In Monte Carlo’s Place du Casino, singer Mickey Callisto led Queen’s 1978 single “Bicycle Race” alongside Violin Phonix founders and soloists Chris Cohen and Maxime Morise. The upbeat rock track, known for its ringing bike bells, contrasted with the grand architecture of Monaco’s historic gambling hub. Classical violin melodies wove through the rock instrumentation as the ensemble brought Mercury’s playful composition to the outdoor setting.
Violin Phonix published the performance on June 29, 2026, as promotional material for La Vuelta Monaco ahead of the Grand Départ. While the video has the loose, spontaneous feel of a flashmob, the video description and credits outline a coordinated production involving Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and Visit Monaco. Virgin Radio also reported the Monaco location, song choice and cycling connection. Recorded before the August race launch, the video shows the ensemble playing to visitors across the paved plaza.
The arrangement extended well beyond the two violin soloists and Callisto’s lead vocal. The credits list a sizable backing band, with Olly Pearson playing guitar, Paul Pasmanian on bass and Martin Pennec on drums. Musical director Emma Kelaleche oversaw the performance, which included additional brass, strings and percussion. A nine-member backing choir helped recreate the vocal layering and harmonies central to Queen’s original studio sound.
Mercury wrote “Bicycle Race” for Queen’s 1978 album “Jazz,” and it was released as a double A-side with “Fat Bottomed Girls.” Callisto, identified in performer profiles as Sunderland-born singer Michael Spence, has built a reputation for interpreting Mercury’s catalog. His background includes appearances on “Britain’s Got Talent” and ITV’s “Starstruck,” along with a prominent 2025 performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” filmed in Paris. Before taking over Monaco, lead singer Mickey Callisto fronted another viral Queen street performance in the heart of Paris.
Some online viewers responded warmly to the tribute and its connection to Queen’s legacy. One YouTube viewer wrote, “Anything QUEEN is gonna make me cry. I love every song. Oh, Freddie.” Another fan praised the lead performance: “Amazing! And the voice of the vocalist is incredible, he sounds like Freddie!” By September 22, 2026, the upload had attracted about 386,000 views and 7,700 likes.
The performance took place ahead of Monaco’s role in the 2026 Vuelta a España. The Grand Départ festivities began with the official team presentation in Place du Casino on August 20, followed by a 9.4-kilometer opening time trial on August 22 and a stage-two departure for Manosque on August 23. The start made Monaco the first host to launch all three men’s Grand Tours, following the 1966 Giro d’Italia and the 2009 Tour de France.