The grand finale of the 2025 BBC Proms season erupted into a joyous, genre-defying celebration last night, as comedian and musician Bill Bailey took the helm as guest director alongside legendary Queen guitarist Brian May.
Held at a packed Royal Albert Hall, the event masterfully blended the traditional pomp of the occasion with surprising and delightful modern twists. Bailey, conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, showcased his profound musicality and wit, while May's iconic guitar tones provided some of the evening's most electrifying moments.
A Night of Unexpected Duets and Rousing Anthems
The programme was a testament to Bailey's eclectic taste. The night soared to new heights with a breathtaking performance of 'The Blue Danube', during which Brian May emerged to weave his signature guitar magic over the Strauss waltz, creating a truly unique symphonic-rock fusion that brought the house down.
Further highlights included a witty medley from the cult film This Is Spinal Tap and a beautifully arranged segment dedicated to the works of electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, proving that no corner of the musical universe was off-limits.
Upholding Tradition with a Modern Flair
True to its roots, the evening was anchored by the traditional patriotic anthems. The audience roared through 'Rule, Britannia!', 'Land of Hope and Glory', and 'Jerusalem' with unabated fervour, showered by a blizzard of red, white, and blue balloons.
Bailey's closing speech was a heartfelt and humorous ode to the unifying, life-affirming power of music, a sentiment that perfectly captured the spirit of the entire Proms season. The night concluded with a soulful mass singalong of 'Auld Lang Syne', leaving the audience elated.
This Last Night will be remembered as one of the most inventive and warmly received in recent memory, a triumphant showcase of how classical traditions can brilliantly collide with rock and comedy to create something spectacularly new.
