Queen have been named the UK’s most played rock act of the the 21st century.
According to a new PPL chart to celebrate the upcoming National Album Day 2025, the band have amassed over 400 million seconds of radio and TV airplay, the equivalent of 12.5 years of continuous play this century, with their most played track being ‘A Kind Of Magic’.
Reacting to the accolade, 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.”
Peter Leathem OBE, PPL Chief Executive Officer, PPL added: “This chart underlines how rock music across the decades continues to thrive on UK airwaves. Congratulations to Queen on this great accolade in such a significant anniversary year for their first Number One album [‘A Night At The Opera’]. It’s a testament to their expansive and much-loved music catalogue that they continue to mean so much to UK audiences to this very day.”
David Bowie was the second most played rock act ahead of U2 and Oasis.
You can view the UK’s Top 10 most played rock acts of the 21st century below:
1. Queen
2. David Bowie
3. U2
4. Oasis
5. Fleetwood Mac
6. Stereophonics
7. The Rolling Stones
8. The Police
9. The Killers
10. Kings Of Leon
Queen are set to release a 50th anniversary vinyl reissue of ‘A Night At The Opera’ which features the iconic hit song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on National Album Day on October 18. It will be given a release on crystal clear vinyl and gold labels worldwide.
Other acts issuing vinyl releases include Liam Gallagher, Manic Street Preachers, Iggy Pop, Queen and Architects.
Also included is Amy Macdonald’s sophomore LP ‘A Curious Thing’, The Jesus and Mary Chain’s ‘Psychocandy’, Teenage Fanclub’s ‘Grand Prix’, Stereophonics’ ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ and Manic Street Preachers’ ‘This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours’.
More iconic names like Elvis Presley, Lou Reed, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, also have releases on the way, and other albums celebrating their 50th anniversary like Queen will be Patti Smith’s acclaimed debut ‘Horses’, Status Quo’s ‘On The Level’, and Steve Hillage’s ‘Fish Rising’. You can find the full list here.
This year marks the eighth edition of the event since it was launched by the BPI and ERA in association with broadcast partner BBC Radio 2 in 2018. The theme of 2025 will be centred around rock music.
Wolf Alice, Nova Twins, Architects and Iron Maiden were recently named as Album Champions for its 2025 edition.
Speaking about their ambassadorial role, Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell said: “We are very happy to be part of National Album Day this year. Albums are so important to us – it’s one of the most romantic parts of being an artist/musician/band.”
Nova Twins’ Amy Love and Georgia South, who are returning to the role after being named National Album Day champions last year, echoed her thoughts, saying albums had “always been” the soundtrack to their lives.
“Listening to a favourite album is a form of escapism, losing yourself in another world. They’re portals to different moments in time, each one marking a significant memory. They are often a source of comfort, love, joy, or healing,” the duo added.
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