10 Things You Didn't Know About Amanda Palmer

8. The Ukulele Was Meant To Be A One-Off

Palmer's well-known gimmick of performing songs on the ukulele was initially intended as a one-off gag at a concert. Palmer bought a ukulele for $19 the day before the show and learned the three chords she required to play a stripped-down version of Radiohead's Creep. However, the performance was so popular that she began regularly playing with the ukulele as well as the piano, her instrument of choice. Palmer even released an album of Radiohead covers on the ukulele a few years later.

The majority of Palmer's performances now include a ukulele number, and they often make up the bulk of her impromptu Ninja Gigs. Amanda has since explained that her love for the instrument is based primarily on the fact that it is both extremely cheap and easy to learn, affording almost anyone the means to be a musician. One of her best known songs, Ukulele Anthem, was written as a demonstration of this sentiment.

Extra fact: Palmer carries her ukulele around in an old trumpet case that doubles as a purse. Palmer has stated that she dislikes purses as a rule, and keeps her phone, wallet, and keys in the case.

Contributor
Contributor

With a (nearly) useless degree in English literature and a personal trainer qualification he's never used, Freddie spends his times writing things that he hopes will somehow pay the rent. He's also a former professional singer, and plays the saxophone and ukulele. He's not really used to talking about himself in the third person, and would like to stop now, thanks.