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Freddie Mercury wrote this while Queen was touring in Germany. He wrote it while taking a bubble bath in his room at the Munich Hilton. Peter Hince, the head of Queen's road crew, recalled to Mojo magazine September 2009: "The idea for the song came to him while he was in the bath. He emerged, wrapped in a towel, I handed him the guitar and he worked out the chords there and then. Fred had this knack of knowing a great pop song."

This sounded a lot more like Elvis Presley than Queen. It was a different sound for the group, but their fans loved it.

This was the first song Freddie Mercury played rhythm guitar on.

At first, this was not released in the US. Since the album was not out yet, radio stations there started playing import copies of the single. This led Queen's record company to release it in America, about 3 months after it came out in England.

Mercury's name is in the lyrics. He sings, "Are you ready," and the band sings, "Ready Freddie."

On stage, this was an important part of the show. Brian May often used 3 different guitars during the song: the first verse was played by Freddie alone with his guitar, then Brian joined with another Ovation Acoustic; before the third verse he had already switched to a Telecaster on which he performed the solo. During the singalong part (famous for its "ready Freddie" line) Brian again changed instruments to his homemade Red Special. From 1984 onwards Mercury replaced the acoustic with another Telecaster.

The single was very successful for the band, hitting #2 in the UK and becoming their first US #1 hit, There's an unconfirmed legend (commented on by Roger Taylor on the radio show In The Studio, and by Brian May on his website) that declares John Lennon was inspired by this song to go back to the music business. Whether it's true or false is still unknown, but it is a fact that Lennon listened to Queen and he did try new influences on his Double Fantasy album. (thanks, sebas - Tokyo, Japan, for above 2)

Josh Kelley recorded this for the 2005 Queen tribute album Killer Queen. (thanks, Rachel - South Point, OH)

Comments:

I always laugh at the "READY FREDDIE!" part, I don't know why.
- chloe, St. Louis, MO

Country artist Dwight Yokam and r&b diva Diana Ross covered this song.
- John, Nashville, TN

One of the best intros Freddie ever did for this song was in '84.... "Back in '79, I only knew 3 chords on guitar. Now, 5 years later....I only know 2 chords on guitar." For the record, Freddie actually did know a lot more guitar, though...according to 'As It Began' (the official biography of the band), when the band all shared a flat in the early days, Freddie used to walk around, strumming "Pinball Wizard" while everyone else was trying to sleep.
- Ryan, Eaton, IN

I feel you guys have totally missed out the lovely solo and the awsome tone Brian got here.
- vickeybird, Pune, -

And the walking bass lines which really swings it. One of the best in the entire Queen collection IMHO.
- vickeybird, Pune, -

Freddie wrote this song while in the bath.
- Nikki, Perth, Australia

carpyy is a poohead
- f unit, DAPTO, Australia

G R E A T song
- ched -, La Union, Philippines

Yeah, I must agree. This sounds like a Golden Oldie. Matt mentioned it's an Elvis Presley song. I wouldn't know if Elvis ever previously had a version of this one, but I wouldn't be surprised if he did. In this song, Queen sounds like Elvis's low range and the Beatles' high range.
- andrew, birmingham, United States

HEY! This is an Elvis Presley song...
- Matthew, Milford, MA

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Rachel, Cleveland, AL

Cool song. Isn't it. Kind of shows you the vocal abilities of the Emperor of Rock. No offense to Elvis, but he'd never be able to match up with Freddie's range.
- nk, Novi, MI

Freddie also played rhythm guitar on stage when Queen played this song. Sometimes he introduced the song in such a way: «This f***ing guitar only knows these three chords».
- Stefano, Rome, Italy

This is an absolutely mad song. i agree that it's obviously a heaps different sound to the usual queen we get.. (personally i like play the game, we are the champions, ballad part of bohemiain rhapsody sound better) but it's EXCELLENT. i can play the bass part on my keyboard with a shuffle drum beat going... AWESOME
- Zac, Sydney, Australia

It's a lot of fun. I enjoyed the performance video from Live Aid 1985, too. Robert Plant combined this with the song "Thank You" at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert.
- Jonathon, Clermont, FL

This song reminds me of rockabilly music in general. For those of you who don't know rockbilly music is the kind of rock that was recorded by people such as Elvis Pressley, Jerry Lewis, Carl Perkins, and also Johnny Cash early in his career. i can see why people think it's Elvis though. It's sounds like a 1950's rock n roll song.
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

This song is Queen's tribute to "all" their early influences not just Elvis. You have got to remember Elvis never went to England to perform. Bill Hailey was followed by Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, etc. The English wave of '64 and on were not only influenced by Elvis a "no show" but rock acts they could actually go and see. Way to much credit given Elvis and his so called influence on British Rock.
- Alan, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada

This song was performed by 2006 "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks during "Queen Week".
- Sean, Toronto, Canada

My dad asked me the same thing in the car once. He said, "Isn't this an Elvis song?" "Nope, Freddie Mercury wrote it under Elvis' style." And, I agree... I don't think he wrote this in a bath. He did write it on tour in Germany, but I think it was over drinks with May and Taylor. They recorded it tipsy, and it took 'em half an hour, I think.
- Winston, Potomac, MD

Whoops, scratch that... I meant drinks with Deacon and Taylor... May almost didn't make it to the recording session because it was so prompt.
- Winston, Potomac, MD

Another song i LOVE!!! Freddie kicks ass! He really did sound like elvis in this track! haha
- Daryn, coquitlam, Canada

Yeah Freddie wrote this song not Elvis. Do not believe things you see in Kazaa because those people never really listen to the music and just give it a title and artist. Love is certainly a crazy thing.
- Zach, Hershey, PA

