I played in pubs [usually solo] for many years. I tried to avoid becoming an "institution" in any given venue, and took a relaxed attitude to what I saw to be the normal situation in any pub---folks out for a drink and a natter mainly. My contribution sometimes qualified as background "noise", but more often, and as the night went on, those who enjoyed my music showed their appreciation by congregating around and joining in the spirit by singing along, or adding requests. The normal noise [hubbub?] of a weekend pub went on unhindered, and I found no offence or annoyance in this. The one thing that DID annoy me--and usually resulted in my instrument being packed away---was some over officious "I'll be emcee" type hollering at the company in general "Order for the singer" or some other loud and fatuous proclamation. Folks in a pub are there for their own particular kind of pleasure---a blather, a goodnatured argy-bargy,or just a good gargle; and there are always some who delight in a sing-song, or in whatever talents a casual entertainer can produce. Good enough for me.