The Most Unexpected Acoustic Guitar Performance | The Showhawk Duo | TEDxKlagenfurt

Music works a lot like language does - except instead of words and ideas, it expresses emotions and intent. It also gives us an oxytocin boost, which plays an important role in increasing bonding and trust between people. The Showhawk Duo bonded TEDxKlagenfurt’s audience with their spectacular approach to playing the guitar. Listen to the magic they created on stage with their version of Insomnia - I can't get no sleep, Tiesto’s Adagio For Strings or the most unexpected thing you can expect on a guitar Bohemian Rhapsody. Young British guitarists Mikhail Asanovic and Jake Wright, together known as The Showhawk Duo, started out as buskers and have since gone on to play all over the globe. They have appeared on BBC Radio 1 on the Nick Grimshaw’s Breakfast Show, they performed for the LAD Bible and BBC Radio Bristol. They played at the UK's large festivals including the Main Stage at Bestival, Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Wilderness, Somersault and more. International performances include F1 Grand Prix in Singapore, Seychelles, club tours in Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands and a 20 - date residency at Pacha in Ibiza. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@averagedude6688]

I play guitar myself, I see a lot of criticism about skill. This isnt about skill, this is about emotion and performing. They sat up a great performance, and i believe they will inspire others to play guitar. Music isnt about competition, its about fun and unity. I hope people understand this.

[@drstrange2292]

Speechless Gamer and getting laid 😉

[@richardwilliam8007]

Dr Strange and jealously,. People banging on about skill who didn’t think of it first and are sat at home alone. 😂

[@3leggedsharkkickssurferinballs]

Absolutely. I too play guitar, and the people banging on about Classical requiring more skill etc are totally missing the point. I mean, these guys obviously DO possess a fair amount of musicality in order to have come up with these covers anyway....but yeah...their point wasn't to wow everyone with their guitar skills, but to entertain and bring joy to an audience...which they certainly achieved!

[@MrWolf-xc9pr]

DISQUALIFIED!

[@seanlmfaowo]

Plus I guarantee they didn't get here by just knowing the four major chords. lmfao

[@kristoffervemy8331]

Update: (thanks for all the comments) Song list: 1. Insomnia - Faithless @01:53 2. Kernkraft 400 - Zombie nation @03:30 3. Sandstorm - Darude @04:20 4. Adagio for strings - Tiesto @07:42 5. Children - Robert Miles (Jack Holiday remix) @10:47 6. ATB - Till i Come @12:45 7. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen @16:00 cheers

[@lnlsun]

Robert Miles - Children is the original but thanks for the list :)

[@asj4085]

Kristoffer Vemøy that's the 80s generation trance rave music!! Brings back so many memories.. Damn..

[@esti825]

Kristoffer Vemøy That was what i was looking for

[@vedantsharma6248]

You are the hero we all need but don't deserve

[@elucid07]

Number 2 is actually the other way round. The track is titled Kernkraft 400 and the artist is Zombie Nation...

[@chaddius3177]

The power of music, that whole room connected by 2 people just playing away, zero words needed. Incredible

[@Lentin00]

Imagine how much they have had to speak, discuss and share before in order to get such performance :)

[@Patrick.Johannaswedukr4776]

I hope this is Beautiful

[@Patrick.Johannaswedukr4776]

Like or not. ?

[@Patrick.Johannaswedukr4776]

Awesome

[@Patrick.Johannaswedukr4776]

This guy is Awesome

[@shawnrowe7749]

Over the years, I keep coming back to this amazing performance!!

[@tomask.3983]

I came back here 5 years later to enjoy this performance once more, thanks to me saving it in my "guitar" playlist!

[@SchmidtTools]

I've played guitars for almost 30 years. These guys have some real creative talent. It's much harder to create or play a musical piece with no words, no singer, no drummer, no bass player, no keyboards, or anything else. Just 2 guys, 2 guitars. If you can keep anyone now days intrigued for more than 3.5 seconds your a genius. These guys can keep you hooked for 23 minutes. That's called real talent.

