Richard Irvine-Brown
@richib.bsky.social
Portfolio: https://www.clippings.me/users/richardirvinebrown
Journo. BBC Verify.
Digital investigative journalism since 2014, cars/money data before, BBC Sport 2007-2011.
Also running the #QueenWorldCup.
Journo. BBC Verify.
Digital investigative journalism since 2014, cars/money data before, BBC Sport 2007-2011.
Also running the #QueenWorldCup.
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
With Bohemian Rhapsody's victory this evening, we now know the FINAL EIGHT songs:
Killer Queen v I Want To Break Free
Under Pressure v Don't Stop Me Now
Another One Bites The Dust v Somebody To Love
Radio Ga Ga v Bohemian Rhapsody
QFs start tomorrow.
#QueenWorldCup
With Bohemian Rhapsody's victory this evening, we now know the FINAL EIGHT songs:
Killer Queen v I Want To Break Free
Under Pressure v Don't Stop Me Now
Another One Bites The Dust v Somebody To Love
Radio Ga Ga v Bohemian Rhapsody
QFs start tomorrow.
November 9, 2025 at 10:29 PM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
With Bohemian Rhapsody's victory this evening, we now know the FINAL EIGHT songs:
Killer Queen v I Want To Break Free
Under Pressure v Don't Stop Me Now
Another One Bites The Dust v Somebody To Love
Radio Ga Ga v Bohemian Rhapsody
QFs start tomorrow.
#QueenWorldCup
With Bohemian Rhapsody's victory this evening, we now know the FINAL EIGHT songs:
Killer Queen v I Want To Break Free
Under Pressure v Don't Stop Me Now
Another One Bites The Dust v Somebody To Love
Radio Ga Ga v Bohemian Rhapsody
QFs start tomorrow.
#QueenWorldCup
I don't think I can stress in words how big this game should be.
So let the numbers talk.
If you add up all the votes from the first two rounds, for the last 16 songs, UNDER PRESSURE is the fourth most popular song, and A KIND OF MAGIC is joint second.
Reply to me with your vote!
I don't think I can stress in words how big this game should be.
So let the numbers talk.
If you add up all the votes from the first two rounds, for the last 16 songs, UNDER PRESSURE is the fourth most popular song, and A KIND OF MAGIC is joint second.
Reply to me with your vote!
November 6, 2025 at 2:47 PM
#QueenWorldCup
I don't think I can stress in words how big this game should be.
So let the numbers talk.
If you add up all the votes from the first two rounds, for the last 16 songs, UNDER PRESSURE is the fourth most popular song, and A KIND OF MAGIC is joint second.
Reply to me with your vote!
I don't think I can stress in words how big this game should be.
So let the numbers talk.
If you add up all the votes from the first two rounds, for the last 16 songs, UNDER PRESSURE is the fourth most popular song, and A KIND OF MAGIC is joint second.
Reply to me with your vote!
Here's the breakdown of songs by composer, entering each round.
Unlike the Beatles World Cup, we're not seeing a surprise Harrison, either. We're seeing Mercury rising.
Although Deacon - mooted as Queen's Harrison - has AOBTD still in contention, and the joint-Queen-written song is Under Pressure.
Unlike the Beatles World Cup, we're not seeing a surprise Harrison, either. We're seeing Mercury rising.
Although Deacon - mooted as Queen's Harrison - has AOBTD still in contention, and the joint-Queen-written song is Under Pressure.
November 2, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Here's the breakdown of songs by composer, entering each round.
Unlike the Beatles World Cup, we're not seeing a surprise Harrison, either. We're seeing Mercury rising.
Although Deacon - mooted as Queen's Harrison - has AOBTD still in contention, and the joint-Queen-written song is Under Pressure.
Unlike the Beatles World Cup, we're not seeing a surprise Harrison, either. We're seeing Mercury rising.
Although Deacon - mooted as Queen's Harrison - has AOBTD still in contention, and the joint-Queen-written song is Under Pressure.
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
We have finished Round 2 and are into the last 16. Time for a stat attack!
On the left is the winning margin in the last game for each song. On the right is total votes in the tourney so far.
#QueenWorldCup
We have finished Round 2 and are into the last 16. Time for a stat attack!
On the left is the winning margin in the last game for each song. On the right is total votes in the tourney so far.
November 2, 2025 at 11:22 AM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
We have finished Round 2 and are into the last 16. Time for a stat attack!
On the left is the winning margin in the last game for each song. On the right is total votes in the tourney so far.
#QueenWorldCup
We have finished Round 2 and are into the last 16. Time for a stat attack!
On the left is the winning margin in the last game for each song. On the right is total votes in the tourney so far.
My mind, instantly:
October 30, 2025 at 6:17 PM
My mind, instantly:
Post a red Transformer.
