Musician Marcus Anderson goes viral after plane performance on delayed flight: ‘Just incredible’

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — A delayed flight turned into a career highlight for Triangle musician and North Carolina Central University graduate Marcus Anderson, whose impromptu plane performance went viral this summer.

Anderson, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist, says the moment has opened new doors.

“We’re like 3.4 million views on Instagram, another 2.1 on Facebook. It’s just been incredible,” Anderson said. “We’ve already booked another tour for next year.”

The performance wasn’t on the Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns tour, but Anderson said even his tour mate was surprised.

“Dave Koz actually said in all of the years of me touring, this has never happened.”

Anderson has shared stages with legends like Stevie Wonder and Sheila E., but his most significant influence came from Prince.

“He featured me on his last album before his transition,” Anderson said. “To tour with him, learn about him, and see how he gave back was just an amazing experience.”

Inspired by Prince’s philanthropy, Anderson created the Leadership in Entertainment and the Arts Program – or LEAP – at NCCU. The program recently donated more than 50 instruments to Durham Public Schools.

“Music has given me so much, and God has blessed me with this incredible gift to play and inspire,” he said.

Anderson believes the viral plane video resonated because of a tough summer travel season. Since then, the band has staged more surprise performances, including a flash mob at an In-N-Out in California.

The group doesn’t have any scheduled shows in the Triangle this year, but Anderson hinted fans could see a surprise pop-up in the future if their tour schedule allows.