A homeless pianist raises thousands for charity

A homeless man has played his first solo concert in Cornwall after a video of him playing the piano went viral online.

Rhys Wynne-Jones, 32, became homeless in January and wowed people with his talent at NightChurch Penzance, where he went looking for food.

To thank those who helped him, Mr Wynne-Jones performed a two-hour solo show on Saturday night to raise money for the church’s homeless project.

Speaking after the show, he said there were “a lot of tears, a lot of laughter”.

Mr Wynne-Jones believes the concert, which took place at St Mary’s Church, raised more than £1,700 for the charity.

“I’d say there were 300 to 400 people easily, it was close to capacity,” he said.

“It was a two-half concert, I got a standing ovation in the first half and I’ve never had that before.

“It was very emotional at the end because I said thank you to NightChurch and everyone for what they did for me.”

Mr Wynne-Jones said he “didn’t get much sleep” after the show because “there were so many emotions going through me at the moment”.

“I signed autographs about an hour after that,” he added.

“I was listening to people’s stories and even met some kids who were budding pianists themselves.

“It was nice to meet so many people.

“There were a lot of tears, a lot of laughter, it was a beautiful night.”

The pianist said some of the show’s highlights included the audience singing along to his renditions of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

In a speech at the end of the evening, Mr Wynne-Jones thanked his supporters and shared his experiences with mental health.

“I told them, if your mind ever tells you bad things, I can tell you the truth about who you are right now,” he explained.

“You’re pretty, you’re beautiful, you’re kind, you have a kind heart and the reason I know that is because you’re here in this room tonight.

“You’re here supporting a homeless person you don’t know.

“Take turns supporting other homeless people and only one good person would come to this church tonight.

“I told them that if your mind ever fails you, remember this night and the darkness of your mind will never extinguish the light that is in your heart.”

He said he could “happily reveal” that he has been invited to perform at other venues in the area and “there will be more gigs in the future”.

“Hopefully I can get some work on top of that,” he added.

“The wheels are turning with that, I’m still looking for opportunities.”