October 26, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Post a red Transformer.
Louvre theft follow up / BBC Verify director's commentary from me.
Graphics by @jacquelinegalvin.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Graphics by @jacquelinegalvin.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
October 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Louvre theft follow up / BBC Verify director's commentary from me.
Graphics by @jacquelinegalvin.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Graphics by @jacquelinegalvin.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
#QueenWorldCup
Further broadcast problems* have delayed coverage but:
Breakthru brought the vote ratio back to 3:1, but Killer Queen has got back to a 10-vote lead.
Four hours to go.
*I was baking a cake
Further broadcast problems* have delayed coverage but:
Breakthru brought the vote ratio back to 3:1, but Killer Queen has got back to a 10-vote lead.
Four hours to go.
*I was baking a cake
October 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
#QueenWorldCup
Further broadcast problems* have delayed coverage but:
Breakthru brought the vote ratio back to 3:1, but Killer Queen has got back to a 10-vote lead.
Four hours to go.
*I was baking a cake
Further broadcast problems* have delayed coverage but:
Breakthru brought the vote ratio back to 3:1, but Killer Queen has got back to a 10-vote lead.
Four hours to go.
*I was baking a cake
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
We are finally, thank Freddie, into ROUND 2.
ONLY SONGS YOU KNOW FROM NOW ON.
Here's your wallchart for how the songs are lined up. Heavy clashes and some early-ish casualties to come.
Please speculate.
First game of R2 will be announced and kick off at 1pm.
#QueenWorldCup
We are finally, thank Freddie, into ROUND 2.
ONLY SONGS YOU KNOW FROM NOW ON.
Here's your wallchart for how the songs are lined up. Heavy clashes and some early-ish casualties to come.
Please speculate.
First game of R2 will be announced and kick off at 1pm.
October 17, 2025 at 11:14 AM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
We are finally, thank Freddie, into ROUND 2.
ONLY SONGS YOU KNOW FROM NOW ON.
Here's your wallchart for how the songs are lined up. Heavy clashes and some early-ish casualties to come.
Please speculate.
First game of R2 will be announced and kick off at 1pm.
#QueenWorldCup
We are finally, thank Freddie, into ROUND 2.
ONLY SONGS YOU KNOW FROM NOW ON.
Here's your wallchart for how the songs are lined up. Heavy clashes and some early-ish casualties to come.
Please speculate.
First game of R2 will be announced and kick off at 1pm.
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime kick off!
We're finishing the first 'group' on the World Cup Wallchart (hope you've been filling in yours) with a Brian May derby.
HAMMER TO FALL
v
ALL DEAD ALL DEAD
Vote #Fall or #All in the replies by 10pm!
All fall down.
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime kick off!
We're finishing the first 'group' on the World Cup Wallchart (hope you've been filling in yours) with a Brian May derby.
HAMMER TO FALL
v
ALL DEAD ALL DEAD
Vote #Fall or #All in the replies by 10pm!
All fall down.
October 9, 2025 at 11:10 AM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime kick off!
We're finishing the first 'group' on the World Cup Wallchart (hope you've been filling in yours) with a Brian May derby.
HAMMER TO FALL
v
ALL DEAD ALL DEAD
Vote #Fall or #All in the replies by 10pm!
All fall down.
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime kick off!
We're finishing the first 'group' on the World Cup Wallchart (hope you've been filling in yours) with a Brian May derby.
HAMMER TO FALL
v
ALL DEAD ALL DEAD
Vote #Fall or #All in the replies by 10pm!
All fall down.
#QueenWorldCup
That’s it, game over, I’m late home from seeing Heart Attack Man at the Underworld.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE - 15
THE FAIRY FELLER’S MASTER STROKE - 6
A routine win, indeed. Immediate need for bed.
Support live music!
That’s it, game over, I’m late home from seeing Heart Attack Man at the Underworld.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE - 15
THE FAIRY FELLER’S MASTER STROKE - 6
A routine win, indeed. Immediate need for bed.
Support live music!
October 7, 2025 at 10:33 PM
#QueenWorldCup
That’s it, game over, I’m late home from seeing Heart Attack Man at the Underworld.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE - 15
THE FAIRY FELLER’S MASTER STROKE - 6
A routine win, indeed. Immediate need for bed.
Support live music!
That’s it, game over, I’m late home from seeing Heart Attack Man at the Underworld.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE - 15
THE FAIRY FELLER’S MASTER STROKE - 6
A routine win, indeed. Immediate need for bed.
Support live music!
#QueenWorldCup
The thing about The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke is @markwainwright.bsky.social couldn’t believe the song title.
As @paulmyersbbc.bsky.social points out, it’s all about a painting at the Tate.
Vote #Master or for #Somebody To Love!
The thing about The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke is @markwainwright.bsky.social couldn’t believe the song title.