[@eljaponesito6299]

Well said !

[@jazway27]

don't forget the Lopper Pedal its working too

[@ChrissRoss1]

But these are cover songs. They rocked them good tho.

[@mlle0maksimovic]

Don't forget the incredible amount of hard work it took to get to this point. Raw talent alone can't do this.

[@Jerkal]

I'd recommend Rodrigo Y Gabriela if you like acoustic cover duos.

[@aaronbrown3668]

Playing with out missing a beat with that crowd clapping is some serious talent.

[@alfrescodimieary6580]

Monitors

[@KaninTuzi]

They started rushing once the audience started clapping, presumably to get ahead of them

[@leing2021]

What guitar does the left side guy use

[@JohnFoley1701]

@@leing2021 looks like a godin

[@Haeslig14]

The cap guy was on the beat for sure haha and he just punished that high E string hard for 22 min straight hahaha

[@vikash.s8523]

All musical instruments have DIVINE power. When people make instruments cry, it touches many hearts.

[@kevinfoster1213]

I've studied, played, and practiced trombone for years. Could sight read and transpose into any key signature. But could never get over the plateau of putting emotion in the music. That is why I bent nails for 40 years. These guys show what music is to be. Fun and full of emotion. Technically correct is just icing..

[@dc2blair]

I don’t care if it was technically hard or easy to play, I don’t play guitar, that element doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that I stopped everything I was doing for 20 minutes to be fixated by 2 guys pumping out songs that you’d never normally hear on an acoustic guitar. 10/10 for entertainment purposes.

[@chico1786]

Same here. Couldn't have said it better. Thank you.

[@bradcarroll3719]

Exactly!! I say that as a 25+ year student of guitar. It doesn’t matter the EXACT technical difficulty level of the performance. The thing that matters is they pulled it off, and they completely captivated an entire auditorium of listeners for the entire show. That is what ALL musicians hope to accomplish, but only some do. Kudos.

[@aaronpearson3893]

20 minutes that will add more to my life...

[@nevmev5982]

You should check out Mike Dawes

[@StaticAddict84]

Candyrat Records has a bunch of artists like these guys including Ewan Dobson and my favorite Antoine Dufour

[@ryanelliott8967]

2000s techno played on guitar is something I didn't know I needed until now! Great performance

[@texasplumr]

They bared their soul in public and believe me, that's not an easy thing to do. I never criticize an artist or artists for their creation. It's art in it's truest form and absolutely captivating. And until you've stepped up on a stage and performed for an audience, you'll never understand how vulnerable you feel when all eyes are on you and itching to catch any mistake. These two are brilliant!

[@laboniparvin213]

🍁Song list🍁 🔻 1. Insomnia - Faithless ▪️01:53 2. Kernkraft 400 - Zombie Nation ▪️03:30 3. Sandstorm - Darude ▪️04:20 4. Adagio for strings - Samuel Barber ▪️07:42 5. Children - Robert Miles ▪️10:47 6. ATB - 9PM (Till I Come) ▪️12:45 7. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen ▪️16:00 🔺 Collected

[@pierrerossouw6083]

Best 23 minutes I've spent in a while. This made my soul smile.

[@warfam_clan6933]

Totally agree! I've watched this before but came back to it as It is an amazing way to pass half an hour. Properly enjoyable!

[@zsoltnagy9936]

With you guys! So good 😊

[@semperoccultus]

allo'.is half hour mistic epical music from 80/90.Tiesto Robert Miles ....just heaven trance all time for ever!!

[@kelliemishmish]

Grinning now hearing the audience sing. That is the best.

[@shyamsr87]

couldn't agree more

[@maxajames]

Two humble souls doing what they love, making others happy. What a joy to watch and hear!

