This schoolboy guitarist is keeping the music of the ’80s alive with this killer solo cover of Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy”! Music lovers were surprised but delighted to hear Leonardo Patrick’s choice of the 1984 British synthpop classic, and also by how brilliantly he approached the song in the viral street performance. The Manchester lad, who is just eight years old,
creatively approached “Smalltown Boy” by first playing a catchy melody and then adding chords with his looping pedal.
Patrick truly brought the house down with his final flourish—a tasteful, melodic solo that earned a loud cheer from the crowd. His talent shone through as he crafted a catchy lead line that perfectly complemented the classic tune. Equally impressive was his skill in adapting the original synth elements into a dynamic arrangement for electric guitar.
There’s no doubt about it—this young musician has a bright future ahead, and The Music Man is confident he’s destined for great things!
Patrick uploaded his take on “Smalltown Boy” on November 11, 2024, and it has since been viewed 1.3 million times. Fans gave big-time props, adding comments such as “Except for the drum machine, you play all those tracks yourself, and it all fits.
Normal musicians go into a studio to get this done, you do it live. Hats off, young man” and “Not a tune I’d ever expect a young kid to think of. Great playing. It’s a wonderful song, with an important story.”
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