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music

Busker

A busker with extraordinarily big reflective sunglasses and reminding me a little bit of Tim Rogers was on the train the other morning, singing Folsom Prison Blues. Ah, love a bit of Johnny Cash in the morning, even if he couldn’t quite do the deep notes. I’m not sure what the next song was, but it was quite good too.

Unlike some, this busker had demonstrable talent. His audience of train passengers obviously thought so too judging from their contributions at the end of the “gig” when we reached South Yarra, and I was thankful I’d taken a moment to grab some coins for my pocket as I left the house, so I could also show my appreciation. He showed even more skill slinging the guitar onto his back to avoid hitting people with it as he walked up the aisle with his hat.

These days a ticket for a two hour concert can cost a small fortune. In comparison dredging your pocket for $1.50 in change seems like a bargain for 10 minutes of unexpected live music to make your commute more enjoyable.

By Daniel Bowen

Transport blogger / campaigner and spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association / professional geek.
Bunurong land, Melbourne, Australia.
Opinions on this blog are all mine.

5 replies on “Busker”

it’s great if they can sing but there’s nothing worse than being trapped on public transport with an out of tune busker. Having said that, I did give money to a couple of buskers outside Coles the other night cos they were the only people I’ve heard sing worse than me.

Wait till you have heard the old violinist on the National Bus to Box Hill. Been playing the same out of tune songs for years. One day I’ll bring my bagpipes and drown him out. Maybe I’m getting old and cranky but buskers should be banned from plying their trade on public transport. Let me read my paper in peace.

Yes, think I know who that violinist is. Very bad, but he is old so you gotta be a bit tolerant. I never give buskers, charity collectors or beggars anything. Well, not quite true. I do recall having giving a couple of very good buskers some money. Speaking of bagpipes, someone should should recognize that guy at Flinders St Station who has been playing bagpipes for……..nah, save it for my blog.

Wow, here in Brisbane, buskers, salespeople, etc, aren’t allowed to try anything on trains, and I’m incredibly greatful. Bad enough with the mobile phones and the obnoxious talkers. I just wish they’d enforce the $150 fine for people causing a nuisance by having their headphones too loud. I can’t believe so many people don’t get the point of headphones. Or just plain lack consideration for others.

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