Life
Crowd defends busker being harassed by uninvited woman
The crowd deserves a round of applause for speaking up!
Jaclyn Abergas
08.23.19

When people see street performers, the first thing that comes to mind for some is that they’re beggars.

That’s probably what this lady thought when she disrupted this street performer’s act in Liverpool.

The street performer, who calls himself Melo, had his electric guitar and microphone out. He was already performing when a lady disrupted his act and started telling him off in front of everyone.

At first, Melo tried to ignore her but she got into his face even more. He would focus on his music act and just perform but the lady was intent on doing what she can to make him stop.

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YouTube Screenshot

Eventually, Melo could not ignore the lady and asked her to leave. But she wouldn’t.

But the fact of the matter is what Melo was doing was perfectly legal.

In the UK, busking is perfectly legal, as long as they are at least 14 years old. But there are still some local councils that have their own rules about busking. It’s always best to check the rules first, especially if you need to apply for a license.

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YouTube Screenshot

In Liverpool, it’s legal to busk without a permit as long as each busker follows the rules the city has set.

  1. Be considerate of others, especially the businesses in the area where you’ll stay. Make sure their entrances are not blocked and there is still space for people to walk past you.
  2. Get to know the businesses on a personal level. Building good relationships with the businesses will lessen the chances of getting a complaint.
  3. Give the businesses the option to talk to you directly if you need to readjust your performance, especially if it is affecting their business.
  4. Always be polite to everyone you talk to, especially to your audience, the businesses, and the government officials.
  5. Be aware of your volume levels. It should be loud enough to catch the attention of the people passing by but soft enough not to drive away people or file complaints against you.
Pixabay
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Pixabay

In Liverpool, a busker’s open meeting is held regularly to address any issues or concerns buskers, businesses, or people may have.

Pixabay
Source:
Pixabay

As long as Melo wasn’t hurting, blocking, or offending anyone, he had a right to be where he was.

He wasn’t breaking any laws.

This lady probably believed the four most common misconceptions about busking or street performing. And it was hard for her to just stand by and let it happen.

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What are the four misconceptions about street performing and busking? The Modern Mavericks share the four myths to bust them.

Buskers are beggars. Buskers do not beg.

Beggars receive money because people feel sympathy and compassion for them. We receive money because we are simply worth it, and that makes a big difference. We give the public something to enjoy, laugh at, and interact with.

The Modern Mavericks
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The Modern Mavericks

Buskers make no money.

Buskers can make anything from absolutely zero to 300$ a day. But the truth is, there is no real answer.

Busking is illegal.

It is only illegal in China or in North Korea. Otherwise, it’s perfectly legal. But check your local city or council if you need to get a license or permit.

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Busking will take you nowhere.

The truth is, buskers are entrepreneurs. And they happen to be the product they’re selling. And besides, the only difference they have with a performer in a coffee shop or bar is that buskers perform outside.

Most people do not have problems with buskers and they enjoy their performances. They know buskers are really just trying to make a living out of a passion they have.

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YouTube Screenshot

That’s why when this lady disrupted Melo’s act, his audience felt the need to defend him. They came up to him to give him money and drive the lady away.

Did they succeed?

Watch the video below to see how Melo’s audience defended him.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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