A Scottish hotel singer has spoken of the “madness” at being asked to fill in for Olly Murs at the last minute and open for Take That at the Hydro.
Murs, who has been supporting Take That on their This Life tour, was forced to cancel his act at the Hydro at short notice on Friday after his flight got delayed.
Daniel Rooney, who was playing at the Radisson Hotel opposite the arena, then got offered an opportunity to “change his life” by Scottish presenter Ross King.
“I was in the Radisson Red, playing through a set, when I heard that Olly Murs couldn’t make it”, he told STV News.
“Ross King, who was at the restaurant with his family, was going to the Take That show and got a phone call from Gary Barlow asking if he knew singers as a joke.
“So he said there’s a singer in here that’s doing quite well, next minute he’s asking me, do you want an opportunity to change your life, and support Take That at the Hydro – right now?”
Daniel later shared a series of images and videos of him performing on the Hydro stage to his Instagram Story, describing it as a “crazy night”.
The 26-year-old admitted he was nervous at first, but it “went over so quickly”.
He added: “There was not enough time to think about it, I had another gig to go at 8 o’clock, at the Press Bar in Glasgow, so I had to phone them and explain I couldn’t make it.
“But they were happy that I was getting such a big chance.
“I was nervous at the first song, but it just went over so quickly so I couldn’t really think about it. But it was just amazing, was great.”
Barlow praised Rooney for stepping up to the plate, writing “this young man saved the day thank you” on his Instagram story with a photo of the musician.
“I’ve heard he’s got a few vineyards, so I’d take a wee tour if he can manage that!”, Daniel said.
“You laugh about it, I’ll be playing myself in there one day, but you don’t actually think its going to happen, but then that’s how quickly it happens in a few minutes.
“Your playing in a hotel bar, then playing to 13/14 thousand people. It’s madness.
“My friends and family are buzzing with it. I just want to thank everyone who has got in touch.”
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