[@graceanne6780]

The fact that nearly 11 million people have now collectively watched this video and sang Bohemian Rhapsody out loud from memory because of it. B R A V O.

[@geoffreyjames5556]

My wife looked at me as if to say WTF, i had started singing and hadn't realised it.

[@aboveus1638]

Adagio for strings was sensational. One of the best versions of it I have ever heard. Shear beauty and talent.

[@V19KEEandP33ETO]

Was so lucky to have these guys play at our wedding in St Andrews in 2015, absolutely amazing and really lovely guys!

[@krishnanunni2665]

that was cooL...

[@zero_s]

that's nice

[@Cygnus0lor]

Them playing Tiesto's version of Adagio for strings on guitar. Man that brought me some memories...

[@Sesioboy07]

WOOOOOW!!! WHAT A JOURNEY!!! THEY NAILED THAT TIESTO'S VERSION OF ADAGGIO FOR STRINGS, AND IT WAS PROBABLY THE BEST "CHILDREN" COVER I'VE EVER HEARD!!! THOSE GUYS ARE REALLY AMAZING! STANDING OVATION FOR THEM! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MrBfeboi]

Its AMAZING how an Acoustic Bohemian Rhapsody has such a different feeling/vibe to it. Its very hypnotic and beautiful

[@seaba56]

I’m always sceptical when a video title has “unexpected” in the title but I was gladly proved wrong. This was a pleasure to listen to.

[@andreakies8283]

Well I don't know why that put unexpected in a Ted Talk video title anyway. Goes without saying.

[@BJORN-rx4jz]

Forget about the excellent performance, look at how much fun they had while playing ❤️

[@discus48]

ma sei il Bjorn di Arona?

[@user-qm5rv6bq1s]

estoy completamente de acuerdo😏

[@Bipolarcloud]

I don't play any musical instruments, however I am in absolute awe of anyone who does. These guys are great!!!!

[@kotyeo]

I wished I could put into words as to how this made me feel. I stoped in my tracks, with mouth wide open, and felt like my insides were being taken over by butterflies. Got nauseated in a good way. Smiled from ear to ear then broke down into tears. It moved me like I have never been moved before. Thank you so much for bringing me to this page....

[@dave175a]

Music like this speaks a language we can't speak, only feel.

[@thatidiotguy4489]

Facts

[@sagerealestate101]

people might be surprised how well music connects us but people fail to forget that we're bodies of frequency

[@alexjones7043]

Your version of adagio for strings genuinely brings a tear to my eye. Thanks for this performance guys.

[@vishnumoorthy8859]

Imagine you attend a TED event and you get to listen to this magic!

[@TheGostables]

This is the most soothing sound I've found in 2020 and I can't stop listening to it.

[@saurabhmonty9541]

That's lot of hard work ,practice skill, passion and madness right there.

[@bjorn_bosmans]

WOOW, this is really unbelievable. You must see and absolutely hear it and then you know why the crowd is so enthusiastic. You can play the guitar, but this duo is really gifted, talented. A new level of music. Bohemian Rapsody gave me the shivers. Amazing, beautiful. Respect

[@marcohermans3207]

I'm a guitar player myself . It's freaking awesome. It's different and that's good ! This isn't about playing a lot of notes in a lick or a solo but keeping the groove and melody going. I tell you this isn't easy to keep it up for 23 minutes. Normally I don't like dance or trance but this performance blew my socks off. well done !!

[@dananderson1561]

Playing an electric guitar like an acoustic, and playing an acoustic guitar like a bass. Love it 👍

[@pjneethling26]

Just how amazing was electronic music in the 90's? I wasn't expecting Till I Come.

[@kurnhurin4118]

I used to have the good fortune of being able to see these fine gents busking in the city center of Bath whilst they were students. I used to boggle my mind how they did not draw larger crowds. They also played some classic Disney songs for a while. They have really fine-tuned these medleys.

