WATCH: Chris de Burgh treats fans at N.D.G.’s Wheel Club with surprise performance
After completing a pair of shows at the much larger Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier earlier in the week, Irish singer-songwriter and Montreal favourite Chris de Burgh surprised fans by performing unannounced at the much smaller Wheel Club in N.D.G. on Thursday night.
The 77-year-old treated the audience, who were there for a de Burgh tribute concert starring local artist Steve Barry and his band, to a solo performance of his iconic hit Spanish Train while the band watched. He also performed Lady in Red.
“Ladies and gentleman, a friend of ours is here and would like to sing a song to show his appreciation for Montreal,” said Barry in his introduction of de Burgh in a video posted on Facebook.
“I’ve just done two shows at Place des Arts,” said de Burgh after coming on stage. “But this is much more fun.”
Afterward, Barry commented on the Facebook video of the performance: “So blessed to have Chris come to the Wheel Club and see my Spanish Train Chris de Burgh Tribute. A dream come true.”
De Burgh performed at Place des Arts on Tuesday and Wednesday. His current tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of his career, as well as the 40th anniversary of Lady in Red, his biggest international hit.
Others who said they saw the surprise appearance also commented on the post.
“I’m so glad I was there to experience this. I’ve been to his show years ago when Supertramp was opening for them. I got to film this on my phone and I was sitting on the floor right in front of him. Fantastic,” one user said.
“What an awesome show. I had goosebumps up and down my spine,” said another.
“What an absolute gentle, kind man he is. We are so honoured to have had him come to The Wheel Club,” said Cyndi Turner, one of the partners of the N.D.G. institution.
No word on if de Burgh rode the EXO Train that runs between Lucien L’Allier and old Vendôme.
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