Thai Teen Guitarist PettyRock Performs Deep Purple’s ‘Highway Star’ at Siam Square

Petty Rock, a young Thai guitarist, has been drawing attention since childhood through online guitar videos. Her early talent and exposure led her to appear on Asia’s Got Talent at seven, where she demonstrated her musical ability to a wider audience.

By 14, Petty Rock had established herself as a key figure in Bangkok’s music scene, particularly with her rendition of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” at Siam Square, a lively urban spot known for street performances.

The performance was more than a cover; it was a full-band display. Alongside Petty’s dynamic guitar work, the band included keyboardist Yuri Irinrak, whose standout solo added depth and melodic energy to the arrangement.

The rhythm section was driven by bassist Paopao Lianseng and drummer Holly Empire, whose tight, energetic playing provided a strong foundation for the song’s complex structure and explosive moments.

The performance took place in an engaged crowd at Siam Square, an open-air setting that allowed onlookers and rock fans to experience the energy firsthand, immersing them in Petty Rock’s powerful musical expression.

Watch the performance

This video captures the full live street performance, highlighting the intensity and skill of Petty and her bandmates as they reinterpreted the rock classic ‘Highway Star.’

This version of ‘Highway Star’ retains the essence of classic hard rock with an aggressive tempo and tight playing, while also bringing a fresh, youthful energy through Petty Rock’s unique style and presence. Her guitar work was both technically proficient and emotionally engaging, commanding the audience’s attention throughout the song.

The band members exhibited a strong electric synergy, with Yuri Irinrak’s keyboard solo adding a lively energy that enhanced Petty’s guitar lines. The dynamic interplay between the keyboard and guitar created a rich, complementary sound that engaged listeners throughout the performance.

The band’s visual energy aligned with their musical style, as their lively expressions and movements amplified the audience’s involvement. This connection suggested a genuine enthusiasm for the music, bridging the gap between the performers and the crowd regardless of age.

PettyRock’s performance was more than a musical event; it was a statement about the lasting influence of classic rock in modern music. The set highlighted the transition from one generation to the next, showing that the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll continues to evolve and inspire.

The video, which garnered 1.8 million views, demonstrated the band’s ability to capture a broad audience beyond their local following. The positive response confirmed their growing status as icons in the rock music scene, especially where traditional Western rock meets emerging Asian talent.

The open-air setting at Siam Square allowed for a direct exchange between performers and audience. The organic atmosphere of the urban environment added a real, unfiltered energy to the music, making the experience feel more immediate and authentic.

In addition to the live instrumentation, PettyRock’s vocals provided a central melodic thread. Her delivery of the familiar lyrics brought out the original song’s essence while fitting seamlessly with the band’s live atmosphere.

The technical elements of the performance reflected the challenges of street-level music. Microphones, cables, and amplifiers were placed amidst natural and urban elements, showing how music can coexist with the environment in a dynamic, unscripted way.

For fans of rock looking for new voices that pay tribute to and reimagined classic styles, PettyRock’s cover of Highway Star reveals a promising vision for the future. The group’s combined abilities and energetic attitude show that traditional rock can remain relevant in modern times.

This show highlights Petty and her band’s commitment to continuing rock’s tradition. Their dynamic on stage and impressive instrumental talent place them as key emerging artists who are both part of and shaping the genre.

Two more performances to explore

Highway Star 4สาววัยทีนพันธุ์ร็อค#pettyrock Band Siam Square Walking Street Centerpoint Bangkok.

A lively rendition of PettyRock’s ‘Highway Star’ in a similar Bangkok street environment, highlighting the band’s youthful energy and technical prowess in an urban public setting.

Hihway star 3-4-2018 PettyRock Vimolwan Saisathit วิมลวัลย์ ทรายสถิตย์ (น้องเพชร)

An earlier recording of PettyRock performing ‘Highway Star,’ providing insight into the band’s musical development and ongoing commitment to this well-known Deep Purple cover track over multiple years.