Unknown singer stands in for Olly Murs at Hydro ahead of Take That

AN UNKNOWN Glasgow singer opened for Take That at the Hydro on Friday night after Olly Murs was unable to perform. 

Danny Rooney was performing at the neighbouring Radisson RED last night where showbiz presenter Ross King was in the audience.

Ross enjoyed Danny's performance so much that he asked if he could ditch his gig and open for Take That at the arena with just 30 minutes' notice.

Danny of course said yes and says the experience was "surreal".

He said: "It’s hard to take it in, it’s really surreal.

"I’m just having a chance now to look at my phone and talk to my Mrs and parents and stuff.

"It was fast - 20 minutes before going on I met Gary and the guys and we talked about what songs to do.

"It was great, I got some good singalongs with the crowd etc and it felt like they were really behind me.

"I know some people were not happy about Olly but as soon as I went up and had a chat they were brilliant.

"Ross went up first and announced what was going on, he explained I was playing in Radisson RED when Gary asked him to help so he came up to me and asked me to play the Hydro instead.

"I still had 45 minutes to go at the hotel but what can you do with something like this – but they’re really happy for me."

The OVO Hydro announced Olly Murs would be unable to perform due to "unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone's control" at around 6.30pm yesterday evening.

Ross says he was blown away by Danny who was performing his regular pre and post-Hydro show in the hotel’s downstairs bar.

He explained: "I’d gone to the Radisson with my family and girlfriend for a pre-show meal.

"Gary and I were texting and I’d heard Olly was stuck in London, I joked I would be there for him but he said ‘I’m not joking, we need you’.

"I told him I had just been listening to Danny and he was brilliant - Gaz said get over now you’re both on in 30 minutes.

"Danny was sensational.. a star was born.

"He met the boys before he went on and they waited for him to come off and told him he was brilliant."

After the gig, Gary Barlow took to Instagram to say Danny "saved the day".

Graham Chalmers, Radisson RED manager, said he is thrilled for the young singer.

He said: "Danny plays regularly for us – working with grass roots artists is huge for us and he is someone we thought really has something.

"It’s important to us to showcase Scotland’s talent – in fact we are opening a new live music venue with that ethos at the heart of it, the Rotunda and Roundhouse across from the hotel.

"So, It was a strange moment when I looked over and saw Danny put his coat on and lift his guitar – I asked him what was going on but when he told me, how could you stand in the way of that sort of opportunity

"We’re really pleased for him and thanks to Ross for coming in again and of course for spotting the kind of talent we have at Radisson RED."