Queen ‘I Want To Break Free' episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 16, 2025 · 5 MIN

Queen ‘I Want To Break Free'

from The Backstage Pass: Song Stories · host Eirewave - The Pop Rock Station

In the early 80s, Queen's fame was already well established, but the band wanted to break into the US market, where they weren't as popular as in the UK. So, they decided to make a music video for their song "I Want to Break Free" to be shown on MTV. The video, directed by David Mallet, was inspired by the British soap opera "Coronation Street" and featured the members of the band dressed in drag, with Freddie Mercury donning a wig and a pink dress. The video was meant to be a playful take on gender roles and stereotypes, but it caused controversy and backlash in the US, where many conservative groups criticized it for promoting homosexuality. Despite the controversy, the video was a hit in the UK and Europe, and it helped to increase Queen's popularity in the US. The song itself, written by bassist John Deacon, is a catchy rock anthem that urges listeners to break free from the constraints of their lives and pursue their dreams. "I Want to Break Free" became one of Queen's most popular songs and is still a fan favorite today. The song's message of liberation and self-expression resonated with audiences then and continues to do so today.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 16, 2025

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Queen ‘I Want To Break Free'

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