busking

[milkybarkid]

anyone know the best places to busk in london? thanks

[Buenchico]

I'm not a busker but I've certainly seen plenty in central London so, for what it's worth, here are my suggestions.

Obviously, if you can get a permit, then Covent Garden Piazza has to be the number one place to busk. (The other 'authorised' alternative is to audition for one of the official busking sites on the Underground).

If you're doing it unofficially then it might be worth a try along the short stretch of road between Covent Garden Piazza and Covent Garden tube station. This seems to be a popular unofficial busking area for many street artists but there's plenty of competition so you might find it difficult to find a suitable space.

Another popular area (together with some appreciative audiences) seems to be around the National Film Theatre on the South Bank.

Buskers also seem to be tolerated by 'officialdom' along the length of the very long subway that runs from South Kensington tube station towards the major museums (i.e. Science, Natural History and V&A). (The buskers seem to get quite good takings as well).

Chris

[Azimov]

Joe Strummer used to play in the London underground, even after he was famous for playing with The Clash!
A close friend of mine can confirm this.
I personally feel that he did this to maintain his roots with the people he felt closest to. ie, the general public!
I seriously doubt he sought after such mundanities as "permits".

Good luck, and more power to your elbow mate!
I hope you do as well as Joe!