On Friday the 25th The Knockturnal attended the #RocklikeQueenTour, in honor of the Digital/Blu-ray DVD release ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ What it is, is a promotional bus ride that was centered in Midtown to give fans the opportunity to “sing-along to their favorite Queen songs.”
Essentially, it was a giant karaoke double decker bus filled with people eager to sing along. People quickly got their tickets to attend the sold out event. Because they were free, loyal Queen fans traveled to secure their chance to ride the bus.
Attendees began the karaoke bus experience by sorting through a assortment of props to sing along to – because after all, who can adequately do karaoke justice without a light up microphone. And if you really wanted to channel your inner Freddie Mercury, there were free mustaches passed around. The inside of the bus was filled with polaroid scenes from the film, with a screen at the end displaying the lyrics.
People were given the choice to sit inside or on the upper deck. Even though it was nearing 27 degrees outside, the show must go on – and I chose the top so that I could hopefully get some onlookers to sing along. To my delight, people on the streets started bopping their head and occasionally waving to us with a smile from ear to ear. One time, someone got on top of the nearest mail box and danced with us – I think the sight would have pleased Freddie Mercury.
Each ride lasts about 30 minutes, and it features a variety of Queen’s hit songs. Inevitably, you can get a little shy – but when you hear the lyrics “Thunderbolts and lightning very very frightening,” it’s almost impossible not to sing along. After all, what’s more ‘New York’ than people singing at the top of their lungs alongside strangers?
The “Rock Like Queen Tour” is driving around to different locations. Next is Austin, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. For fans who can’t make it, there’s a new feature on Amazon Alexa, which enables fans to sing “Ay-Oh” with Freddie when they call out “Alexa, play Ay-Oh live!” The Amazon Alexa skill is activated on devices from January 22 to March 3.
