Raphael Froissart was busking in a crowded mall, playing well-known songs on his clarinet, when all of a sudden a shy nine-year-old boy named Timéo Sparking walked over to him, asking if he could play with him. Reaching for his guitar, he asked if they knew ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC. At first, Raphael seemed unsure, reminding Timéo that the song was a difficult one to play, but Timéo reassured him he was up to the task. When he began to play, everyone’s doubts immediately vanished.
As soon as they hear him play, Music Man fans will see that Timéo is a true rockstar, despite his young age. Raphael, along with his fellow busker Charles Guage on cello, played a classical-inspired version of the song, but as soon as Timéo began to play the iconic guitar line of the song, things rose to a whole new level. Things kicked up yet another notch when a listener walked out of the crowd and joined the group on the drums. The video of their astonishing performance now has 4M views.
I was amazed not only by Timéo’s incredible playing but also by his showmanship. He committed himself entirely to the performance, connecting with both the crowd and the other musicians as they played. I was blown away when he began to play with one hand. When he fell to his knees, it was in true rockstar style. I was also amazed by how he wasn’t fazed at all while playing alongside instruments such as the cello and clarinet, helping create a unique classical-rock fusion in the song.
Raphael Froissart’s viral video is not the only way Timéo’s incredible talent has been reaching the masses. If any Music Man readers like to keep up with the Got Talent franchise, Timéo may be familiar. He took part in the 2025 series of France’s Got Talent and, at 10 years old, received the Golden Buzzer, sending him straight into the semi-finals. Playing a mash-up of some of the most iconic guitar parts of all time, Timéo proved that he already has what it takes to take on the greats.
It is rare to see a young guitarist with this much talent anywhere, but a popular televised talent show seems like exactly the place someone like Timéo Sparking might head to get their music heard by a wider audience. It is far more surprising to hear Timéo’s talent in a crowded mall, as was the case when he collaborated with Raphael Froissart. Either way, listeners are taking note of Timéo’s talent and are now eagerly awaiting to see what the future has in store for this incredible young rockstar.