Ghost and Fredrik Åkesson Perform “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Front of Queen Legends at Polar Music Prize 2025

On May 27, 2025, Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel became the site of an unforgettable musical moment. During the prestigious Polar Music Prize ceremony, Swedish rock sensation Ghost joined forces with Opeth’s guitarist Fredrik Åkesson and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir to deliver a stunning rendition of Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance was a dramatic fusion of theatrical flair, vocal mastery, and instrumental brilliance, staged in front of Queen’s surviving members and even Swedish royalty.

The Polar Music Prize is often called the “Nobel Prize of Music,” celebrating extraordinary contributions to global music culture. With Queen as one of this year’s honorees, the evening carried significant emotional weight. Choosing “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the centerpiece tribute added both symbolic power and a musical challenge that few artists would dare to take on.

Tobias Forge, fronting Ghost as Papa V, stepped onto the stage with poise and charisma. His vocals combined solemn reverence with expressive flair, setting the emotional tone early on. Alongside him, Fredrik Åkesson provided a commanding guitar performance that balanced technical precision with deep melodic soul, elevating the tribute to another level.

Åkesson, best known for his progressive metal work with Opeth, proved his versatility as a guitarist by seamlessly adapting to Queen’s theatrical rock sound. His solos were sharp, soulful, and perfectly in sync with the grandeur of the song. The performance allowed him to step out of his usual genre and explore a more operatic landscape, something fans hadn’t seen from him before.

The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir added haunting, heavenly depth to the performance. Their harmonies created a grand, almost celestial atmosphere, echoing the complexity of the original arrangement. Their presence made it feel less like a concert and more like a once-in-a-lifetime musical ritual.

Covering “Bohemian Rhapsody” is no small task—it’s one of the most structurally and emotionally complex songs in rock history. But the collective performance from Ghost, Åkesson, and the choir honored every dramatic twist and operatic shift with careful attention. It wasn’t just a cover; it was a reinvention that paid tribute without imitation.

The reaction in the room was overwhelming. From fans to fellow musicians, from Swedish royals to Queen’s own Brian May and Roger Taylor, the standing ovation that followed was as long as it was loud. The energy in the room made it clear: this performance had hit its mark.

The collaboration highlighted the sheer talent within Sweden’s music scene. Both Ghost and Opeth have earned global acclaim, and seeing their members unite on such a prestigious platform demonstrated how strong and diverse the country’s rock heritage truly is. It was a national moment as much as an international one.

Choosing “Bohemian Rhapsody” also showed an understanding of its timeless message. The song’s themes of fate, identity, and redemption echoed through the hall. It reminded everyone present why music like this continues to matter across generations and genres.

After the performance, clips quickly spread across social media, gathering millions of views. Fans were amazed by how the song had been both respected and reimagined. The buzz wasn’t just online; critics and publications around the world praised the collaboration for its creativity and emotional impact.

For Tobias Forge and Fredrik Åkesson, this performance became a defining moment in their careers. It gave Forge a chance to showcase his vocal depth outside of Ghost’s usual theatrical context. For Åkesson, it was a rare moment to shine in a totally different musical world—and he did so effortlessly.

The impact of the tribute went beyond one evening. It sparked conversations about the enduring legacy of Queen and how iconic songs can be brought to new life through daring collaboration. It proved that even masterpieces can be reborn with fresh emotion and new voices.

The Polar Music Prize’s mission is to unite music across boundaries, and this performance embodied that vision perfectly. It was a blend of rock, metal, opera, and choral music—all brought together in a breathtaking six-minute masterpiece. Audiences walked away not only entertained but genuinely moved.

The success of this performance is likely to open doors for more collaborations across genres. It showed artists the power of stepping outside their comfort zones and creating something bold and meaningful. It was a powerful reminder that great music is timeless, but it’s never finished.

In the end, Ghost, Fredrik Åkesson, and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir didn’t just perform “Bohemian Rhapsody”—they redefined it. Their interpretation honored the spirit of Queen while breathing new energy into one of the most cherished songs in rock history. It was a performance destined to be remembered as one of the defining musical moments of 2025.