Sometimes, talent needs to be disguised to be fully appreciated.
After being professionally disguised as a homeless person, this professional pianist hit the streets with his sensational key work to lease listeners shell-shocked. One little girl, in particular, is so amazed that she won’t leave his side!
Watch him surprise onlookers with his brilliant piano spectacle!
“The Piano Phantom,” disguised as a homeless person, decided to perform at a mall in the UK.
The social experiment took place in the UK by the national nonprofit Charity Crisis. They wanted to see how people would react to a talented piano player who was also homeless.
At the beginning of the video, you see a clean-cut man who’s in the process of getting a complete makeover. It’s not your typical do-up however. When the transformation is complete, he’s a homeless man without the slightest resemblance to his former self.
With his disguise complete, the pianist heads to the local mall with a trash bag full of belongings and a cardboard sign.
As soon as he touches the keys, magical melodies arise from the piano. Shoppers at the mall immediately stop to listen, wondering who this mysterious homeless man is.
One little girl becomes transfixed on the music he’s playing. The longer he sits, the better he gets —and man, is he good! Before long, surprised people start to walk over and put money in his tip jar.
More and more, curious music lovers perk their ears and become mesmerized by the wonderful sounds.
No one can believe a homeless man is playing the complex music. Gradually, people begin to take their phones out to document the unique musicians’ talent.
In disbelief, the little girl’s attention is fully concentrated on the “homeless” pianist. His fingers manipulate the keys fantastically as he sits with his huge mop of hair and unkempt beard. The entire time, he continues to wow his audience.
By the end of the show, people are so blown away they’re actually lining up to donate money to the pianist.
Social media went nuts for “The Piano Phantom,” and the video reeled in close to 7.5 million views on YouTube.
On top of the millions of views, the video had 66,000 people like it and almost 6,000 who left comments. Many pointed out that there are a lot of actual homeless people with great talents, which is so true!
“some homeless were actual amazing artists. In some cities, they have public pianos where the homeless play. Support more programs to give an opportunity to be human again. Music is the one thing that will never abandon you.” Said one YouTube user.
“Have watched quite a few of these vids impromptu performances and the way children look on so transfixed its wonderful might even prompt them to play an instrument someday, all for the good I say.” Said another user.
This pianist is stellar! I loved how he completely captivated the young girl, as this will be a moment she surely remembers forever. To see the brilliant disguise performance, watch the video below!