[@RobertJGD]

I almost cried, you're masters, geniouses! Thank you from Poland

[@chaozboy9482]

Whoa, their song interprations are so unbelievably on point. I had goosebumps the first time i heard this. I am truly impressed.

[@edfulginiti8798]

If music is intended to bring joy, well, then they brought it!

[@1308lacaochuerta]

I don’t know why, but this music makes me cry of happiness!! Too many feelings come to me at once!

[@sdalt001]

Pure happiness that makes your soul sing.

[@buzzliteyear11]

I'm so freaking late to this party, YT you have one job show me the cool videos. So did not expect those absolute classics from two guitar players...absolutely loved it boys.

[@guillaumeansart9087]

Quel est le morceau D'ORIGINE.?

[@arthurm.yezeguielian2050]

It’s incredible how transcendent music is... No words needed, only some pieces of wood, strings and two talented and creative guys

[@leemartin2978]

I’ve seen them a couple of times in Cambridge and they were fantastic, and really friendly. Happy to have a quick chat. They created a great atmosphere very quickly

[@ariel12131]

They sync so well and such a great stamina.👍🏻

[@alan8887]

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall the first time these two played together. Magnificent and wonderful. Brilliant.

[@journeymanmusic1038]

Used to love watching these guys busk in Bath whilst waiting to play myself. They used to totally stop the high street with crowds you do not believe! Super nice and talented guys who deserve all of their success.

[@welshdruid1957]

Your turn next

[@scoobydoohero]

everytime i'm down... i listen and watch this nice two gentlemen and i'm all up and running again... thank you for sharing your magic with us (me), thank you for making me smile again!

[@mouldyminge]

God, this set took me right back to the best times I had in the 90's, made my hairs stand on end, loved it, thank you!

[@OlafBlaesing]

It is all about emotions. These guys just delivered.

[@kattmann5056]

5 decades of playing Rock Guitar at a very high and recogniseable level and I couldn't carry the road cases for either of these guys. They remind me of that special combination like Jim Croce and Maury had! Just pure talent

[@vikramadityapaul7400]

My love and respect for the Guitar rose 1000 folds.

[@JeanLucGARNIER]

Why can't we like videos a thousand times? 🤩 These guys are solo good at strings, and it's actually unexpected to hear electro music played like this! Thousands of thanks for this great moment! 👏👏👏

[@stevealbert3085]

What a talent to have, to play existing, or create new music, and to do so so technically perfect. Music is so powerful.

[@UnienMcIntosh]

Discovered this video by chance. I've been smiling for the last 23 minutes. Thank you.

[@timmartin997]

This performance was absolutely amazing!!!

[@John-ob6eh]

Playing from the soul, an amazing talent!!

[@angiedeans6410]

Music is about the vibration and the effect it has on your soul and mind is incredible. The whole audience feels there purest joy in the primal sense.

[@AlanAttack]

I've been playing 29yrs....excellent these guys, pure entertainment, its fantastic.

[@DerSystematiker]

I actually had tears of joy running down my cheeks... When I watched this the 3rd time in a row!

[@leing2021]

What type of guitar does the rleft side guy uses

[@macdonagh313]

Yeah, same hear. Joy, sorrow, nostalgia. Un-fuckin believable!

[@chrisleach7517]

Had the pleasure of seeing these guys live in Newcastle many years back and I cannot express how good they are live, the bass they make from tapping the guitar is awesome, absolutely fantastic night I'll never forget!

[@matthewstrycharz9068]

I have to say that somehow this is the first time that I have seen this video. It's insane and one of the BEST duo talented guitar players I have ever seen........ These are the greatest and most talented team out there!!! Incredible guys....... simply the best of the duos out there !,,,,,,,,,,

[@macciebe]

2 guitars, a whole heap of feeling and good songs ... can't beat that !-

[@mybrotherskeeper111]

Man, these guys are on point! 7:45 - 8:45 is just awesome! Hopefully see these guys live one day.

