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Artist News
Queen’s Greatest Hits becomes first album to reach six million UK sales
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 11 February 2014
Queen’s 1981 ‘Greatest Hits’ release has become the first album ever to sell six million copies in the UK. Yeah, I had to read that again too. It really has never happened before. Apparently one in four households in the UK now has a copy, so there’s a fun new game for you to play (though I assume that spotting the cassette I bootlegged when I was ten won’t count).
Martin Talbot off of the Official Charts Company said this about it all: “Becoming the first album to pass six million sales is a quite incredible achievement by Queen and their iconic ‘Greatest Hits’ album. Ever since it was first released in 1981, this package of classic pop and rock tracks has been an indispensable item in every music fan’s record collection – perhaps THE definitive greatest hits album!”
Alright, let’s not get over excited, Martin. BPI spokesman Gennaro Castaldo found it easier to keep himself in check, saying: “Queen are a part of our music heritage now, with a timeless appeal that will ensure demand for their songs will continue as new generations of fans keep coming through”.
Meanwhile, Brian May was unable to attend the grand press release quote writing session, so sent in a video message:
But who are the other contenders for six million sellers? Well, not really anyone right now, but here’s the top five biggest sellers in the UK to date:
1 Queen – Greatest Hits (6m)
2 Abba – Gold (5.1m)
3 The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (5.1m)
4 Adele – 21 (4.7m)
5 Oasis – (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? (4.6m)