A historic collision of musical eras electrified the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London when legendary producer Trevor Horn made an unexpected appearance during Sophie Grey.’s opening set for Sting in October 2025.
The unannounced collaboration delivered a reimagined version of “Video Killed the Radio Star,” the iconic 1980 synth-pop hit originally performed by Horn’s band The Buggles, which famously became the first music video ever broadcast on MTV in 1981.
The timing proved particularly significant as Grey had just released her own cover version of the classic song that same day on digital platforms. Audience members described the moment as an “epic surprise,” with smartphone footage of the performance rapidly circulating across social media platforms.
The collaboration merged Grey’s signature Retro Electro sound—characterized by live instrumentation and sparkling electronics—with the new-wave sensibilities of the original track.
Grey’s sonic blueprint—where tangible musicianship meets digital shimmer—perfectly complemented Horn’s pioneering new-wave aesthetic.
Horn, whose production credits include work with Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ABC, Yes, Seal, and Grace Jones, appeared visibly energized by the opportunity to reinterpret his breakthrough hit alongside Grey, a classically trained pianist who studied at USC Thornton School of Music.
Their shared backgrounds in studio engineering and production created natural synergy during the performance, which featured a slow-burning, futuristic synth arrangement that maintained the original’s melodic structure while incorporating contemporary production techniques. Horn’s experience constructing Sarm West Studios in 1983 gave him particular insight into the technical aspects of the live sound. Grey’s infectious hooks and beats, reminiscent of her recent single “Mommy Issues,” added a fresh dimension to the classic track.
Grey demonstrated remarkable finger independence during her intricate keyboard solos, a skill she attributes to years of dedicated scale and arpeggio practice with varied articulations. Her ability to hold down certain notes while executing complex runs showcased the targeted exercises she had incorporated into her daily practice routine.
Media coverage emphasized the rarity of such a collaboration between an established industry legend and a rising star. Despite the enthusiastic reception, representatives for both artists indicated this was a one-off, live-only collaboration with no plans for future joint projects.
The performance underscored the enduring cultural impact of MTV-era hits and their continued relevance in modern pop music landscapes.
Grey, who was mentored by Grammy-nominated Patrice Rushen and previously worked at Village Recorder Studios, continued her opening set after the collaboration before Sting took the stage for the evening’s headlining performance.
The unexpected duet remained the night’s most discussed moment both inside the venue and across entertainment news outlets.
