The wait is finally over and it was worth every second.
Last Sunday night, the streets of Rue Royale in Paris exploded with music, lights, and emotion as Julien Cohen, Mickey Callisto, Olly Pearson, and Violin Phonix reunited for what fans are now calling “Bohemian Rhapsody 2.”
The monumental flash mob concert, secretly organized to coincide with Paris’ 2025 Christmas light celebrations, gathered more than 300 musicians, the Republican Guard Orchestra, a children’s choir, and dozens of ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary dancers. Under the shimmering Christmas lights, they reignited the magic that once made the world stop scrolling and watch.
Despite the chilly November weather, thousands of Parisians filled the streets as the familiar piano intro of “Bohemian Rhapsody” echoed through the night. When Mickey Callisto stepped forward — joined by Olly Pearson and the angelic harmonies of the choir — the crowd erupted. The performance quickly became a scene of unity and euphoria, with Cohen’s piano leading the charge and dancers spinning under falling snow.
This breathtaking moment marked the official sequel to Cohen’s viral phenomenon, “Bohemian Rhapsody Live in Paris,” which took the internet by storm in 2024. That first flash mob, filmed at Place de la Contrescarpe, featured Callisto as Freddie Mercury and reached over 500 million views across Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube — breaking engagement records overnight.
“It feels like the entire world has seen it,” Cohen said in an earlier interview with Le Figaro. “With the Internet, we reach a wider, younger, and more international audience. It allows people who aren’t used to going to concerts to enjoy music in the middle of their everyday lives.”
Following the massive global success, Cohen promised something “bigger, brighter, and more emotional” — and he delivered exactly that. This year’s edition, produced in collaboration with Violin Phonix, mixed classical and pop in a 30-minute outdoor spectacle divided into five musical scenes.
The location remained a secret until 24 hours before the event, keeping the element of surprise alive. Tickets were free, but attendees could make voluntary donations to support the artists involved.
“It’s not just about the music,” Cohen told local media. “It’s about bringing people together — in the streets, under the same lights — to remind everyone that beauty and art still belong to everyone.”
For those who have followed Julien Cohen’s journey, this was a full-circle moment. The French pianist — a 32-year-old Cambridge graduate from Val d’Oise — has been staging surprise performances in public spaces for years. His videos have now amassed over 30 million followers worldwide, proving that live music can thrive both online and on the streets.
Sunday’s finale brought the magic full circle: as the children’s choir sang the final notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” fireworks lit up the Paris sky, the crowd sang along word for word, and Cohen smiled, visibly emotional behind his piano.
Paris shimmered, voices united, and once again, Julien Cohen reminded the world that even in 2025 — the show must go on.
