Diary Of A Busker Day 23 Saturday January 8th Winchester High Street (opposite WH Smiths, Time: 1:35 – 5:05pm).
Three and a half hours with only two short breaks of no more than 5 minutes. No other buskers about – the high street’s mine, all mine! Even so , took no more than the usual £10 an hour. A funny thing, but no matter what day or time of day it is and no matter what amount of people are about, I never make more than this.
No one comes up to me for ages, then after my arrangement of The James Bond Theme, a voice from behind, “Very good, Mr. Bond.” It’s Frank the accordion player – or accordionist, I should really start to say – and the dog, Kazoo. A moment of excitement a few minutes later as Kazoos’ mother turns up.
Later on, something sinister occurs. A man approaches. He looks like Stephen Hawkings’ double but without the high-tech wheelchair. He starts a conversation, I carry on playing… “People like pop music – you’d get more money if you played pop music.” I’m playing The Third Man – “This IS pop music – from 1949. Pop music, 1949 style” I say, in defence. He then says “I haven’t got much money – I’m on benefits, you see. I have a formula, you know – If I hear someone who’s playing leaves alot to be desired, I’ll give them 5p, or a bit more if they’re a bit better, maybe 10p. Then, if I think they’re incredible, I’ll give them…50p or even a pound. I’ve only got 7p, so I’ll give you that, but it should be twice as much.” So I’m worth 14p. Yes, I saw the 7p in his hand – a 5p coin and two pennies. He then put his hand right down, almost in my hat – a grey beret, now the Christmas hat’s been retired, but instead of raising an empty hand, I could see he had more coins in it than he had a second ago. His hand was heading towards his pocket. I said “Hey, you’ve got a fifty pence piece there!” He got defensive, “What are you saying? Are you saying I should give you more?” I thought, I’m not getting into this here. I’m wasting time not playing. I’m gonna ‘clock’ this guy and look out for him in the future.
About 55, looks like a wheelchair-less Stephen Hawkings…
Earnings: £34.66p. (should be about £2 more)