Fans are often willing to shell out a hefty amount of money for the privilege of seeing their favorite artists perform live, but every now and then an unsuspecting group will be lucky enough to catch an impromptu set from their fave, delivered seemingly off-the-cuff in a public space. We compiled a list of 10 artists who gave surprising performances -- from Hozier’s recent NYC subway performance to the time Justin Bieber serenaded Hailey Baldwin at the Buckingham Palace Fountain to Halsey’s early days, when she sang a blink-182 song to her fans at a mall. Scroll on to check out some of your fave artists delivering pop-up performances in public!
1. Hozier
Hozier performed in the New York City subway on March 6, 2019.
2. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is no stranger to busking, he used to do it as a kid in Canada! But more recently, he was spotted busking at the Buckingham Palace Fountain, serenading his now-wife Hailey Baldwin in the process.
3. Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly managed a surprise performance in New York City’s Central Park.
4. Dave Grohl
During the Foo Fighters’ 24 Hours of Foo takeover on MTV in 2005, leader Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins played an impromptu set with several NYC subway bucket drummers and former Police drummer Stuart Copeland.
5. 5 Seconds of Summer
5SOS played a surprise show in London back in 2013.
6. Hanson
Hanson surprised fans at Montclair State University.
7. Paul McCartney on Carpool Karaoke
Paul McCartney surprised a slew of bar patrons when she showed up at a local pub during an appearance on James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke segment to play a set.
8. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran surprised a fan by joining her on stage at a mall for a duet after he heard her singing his hit, “Thinking Out Loud.”
9. John Legend
John Legend delivered a surprise performance in the St Pancras International train station.
10. Halsey
Halsey sang blink-182’s “I Miss You” for fans at an unnamed mall several years ago.
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