Buskers around the world face arrest, fines, and the risk of a criminal record when they perform on the streets – regardless of whether they’re busking legally or not.
But should police brutality also be expected? The police are meant to keep our communities safe from crime. But in the case of buskers, what happens is – sometimes literally – shocking. Buskers’ rights are being infringed upon throughout the world. Reactionary officers are an ongoing problem.
But, with today’s technology, the ability to record an event and post it online is easy. Below are videos taken around the world of buskers being arrested for expressing their talent to an audience. Imagine everything that has not been caught on camera.
United Kingdom
If you threw a bucket of water onto someone, perhaps the police would give you a warning. When a busker does it (throwing water onto another busker), the police tackle him to the ground, then arrest him.
Tony Scott was told he was a criminal and would be sent to court if he did not leave. That his case could be heard in front of a magistrate. My favourite quote: “You do not argue with an officer”.
Elijah MC was busking in The Lanes when two security officers told him to leave the area because he had no busking licence. Elijah disagreed, respectfully, and they buggered off. 🙂
Two young killers were imprisoned for attacking a defenseless Shrewsbury busker.
“Having chased him along a dark pathway, Doran and Davies knocked him to the ground and subjected him to a sustained assault involving repeated stamps to the head, before leaving him to die.”
Stewart Doran and Bradley Davies kicked and stamped on the head and torso of a 43 year old busker, Ben Bebbington. A year after his death, the family has set up a big musical event called the Big Busk in memory of Ben.
South Africa
After receiving complains from businesses around Cape Town Metro station, policemen came to remove Mr. Nono, a blind street busker from his usual spot. Mr. Nono has been busking for over 20 years. In a video, a policeman was recorded dragging and beating the busker while his guitar was broken in the process. A crowd of over 200 protesters gathered to demonstrate on the buskers behalf.
New York City
This video has been seen by millions of people. A New York City police officer orders a busker to leave the platform because he did not have a permit (even though there is no need to have a permit in New York). The police officer pulls the guitar off of the 30 year old, and forcefully pushes the man to the ground. This follow up interview asks his view on the new broken window policy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGj4-xZBBYc
Street performer called the Space Cowboy was arrested for swinging a whip around and displaying a sword to the public. He spent 24 hours in jail for disorderly conduct.
Street artist unlawfully arrested for performing in Times Square. Even though he knows his rights, the police still arrest him.
LA
Street performers arrested in LA. Audience does not agree with this arrest and show their disagreement.
But not only the police are attacking buskers!
Buskers have been assaulted, robbed, and yelled at by not only people who don’t like their music, but also by other buskers. Many buskers face the cruel remarks by audience members who don’t support their performances. Many cases around the world show the dangerous situations that some buskers have been put it.
‘Shut your f****** mouth. I mean it. If you sing again I’m going to ram that thing down your throat.
A man yells at a disabled busker for singing too loud. Competition between buskers in Bath leads to verbal aggression.
Street performer attacked in Glasgow, Scottland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noLTe5RXOTE
Kenyar the Bear was beaten and robbed in Boston. Two people have been charged for this attack. Many follows on twitter have supported Kenyar the Bear.
http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2014/10/31/keytar-bear-attacked-2-arrests-in-street-musicians-beating/