Mika invites Beverley teen Alex Bampton to share stage

A MUSICIAN from East Yorkshire was given the chance of a lifetime to perform alongside his music idol.

Alex Bampton was inspired by pop star Mika to write and produce his first song at the age of 13.

Now 18, he got the chance to share a stage with the artist and perform one of the star's new tracks in front of hundreds of people.

Alexander, of Beverley, was beckoned on to the stage at a secret gig in Sheffield.

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Alex said: "Mika asked for song requests and when the audience went quiet, I shouted for him to sing Love You When I'm Drunk, which is one of his new songs.

"He said his keyboard player didn't know how to play the song so I said I could play it.

"He didn't believe me at first but then he invited me up on to the stage and I played alongside him.

"I couldn't believe it.

"It is all a bit of a blur and I can't really remember everything but it was an amazing feeling."

Alex won tickets to the secret gig at Sheffield Winter Gardens after entering a competition on Mika's Facebook page the night before.

He said: "I have always liked his music so to have won the tickets was exciting enough, let alone to be on stage with him. It was incredible.

"It was also mine and my girlfriend's anniversary so it was a great way to mark the occasion."

Alex started learning how to play the piano when he was seven, after his grandmother bought him lessons.

He studied music technology at Hull College and now writes and records his own music.

Alex said the opportunity to perform with the pop star has fuelled his desire to become a professional musician.

"I have wanted to get into the music industry from a young age and it was Mika who inspired me to write my own music," he said.

"The experience of being on stage in front of a crowd of more than 200 people was brilliant.

"I would love to be able to make a career out of something I love doing."

After the gig, Alex had the chance to meet Mika and the rest of the band as well as speak to the promoters and sound technicians.

Since his cameo appearance, Alex has been contacted by Mika fans from across the world and hits on his website have soared.

"I can't believe how many people have been in touch about my music," he said.

"Hopefully, the interest will lead to more people listening to my songs.

"It is amazing to think this has all come from just entering a competition."

Alex is now hoping to set a date to get some pictures of him and Mika to help promote his music.