Hundreds of people turned out to see Pixies' frontman Black Francis - formerly Frank Black - play an impromptu gig in Oxford tonight.

About 300 people gathered under the Bridge of Sighs in New College Lane to listen to the musician play a series of songs on his acoustic guitar.

The gig, which was advertised on Mr Francis's website, was designed to be a taster set before his concert at Oxford Brookes Student Union.

The musician, whose four-piece alternative rock band had a cult following during the late 1980s and early 1990s, told the Oxford Mail: "I did it, I guess, to join in all the fun on YouTube. I had no idea that so many people would turn out.

"I thought a few people would show up and if I'm lucky a few people will be there so obviously I am quite chuffed."

John Thole, 29, of Banbury, said: "He played a lot more than I expected. I wish more acts would come to Oxford and do this."

Pixies' fan Mike Griffiths, 22, who travelled from Birmingham, added: "It was nice, intimate, fun and unexpected."