Music

This fan and his Ford Focus saved a stranded Public Enemy

by Richard Howard

You know the feeling – you’ve got to be somewhere in 20 minutes and there’s nary an Uber available or taxi in sight. I’m guessing, however, that this is a pretty rare occurrence for hip-hop legends Public Enemy – especially when they’re heading to one of their own shows.

That’s exactly what happened to Chuck D, Flava Flav and co. shortly before their Sheffield, England gig over the weekend. The group were visiting the Record Collector shop in Broomhill for a brief signing, and made sure to book a taxi that would transport them to the show with plenty of time to spare.

When Public Enemy stopped to take pictures with fans, the cabbie made a total wanker move and decided he’d had enough of the Yanks’ lollygagging. He then drove off, leaving the rappers high and dry. Panic ensued among the group’s management and entourage, until a mild mannered (looking – I’ve never met the guy) fan and local photographer, 50-year-old Kevin Wells, told the guys he had his Ford Focus parked right outside and would race them over to the Motorpoint Arena for their show with The Prodigy. See his selfie to beat ’em all at the top of this article.

It was a tight squeeze, but they shoehorned everyone in. According to Wells, what followed was a surreal ride during which they not only chatted, “had a right laugh” and attempted to calm PE’s management who constantly called freaking out – but also rocked out to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Yes, the dude got to have a Wayne’s World style sing-a-long in a packed hatchback with Public Enemy.

Sadly, Wells may have showed his age a bit by not taking what would have easily been a top 5 video of the year. And the show? All good – Wells got the rappers to the arena with 15 minutes before they were set to go on. Something tells me he watched the show from side stage.