Melbourne, June 2 (ANI): Seal has spoken out about his time being homeless in his early years during a surprise visit to the Matthew Talbot homeless shelter in Woolloomooloo.

During a visit to the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo on Thursday, the 'Kiss From A Rose' singer revealed that he had spent time on the streets.

I had an abusive father. If I didn't want any more abuse that was the only option - so I ran away from home, News.com.au quoted him as saying.

First I slept at a friend of mine's house on the floor until his mum wouldn't put up with it any more and then I went to homeless shelters for as long as I could and when that came to an end I used to sleep in the subway.

I used to hide in the actual tunnel at night so that when they did the last inspection they wouldn't see me, he said.

Seal made the special visit to lend his support to St Vincent de Paul's CEO sleep out on June 21.

The 49-year-old spent time comparing tattoos with men at the shelter, performed his best Aussie accent and sang a duet of his song 'Crazy' with budding performer and homeless man Jon Horsley. (ANI)