The itinerant musician who was embraced by Stavros Xarchakos expressed his emotion with his post.

Manolis Rakintzis was singing with his guitar the song of Stavros Xarhakos, “Once upon a time”, when the composer who was passing by hurried to listen to him and hug him.

“A big thank you to Mr. Stavros Xarchakos, who so simply gave me a moment that I will not forget as long as I live. I thank all those who sought me out after this video” writes Manolis Rakintzis.

In fact, referring to the difficulties of street musicians, he pointed out “it is truly my honor and it will be my pleasure when they remember not to ignore a musician playing next to them on their walks and shopping and not to treat him as a beggar in the future . Street musicians are not beggars. Music is love, it is emotion and offering. This is what we do either on the street or in the shops.”

The musician’s full post:

Since last night, I’ve been trying to sort out my feelings about what happened while I was playing in the center of Athens, a city that is sometimes welcoming and sometimes terribly aggressive towards street musicians.

The truth is that I watch and rewatch the video of our great composer Stavros Xarchakos crossing the street and coming to hug me while listening to me play his song, and I feel as if someone else has experienced it, like the person I see, don’t be me

Seeing a living piece of the artistic history of this place open its arms to a stranger he met by chance on the street, I realize how important it is to reach that point where you have nothing to prove to anyone, having as your only point of reference tenderness and humility.

As a creator, I have to say that through this video, the importance of having your songs heard from the Herodion and the full stadiums to the street can be seen.
A big thank you to Mr. Stavros Xarchakos, who so simply gave me a moment that I will not forget as long as I live. Thank you to all those who sought me out after this video.

I am truly honored and will be glad when they remember not to ignore a musician who plays next to them in their walks and shopping in the future, and not to treat him as a beggar. Street musicians are not beggars. Music is love, it is emotion and offering. This is what we do either on the street or in shops. I hope that all those who applaud today are moved and honor me with their kind words will be with us tomorrow too, when the police come to chase us away from the place where we are playing.

It will be my pleasure to interact more, in terms of equality, excitement and fun.