Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith recently enjoyed a moment of musical appreciation while watching a busker perform “Otherside.”
Unbeknownst to the busker, he was playing for an exclusive audience of one—Chad, who had settled on the concrete stairs just a few meters away, quietly enjoying the performance.
“Who wants to tell him?” remarked a passerby who recorded the encounter on video, likening the situation to “shooting hoops in front of Michael Jordan without realizing it.”
Viewers were amazed that the drummer didn’t recognize the rock legend watching him. One commenter noted, “Just casually playing for one of the best drummers.” Another added, “Bro has one man listening but still the biggest audience.” A third remarked, “There’s no way he’s playing an RHCP song and didn’t notice the only dude sitting watching him was Chad Smith himself.”
Many viewers commented on the honor of having a renowned artist appreciating one’s talent. One person said, “The fact that Chad Smith is just sitting there vibing is about the biggest compliment you could ask for. Bro, good job.” Another chimed in, “Chad Smith is an excellent drummer himself, so seeing him bobbing his head while you play the drums is the biggest compliment.” A third added, “This is how you know Chad Smith is just a pure music lover.”
According to the person who posted the video, Chad left to shop with his family after the performance. “I had to let the drummer know, of course,” he said. “Once I showed him the video, I took him to where Chad was.”
This isn’t Chad Smith’s first surprise appearance during a busker’s performance. Back in 2016, he busked on a busy London street as part of a photo shoot for the September issue of the U.K.’s Rhythm magazine.
So, what are the odds of hitting the streets with a drum kit to catch Chad Smith’s attention? While slim, they’re never zero!
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