For whoever thinks there's a version of Elvis singing this, it's probably really Dwight Yoakam. There are a lot of songs with the wrong artist floating around the internet... like how every single spoof song ever made is attributed to Weird Al Yankovic when a lot of them are obviously not his voice.
- katie, somewhere, NJ

A band called The 88 just performed a cover of this song on the talk show "Last Call with Carson Daly."
- katie, somewhere, NJ

Twenty-six years ago today (February 23rd, 1980), "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen hit Number One on the pop chart, where it stayed for four weeks.
- anitra, greenville, SC

>why are you people mentioning Freddies ass? Because Freddies ass in this video is amazing! Ah.. -drools-
- Amy, Dallas, TX

I think this song was really a tribute to Elvis Presley because it sounds like Elvis and it was made the year after Elvis died (1978)
- nathan, l-burg, KY

Great stuff! Queen on fire!
- Matthew, East Brunswick, NJ

This song also covered by Michael Buble.
- Don, Newmarket, Canada

I just want to point out two things that are wrong wiht the information above, 1 - Freddie didnt write this song in the bath in Germany, he wrote Bicycle in the bath 2 - The lyrics are " Untill Im Ready" not "Are you ready"
- Ace, Kingston , Canada

this song is fun to sing.
- Jeanette, Irvine, CA

(why are you people mentioning Freddies ass?) Sings: This thing (this thing) called love (called love)...
- Bryan, Melbourne, FL

Ahh! Freddie..is a sexy beast. Even if its been 12 years or so..'I Still Love You'
- Amy, Dallas, TX

In reply to LEON who says he downloaded Elvis singing this song. Wrong. Freddie Mercury wrote this track. Freddie was inspired to write this by his idol, Elvis, and also by Grease (the film)
- Jake, Newport, NH

LOL, you're telling ME!!! I don't want to be crude, but HE HAD THE SEXIEST ASS EVER!!!!! And he knew it!!! lol..... My heart jumps out of my chest when I look into his eyes... He literally takes my breath away. Eyes are the first thing I notice about a person.... Ah, what a magnificant creature he was.
- Alicia, Tamaqua, PA

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FREDDIES SO SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Freddie, Orlando, FL

lol, Freddie, orlando, FL..... I would have given everything....especially the part when she grabs his butt...OH YEA lol Yea I noticed that everyone had short hair... I personally think Freddie looked GREAT with his hair at that length. Freddie also had beautiful chocolate eyes that he always accented with black eyeliner... GORGEOUS!!! Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and when you look into his eyes you see nothing but kindness and beauty.
- Alicia, Tamaqua, PA

OOOH MY GOODNESS i know. His eyes were probably the most beautiful part of him. They make my heart jump out of my chest... But then there was his butt. He had, i swear, he had the best butt of any creature who ever existed. It was this adorable little poop offa his body. When he wore leotards.....:D:D:D:D I probly would die if i could grab his butt. ;P
- Freddie, Orlando, FL

LOL, i know, what you you have given to be that kick hes fondling when hes like: "I gotta be cool.. relax..." hahaha CAN YOU IMAGINE? they all had short hair in that one. Even bri if you look at him. The extra guys in that video crck me up. I like when he walks off the set at the end like "ok, im done, i dont care anymore."
- Freddie, Orlando, FL

Elvis did not record this.
- Sigurbjörn, Keflav�k, Iceland

Freddie was sooo HOTTT in the video for this song. I especially loved the part when the girls tore his shirt, and the little scene with the motorcycle. He resembled a bad boy Greaser similar to the ones in the movie "The Outsiders". The movie that comes to mind to which this song is in is "Son In Law" staring Paully Shoure. I'm not sure if this song was in any other films, but I definently know it was in "Son In Law". You know what, I thought Freddie looked better without the Moustache. But even so, he's still HOTTTTT. lol Oh and this is most definently an original piece of Freddie Mercury. It may sound a bit Elvis like, but really has no connection with him what so ever. Its just that Freddie was a fan of his, so why not make a song to resemble that of his Idol. It truely is a great song and I love it to death. I have the Queen Greatest Video Hits 1&2. I watch the video often. :-)
- Alicia, Tamaqua, PA

how cute was fred when he played this on guitar? oh muh gracious.
- Freddie, Orlando, FL

what moveie is this from!!!!!
- kelsey, pineville, LA

Was there any form of music Queen didnt cover?
- Freddie, Orlando, FL

shana - BASICALLY GOOD? they were the next best thing after the Beatles!!!
- liz, someplace, CT

One of the few songs where Brian did not use his Red Special. Instead, he played a Telecaster.
- Kent Lyle, Palo Alto, CA

The video for this song and "Save Me" feature Freddie right before he grew that infamous mustache. Many fans had a minor cow over it. During live shows, fans would throw disposible razors onto the stage.
- Kent Lyle, Palo Alto, CA

i downloaded a elvis presley version of crazy little thing called love.... (use kazaa search elvis presley Crazy little thing called love) and he also sung this song... but queen released it in 79... and elvis died in 77... Well offcourse i like the queen version better... because queen rules... but it is strange Leh
- leon, buitenkaag, Netherlands

Great song! Very retro.
- Madeline, Yakima, WA

This is an ok song, but its queen so its basically good
- Shana, Pembroke, Canada

Great song, people still think it's an Elvis track, Freddie wrote it while taking a bath
- Missael, San Mateo, CA

Dwight Yoakam covered this in about 1995. His version was used for a Gap commercial. Yoakam did another Gap commercial singing "Give a little bit" originally a Supertramp song.
- Eddie, Lachine, MI

When it came out, a lot of people actually thought it's a lost Elvis track. The video features proffessional dancers.
- Sandra, Tel Aviv, Israel