No Money, No Music

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Did anyone else notice the non-busking busker at the Davis T this morning? I guess he decided to employ a new business model, because the sign in his guitar case said NO MONEY, NO MUSIC. Sure enough, his case was empty, and he was pacing and grumbling "f*ck, man, f*ck" and reading a newspaper, not playing at all. I saw him lash out his arm at an elderly person who stepped too close to his case.

I busked for a year with a folk trio, and I have to say, that's just not how it works. We sang and had a great time, and people gave us money if they enjoyed the music. Sometimes candy or T tokens too. Most Boston buskers do it in their spare time and don't attempt to make a full living at it, and it's more about getting exposure for their music or their CDs, and making a few bucks for sharing music.

All I can say is I hope this guy isn't planning to take up regular residence in that busking spot. Coming down the stairs I noticed the unusual absence of music, then this surly, swearing guy taking up a spot that another busker could have been using.

Comments

[komos.livejournal.com]

Was it the guy with the ponytail who plays swamp guitar? (Not that that would have been obvious, but...)

He's been doing that off and on for years.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

He did have a ponytail. I don't know what kind of music he plays though when he was refusing to play without cash upfront. He needs a clunk on the head with the Clue-by-Four.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

ha, he's put up the same sign in Porter in the past. I thought to thank him for not playing (he's awful)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Is he? :-) That somehow makes me feel better about it. Good musicians always get some money, and without having to demand it. He probably wasn't making any even before the "no pay no play" policy.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_meej_/]

He's definitely the one with that sign; I've noticed it before.

He's also prone to "playing" even without donations and then giving a generous "f* you very much!" shout when the train finally comes in and people get on.

I'm a big fan of buskers, even ones whose musical tastes I don't share, but he's relatively close to just being an irritant in my book.

[komos.livejournal.com]

I've wondered if I shouldn't file a complaint with the MBTA. Either that or just take a seat and stare at him. I mean, so long as he's occupying the space, he is presenting himself as a performer...