Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday celebrated in 8-bit style

Today's Google doodle celebrates what would be the 65th birthday of one of the most extraordinary rock stars of the 20th century -- Freddie Mercury.

Mercury was best known for his role in the band Queen, pumping out such classic hits as We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. He rocked stages all over the world with his amazing vocal range and extrovert stage presence before sadly passing away in 1991.

The animated doodle shows Mercury on a mission through time and space, leaping from his stage into an 8-bit world, riding on the back of a tiger (as you do), which quickly becomes a super-sonic space-racer, all to the tune of Don't Stop Ne Now.

Not only is that scenario how we spend our weekends, it's crafted so wonderfully into a doodle that it caused our very own Nick Hide to exclaim, "I'm calling it: best doodle ever." Strong words indeed.

On the official Google Blog, Queen guitarist Brian May said of Mercury, "Freddie would have been 65 this year, and even though physically he is not here, his presence seems more potent than ever.

"Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected. He gave people proof that a man could achieve his dreams -- made them feel that through him they were overcoming their own shyness, and becoming the powerful figure of their ambitions.

"And he lived life to the full. He devoured life. He celebrated every minute. And, like a great comet, he left a luminous trail which will sparkle for many a generation to come."

If you want to feel a little of the power of Freddie, head on over to Google now, plug in your headphones and click on today's doodle. We'll wait here until you're done rocking out.