SUPERSTAR Let Her Go singer Passenger is used to selling out arena-sized venues with adoring fans.
So when the Brighton-born artist performed unannounced at a small pub in the city’s North Laine on Monday, it would be fair to say the punters were shocked.
Michael Rosenberg, 35, is better known by his stage name, Passenger.
The former busker was catapulted into international stardom in 2011 following the release of hit song Let Her Go – a track which has now been listened to more than two and a half billion times on YouTube.
He performed live at The White Rabbit pub this week, turning up unannounced to a folk night.
The Kensington Gardens pub was hosting the fifth birthday of popular music night, Folklore.
Its organiser, Jacko Hooper, said: “The event was so special.
“I grew up listening to this guy.
“It was amazing.
“Normally he’s playing arenas then, all of a sudden, he is in the pub right in front of you.
“He’s such a nice dude, it’s what he’s all about.”
The monthly event called Folklore celebrates talent from Brighton and beyond.
It was first held at its long-time venue, the White Rabbit in the North Laine, in the summer of 2014.
Since then, the pub has played host to more than 100 artists, performing folk, Americana, indie and soul.
Mr Hooper had organised Passenger as the fifth birthday’s surprise act months in advance.
He said: “It feels good to be able to talk about it and spend the last month ignoring messages from people asking who the surprise was.
“The night was really busy from the off and was packed all night.”
Passenger played alongside acts such as Family Fiction, Paper Hawk and Jacko Hooper himself.
The next event is on November 9.
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