Pop megastar Justin Bieber has once again proven that no one can predict his next move. Over the weekend, the Baby hitmaker shocked locals in Dundee, Scotland, when he was spotted casually filming what would turn out to be his brand-new music video for “Bad Honey”, the standout track from his surprise 2025 album Swag II. What began as whispers of a celebrity sighting in a local bar soon spiraled into a viral moment that’s taken over the internet – and fans are still buzzing about what really happened inside that pub.
From Private Jet to Pub Lights: The Unexpected Scene in Dundee
Witnesses say Justin flew to Scotland by private jet last Thursday, blending low-key travel with high-impact creativity. Locals spotted him at St Andrews and Gleneagles, enjoying rounds of golf in classic Bieber style – designer sweats, green beanie, and an entourage that kept things discreet. But what no one expected was that his real destination wasn’t the green—it was the bar.
That bar, Abandon Ship in downtown Dundee, is typically known for its vibrant energy and art-heavy interior, not international pop stars turning it into a video set. According to insiders, Bieber walked in like any regular guest, quietly asking staff if there was any DJ equipment he could use. Moments later, he was setting up speakers, lights, and a small production team. Within minutes, the space transformed from a Saturday-night hangout into a makeshift music video studio.
“He Just Started Filming” – When Dundee Turned Into a Pop Stage
One of the bar managers described the night as “surreal.” Locals were sipping pints and chatting as Justin began performing for the camera, delivering takes for what would become the official Bad Honey video. The pop star reportedly directed much of it himself, gesturing for lighting changes and adjusting sound levels as if he’d planned this guerrilla-style shoot all along.
The resulting footage, which dropped online on October 6, shows Bieber performing against the backdrop of neon signs, colorful murals, and a cheering Dundee crowd. Fans quickly noticed how authentic and spontaneous the vibe felt — no fancy sets, no label polish, just Justin having fun with locals who didn’t realize they’d be in a global pop release. Within hours, #BadHoney began trending across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, as fans called it “the most relatable thing Bieber has done in years.”
Inside the Bar: How Justin Surprised Everyone
Bar manager Rae Wright later revealed that at first, no one even recognized him. “He came in wearing a beanie and casual clothes, just like anyone else. Then suddenly, he’s setting up lights and playing his song.” When the reality hit, the entire room’s energy shifted. “He was incredibly kind,” Rae shared in follow-up interviews. “He chatted with everyone, thanked the staff, and made time for fans.”
Those who were there say Justin ordered a simple drink, laughed with customers, and even took a few selfies before packing up his gear. “It wasn’t a diva moment at all,” one witness said. “It was just a superstar doing something totally spontaneous.”
A Viral Surprise Drop
When the Bad Honey video went live Monday night, Justin captioned it: “Bad Honey video for your headtops.” Within minutes, the clip was everywhere. Fans flooded social media with screenshots, tagging the bar and flooding the comments with disbelief: “He was in DUNDEE?!” The Abandon Ship Facebook page quickly confirmed the story with a cheeky post: “You might have heard we had a special visitor over the weekend.”
The video’s production value – part DIY, part cinematic – gave fans a nostalgic hit, reminding many of early 2010s Bieber, when his performances felt raw and personal. Some fans even noted that the Bad Honey lyrics hint at a message to his wife Hailey Bieber, with lines about distance, reflection, and rediscovering passion. That speculation alone has helped push the video’s views well into the millions.
A Glimpse Into Bieber’s Scotland Trip
The Dundee footage wasn’t the only part of Justin’s Scottish adventure. Over the weekend, the singer also shared an Instagram carousel of photos from St Andrews and Gleneagles, including a heartwarming picture of his young son, Jack Blues Bieber, holding a golf club – his face sweetly hidden from view. Fans went wild, calling it “the softest Bieber post in years.” The post also included a short clip from the Bad Honey shoot, teasing fans who hadn’t yet realized it was filmed in Scotland.
Adding to the charm, Bieber was spotted at The Gleneagles Hotel, where he reportedly sat down at a piano and played a stripped-down version of Walking Away. Locals captured brief clips that spread quickly online, showing a calm, reflective Justin – a stark contrast to the chaos of his usual tour life.
“Bad Honey” and the New Era of Bieber
Bad Honey isn’t just another single – it’s part of Swag II, Bieber’s surprise album released on September 5, 2025, which shocked both fans and critics. The record blends R&B and mellow pop with an introspective tone, signaling a creative shift for the artist. Instead of high-profile collaborations and flashy visuals, Swag II feels deeply personal. And the Dundee shoot only reinforced that direction: raw, human, and unpredictable.
Music critics have already praised Bad Honey for its simplicity and groove, calling it one of Bieber’s “most emotionally grounded tracks in years.” And by shooting it in a real Scottish bar instead of a million-dollar studio, Justin may have stumbled upon a viral marketing formula that money simply can’t buy.
Fans Are Reading Between the Lines
Of course, no Bieber project comes without speculation. Some fans believe that Bad Honey is a reflection of his current state of mind – balancing fame, fatherhood, and marriage under a microscope. Others have gone further, linking the visuals of dim lighting and empty glasses to symbolic “loneliness and growth.” Whether or not that’s true, it’s undeniable that Bieber has once again captured global attention by simply being himself in the most unexpected place.
From Dundee to the World
As of now, the Bad Honey video has surpassed several million views across platforms, with engagement rates soaring as fans dissect every frame. Tourism in Dundee even saw a small boost, as curious visitors stopped by Abandon Ship just to see “the bar where Justin Bieber filmed.” Locals have proudly embraced their city’s brief but unforgettable moment in pop history.
The Takeaway – Authenticity Wins
In an era where most music videos are overproduced and carefully choreographed, Justin Bieber’s Dundee moment feels refreshingly real. It’s not about filters or perfection — it’s about connection. From sharing casual laughs with bar staff to posting silent, heartfelt moments with his son, Bieber is rewriting what pop stardom looks like in 2025.
One thing’s for sure: whether you’re a lifelong Belieber or just stumbled across the clip, it’s hard not to be impressed. The spontaneity, the humility, and the sheer unpredictability of the moment make this story more than just a viral headline. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest stars shine brightest when the spotlight is smallest.