John Lewis Christmas advert features song by 7 foot-clown who’s a Pride favourite
Musician Mike Geier of Puddles Pity Party, who sings the song in the new John Lewis Christmas advert. (Daniel Knighton/Getty)
The John Lewis Christmas advert song is sung by a seven-foot clown known as Puddles Pity Party.
In this latest annual tearjerker – titled “The Beginner” – the retail giant has used a downbeat cover of the 90s hit, “All The Small Things” by Blink-182.
The new John Lewis advert song is courtesy of US artist Mike Geier who has sung across the US at Pride events.
Atlanta-based Geier, (known as Big Mike Geier due to his 6’8” height), is best-known for performing as Puddles Pity Party, where he covers songs dressed as a clown.
His one-man-act was formed in 1998 when he came up with the idea of creating a clown-themed band.
Since then he has entertained the crowds at Philly Pride, a gig that he said he was “proud” to perform at.
In an interview with Philadelphia Gay News, he said: “My show is all about fellowship.”
Geier said when choosing the songs he covers he likes to pick ones that “hit you right in the ticker”.
“Pop anthems that are emotive and uplifting are my favorites. I like some deep cuts, but there is also something thrilling about singing a popular tune that everyone in the audience recognizes and sings along with.”
Puddles Pity Party. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
Geier, who refers to Puddles in third person, added: “Puddles gives an emotive performance that resonates with all kinds of folks.
“The crowd really responds to him. There’s something about a giant sad singing clown that comforts us, let’s us know it’s ok to feel, to show our feelings. It’s a sad and beautiful world, and we’re all in it together, even when we’re totally alone.”
John Lewis song artist competed on America’s Got Talent
Five years before his John Lewis song fame, Geier appeared on season 12 of America’s Got Talent and covered Sia’s “Chandelier”.
Simon Cowell said Geier’s performance was “originality at its best”.
In this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, viewers follow a middle-aged man learning how to skateboard. In the final scene watchers discover his efforts were to make his new foster daughter feel at home.
As expected the campaign is heartwarming, nostalgic and more than a little bit heartbreaking. Watch the John Lewis advert, and enjoy the song, below.
