i've busked for the better part of thirty years. for at least twenty full time. i do traditional celtic music and i have done lots of gigs and some folk festivals here and there but busking is so much funn and a lot less trouble. you don'thave to be hunting for work you don't need a roadie--although it would help. however you do have to deal with ignorant and difficult people, like those who think its begging!!!

you can't be a long time busker without learning to ignore the rednecks.most people are nice.

now i don't look down on begging its also an anciet and honourable occupation, but it's not mine. the people who see no difference are usually ignorant bigots. usually clalss bigots but sometimes with other axes to grind,however you ignore them, they are the ones carrying around their dark cloud, no need to help them.

busking is not beggin. for many it is an alternative occupation. a REAL JOB just an alternative one. you could train a monkey to do most people's jobs, but very few have the talent and creativity to regularily cage money on the street for a performance of any kind. especially to be able to get enough to pay the bills--that takes skill