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Busker goes viral for covering Red Hot Chili Peppers without knowing who his audience is

A busker has gone viral because he had no idea he was performing in front of a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers while playing one of their songs.

Buskers have had various interactions with famous musicians recently, with Coldplay's Chris Martin and Kelly Clarkson all paying tribute to buskers.

The talented drummer, who has been viewed more than 49 million times on TikTok, was filmed performing to a rendition of the band's 1999 hit “Otherside” from the album on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade California.

As the camera pans out, we see none other than Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith relaxing and enjoying the drummer's cover of his track.

However, the drummer is completely in the zone and doesn't seem to notice that Smith is sitting right in front of him.

The person who captured the moment captioned the video, “Who wants to tell him?” The person also added in the video's description, “Imagine shooting hoops in front of Michael Jordan and realizing “Not even?”

Many were amazed that the busker didn't look up and notice Smith, but could only take it as a compliment on how well he played.

One person in the comments wrote, “The fact that Chad Smith is just sitting there gushing is about the highest compliment you could ask for for a job well done as a brother.”

A second person said: “Chad Smith just revels and enjoys when someone plays. 10/10.”

A third added: “Bro has a man who listens but still the biggest audience.”

Members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (left to right), Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante, perform during the Global Citizen Festival on September 23, 2023
Members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (left to right), Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante, perform during the Global Citizen Festival on September 23, 2023 (AP)

The drummer himself, Armond Davis, has since shared the video on his TikTok and admitted that he didn't know Smith was watching him.

Davis explained: “Yesterday I was playing 'Otherside' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and halfway through I noticed someone was really vibrating, which is not unusual. But when I finished, a few people told me I had just played for Chad Smith, the drummer for RHCP. Hear him say I sounded good on a track he's known for? Completely surreal. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!”

It comes just months after the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Other guest performers at the ceremony included Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Billie Eilish.

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