We Are the Champions

About

Originally written by Freddie Mercury and released by Queen in 1977, We Are the Champions was reinterpreted by Robbie Williams for the 2001 film A Knight’s Tale. Recorded with Queen’s surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor, the track was released on the film’s soundtrack in April that year, marking one of Williams’ most ambitious collaborations. His version retained the song’s anthemic spirit while injecting it with contemporary production and his own theatrical flair.

During the sessions, Williams worked closely with May and Taylor, recording the intricate backing vocals that mirrored Queen’s original harmonies. He later said he was awed by their technical precision and by the scale of Mercury’s legacy. The experience sparked brief speculation that Williams might join Queen as their new frontman — an idea he quickly declined.

I’m competent on the microphone, but I’ve got very low self-esteem. I thought I’d save them the audacity of me even trying to step into Freddie’s shoes. He’s angelic, godlike — too scary to compete with.Robbie Williams

The song appeared in A Knight’s Tale’s closing sequence and was performed live only a handful of times, including during Williams’ 2001 Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Stadiums leg of the The Sermon on the Mount tour. The accompanying video, filmed in medieval costume to match the film’s setting, featured Williams performing in a jousting arena while Queen’s members were notably absent — a decision that divided fans.

Despite mixed reviews, Williams’ rendition introduced the anthem to a new generation and demonstrated his ability to inhabit the grand, theatrical pop tradition that Mercury epitomised. It remains a fascinating footnote in both his and Queen’s histories — a meeting of showmen across eras, united by a song built to fill stadiums.