**Unexpected Crowds Descend on Cardiff Record Shop After TikTok Sensation Sebastian Schub Announces Pop-Up Performance**
A small Cardiff record store was transformed into the scene of an impromptu street concert this week after hundreds of fans turned out to see Sebastian Schub, a singer-songwriter whose meteoric rise on TikTok has captured the attention of music lovers across the UK and beyond. The overwhelming turnout prompted Schub to abandon the intimate indoor gig for a larger, open-air setting just outside the shop.
Schub, a German-born artist raised in London, had originally planned a low-key, free solo show at Spillers Records on the evening of Tuesday, July 22nd. With a typical air of informality characteristic of today’s social media-driven artists, the musician posted an invitation on TikTok stating, “Cardiff. I’m finally coming back. Gonna play a little solo pop-up show at Spillers Records this Tuesday 7.15pm. Come and hang, entry is free, no tickets needed x.”
However, the power of Schub’s considerable online following soon became apparent as crowds began to assemble long before showtime. The sheer number of attendees—many of whom shared their excitement across various platforms—meant that the modest record shop could no longer safely accommodate the audience. Quick-thinking and unfazed, Schub decided to transform the event into an open-air busking session, ensuring no one would miss out.
Reflecting on the experience, Schub wrote on Instagram, “Cardiff what the hell – WAY too many of you showed up at our spontaneous pop up yesterday. We didn’t have nearly enough room at the venue so decided to turn the whole thing into a little busk. Thanks so much for coming and saying hello. X.” His good-humoured response was met with delight by fans, whose videos and photos soon began circulating online, further cementing Schub’s reputation for down-to-earth interactions and community spirit.
Amongst the flood of social media reactions, one fan expressed, “A Sebastian Schub secret show is exactly what I needed today.” Another wrote simply, “Sebastian Schub singing in Cardiff central was something I definitely needed.” These candid testimonials highlight the sense of connection that fans often feel with artists who embrace spontaneous, grassroots performances.
Schub’s presence in Cardiff came hot on the heels of a high-profile summer schedule. Just weeks earlier, he had supported American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan at Blackweir Live, wowing crowds at both that event and BST Hyde Park, before making his debut on the coveted BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. In a telling illustration of perseverance in today’s music industry, Schub later admitted he had applied to perform at the iconic festival every year since the age of 18, with 2025 finally bringing the opportunity he had been hoping for.
The singer also revealed a curious local connection: his most recent EP was recorded in Barry, a town just outside Cardiff. “I actually recorded my EP in Barry. The producer I work with just bought a church on Trinity Street, opposite Stacey’s house, and we’ve just done the whole EP there,” he told reporters, underscoring his affection for Wales and its role in his creative process. He added that he planned to return to the area for further writing sessions later in the summer, expressing, “Barry’s the spot, all the songs are written in Barry.”
With more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and his hit “Sing Like Madonna” amassing over 24 million streams—alongside tens of thousands of TikTok uses—it’s clear that Schub’s grassroots approach hasn’t hindered his ability to reach mainstream audiences. Yet the Cardiff episode serves as a reminder that despite digital metrics, the physical connection between artists and fans retains its magic.
This remarkable turnout at Spillers Records not only reinforces the changing landscape of musical stardom in the age of social media but also showcases the enduring community spirit found within Cardiff’s thriving music scene. As Sebastian Schub’s career continues to flourish, both online and in-person, the city’s spontaneous street gig will no doubt be fondly remembered by those who were present for this unexpected coming together of artist and audience.