Bicycle Race

Zoo Freaks, get ready to pedal along with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Bicycle Race" by Queen from their 1978 album Jazz. This quirky track, written by Freddie Mercury, was inspired by a moment of serendipity when Mercury watched the 18th stage of the 1978 Tour de France zoom past his hotel in Montreux, where the band was recording at Mountain Studios. The song’s playful energy captures Mercury’s fascination with the race, though, as guitarist Brian May once noted, Mercury wasn’t exactly a cycling enthusiast himself. The track’s lyrics are a wild ride, packed with pop culture nods to Star Wars, Jaws, Peter Pan, and even political jabs at the Vietnam War and Watergate, reflecting the era’s chaotic spirit. Despite Mercury singing “I don’t like Star Wars,” May revealed in an interview that Freddie was actually a big fan of the sci-fi epic, adding a cheeky layer of irony to the line.

The song’s promotion was as bold as its lyrics. To hype up "Bicycle Race" and its double A-side single with “Fat Bottomed Girls,” Queen staged a now-infamous bicycle race at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium featuring 65 nude female models. The risqué video, directed by Denis de Vallance, was banned or edited in several countries due to its controversial imagery. A photo from the event became a fold-out poster included with the Jazz album, though some U.S. releases skipped it to avoid backlash. According to a widely circulated story, the bike rental company was so appalled by the event that they demanded Queen replace all the seats, a tale that’s become rock folklore. Fans loved the song’s campy charm, and at live shows, local bike shops reportedly sold out of bells as concertgoers brought them to ring during the song’s iconic bell solo, a tidbit shared by a fan on X in 2018.

Queen formed in London in 1970, a fusion of raw talent and ambition. Freddie Mercury, a flamboyant frontman with a vocal range that could shatter glass, teamed up with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, both from the band Smile. Bassist John Deacon joined soon after, completing the classic lineup. Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, brought a theatrical flair shaped by his art school background and early gigs with local bands. May, a physics student with a knack for crafting intricate guitar riffs, built his own guitar, the Red Special, which became a cornerstone of Queen’s sound. Taylor’s powerhouse drumming and Deacon’s understated grooves gave the band a versatile edge. Their early years were a grind of small gigs and demo tapes, but their 1973 debut album, Queen, caught attention with its blend of glam, hard rock, and operatic flourishes. By the time A Night at the Opera dropped in 1975 with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen was a global force, redefining rock with their genre-defying creativity.

Stay connected with Queen through their official website, where you can dive into their discography and tour history. Follow them on Facebook for updates on archival releases and tributes, or check out Instagram for throwback photos and fan art. Their X account keeps the vibe alive with posts about milestones like “Bicycle Race” earning platinum certification in the U.S., as noted in a 2022 tweet. Fans can join the conversation at The Official International Queen Fan Club, one of the longest-running fan clubs in rock history, or browse Queenpedia for obsessive details on every song and session. For community vibes, the Queen Fans Worldwide Facebook group is a lively spot to swap stories and memorabilia with fellow devotees.