Queen have done it again. The legendary rock band has been officially crowned the most played rock act of the 21st century in the United Kingdom, according to new data from PPL. Decades after their debut, the group’s music still dominates the airwaves, proving that true rock never fades
The legacy of Queen continues to grow louder with every passing decade. More than fifty years after their first hits shook the airwaves, the legendary rock band has been named the most played rock act of the 21st century in the United Kingdom — a title that proves their music hasn’t just endured, it’s immortal.
According to new data released by PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited), Queen’s songs have been broadcast for more total airtime than any other rock group in the modern era. Decades after Freddie Mercury’s unmistakable voice first roared through speakers, Queen still dominate radio, television, and digital playlists, their sound echoing across generations and continents.
The numbers speak volumes. In the UK alone, the band’s music has accumulated over 400 million seconds of airplay — the equivalent of years of constant rotation. The most played song is the shimmering anthem “A Kind of Magic,” followed by timeless favorites like “I Want To Break Free,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Somebody To Love.” Each track, no matter how often it’s heard, still carries the same fire, joy, and rebellion that made Queen a cultural phenomenon.
The recognition came as part of celebrations for National Album Day, a yearly event that honors the artistry and history of recorded music. For this year’s edition, themed around rock, PPL compiled a list of the UK’s most-played rock acts of the 21st century — and Queen easily claimed the top spot. What makes the achievement remarkable is that most of their discography was created in the 20th century, long before streaming platforms, TikTok virality, or digital radio even existed. Yet somehow, their songs remain omnipresent — sung, sampled, and rediscovered by audiences young and old.
Brian May, Queen’s legendary guitarist, expressed his delight at the news. “It’s incredible,” he said. “When you think that most of our work was created in the 20th century, it’s amazing to be at the top of a list for the 21st. We’re deeply thankful to all our fans.” His words capture exactly what has made Queen more than a band — they’ve become a shared experience, a sound that bridges time and culture.
The announcement comes as the UK prepares for this year’s National Album Day on October 18, a celebration of music as both art and emotion. The 2026 theme focuses on rock, accompanied by the release of 60 collectible vinyl editions designed to rekindle the tactile joy of holding an album — the artwork, the smell, the ritual of dropping the needle. In a digital world, it’s a reminder of why music in its physical form still feels magical.
Peter Leathem, CEO of PPL, explained that Queen’s achievement highlights how rock continues to dominate British airwaves: “This list shows how deeply rock music still connects with listeners across the UK. Congratulations to Queen for this incredible distinction, especially in such a landmark year for their first-ever Number One hit. Their extensive, beloved catalogue still means so much to people today.”
In second place on the list was another eternal icon, David Bowie, whose artistry continues to shape modern music long after his passing. The rest of the top ten includes U2, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Stereophonics, The Rolling Stones, The Police, The Killers, and Kings of Leon — a lineup that tells the story of rock’s evolution across eras, from classic anthems to modern stadium hits.
Even as rock music has taken a step back from mainstream charts dominated by pop and hip-hop, radio and television still prove loyal to the sound of guitars, drums, and human passion. And among all the names that define that energy, Queen stand taller than ever. Their music isn’t just remembered — it’s alive, pulsing through car stereos, wedding playlists, film soundtracks, and stadium chants.
National Album Day has become more than just a date on the music calendar; it’s a celebration of connection. This year’s chosen “Album Champions,” including Wolf Alice, Iron Maiden, Nova Twins, and Architects, represent different generations of rock’s evolution. From the pioneers of the 1970s to the artists reshaping the genre today, the event reflects how rock continues to reinvent itself without losing its soul.
Since its inception, National Album Day has been supported by artists like Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi, Paloma Faith, Mark Ronson, Alice Cooper, and Elbow — musicians from every genre united by one belief: that albums are more than collections of songs; they’re storytelling experiences, soundtracks to memory and emotion.
For Queen, this recognition is far more than a statistic. It’s a tribute to the fact that their music continues to resonate, inspire, and ignite emotion in listeners who weren’t even born when Freddie Mercury last took the stage. The band’s songs have transcended time, transforming from rock classics into cultural touchstones. From “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the six-minute masterpiece that redefined what a rock song could be, to the euphoric pulse of “Don’t Stop Me Now,” their music remains a symbol of creativity, individuality, and joy.
The enduring success of Queen reveals something deeper about the nature of timeless music. It’s not about trends or algorithms; it’s about heart, craft, and authenticity. Their songs carry emotion that doesn’t fade, lyrics that continue to empower, and melodies that feel both nostalgic and new with every listen. In a world where everything moves at lightning speed, Queen’s sound reminds us that some things are meant to last.
Generations continue to discover them — teenagers discovering “We Are the Champions” for the first time, parents teaching their children the stomp and clap of “We Will Rock You.” Their influence spills across mediums: from biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody to TikTok trends and global stadium tours featuring Adam Lambert, who has carried their anthems into the 21st century with fresh power.
Rock may not dominate the charts anymore, but it still owns the heart of British culture — and Queen are the heartbeat. Their songs are anthems of self-expression, rebellion, and unity. They’ve outlived trends, survived changing formats, and defied musical boundaries. And as this new milestone proves, they’re not just part of history — they’re still writing it.
In the end, Queen’s greatest achievement isn’t being the most played rock act of the century. It’s that, fifty years on, they continue to make people feel something — joy, nostalgia, power, freedom. Their music doesn’t just play; it moves, uplifts, and reminds us why rock will never fade away.
As long as there’s a voice shouting, “We Will Rock You,” there will be a world ready to listen — again and again.
