Queen have been crowned the UK’s most played rock act of the 21st century.
The legendary rock band have amassed more than 400 million seconds of radio and TV airplay, with their most played track being A Kind Of Magic, according to music licensing firm The PPL’s chart to celebrate National Album Day.
I Want To Break Free, Don’t Stop Me Now, Radio Ga Ga, and Somebody To Love complete the top 5 most played hits by the group.
Guitarist Brian May responded: “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, Chief Executive Officer, PPL said: “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. 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.”
In second place is David Bowie, followed by U2, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Stereophonics, The Rolling Stones, The Police, The Killers, and Kings of Leon.
National Album Day takes place on October 18, and this year’s theme is Rock, with 60 limited edition albums set to be released in celebration of the format.
Wolf Alice, Iron Maiden, Nova Twins and Architects were named Album Champions for National Album Day.
Over the years, countless artists including Kylie Minogue, Joy Crookes, Sharleen Spiteri, Lewis Capaldi, Mark Ronson, La Roux, Elbow, Paloma Faith, Blossoms, and Alice Cooper have supported NAD.
The UK’s Top 10 most played rock acts of the 21st century:
Queen
David Bowie
U2
Oasis
Fleetwood Mac
Stereophonics
The Rolling Stones
The Police
The Killers
Kings of Leon