As @paulmyersbbc.bsky.social points out, it’s all about a painting at the Tate.
Vote #Master or for #Somebody To Love!
October 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
#QueenWorldCup
The thing about The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke is @markwainwright.bsky.social couldn’t believe the song title.
As @paulmyersbbc.bsky.social points out, it’s all about a painting at the Tate.
Vote #Master or for #Somebody To Love!
The thing about The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke is @markwainwright.bsky.social couldn’t believe the song title.
As @paulmyersbbc.bsky.social points out, it’s all about a painting at the Tate.
Vote #Master or for #Somebody To Love!
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime update: GOOD OLD-FASHIONED LOVER BOY is out ahead, but SHEER HEART ATTACK is gaining.
Again, maybe worth giving SHA a listen as it's not as well known.
Reply with #Heart or #Lover to register your vote by 10pm!
Lunchtime update: GOOD OLD-FASHIONED LOVER BOY is out ahead, but SHEER HEART ATTACK is gaining.
Again, maybe worth giving SHA a listen as it's not as well known.
Reply with #Heart or #Lover to register your vote by 10pm!
October 6, 2025 at 11:43 AM
#QueenWorldCup
Lunchtime update: GOOD OLD-FASHIONED LOVER BOY is out ahead, but SHEER HEART ATTACK is gaining.
Again, maybe worth giving SHA a listen as it's not as well known.
Reply with #Heart or #Lover to register your vote by 10pm!
Lunchtime update: GOOD OLD-FASHIONED LOVER BOY is out ahead, but SHEER HEART ATTACK is gaining.
Again, maybe worth giving SHA a listen as it's not as well known.
Reply with #Heart or #Lover to register your vote by 10pm!
#QueenWorldCup
Love to see it in the modern game.
Score is 5-5.
Vote #boring for I Want To Break Free or #awesome for White Queen.
Love to see it in the modern game.
Score is 5-5.
Vote #boring for I Want To Break Free or #awesome for White Queen.
October 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM
#QueenWorldCup
Love to see it in the modern game.
Score is 5-5.
Vote #boring for I Want To Break Free or #awesome for White Queen.
Love to see it in the modern game.
Score is 5-5.
Vote #boring for I Want To Break Free or #awesome for White Queen.
#QueenWorldCup
@twgerken.bsky.social has called this an "absolute hammering".
And, yeah, sure, but there have been a few of those in Round 1.
Here's a list of the winning margins so far.
(Vote #Gods or #Show, you have an hour left.)
@twgerken.bsky.social has called this an "absolute hammering".
And, yeah, sure, but there have been a few of those in Round 1.
Here's a list of the winning margins so far.
(Vote #Gods or #Show, you have an hour left.)
October 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
#QueenWorldCup
@twgerken.bsky.social has called this an "absolute hammering".
And, yeah, sure, but there have been a few of those in Round 1.
Here's a list of the winning margins so far.
(Vote #Gods or #Show, you have an hour left.)
@twgerken.bsky.social has called this an "absolute hammering".
And, yeah, sure, but there have been a few of those in Round 1.
Here's a list of the winning margins so far.
(Vote #Gods or #Show, you have an hour left.)
6/ Over to the east is the best contender.
September 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM
6/ Over to the east is the best contender.
5/ So, take what you know of what buildings you're interested in: very tall, tan and terracotta colours, long blocks with squared corners, several rounded towers, and the space between them.
Look for somewhere near the airport which would match.
Straight off, several contenders at this height.
Look for somewhere near the airport which would match.
Straight off, several contenders at this height.
September 25, 2025 at 10:44 AM
5/ So, take what you know of what buildings you're interested in: very tall, tan and terracotta colours, long blocks with squared corners, several rounded towers, and the space between them.
Look for somewhere near the airport which would match.
Straight off, several contenders at this height.
Look for somewhere near the airport which would match.
Straight off, several contenders at this height.
4/ Try putting screengrabs of the buildings through a search engine, Google or Yandex, to see if they can be recognised.
In this case, they weren't, but the results took us to the Shot video used. Which reported it was close to Vnukovo Airport.
In this case, they weren't, but the results took us to the Shot video used. Which reported it was close to Vnukovo Airport.
September 25, 2025 at 10:41 AM
4/ Try putting screengrabs of the buildings through a search engine, Google or Yandex, to see if they can be recognised.
In this case, they weren't, but the results took us to the Shot video used. Which reported it was close to Vnukovo Airport.
In this case, they weren't, but the results took us to the Shot video used. Which reported it was close to Vnukovo Airport.
3/ Think about where more details will appear. If it's Russia, get looking on Telegram and VKontakte.
Local Moscow channels and Russian national media were saying the same thing, of planes held, airport shut, looks like an Antonov 124 cargo plane.
