Queen fans were recently surprised and upset when the band’s hit song “Fat Bottomed Girls” was removed from their “Greatest Hits” album on a popular children’s music platform called Yoto. However, it has now been revealed that the band actually signed off on this change.
The “Greatest Hits” album, which features iconic songs by the Freddie Mercury-led band, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” was recently added to the Yoto platform. The platform is designed to provide children with audio content that is suitable for their age group. However, “Fat Bottomed Girls” was noticeably missing from the lineup.
While some fans expressed outrage over what they perceived as “woke-ism” or excessive political correctness, a representative for Queen’s lead guitarist, Brian May, clarified that the band themselves agreed to the song being omitted from the children’s platform. May’s representative did not provide any additional comments regarding the decision.
Yoto’s version of the “Greatest Hits” album features the original and unedited recordings of the songs, and although no swear words are used, the platform advises parental discretion when playing the content to or around younger children. This disclaimer ensures that parents are aware of the nature of the songs and their content.
It’s important to note that Yoto’s decision to exclude “Fat Bottomed Girls” from their children’s platform was not made unilaterally. The band members themselves were involved in the decision-making process and approved the removal of the song. This collaboration between Queen and Yoto aims to provide a curated selection of music that is appropriate for young listeners while still offering an enjoyable musical experience.
While fans may have had expectations about the inclusion of “Fat Bottomed Girls” on the Yoto platform, it’s crucial to respect the band’s creative control and their decision to tailor their music to different audiences. Queen’s music has a wide range of themes and styles, and the band has the right to determine how their songs are presented on various platforms.
The controversy surrounding the removal of “Fat Bottomed Girls” from the “Greatest Hits” album emphasizes the challenge faced by artists and music platforms in maintaining a balance between artistic expression and audience suitability. Yoto’s intention is to provide a safe and age-appropriate listening experience for children, and this sometimes requires making difficult decisions about song selections.
As with any creative decision, there will always be differing opinions and reactions from fans. However, it’s important to remember that artists have the right to evolve and adapt their music to different contexts and audiences. Queen’s approval of the exclusion of “Fat Bottomed Girls” on the Yoto platform demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that their music is enjoyed responsibly and in line with the intended audience.
In conclusion, the removal of “Fat Bottomed Girls” from Queen’s “Greatest Hits” album on the Yoto platform was not a unilateral decision made by the children’s app. The band members themselves agreed to the song’s omission, understanding the need to tailor their music for younger listeners. This collaboration between Queen and Yoto reflects the importance of maintaining an age-appropriate listening experience while still celebrating the band’s iconic music.