Busking in London tube

[philcan]

Hi there,

does someone of you have an experience from busking in London tube? How is it with permits? Is it a long process or can you reach it in couple of days? Are passangers interested in music or just walk along? Is it possible to be as succesful as at touristic places?

 

[marval]

Hi philcan

I know nothing about busking, I have seen quite a few on the London tube. I did find this though, I hope it helps.

http://www.londonlogue.com/travel-tips/random-stuff/busking-on-london-transport.html

 

[Krummhorn]

When in London recently, I heard these musicians playing in various areas of the underground stations. Actually, they were quite good, and people would, for the most part, keep walking along, but a few would stop to listen, and/or drop a few pounds in the hat.

I assume they had permissions to do that, but I do not know the procedure for the procurement of such a permit.

 

[teddy]

Certainly all street buskers/entertainers need a permit. Special permission is required if you wish to work the underground without geting turfed out.

teddy

 

[philcan]

Yes, I know the permit is needed. But my question is, if it takes a long time to get it and if the London underground is a nice place for performing or you can feel like a begging homeless ignored by everyone. When you play in a nice touristic city, it's almost like a real concert, people really appreciate you, but can this happen in a tube where everyone is in a hurry?

 

[Krummhorn]

Acoustically speaking, the music really sounded great - echoing around the walking tunnels. A guy was playing the tenor sax ... we heard the music as soon as we entered the station and were descending on a two-store escalator.

Few people stopped to enjoy the music as it was a mid-week work day, and most travelers were probably business people in a big hurry. We stopped to enjoy it for a few minutes though.

Interesting to note, that in areas where there were no escalators, people in London traveled (walked) on the left side of the stairs, just as they do on the streets in their cars.

 

[marval]

Unfortunately I have noticed that people rarely stop to listen. Usually in the underground they are rushing to one place or another. I always tried to stop and listen if I could.


Margaret