The rights are owned by Queen themselves. They were one of the first bands to keep all their own rights and then self licence them (ie instead of the album/songs belonging to EMI, Queen Production Ltd licence the album and songs to EMI).

Therefore the decision to licence anything by Queen for any product or project is made by Queen's Management (with ultimate decision being made by John Deacon, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Jim Beach, on behalf of Freddie's estate).

Althought it has never been fully or offically confirmed by anyone, it is widely believed (based on from various interviews and books over the years from the likes off Peter Freestone, Jim Hutton, Jim Beach & Mary Austin) that when Freddie died he left his former girlfriend and lifelong friend Mary Austin the rights to his music (both his share of Queen and his solo projects) but with Jim Beach to be the manager of these rights. Basically (if the asumptions are correct) the royalties are paid to Mary Austin but decision on how the song rights are used are handled by Jim Beach.

Therefore whenever you hear a Queen song in an advert then its John, Brian, Roger and Jim you have to thank/blame for licencing the song.

Also as a side note, according to Jim Beach, when Freddie told him he was leaving all the management right to his work, he gave him only one guidenote:-

“Do anything you want with my music dear, but never make me boring!”

And also women doing twee cover versions - half of which are almost whispering - of well-known songs as well.

(Actually, seeing as today's September 22nd, I'm surprised we haven't heard any yet.)

Don't worry, we will soon. And look out for the John Lewis ad!

Joe Hart and P&G, what a liberty

Only saving grace is a Google search for "Head Shoulders" gives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4eueDYPTIg

I wait with baited breath for Led Zeppelin 'Communication Breakdown' sung in a twee, breathy, teeth-grindingly irritating way by what sounds like a seven year old.

The Vivus loan advert...the bloke on there really creeps me out, he makes no facial expressions when he speaks and only his mouth appears to move, really disconcerting!

What is she saying?

Works for me

I never really noticed that until you mentioned it.

done it again, hit the wrong button, I hit the "stop following button, I hope that this message re-instates me

Heading into silly season, all the begging adverts are starting to make a comeback.

hey it worked, I'm back on the list

Thank goodness for that! We'd soon miss you!😁

Samsung, never ever, ever.
Annoying, annoying, annoying.

I'd miss all of you too

I don't care if she is easy on the eye that bl**dy SCS girl is unbelievably irritating. And I don't want to hear ANYTHING about the "festive season" in September.

I think ITV know the following adverts annoy me because they seem Hell Bent on playing them over and over on the ITV Hub.

The "Obey Your Mouth" Double Decker advert from Cadbury. That gormless moron... aargh! Drives me mad.

The recent Samsung/Jack Whitehall ones. The kind of bloke I'd want to chuck a pint over.

James Corden in the new Apple Music ads. Just as cringeworthy as the EE/Apple Music ones.

In fact I wish Apple would pay that idiot good money to disappear off our screens for good 😡

Now it's effing Gucci using Mahler for their pretentious twaddle. Utter tw*ts.

- There is an advert which uses a song that is an obvious rip-off of the Friends theme tune/I'll Be There For You. It annoys me every time I hear it because I get ready to start singing along.
- The Kipling's ads with the "rebellious" teenage girl who distracts her parents with cakes.
- The annoying blonde woman in the Iceland ads who obviously normally shops at Sainsbury's or Waitrose with her "new money" husband.
- The Nationwide ad with the woman talking rubbish to the camera for what feels like 25 minutes.
- Tall, stick thin models being used for affordable clothing brand adverts. Not a reflection on their average customer.

maybe not just "on the eye" maybe that's how she got the job

It's been a long time since an advert has irritated me as much as that Virgin Media one.

I do - I want to make sure that I can get a couch delivered within thirteen weeks.

I'd be rather peeved if it took them that long to deliver.

Is that what it is advertising? First time I saw it it made me incredibly angry.
Patronising kids I do not like!

Also currently hating
- "just call me Mr Green light" No knob off, you pompous arseface.

- The Money Supermarket adverts - Dance off?? I could think of a better word.

- Oak furniture land - I cannot stand the two morons employed for this campaign. There's clearly no effing veneer in the PR company's heads either.

- The new Malteasers advert with the abusive wheelchair user, clearly she didn't like the bride and squashed her foot on purpose.