Buskers and street performers earn their living by sharing their amazing talents with people as they stroll through the streets, often singing songs written by their idols. However, it’s not every day that the idol appears for an impromptu performance with the busker singing their song.
An unsuspecting busker was performing Rod Stewart’s “Handbags and Gladrags” when all of the sudden — Rod Stewart himself approached him.
Rod Stewart is British, so it’s a bit surprising that no one seems to recognize him in London’s Picadilly Circus. However, once he starts singing, his raspy signature voice gives him away. People begin to crowd around and film the impromptu performance.
The 72-year-old musician grabs the microphone next to busker Henry Facey. Rod is donned in a fashionable plaid coat with a scarf and gloves for the chilly London weather. Henry gently strums his guitar as the famous rock star belts out the tune he wrote in 1969.
Tickets to a Rod Stewart concert can cost hundreds of dollars; this lucky crowd was able to see an incredible performance for free.
As it turns out, Rod Stewart is no stranger to busking. In fact, in 1962 he used to perform on the streets with his harmonica before he started joining bands. It was in 1969 that he released his first solo album that shot him to fame and stardom.
Stewart has gone on to be one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, selling over 100 million albums across the globe. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Stewart has had six consecutive number one albums and 62 hit singles in the UK. Here in the U.S., the successful musician has had 16 singles, four of them reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 100 charts.
The famous musician motivates and encourages the young busker, which is no surprise because Stewart is well-known for his philanthropy.
According to Smooth Radio, “the performance was part of Roger Daltrey and photographer Alastair Morrison’s project The Adoration Trilogy, which features artwork involving over 60 male music legends, including Rod. It is also in support of Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.”
The singer also donated £10,000 to Prince’s Trust Young Achiever winner Katie Walker for her business. Katie runs a salon that is a safe space for victims of domestic abuse; it’s a place of solace where the victims can speak about their experiences while getting some much-needed pampering.
Rod Stewart’s surprise appearance brought a smile to everyone’s face that walked by. As for Henry, he gets to say that he’s performed with a famous musician!
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