[@the4realpsych]

This is absolutely wonderful... has caused tears to fall. These guys are amazing. Absolutely love it.

[@ninaturner8281]

Absolutely amazing and one of my favourite DJs too. Perfect.

[@raycunningham217]

Could watch and listen to these guy's all day... Awesome

[@leing2021]

What type of guitar does the left side guy uses

[@jujijime]

Who knew I’d be bopping my head to acoustic club music first thing in the morning on Saturday.. KZbin recommendation actually worked.

[@leing2021]

What type of guitar does the left side guy uses

[@SixStringsCovers]

I recognize all the songs as I am a big fan of trance and house music. This is one of the best guitar performances I have ever seen and have seen many of them live. So much emotions into this and the rendition is beyond expectations.

[@kidcoma1340]

Hm, I doubt you have seen a lot of great guitar performances 😂

[@josedavidponce5061]

Ayudame con el nombre de las canciones

[@davepretzsch6118]

Thank you Colin for all the years of beautiful music! God bless you sir!

[@jonkemp913]

To anybody keen to point out the fact that there is not a lot of guitar skill needed to play these arrangements, you have missed the point. These guys have taken songs unintended for acoustic guitar and arranged them in such a way that they don't sound empty and boring. They have created something innovative and entertaining, and this is why the crowd appreciated it as much as they would've Tommy Emmanuel or Don Ross. The arranging on BR was fantastic, one of the best i've heard considering there were only 2 instruments recreating a song with many parts, also think getting the crowd to sing was a nice touch.

[@TehDMBfan]

It does sound empty and boring lol

[@yori4666]

Did you just compare these guys to Tommy Emmanuel and Don Ross? Seriously?

[@gwag8410]

If Tommy E showed up these guys would put their guitars down and sit and listen in awe like everyone else.. just being honest

[@saintsr0w1]

Jon Kemp you're clearly not a muscician. it's really common that people transpose for their instruments, especially guitar. look up a fingerstyle cover of BR which will be played by one person. fingerstyle and classical guitar has been around for forever and is much more impressive than this. it's not like i hate their performance or anything but it's kinda goofy that this was a ted talk meanwhile there are thousands of classical guitarists that are more impressive and do better covers. I've seen more comments defending them instead of attacking them. it's not like everyone just hates these guys. but when it's a presentation like this and people are non stop hyping it up in the comments, it puts it under the microscope for musicians. don't get upset when judgement is given. after all you gave your judgement.

[@dmlaughlin1]

100% Agreed. playing Classical guitar (that is firstly) playing chord arrrangement the public has just never heard and secondly , when i learned it was so hard for every song to keep that damn alternatign bass going while your playing a completely seperate harmony. Chet Atkins, RIP -"old fashion love song" took me a quite a while to learn . ha.(I know it's not classical ) i'm just speaking of playing alternating bass and melody at the same time. :)

[@julu1306]

Wow... I cannot believe this is possible in an acoustic! Phenomenal! Outstanding job!

[@ariestitan1201]

Bloody amazing, all the 90’s greats dance, trance , fantastic guys, never thought this could be done with guitars

[@scottbaxter3483]

Unbelievable talent these two guys have with a guitar 🎸 wooooo 🙌🙌🙌

[@FlockofAngels]

Tiesto’s Adagio For Strings, beautiful rendition, emotion and vibrant energy! 💕🌞💖💗

[@Chreeq]

Thats some proper passion on stage. I wish more musicians could show how much they love what they do like these guys do. Absolutely fantastic to experience.

[@iamrels]

Super impressive, there flow is just perfectly combined. Classic tunes.

[@stevemikellides5711]

That was simply amazing, they delivered a pitch perfect performance, engaged the crowd and had the most fun doing it, made my day guys thanks 🙏❤️ to hear the crowd singing along to Queen was the icing on the cake 😁

[@michelleobst4156]

Made by day too 🤘

[@nobodyleftbehind]

You got me when you played 'Children' I was transported to another time, across the world, a lifetime away.... beautiful, thank you

[@scottlutz2311]

“Playing the unexpected on the guitar.” Sooooo good. Sooo much pain. Sooo grateful.

