Top 10 Pre-Fame Performances by Big Artists

#10: Bastille Performs “Pompeii” at Sofar London

Formed in 2010, English indie band Bastille rose to fame in 2013 with the release of their biggest solo single to date, “Pompeii.” With its dramatic and catchy chorus, the song peaked at number two on UK charts and number five in the US. Its success was years in the making, as audience members from Sofar London can attest. In 2011, the band performed an intimate show to a small but receptive crowd, and their set included an early version of “Pompeii.” Following directions from lead singer Dan Smith, the audience helped provide backing vocals and were completely unaware that they had a sneak peek at a future big hit.

#9: Tones & I Busking in Byron Bay

This Australian singer-songwriter got her start as a street performer until her breakout hit, “Dance Monkey” went mega-viral in 2019. Her unique voice and music style made for a catchy tune that spent months topping charts around the world. The song was inspired by her experience busking in Byron Bay, and the pressure she felt to constantly capture the attention of passers-by. Months before the song’s release, one onlooker captured an early version of “Dance Monkey” in the very place that inspired it. Whether you love the song or found it a bit overplayed, this performance speaks to the origin of the song and highlights the challenges one might face when pursuing their passion.

#8: No Doubt’s First TV Appearance

This ska punk band led by eventual pop superstar Gwen Stefani dominated the 90s, giving us hits like “Don’t Speak” and “Just a Girl.” But in 1990, No Doubt was just getting their start in the punk scene of Southern California. While building a name for themselves, they appeared on a San Pedro public access TV show, “The Gig.” Here, a young Gwen Stefani performs with a large band of six performers, including her brother Eric. Gwen’s captivating stage presence, which would help land them a record deal later that same year, is on full display, fueled by the high energy of her band. It’s pure 90s, and it’s incredible.

#7: Chappell Roan Performs “Pink Pony Club” in a Park

From her early years growing up in Missouri, Chappell Roan dreamed of becoming a professional musician. Though her early music was received well by critics, her road to commercial success would take much longer. Her song “Pink Pony Club” was released in 2020, but it wasn’t until 2024 that the song began climbing charts. Undeterred, Roan kept performing the song she knew was gold anywhere she could. This video shows Roan singing her hit, accompanied only by her own keyboard, at an outdoor fundraiser in Los Angeles. It’s a far cry from the glittering spectacle we’re now used to seeing from Roan’s performances, but a reminder of her humble beginnings and tough road to stardom.

#6: Tween Justin Bieber Performing on the Streets of Stratford

Musically gifted from a young age, this pop superstar was discovered through the singing videos his mother posted to YouTube, beginning in 2007. At just 12 years old, Bieber had a remarkably resonant and clear tone to his singing voice, perfectly suited to pop music. Before he signed his first record deal, one Ontarian caught a rare early performance from this soon-to-be star. This video shows Bieber busking outside the Avon Theater, singing both covers of famous songs and his own early original music. Though his rented guitar looks massive compared to the tween singer, his iconic voice and natural charisma are on full display.

#5: Green Day Performs at their Alma Mater

In 1987, four young students at Pinole Valley High School formed a band called “Blood Rage.” After a few name changes and shuffling of the band’s members, Green Day was formed. Though the band was still finding their footing in 1990, they returned to their old stomping grounds to provide live music for the school’s Foreign Foods Day. This video shows Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and John Kiffmeyer, the band’s second drummer. Kiffmeyer would eventually be replaced by Tré Cool. Young and full of energy and promise, this video shows Green Day’s early talents and pays tribute to their Bay Area roots.

#4: The Killers Perform “Mr. Brightside” Before the Song’s Release

Though considered British music royalty, The Killers originally formed in Las Vegas, Nevada. They recorded their iconic classic “Mr. Brightside” as part of their original demo in 2001, and began performing together in 2002. This early live performance of the song feels a little less polished than the version we know and love, demonstrating how much the band honed their skills in their early years. Though American labels weren’t initially interested in signing The Killers, British label Lizard King Records signed the band in 2003. The band soon began performing shows in the UK, and “Mr. Brightside” quickly became like a secondary anthem for Brits.

#3: Nirvana Plays “Smells Like Teen Spirit” for the First Time

Imagine attending a Nirvana gig in the 90s and not going insane when they announce they’re about to sing their most iconic song. This Seattle audience had no idea what they were in for at this 1991 show, which took place while Nirvana was still working on “Nevermind,” their first major label album. This was the first time the song was ever performed for a live audience, and the lyrics hadn’t even been finished yet. Though notoriously difficult to decipher due to Kurt Cobain’s vocal style, several lyrics from this version would later be changed before the song’s official release months later. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” would become one of the best-selling songs of all time, making this video a relic of music history.

#2: Lady Gaga Live at Ikea

Stefani Germanotta, better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, curated her persona and performance style over years in the New York City club and burlesque scenes. By the time her debut album “The Fame” released in 2008, she had honed her personal style into something completely unique and utterly captivating. This video from the same year takes her over-the-top, avant garde persona and places it in the most ordinary of settings: an Ikea parking lot. From the Rady Children’s Hospital Toy Drive in San Diego, California, Gaga proves early on she’ll bring her all no matter the setting.

#1: The Beatles at the Cavern Club

This Liverpool venue played an important role in the early years of one of the biggest bands in history, the Beatles. Some of their earliest gigs were played at the Cavern Club, where they were soon noticed by their eventual manager, Brian Epstein. This 1962 video shows the Beatles in the very place they got their start, just days after Ringo Starr replaced original drummer Pete Best. One audience member in the packed crowd can even be heard shouting “We want Pete!” As fans were still adjusting to the band’s new drummer, they had no idea they would soon have to share their niche local artists with fans across the globe.

Which of these artists would you have loved to see perform before they were famous? Let us know in the comments!