Local Moscow channels and Russian national media were saying the same thing, of planes held, airport shut, looks like an Antonov 124 cargo plane.
September 25, 2025 at 10:37 AM
3/ Think about where more details will appear. If it's Russia, get looking on Telegram and VKontakte.
Local Moscow channels and Russian national media were saying the same thing, of planes held, airport shut, looks like an Antonov 124 cargo plane.
Local Moscow channels and Russian national media were saying the same thing, of planes held, airport shut, looks like an Antonov 124 cargo plane.
2/ Watch those videos. (We started with the second and third ones in our edit, found the first angle later, but I'll get to that.)
Don't think about the plane. Think about what makes the place distinct. The shapes and sizes of buildings, the space between them, where the cars are parked.
Don't think about the plane. Think about what makes the place distinct. The shapes and sizes of buildings, the space between them, where the cars are parked.
September 25, 2025 at 10:34 AM
2/ Watch those videos. (We started with the second and third ones in our edit, found the first angle later, but I'll get to that.)
Don't think about the plane. Think about what makes the place distinct. The shapes and sizes of buildings, the space between them, where the cars are parked.
Don't think about the plane. Think about what makes the place distinct. The shapes and sizes of buildings, the space between them, where the cars are parked.
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Final whistle. A very low-scoring affair this evening, but two songs which really did give it everything on the pitch.
It finishes:
I'm Going Slightly Mad 7
Stone Cold Crazy 12
#QueenWorldCup
Final whistle. A very low-scoring affair this evening, but two songs which really did give it everything on the pitch.
It finishes:
I'm Going Slightly Mad 7
Stone Cold Crazy 12
September 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Final whistle. A very low-scoring affair this evening, but two songs which really did give it everything on the pitch.
It finishes:
I'm Going Slightly Mad 7
Stone Cold Crazy 12
#QueenWorldCup
Final whistle. A very low-scoring affair this evening, but two songs which really did give it everything on the pitch.
It finishes:
I'm Going Slightly Mad 7
Stone Cold Crazy 12
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Let's have a look at those Love Of My Life stats, Geoff.
Absolute tekkers.
Also, game still very much even with an hour left to play.
So vote!
#QueenWorldCup
Let's have a look at those Love Of My Life stats, Geoff.
Absolute tekkers.
Also, game still very much even with an hour left to play.
So vote!
September 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Let's have a look at those Love Of My Life stats, Geoff.
Absolute tekkers.
Also, game still very much even with an hour left to play.
So vote!
#QueenWorldCup
Let's have a look at those Love Of My Life stats, Geoff.
Absolute tekkers.
Also, game still very much even with an hour left to play.
So vote!
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
If it helps sway your vote for I’m In #Love With My Car, instead of A #Kind Of Magic, then have the Spinal Tap-level story of its release.
(H/t co-commentary from @wilsonjim.bsky.social)
#QueenWorldCup
If it helps sway your vote for I’m In #Love With My Car, instead of A #Kind Of Magic, then have the Spinal Tap-level story of its release.
(H/t co-commentary from @wilsonjim.bsky.social)
September 16, 2025 at 1:41 PM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
If it helps sway your vote for I’m In #Love With My Car, instead of A #Kind Of Magic, then have the Spinal Tap-level story of its release.
(H/t co-commentary from @wilsonjim.bsky.social)
#QueenWorldCup
If it helps sway your vote for I’m In #Love With My Car, instead of A #Kind Of Magic, then have the Spinal Tap-level story of its release.
(H/t co-commentary from @wilsonjim.bsky.social)
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Get yer Queen World Cup wallchart!
From secret top 10 Queen song selections, we've got 64 contenders.
The eight songs most often nom'd were separated, one in each of eight sections. Then the second eight: one in each, and so on.
ROUND 1 LOOKS LIKE THIS:
#QueenWorldCup
Get yer Queen World Cup wallchart!
From secret top 10 Queen song selections, we've got 64 contenders.
The eight songs most often nom'd were separated, one in each of eight sections. Then the second eight: one in each, and so on.
ROUND 1 LOOKS LIKE THIS:
September 14, 2025 at 10:04 PM
QUEEN WORLD CUP
#QueenWorldCup
Get yer Queen World Cup wallchart!
From secret top 10 Queen song selections, we've got 64 contenders.
The eight songs most often nom'd were separated, one in each of eight sections. Then the second eight: one in each, and so on.
ROUND 1 LOOKS LIKE THIS:
#QueenWorldCup
Get yer Queen World Cup wallchart!
From secret top 10 Queen song selections, we've got 64 contenders.
The eight songs most often nom'd were separated, one in each of eight sections. Then the second eight: one in each, and so on.
ROUND 1 LOOKS LIKE THIS:
September 14, 2025 at 4:48 PM