Ghost’s Tobias Forge Sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

The recent Polar Music Prize ceremony held in Stockholm became a memorable event, in part, thanks to a remarkable performance by Tobias Forge, the frontman of the Swedish band Ghost, and Fredrik Åkesson, guitarist of the band Opeth. Together with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, they delivered a compelling rendition of Queen’s iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This performance was especially daunting as it was held in front of an illustrious audience, including Queen’s guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, their current frontman Adam Lambert, and Swedish royalty, King Carl Gustaf. Forge, despite his initial nerves, embodied the spirit of Papa V Perpetua, a character he often adopts, and delivered a powerful vocal performance that resonated with the attendees.

The ceremony recognized Queen, along with jazz legend Herbie Hancock and soprano conductor Barbara Hannigan, for their extraordinary contributions to music. The Polar Music Prize, likened to the Nobel Prize in music, has a rich history of honoring luminaries across genres. Brian May acknowledged the significance of this recognition, reflecting on Queen’s unexpected yet illustrious journey over the decades. Both May and Taylor expressed gratitude, noting that the band’s chemistry was a critical element in their global success, which has now been further commemorated by this prestigious award.

Tobias Forge and Fredrik Åkesson’s collaboration at the Polar Music Prize was not their first endeavor together. Åkesson had worked on Ghost’s recent album *Skeletá*, which marked a milestone by becoming their first number one album in America. Ghost’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was followed by more tributes to Queen, with Erik Grönwall of Skid Row performing “Stone Cold Crazy” and Adam Lambert delivering renditions of “Who Wants To Live Forever” and “Another One Bites The Dust.” The celebration underscored the timeless appeal of Queen’s music and its ongoing influence across generations.

The Polar Music Prize’s esteemed reputation is bolstered by its past recipients, which include giants like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Metallica, and Bob Dylan, underscoring its position as a beacon of musical achievement. The ceremony comes in the wake of Ghost’s burgeoning success, highlighted by the release of their album *Skeletá*, which has been praised for its exploration of diverse musical landscapes and emotional depth.

In addition to music, the event was a meeting point for global culture, celebrating excellence in both contemporary and classical music. Herbie Hancock’s contributions to jazz were honored, with performances by Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper, who celebrated his works “Trust Me” and “Watermelon Man.” Meanwhile, pianist Bertrand Chamayou paid tribute to Barbara Hannigan’s soprano mastery with renditions of pieces that highlighted her vast influence in the world of classical music.

The Stockholm ceremony was a demonstration of music’s power to cross borders and genres, bringing together wildly diverse artists in celebration of creativity and excellence. As Tobias Forge and Ghost continue to make waves in the rock scene with their unique blend of theatrical performance and musical innovation, the Polar Music Prize added another significant chapter to their legacy, affirming their place within the tapestry of global music legend.

The convergence of talents at the Polar Music Prize, blending the classical richness of the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir with the progressive metal edge of Opeth and the operatic metal flair of Ghost, created a quintessential moment in music history. The performance not only honored Queen’s enduring legacy but also celebrated the musical diversity that continues to define and elevate the global music landscape.