Local violinist Rhett Price went from street performer to YouTube star early last year when his MBTA station recording of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” went viral and several other popular music covers followed suit. Price has since played private parties for Rob Gronkowski and John Henry and taken to local stages as big as House of Blues. Not a bad drop in the hat.
A year later, Price, along with his backing band, has pursued original songwriting and continues to choose challenging covers that resonate with audiences of all tastes and preferences. Today, Price is exclusively sharing a brand new video for his cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” with BDCwire. One of the most universally recognized guitar licks of all time (even Lil’ Jon sampled it on “Let’s Go”) gets the violin treatment, retaining all of its rock ‘n’ roll charm, while adding an alternative perspective. Along with the brand new video, Price is releasing the cover as a single, available for digital purchase through iTunes. If you’re looking to experience his interpretive prowess in the flesh, you’re in luck as well. Price and his band are playing Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge on April 19, along with singer/songwriter Liz Lohnes and funky folkateer George Woods. Keep up with all of Price’s videos at his YouTube page.