Kid Rock Surprises Fan With Down Syndrome on His Birthday
[Warning: Video contains strong language]
Never let it be said that Kid Rock has no heart. The rapping, rocking, and sometimes country-crooning singer surprised Dan McGurk, a superfan with Down Syndrome, earlier this week at his 30th birthday celebration. The video evidence of the meeting has already racked up more than 350,000 views on YouTube since it was posted on Tuesday.
Not only did Rock's mere appearance give McGurk the thrill of his life, but the entertainer sat down at the table and chatted with the birthday boy, presenting McGurk with a box full of gifts, including an "American Bad Ass" trucker hat, a numbered poster, and an electric guitar stamped with the word "Badass," which Kid promptly autographed.
Rock made the trip after catching wind of McGurk's video in which he invited the "Born Free" singer to his party. In the clip, which has been viewed more than 41,000 times on YouTube, McGurk wears a black Kid Rock T-shirt and describes himself as "the biggest Kid Rock fan of all-time."
With a poster of Rock hanging in the background, McGurk shows off his collection of Kid Rock merch, including numerous T-shirts, a blanket, and posters. He then goes on to list his favorite Kid Rock tunes, which run the gamut from ""Bawitdaba" and "Cowboy" to more recent fare, such as "Born Free" and his cover of "Sweet Home Alabama."
At his party at a local eatery, McGurk is seen discussing his next milestone birthday, 40, and seems slightly disappointed that his hero has yet to materialize. A waiter sings an operatic version of "Happy Birthday," and for the encore Kid Rock reveals himself, wearing a flannel shirt and a fedora, as a waitress brings out a pumpkin-shaped cake.
When McGurk first spots Kid Rock, the look on his face is priceless.
Once Kid sits down and the pair high five, McGurk professes his fandom to his hero. "I've seen you six times so far," he enthuses. "I'm your biggest No. 1 fan!" Rock acknowledges that he knew that from McGurk's video.
After he's presented with the gifts, McGurk's mother can be heard off camera saying, "Dan, what do you say?" Kid suggests, "This is cool," but it's McGurk that comes up with the appropriate response. "Yeah, badass. Badass."
