Bicycle Race

Words and music by Freddie Mercury

Recording information by Philipp

Recorded in July/October 1978 at Super Bear Studios, Nice (in France).

The song was probably recorded in four sections:

  1. Main theme
  2. Interlude (1:00-bicycle bells)
  3. Solo
  4. Main theme
For all sections drums, bass and piano were recorded first.

Brian recorded a rhythm guitar (which is doubled in the interlude - in the other parts it isn't doubled). The little guitar choir at 1:23 contains three guitars, the solo is done with four guitars.

Vocals - the first and fourth sections: the intro-chorus vocals contain 5-6 notes,so it's done with three tracks. The second chorus (0:40) has also those three tracks plus a fourth (because it's up to 8 notes). The tracks above probably also contain the multiple vocals in the verses. At 0:58 there is a little overdub by Roger (high vocal notes). The lead vocals are clear.

Vocals - the second section: the whole backing vocals are probably done on two tracks. A third track contains some additional vocals, like some very high notes by Roger (just before the bicycle bells) and some solo phrases (that vocal which sings "I want a" while the choir sings "Bicycle Race").