Brian McCollum

Detroit Free Press Pop Music Critic

One Kid Rock fan just got a present he'll remember for many birthdays to come.

The Detroit star popped in on a 30th birthday party Monday for Dan McGurk, a diehard Rock fan who had been trying to get the musician's attention via letters and videos.

McGurk has Down Syndrome, according to Toledo's WTOL-TV, and had been working to get a party invitation onto Rock's radar for months.

Video of Monday night's scene was later posted to YouTube. As friends and family watch on at the Clarkston Union restaurant, McGurk lights up with surprise and delight as Rock strolls in singing "Happy Birthday."

As McGurk goes to blow out his birthday candles, he gestures to the rocker and says, "My wish is that the American Bad Ass is here," referring to the 2000 Kid Rock tune.

Rock sits down to chat with McGurk before presenting him with several gifts, including a custom Kid Rock guitar.

McGurk had posted a YouTube video in August showing off his sizable collection of Kid Rock gear and announcing, "Hi, my name's Dan and I'm the No. 1 Kid Rock fan." The clip garnered thousands of views.

Rock eventually heard about McGurk's invitation through friends, the artist's publicist said Wednesday.