A flash mob performance of Queen’s 1975 classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Paris has become one of the most-watched viral music moments of the year, amassing over 500 million views across platforms. But alongside the praise, the spectacle has also raised questions about authenticity—was it truly a live flash mob, or a carefully produced performance?

A Song Built for Drama

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” written by Freddie Mercury and released on Queen’s A Night at the Opera (1975), was groundbreaking for its fusion of rock, ballad, and operatic elements. At nearly six minutes long, with layered harmonies and abrupt stylistic shifts, the song defied the conventions of pop radio yet became one of Queen’s defining works. Its theatricality and complexity have made it both a favorite for performers and a challenge to reproduce live.

The Paris Event

On September 8, pianist and content creator Julien Cohen shared the video of the flash mob, staged at Place de la Contrescarpe in Paris’s 5th arrondissement. The production involved 30 musicians, including singer Mickey Callisto—who arrived in dramatic fashion on a horse and carriage—and 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson, a young talent previously seen on Britain’s Got Talent.

The performance was conceived as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Cohen, who is known for organizing elaborate public musical events, revealed that the project took over a year to plan. Behind-the-scenes clips showed opera singers performing from surrounding building windows, creating a layered effect that echoed Queen’s original recording.

Within days of its release, the video had generated over 10 million likes and more than 135,000 comments, with a follow-up “Part 2” video quickly going viral as well. The official Queen social media account praised the tribute, writing: “We absolutely love this.”

Mixed Reactions

Despite the success, not everyone was convinced the performance was entirely live. Some viewers argued the backing vocals sounded “too perfect,” suggesting studio processing. Others pointed out that the piano was slightly sharp compared to the vocals, and that the crowd’s reactions appeared rehearsed.

Comments online reflected the divide:

• “These flash mob performances were real 10–15 years ago. Now, they’re professionally directed.”

• “Outside theater with doctored music from a studio… Question everything is my motto.”

• “I realized right away it was too perfect to be completely real, but it had a nice spirit.”

Still, defenders of the project argued that the performance captured the communal joy of Queen’s music, regardless of whether post-production was involved. As one fan put it: “It doesn’t matter if it was polished—millions of people smiled and sang along.”

Cohen Responds

In response to the criticism, Cohen stressed the effort and intention behind the performance. “Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the few songs almost everyone knows, and performing it live in this way brought real joy to the crowd,” he said. He acknowledged the extensive planning and coordination but maintained that the spirit of the event was genuine.

A Modern Flash Mob

The Paris flash mob highlights the evolving nature of public music spectacles. Where flash mobs once relied on surprise and minimal staging, today’s viral performances often blur the line between live spontaneity and polished multimedia art. In the end, whether fully live or partly produced, the event reinforced the enduring power of “Bohemian Rhapsody” to unite audiences across generations—this time through the lens of digital culture.