In our featured video, 10-year-old Jake Collisson holds up a sign asking to play guitar with RPJ Band, and it turned out to be an epic win. Jake was amazing, the audience video went viral with 6.3 million views in a month, and they even made it to the TV news. Remember, even for experienced musicians, live performances can be risky. Guitars can go out of tune, feedback can occur, and sometimes you can’t hear yourself in the monitors – a lot can go wrong.
At the start of the video, we see Rick Parfitt Jr.’s concern. RPJ Band, known for their energetic covers of singalong classics, has a reputation for transforming events into full-blown concerts. As a polished, professional group led by Rick Parfitt Jr., son of the Status Quo frontman, the last thing they needed was a mishap on stage. There was always the question: What if the kid messes up?
But Jake nailed it. Everything went perfectly! Music Man readers know that many big acts invite audience members to join them on stage occasionally. Michael Bublé often duets with fans, and Bruce Springsteen likes bringing kids up for “Waiting on a Sunny Day.” Our archives are full of great performances by audience members, but it’s always a gamble for both the act and the fan. Bands can’t just invite people on stage willy-nilly because they’re holding a sign!
Thankfully, Rick Parfitt Jr. trusted young Jake Collisson. Amy Stuttle commented, “I was so lucky to see this live. My chin is still on the floor, and I am telling everyone I meet about Jake!” Will Morris wrote, “Well done to the band for being such good sports; many bands would have ignored the lad.” Bill Ceve said, “Amazing how this can make a 65-year-old father cry. When you have children, you know how special the moment is for Jake, amazing.” Here’s BBC1’s news report on the story:
In the first video, Jake’s talent is evident, even though his age isn’t immediately obvious. In the news clip, it’s clear he’s just a boy. Good on you, Jake. You performed like a pro without even needing to watch the other musicians for cues. It’s challenging to fit into a band like that, as every player has their quirks. Credit goes to RPJ Band for their professionalism, to Jake for his musical ear, and to everyone for knowing the Guns ‘n’ Roses original inside out.
As mentioned in the BBC video, Jake has been invited to guest with RPJ Band on the main stage at CarFest 2024. Founded by radio and TV personality Chris Evans in 2011, CarFest raises money for the Children in Need charity. It’s a big gig and will be a fantastic experience for Jake and a bonus for RPJ Band. With a platform like that, all eyes will be on the collaboration. Jake has already gained 61.8K YouTube followers. What will they play? Jake does a mean “Voodoo Chile.”
Jake’s first appearance with RPJ Band, where he held up his cardboard sign, was at a fundraiser for the upkeep of the Painshill Park estate in Surrey. Painshill Park, a beautiful 18th-century park created by Charles Hamilton, hosts weekly evening concerts, staying open until 9 pm. The Collisson family decided to attend, and Jake had the idea to make a sign…
Besides fronting RPJ Band, Rick Parfitt Jr. is a successful modified saloon car racer. As for young Jake Collisson, he has music videos on his YouTube channel dating back to when he was six. His guitar covers include “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Voodoo Chile.” The Music Man wishes Jake all the best on his musical journey.