Keane are more accustomed to rocking The O2, but the band’s singer, Tom Chaplin, switched things up by busking on a Glasgow street, playing the group’s hit “Somewhere Only We Know” in an acoustic format. The rockstar showed that he’s the real deal by nailing the song’s beautiful vocals without the need for any auto-tune or any of the band’s usual production.

“Somewhere Only We Know” became such a massive hit in large part because of his delicate yet powerful vocals that create the gorgeous melodies that the song is known for. The frontman played an intimate performance on the chilly day for the Big Busk charity event, in support of The Big Issue, which works to support homeless people. You can watch the video for yourself below, which has attracted a whopping 8.6 million views.

The English rocker played three stripped-back sets for the Big Busk, as he performed not only on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street but also in London’s Borough Market and Birmingham’s St. Philip’s Cathedral. In addition to playing Keane hits, Chaplin also broke out his favourite Christmas songs for the appearances.

In contrast to the full rock arrangement of the studio recording, Chaplin played in an acoustic format in a four-piece band, which emphasised the piano and vocal parts. The original song seems almost like an acoustic song given a rock arrangement, so this live arrangement flows very well and is a treat to listen to. Check out the studio recording below.

Fans loved hearing Chaplin busk the acoustic version, adding comments below the video such as “This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written” and “I love it when musicians of this calibre step out into the streets and play without the assistance of expensive equipment. There’s no hiding place; you have to be good, and they are.”

During the London performance, Chaplin explained his motivations for doing the charity event, saying, “I live in London and spend a lot of time in the city, and with it being such a freezing cold winter and still seeing homeless people on our streets, it seemed right to do this.”
He added that during the shopping trips and family gatherings of Christmas, “it’s important to stop and reflect on how it might be different for other people at this time of year and how supporting initiatives such as The Big Issue is a very important thing to do.”