If you were around in 2013, you are more than likely familiar with the Bastille song ‘Pompeii’. Whether you love it or hate it, few can deny that the song was all over the radio when it was released and remains one of the biggest and most recognizable hits of that year, to the extent that fans of the song have previously said it can never be successfully covered.
Recently, however, YouTube sensation Leire and four fellow musical friends proved that this wasn’t the case. During a group busking session in London, the quintet performed a version of ‘Pompeii’ that has left the Internet in shock, having transformed it from a catchy pop hit into a rousing indie tune that has brought tears to the eyes of many viewers around the world.
Despite the fact the song’s instantly recognisable drums and punchy production have been stripped away, the quintet manages to retain its emotional and melancholic qualities through the power and meaning they put into their performance. “Love this Bastille song and this is the best version I’ve heard so far” reads one of the video’s top comments on YouTube, echoing the thoughts of many viewers worldwide.
Of course, as Music Man readers who are already familiar with the name Leire might know, this is not the first time she or her musical colleagues have had one of their performances blow up online. Leire herself, for instance, is perhaps best known for her live cover of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’, which has over seven million views on YouTube alone.
Despite Leire’s solo talent, however, it is this combined with the talent of the other four musicians on the Bastille cover that makes it really special. Not only did they transform an iconic pop tune into their own unique style, but they did it in a way that has the Internet going crazy for their performance!
Leire and her fellow buskers have turned a radio staple into something unexpectedly moving — proof a great song can be reborn. If their Pompeii cover left you moved, check the useful links below to watch the performance, follow the artists and discover more of their work.