"The Show Must Go On" is a famous song by the British rock band Queen, featured as the final track on their 1991 album Innuendo. Written primarily by guitarist Brian May and sung by lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, it symbolizes Mercury's determination to continue performing despite his deteriorating health from HIV/AIDS, which was not public knowledge at the time. The song is a powerful rock ballad reflecting perseverance and strength in the face of hardship. Mercury's iconic vocal performance was completed in one take after he famously downed a measure of vodka to muster the strength to sing it. The song was released as a single shortly before Mercury's death and has since been performed live by Queen with other artists in tribute to him.
Additionally, "The Show Must Go On" is also a widely known phrase meaning that despite difficulties, challenges, or setbacks, life or business must continue. It has been used in different contexts beyond the Queen song. There is also a tribute show titled "Show Must Go On" dedicated to Freddie Mercury and his legacy, which was performed in 2025.
