Two years ago, Olly Pearson, then just nine years old, captured the hearts of music fans with a jaw-dropping street performance of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck.
Performing on a bustling corner, the young guitarist’s fingers flew over the fretboard with astonishing precision, delivering one of rock’s most technically demanding riffs with flair and confidence. Among the crowd, his grandpa beamed with pride, while another older man danced like a carefree child. As the final notes rang out, a bystander approached Olly, declaring, “You are absolutely amazing.”
Social media quickly amplified the performance, with viewers of all ages praising his talent. “This lad rocks!!!” wrote one fan, while another admitted, “I don’t even like AC/DC but I would listen to this kid play anything.”
From trans elders to longtime rock enthusiasts, everyone was mesmerized by Olly’s energy and stage presence. Observers commented on his daring choice of song, noting that Thunderstruck is notoriously difficult even for seasoned guitarists. Yet Olly executed it flawlessly, demonstrating both technical skill and a natural instinct for captivating audiences.
Following his street success, Pearson rose to international prominence as a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year. His performances earned him two Golden Buzzers—in the audition and semi-final rounds—and a place in the final, where he delivered renditions of Wings’ Live and Let Die and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
His electrifying stage presence and effortless musicianship quickly drew comparisons to guitar prodigies and rock legends alike, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the UK.
Building on this momentum, Pearson took his talents overseas in July 2025 for an unforgettable flash mob in Paris, orchestrated by pianist and creator Julien Cohen. Set in the Place de la Contrescarpe, the flash mob featured 30 musicians, including Pearson, Cohen, opera singers, and fellow Britain’s Got Talent alumni. The ensemble surprised locals, appearing from balconies, shops, and even hidden corners of the square to perform Queen’s iconic Bohemian Rhapsody in full.
Pearson’s guitar solo was a highlight of the performance, drawing audible gasps from the crowd. Café patrons swayed in their seats, pedestrians stopped mid-step, and fans took to social media to share the spectacle.
“Working with such amazing musicians was a privilege. Queen—Bohemian Rhapsody…Paris. Enough said,” Pearson reflected on Instagram. The video has since gone viral, amassing over 500 million views across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Comments from viewers captured the excitement: “Legendary,” “This kid is a star,” and “I’m 68 years old and I’ve never seen anything like this” were just a few of the reactions.
The flash mob also drew praise from the surviving members of Queen. The band’s official account commented, “We absolutely love this,” validating Pearson’s burgeoning international acclaim. For fans, the combination of his previous street performances, BGT appearances, and the Paris flash mob illustrates a remarkable journey from local prodigy to global sensation.
From shredding Thunderstruck in Wrexham streets to performing alongside professional musicians in Paris, Olly Pearson continues to redefine what it means to be a young virtuoso.