Magnifico... guess what we love to sing in the car?
Queen classic beats Abba and Bon Jovi tracks in poll
QUEEN’S Bohemian Rhapsody has notched up yet another milestone — as Belfast’s favourite song to belt out behind the wheel.
The 1975 chart-topper, penned by late frontman Freddie Mercury (right), revolutionised pop, and 44 years on it’s still a popular choice.
The Children’s Trust has released a nationwide poll showing how music plays an integral part in everyday lives to mark European Music Therapy Day.
Their research found that 83% of
British people admitted to singing in the car.
Bohemian Rhapsody — famously parodied in the movie Wayne’s World — is loved most by the city of Belfast (56%) as a car singalong followed by Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On a Prayer and Abba’s Dancing Queen.
Almost 75% of people surveyed for the research admitted they listened to music to reduce their stress levels.
Along with the psychological and physical benefits music can have on a person’s outlook and health, the poll also reveals how the power of music can have a profound effect on a young person’s rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury.
Brain injury rehabilitation specialists The Children’s Trust maintain that music has the power to inspire and motivate children to walk, talk and smile again after a life-changing accident or illness.
‘Beat the Drum’ is the theme for this year’s European Music Therapy Day, and 17-year-old Haydn knows better than anyone how playing the drums in music therapy can drastically help during the rehabilitation process.
Haydn was hit by a car while cycling in August last year and left with a severe brain injury.
His family was told that he might not live but following 12 days in a coma, he miraculously woke up and then received three months of intensive rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust.
Haydn’s mum Amanda experienced first-hand how music can reconnect a child with the world around them following a brain injury.
“When Haydn arrived at The Children’s Trust, he took up the drums to help with strengthening his hands and to help with his co-ordination,” she said. “His music therapist suggested a programme of melodic intonation therapy to help with his speech.
“Haydn would say words to a rhythm, such as, ‘Can I have a drink please?’, and, ‘Give me time to answer’. This process allowed Haydn to speak sentences and communicate his needs verbally, without using charades.
“By the time Haydn’s referral was over, he was able to play Nirvana’s Come As You Are on the drums at his going home celebration, along with giving a speech to thank the staff at The Children’s Trust.
“It was very emotional and we were all so proud of him, so we know how important music therapy is first-hand. It has given us our son back.”