[@wimschockaert9399]

going through a rough time...these two succeed in bringing some joy, thx for that! Respect, you are so talented...pls more of that!

[@Ruehau]

These two guys made my day with great music ❤️ thank you

[@thanosgr468]

- Dude we need a drummer Guy on the right: - *Hold my pick*

[@Akshaytg]

Lol

[@shubhmistry6011]

Good one my dude ! 😂🔥

[@heneedsomemilk2877]

His teeth had his back

[@mikeadams2351]

he's not that good of a drummer...

[@PhoenixNoire]

He might not be the best drummer, but the middle finger of his left is the real thing!

[@MegaDBT]

Thoroughly enjoyed! Amazing, just amazing!!

[@saradylan9691]

I've listened to this a million times and love it more and will listen another million times more

[@andregenter4213]

Darude and all those classics performed with two guitars. Superb!

[@garybowman73]

I don't know how those guys keep rhythm and tempo when the audience starts clapping out of synch, they are in a "ZONE"... 👍👌

[@ingebretsrheim3334]

In ear monitors is really a must to do just that. Other than that, keeping the rythm and tempo wasn't their strongest side to be honest - but it's not meant as a negative comment - It's hard to do so playing like this even without the clapping.

[@barrym4079]

That's why you tap your feet, to stay in time.

[@ScottGreenSays]

It's simply part of being a musicians. If you can't keep tempo or rhythm then you're not going to be a musician.

[@DDOMESSI]

I can confirm this. I have been playing the acoustic guitar myself since I was 6y/o. When you get into a ''zone'' everything just goes automatically. It's really something special.

[@bogdanbuda8118]

THEY BUILT A WALL.

[@wamariolunga3872]

Wow this is deep stuff. Am greatly fascinated by the beauty of teamwork, perseverance and unique creative art with passion in music.

[@kaimodo1366]

Well that was just insane

[@Chris.turvey_evans_coaching]

Absolutely incredible. Goosebumps!

[@mikehodzen213]

This is a fantastic video. Parts to the performance remind me of one of my favorite heavy bands. I’d like to hear them on electric guitar with drums. Nice work guys!

[@figarobras750]

Incrível e inspirador! Muito Bom

[@jamespapoutsis6243]

my ears are ringing, my heart is thumping, my head is spinning.....just Wow! Very innovative, I need a link to their music!

[@anandyachristian533]

What a wonderful people, magic performance, I can't hold my tears.

[@kubel83]

As a long time guitar player I think this was super awesome. Great job lads. Respect from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@benz0rz209]

I'm not gonna lie, when I saw them on stage with acoustic guitars, I started expecting an acoustic guitar performance.

[@MClark-bv9tn]

The man on our left was playing an electric acoustic wasn't it? I'm pretty sure.

[@Red80008]

XD ...genius

[@issacoh4775]

and the man on our right was playing the acoustic drums. :)

[@alekscz.8394]

They love what they do and do what they love - music is the most honest language in the world ❤

[@anthonymicale3989]

Absolutely incredible.

[@BradfordGuy]

Tommy is not only a master guitarist of many styles, including a few of his own, but he is a genuine sensitive soul. The man seems to truly care about people and how they feel. He loves to make people happy, and he inspires other guitarists with his performances. I have yet to see him live, but I am sure his shows are fantastic.

[@StefanStroeWebsite]

Great performance! The way the guitars keep the beat and delay just a little the counter beats is really special. It makes you want to hear it all! 🤘🏻

[@quoth7330]

Been to see Showhawk Duo a couple of times, every time is awesome

[@AldinoFilho]

Excelente apresentação. Parabéns e gratidão por nos presentear com tamanha habilidade