed, “Olivia Holt is a brilliant actress!” as the trailer came out. She needs to appear in more films of this caliber.
While another stated, “Anything Olivia Holt is in I’m watching.
A third chimed in, “I’d like to see Olivia Holt resurrect!”
While a fourth added, “I’ve been a fan since her Disney days, and I’m so excited to see her in this.”
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Another person also wrote, “I didn’t believe that having these two acts together this year was what I needed.”
While another reaffirmed: “OLIVIA AND CONNOR” NEVER MAGNIFIED
