Duncan Nottage

[Music over time🎻 @Peal8888]

✨The special talent of the red-haired boy and the cover that stopped the entire street

There are performances that make you stop in the middle of the crowd—not because of a big stage, but because something unexpected and sacred is ringing out. The video of Allie Sherlock and the red-haired boy Fionn Wheelan singing “Hallelujah” on the street is one of those. Allie stands with her acoustic guitar, her voice clear yet deep. Beside her is a boy of about twelve, wearing a red Arsenal jersey, bright red hair, eyes focused, lifting the high notes in a way so natural it’s almost unbelievable. The crowd gathers, phones are raised, yet no one makes a sound. For me, it raises the question: how could an unknown boy and a street busker turn Leonard Cohen’s song into a moment that feels almost holy?

The answer lies in Fionn’s voice. He doesn’t try to imitate anyone. He simply sings. His voice is clear, slightly raspy on the high notes, carrying a sincerity and innocence that cannot be faked. When he sings “Hallelujah…,” the noise of the street seems to fall away. Allie supports him with gentle chords, never overpowering. That is the moment the song explodes—not through technique, but through pure clarity.

For me, the focus is always on Fionn. He stands steady before the crowd, his voice rising on the repeated lines, creating an immediate energy right in the middle of the street. Allie turns the corner into the place where the song is happening, while Fionn turns it into the place where emotion is set free.

Allie Sherlock began her career busking on the streets of Ireland. She returned to a familiar corner and met a boy whose voice made her call him “the next Ed Sheeran.” “Hallelujah” has always been a song about faith, love, and moments that are both sacred and earthly. When these two sing it on the street, it becomes an unexpected prayer in the middle of everyday life. No church or grand stage is needed.

Many people ask whether this is the best cover of “Hallelujah.” Compared with polished studio versions, it lacks “cleanliness.” But that very lack of perfection is its strength. It asks you to face the pure clarity of a boy and the gentle support of an adult.

The most admirable thing is that this moment has never accepted becoming a forgettable video. Every time the red-haired boy’s voice rises amid the crowd, I am pushed back into the right place: not someone being entertained, but someone forced to look straight at a talent burning brightly in the most natural way. This song does not need to be loved in the ordinary way. It only needs to be remembered—and for me, it has done that.

[PROTECT ALL WILDLIFE @Protect_Wldlife]

#ThoughtForTheDay from @RickyGervais.

"Sport is fair. Sport is consensual. If Trophy Hunting was a sport the animal would know it was involved. It would also shoot back. Cowards!" 🤬🤬

RT if you want a BAN on #TrophyHunting NOW! 🚫

[John Nichol ✈ @JohnNicholRAF]

It would be a FAB 105th birthday pressie for WW2 vet Colin Bell to get his memoir BLOODY DANGEROUS into bestseller list.
So please buy it!
rt for chance to win my PERSONAL pre-publication proof-copy which Colin will sign for you!
Or join us on 11th March for a chat!
Link below.

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@brexit_sham "Forging ahead to remove the ban on selling in pounds and ounces" Laughable.

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@alk_info les dernières leçons de la semaine serons sur les piste de ski

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@rachelgwenllian Hermit crab

[Brian Cox @ProfBrianCox]

What you’ve also done, @pritipatel , is to end freedom of movement for UK passport holders across our continent. The citizens of 27 other countries, the great majority of Europeans, still retain it. That’s not something to fly our flag over in my book.

[Solange 💚🤍💜 @solange_lebourg]

Over 65s - did you vote to be sedated and left to die? Alone, of suffocation? If not, FFS say something. Do not go gently into Johnson’s dying rooms. #CoronaVillains #CoronaCrisisuk

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@SketchLisa @MatMoore6 @B8tor Beautiful shot. What size lens were you using?

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@Tallphotography Mice

[James Holland @James1940]

❗ COMPETITION PEOPLE❗

You can win a copy of my new book, #Normandy44, signed by myself and @almurray from our #WeHaveWays history podcast.

All you have to do to enter is RT this tweet.

And if you haven't heard the podcast do yet you can listen here: https://t.co/1cYUDpWF2x

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@SketchLisa Thank you for sharing that, Lisa. Hard to imagine how they coped.

[A C Grayling #FBPE #Reform #Rejoin #FBPR @acgrayling]

Latest poll: ALL constituencies in Britain now have Remain majorities. In a referendum today 56% Remain -v- 44% leave. Retweet widely and write AGAIN to MPs pointing this out. Time for a PEOPLES @peoplesvote_uk

[Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy]

No - we won’t blame EU. We will blame you & this reckless government, @Jeremy_Hunt.

I vow to make sure of it.

RT if you agree.

https://t.co/bCFkJXBqmj

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@dontbrexitfixit Aviation. Global

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@Andy_N3wland @dickstrawbridge It was. Simple, but it means so much to us.

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@Andy_N3wland @dickstrawbridge Our French hosts have just given us an amazing loaf and cheese to say thank you. Speechless.

[Duncan Nottage @Dunjimnot]

@OwenSmith_MP @JoRichardsKent A map.