“Bohemian Rhapsody” Covered by Sixpence, 1976

In October 1976, a Washington D.C. area wedding band called Sixpence performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, nearly a year after the song’s release. This performance, particularly their rendition of the song’s operatic section, was noted for its impressive execution by a five-member vocal group without a dedicated lead or rhythm guitarist. The Washington Post reported that the band rehearsed the song for a month or two before performing it live.

Sixpence, a band known for their wedding covers, played at the Bastille Club in Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C. The band’s ability to perform the complex harmonies and operatic sections of “Bohemian Rhapsody” using only their voices was a highlight of their live shows. The band’s performance was particularly notable considering they did not have a lead or rhythm guitar.

The band’s rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was so well-received that it reportedly stopped wedding guests in their tracks, with some describing it as like watching a “flying trapeze act” to see if they could pull it off. Sixpence continued performing for over 20 years, disbanding around 1992.