I always look kindly on buskers, particularly if they are good. As, I must confess, this is where my own musical roots lay.
When I was at school, most of my friends were working hard stacking shelves in supermarkets to make a bit of beer money. However, my mate Andy and I had other ideas....... I played guitar and he played violin and we headed for the London underground. Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Rd were are favourite (and most lucrative) spots.
While our school friends were slaving away for a pittance in Tesco, we were actually taking about £2 per hour back in the 70's when £20 a week was a considered a descent wage. We were probably the richest and consequently the drunkest sixth formers in the school.
It always makes me smile when I find myself performing with the Pirates of St. Piran busking on street corners to raise money for charity. Things have a habit coming around full circle.
