When people see street performers, the first thing that comes to mind for some is that theyโre beggars.
Thatโs probably what this lady thought when she disrupted this street performerโs 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.
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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.
Eventually, Melo could not ignore the lady and asked her to leave. But she wouldnโt.
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. Itโs always best to check the rules first, especially if you need to apply for a license.
In Liverpool, itโs legal to busk without a permit as long as each busker follows the rules the city has set.
Be considerate of others, especially the businesses in the area where youโll stay. Make sure their entrances are not blocked and there is still space for people to walk past you.
Get to know the businesses on a personal level. Building good relationships with the businesses will lessen the chances of getting a complaint.
Give the businesses the option to talk to you directly if you need to readjust your performance, especially if it is affecting their business.
Always be polite to everyone you talk to, especially to your audience, the businesses, and the government officials.
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.
As long as Melo wasnโt hurting, blocking, or offending anyone, he had a right to be where he was.
He wasnโt 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.
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.
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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.
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, itโs perfectly legal. But check your local city or council if you need to get a license or permit.
The truth is, buskers are entrepreneurs. And they happen to be the product theyโre 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.
Thatโs why when this lady disrupted Meloโs 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 Meloโs audience defended him.
