Busker Goes Viral for Red Hot Chili Peppers Cover Without Knowing Who’s Watching
A street performer in California recently captured attention for his energetic drum cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ hit “Otherside.” Little did he know that one of his biggest fans was in the audience—Chad Smith, the legendary drummer of the band himself. This surprising encounter unfolded on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, where Armand Davis set up his kit to showcase his skills.
In a now-viral TikTok video, Davis is seen fully immersed in his performance, lost in the rhythm and unaware of the notable figure a few feet away. The video, shared by fellow onlooker Joey McCarthy, quickly gained traction online, prompting viewers to comment on the serendipity of the moment. McCarthy cleverly remarked, “Imagine shooting hoops in front of Michael Jordan and not even realizing it?”
After completing his set, Davis learned that he had just played for Smith, a revelation that astonished him. In his own TikTok post, he expressed his disbelief, saying, “Yesterday, I played ‘Otherside’ and halfway through, I noticed someone really vibing, which isn’t unusual. But when I finished, people told me it was Chad Smith from RHCP!”
The encounter left a lasting impression on Davis, who described it as “completely surreal.” He also shared that Smith complimented his performance, saying he “sounded good.” This unexpected validation from a music icon has fueled Davis’s excitement for what lies ahead in his musical journey.
The video has resonated with fans, who have celebrated Davis’s talent and the unique moment he shared with Smith. One viewer commented, “The fact that Chad Smith is just sitting there vibing is one of the biggest compliments you could ask for!” As the story continues to spread, Davis’s experience serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen in the most unexpected circumstances.
