Steve Martin performs outside Paul Revere's house

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Steve Martin gave a surprise show in the North End on Monday, joining the bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers to honor Paul Revere.

Monday afternoon, Martin shared his musical talents with some fans in front of Revere's old home. He played the banjo during an impromptu concert that caught everyone by surprise.

Martin wrote the song “Me and Paul Revere,” which they performed.

“I was really taken with the history of the horse. And you know you're always looking for an angle on the song and I like that fact that not a lot of people really know the true story of Paul Revere’s ride. They really don’t know what happened to his horse that night,” Martin said.

He and the Steep Canyon Rangers are touring the country and happened to be in town performing with the Boston Pops.

“It just occurred to me that we had this opportunity to play here at Paul Revere's house with song about Paul Revere,” Martin said.

The small area around Revere's famous home was packed.

Many were surprised to see the actor with a banjo, and not filming a movie.

He's actually been playing that banjo for 50 years -- this time to honor one of America’s earliest heroes.

“It’s very emotional, such a great history,” Martin said.

Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers will be performing with the Boston Pops for the next few nights.