QUEEN CROWNED THE UK’S MOST PLAYED ROCK ACT OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Queen have officially been crowned the UK’s most played rock act of the 21st century, proving that their music continues to reign supreme across generations.

The new chart, released by PPL ahead of National Album Day 2025, celebrates the artists whose songs have dominated British airwaves over the past 25 years. According to the report, Queen’s music has clocked up an astonishing 400 million seconds of radio and TV airplay since the turn of the century, the equivalent of 12.5 years of continuous play.

Their most played track of the century is the 1986 hit ‘A Kind Of Magic’, which continues to be a staple of rock radio, film soundtracks, and television syncs nearly four decades after its release.

Reacting to the honour, guitarist Brian May said:

“Astounding news! Bearing in mind that most of Queen’s major works were done in the 20th century, it’s amazing to top a 21st century list. Big thanks to all our fans.”

The chart, which analysed performance and airplay data across UK broadcasters, placed David Bowie in second place, followed by U2, Oasis, and Fleetwood Mac rounding out the top five.

Most Played Rock Acts of the 21st Century (PPL):

• Queen
• David Bowie
• U2
• Oasis
• Fleetwood Mac
• Stereophonics
• The Rolling Stones
• The Police
• The Killers
• Kings Of Leon

It’s yet another remarkable achievement for a band whose catalogue continues to inspire new generations. Despite the loss of frontman Freddie Mercury in 1991, Queen’s music has never left the spotlight. Their enduring popularity was supercharged in recent years thanks to the success of the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which reignited global interest in the band’s legacy.

Since its release, the film’s soundtrack and classic hits like Don’t Stop Me Now, Somebody To Love, and Bohemian Rhapsody have all surged back into streaming charts, introducing younger audiences to the band’s timeless sound.

Even as trends and technology have evolved, Queen’s appeal remains universal. Their combination of stadium-sized anthems, theatrical performances, and distinctive musicianship continues to captivate fans worldwide, whether through vinyl, Spotify playlists, or radio airplay.

Industry insiders say this latest accolade highlights the band’s unmatched ability to connect across eras. As National Album Day 2025 approaches, celebrating 50 years since the release of A Night at the Opera, Queen’s influence is arguably stronger than ever.

For Brian May and Roger Taylor, who still perform live with Adam Lambert, it’s another testament to the band’s staying power and cultural importance.

Half a century since their debut, Queen are still proving that when it comes to rock royalty, nobody does it quite like them.