Main points
- The band Måneskin and artists such as Ed Sheeran began their careers as street musicians before achieving worldwide fame.
- World Busker Day is celebrated on May 2, and its goal is to promote live music and support street art.
Celebrities who performed on the streets / Collage of Channel 24
Today, May 2, is World Busker Day. In some countries, this holiday falls on the third Sunday of May.
Considering that such a holiday is of great importance for popular stars, Channel 24 offers to tell stories about how once unknown artists conquered the streets of their cities.
The band Måneskin
The group gained worldwide fame after winning Eurovision in 2021 with the song Zitti e buoni.
Måneskin – Zitti E Buoni (Eurovision): watch the video online
But before they became so popular, the band members performed on the streets of the Colli Portuensis district of Rome. Back then, they had a completely different style, and you could see in their eyes that they wanted more.
Måneskin – Raggamuffin Selah Sue COVER (performed on the streets of Italy): watch the video online
Ed Sheeran
Today, this singer is known all over the world. However, his singing career began precisely as a street musician. There were times when Ed didn't even have a place to sleep – during the day he played on the streets, and at night he slept in the subway.
What was Ed Sheeran's path to fame: watch the video online
Last year, on a BBC program, the British singer said he was planning a posthumous album.
I think it's just smart. My friends have died without wills, and it's been chaotic. I have a death plan. I know what songs I want at my funeral. I know where I want to be buried,
Ed Sheeran said.
We will also recall that when a full-scale war began in Ukraine, he performed at a charity concert in Birmingham (Great Britain), during which 12.2 million pounds were raised in support of our country.
Passenger
Another English singer who went from street musician to Brit Awards nominee. In fact, the artist used to sell songs and CDs on the streets of England and Australia. Passenger left school at 16, knowing that he would be able to become part of the music industry.
He has repeatedly said that it was street singing that helped him prepare for tours and performances in front of large audiences.
Mike Rosenberg/Passenger Live in Buchanan Street Glasgow: watch the video online
George Michael
The artist is one of the co-founders of the pop duo Wham!, which was formed in 1981. But while George was waiting for his fame, he had to sing on the London Underground. He mostly chose tracks by the band Queen.
Wham! – Last Christmas: watch the video online
What is known about Street Musician's Day?
This holiday was initiated in 2007 by Lithuanian musician Andrius Mamontovas. The goal of this day is to popularize live music in order to support street art.
There is also a music festival celebrated on June 21. It originated in France.