Watch: Edinburgh man delights neighbours by playing pop hits from his driveway

One Edinburgh man has been keeping community spirits high by performing pop hits from his driveway during the coronavirus lockdown.

John Dickson, 71, has watched on social media as communities in the Capital and across the Scotland respond in their own unique ways to the outbreak restrictions.

Musical performances have become commonplace in the past two weeks, including at Leith's Banana flats where volunteers have organised mass singalongs in support of the NHS.

Armed with his amplified Epiphone Les Paul, microphone, and a broad range of rock and roll hits, John, however, simply wants to lift the spirits of those in the local area around him and whoever else might miss the sound of live music.

On Sunday afternoon the retired bus sign-writer and former wedding band musician decided to take the lead and perform from his driveway.

Footage of his performances have been shared widely, with one clip being viewed thousands of times.

Speaking to the Evening News, Mr Dickson said: "I'd been watching others on Facebook doing similar things and wanted to bring it out on to my own street.

"I got a few of my favourite songs and put my equipment outside my garage door and announced to my neighbours that I was going to be doing a few songs for them."

When John started singing, a crowd began to gather and within minutes around a dozen people were watching from tenement windows opposite his Granton bungalow.

"Once I got going," he continued, "one or two people started filming me. One of the videos is way over 2,000 views now.

"It's been quite successful, so I will do this every Sunday around 1pm until the end of the lockdown.

"I'm going to start doing requests and have quite a few from people already."

The response from neighbours and passersby has been fantastic, says John.

He added: "A few emails have been sent to me from people who have enjoyed it and telling me how it's got their spirits up.

"Across the road is actually tenements, so they've got a great view. There must've been at least nine flats watching and people passed by and stopped and took videos as well. Even a car stopped in the road to listen.

"My wife is all for it and my daughter and son are just saying 'well done, dad". They're all for it."

John's next door neighbour, Fred Burns, was full of praise for his friend and local troubadour.

"He's just brilliant," said Fred, 74.

"He was out there for an hour or so and loads of folk stopped and took photos, with lots of neighbours out at their windows."John's a very well-liked guy in the area and we always look forward to karaoke night at the local club when he's in too."

John's next performance will be from outside his home at Pilton Drive North next Sunday at 1pm.

Planned hits include Let's Stick Together (Bryan Ferry), Can You Hear My Heart Beat (Herman's Hermits), My Generation (The Who), and Don't Stop (Fleetwood Mac).

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