Busker who refused to move becomes internet sensation (From The Argus)
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Busker who refused to move becomes internet sensation
6:21pm Wednesday 30th May 2012 in Community
Elliott 'Elijah MC' Locke singing in Brighton
By Ben Leo
A busker who was told to stop busking by Brighton Lanes security has become an internet hit after uploading a video of the altercation.
Elliott Locke, known as Elijah MC, was busking in The Lanes yesterday when two private security officers told him to leave the area as he had no busking licence.
In the four minute YouTube video, which has had over 300 hits in 24 hours, the dreadlocked musician asks what law the officers are enforcing.
He said: “I asked them if they were ordering me or if it was a request. Next I made it clear that the nature of a request means I have the option to decline. I was shocked when the lady officer told me that I couldn't.”
The officers then consulted their supervisor over radio, where they returned again to ask Elliott to leave.
“As I had done nothing wrong I went through the process to establish and exercise my rights as a human being. I then reminded them that I’d broken no law and was doing nothing wrong,” he said.
The situation escalated as the security officers threatened to call the police, telling Elliott that he would have his guitar confiscated. Elliot told the officers that calling the police was unnecessary, as he had broken no laws.
He said: “I was a little nervous about the police officer arriving as you never know what you’re going to get.”
Once a police officer arrived, Elliott was told that he was free to busk and wouldn’t have to move on. However, he was asked to keep the volume at a respectable level.
“I've never had any dealings with the Brighton police but this experience made me feel very good about their service,” said Elliott.
The Brighton and Hove City Council website says the Council is "happy to have buskers because they liven up the streets". However, local bylaws mean buskers can be asked to stop on request if the council or police receive a complaint.
Elliott believes his interest in law helped him understand his rights when busking in Brighton.
He said: “I've been studying law for a while now and thought it high time someone stood up to these bullies.”
The security company were unavailable for comment.
Comments(19)
turtling.
says...
8:00pm Wed 30 May 12
kkj
says...
1:23am Thu 31 May 12
freebeing
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12:27pm Fri 1 Jun 12
JoeF78
says...
1:23pm Fri 1 Jun 12
turtling. wrote:Ever heard of personal preference mate? One man's trash is another man's treasure.
i heard his stuff and thought it sounded like the mens toilets at brighton station on monday mornings.... awful rasping sounds emanating from numerous dirt pipes echoing round the walls.... no wonder he was asked to move on
I've seen him live (including busking) and I love his music, not to mention the energy he brings to the place. There are too few artists like him in my opinion.
debster 1
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1:51pm Fri 1 Jun 12
Hats off to you my friend :-)
welesmere
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2:07pm Fri 1 Jun 12
Prince Al-Aha-meed
says...
4:54pm Fri 1 Jun 12
Prince Al-Aha-meed
says...
4:55pm Fri 1 Jun 12
tom servo wrote:Check it now - it's 2,365 in two days!
he's had 350 views, 29 likes and there are 17 comments. How is that an "internet sensation".
Prince Al-Aha-meed
says...
4:57pm Fri 1 Jun 12
turtling. wrote:I happen to think the toilets at Brighton station are clean and enjoyable to use. Just like Elliott.
i heard his stuff and thought it sounded like the mens toilets at brighton station on monday mornings.... awful rasping sounds emanating from numerous dirt pipes echoing round the walls.... no wonder he was asked to move on
Reeoccupy
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5:34pm Fri 1 Jun 12
ElliotViola
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9:38pm Fri 1 Jun 12
The same thing happened in the Lanes last year, when residents living above the shops complained because there was way too much of one Guitarist being seen around the same spot, who was abusive when asked to move on.
The issue here is that people need to show respect, or things we see as granted, that are actually privileges, will be removed to the detriment of many. I busk because I am saving for University in 2013, and do NOT want it banned in Brighton because of increased hostility by a few people.
People please, if you are asked to move on, just respect that your music is causing somebody discomfort and do it.
ElijahMC
says...
12:12am Sat 2 Jun 12
ElliotViola wrote:Elijah MC here...
I play Classical Viola and Violin regularly in and around Brighton, and so this story caught my attention. I'd like to comment and point out that the Pavilion Gardens temporarily banned all busking because there were a few individuals playing for excessive amounts of time, and being rude to staff when asked to move on.
The same thing happened in the Lanes last year, when residents living above the shops complained because there was way too much of one Guitarist being seen around the same spot, who was abusive when asked to move on.
The issue here is that people need to show respect, or things we see as granted, that are actually privileges, will be removed to the detriment of many. I busk because I am saving for University in 2013, and do NOT want it banned in Brighton because of increased hostility by a few people.
People please, if you are asked to move on, just respect that your music is causing somebody discomfort and do it.
pavilion gardens is private property with public access. There it is a privilege. No one need be rude. it is a shame that it can be ruined by a small few.
On the whole the busking community is a considerate one in my experience. people are just trying to make a living like anyone else.
I agree that there is no need to be rude to neither the staff, security nor buskers. Respect is a mutual thing. Not a one way thing. If you ask the argus for the full report statement. you'll see i have no problem with the security, staff now police. its important to always be polite and honourable.
The issue here is with the lack of education given to these security officers to enable them to do their job properly and know thier limits. This is in no way a reflection on the individuals personally.
I'm hoping now this is exposed. The issue can be addressed and we can move forward for a better community. We're all just trying to make a living. buskers and security alike.
Hove Actually
says...
12:03pm Sun 3 Jun 12
welesmere wrote:But if your in Southampton and looking at a map, you could think it's called the South Lanes because it has the NORTH LAINES nearby, couldn't you?
South Lanes? No such place. North Laine, yes, The Lanes, yes, 'South Lanes',no.
menowhere
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1:15pm Sun 3 Jun 12
willy harris
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4:21pm Sun 3 Jun 12
Iain Chambers
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12:47pm Mon 4 Jun 12
Equally I hope Elijah MC pays his taxes/NI on his busking earnings where they become due. Those streets need cleaning, lighting, policing etc. I hope he also pays his performing rights dues if he performs other people's work. The right to earn a living cuts both ways.
willy harris
says...
2:30pm Mon 4 Jun 12
turtling. wrote:i see the turtle is back on the soap box,maybe its hanging around mens toilets that make him/her.this way, get a grip,on yourself,
i heard his stuff and thought it sounded like the mens toilets at brighton station on monday mornings.... awful rasping sounds emanating from numerous dirt pipes echoing round the walls.... no wonder he was asked to move on
Jo Wadsworth
says...
3:27pm Wed 6 Jun 12
Hove Actually wrote:Hi,
welesmere wrote:But if your in Southampton and looking at a map, you could think it's called the South Lanes because it has the NORTH LAINES nearby, couldn't you?
South Lanes? No such place. North Laine, yes, The Lanes, yes, 'South Lanes',no.
You'll notice this story is in the community section, which means it's been written by one of our community correspondents, people who volunteer to write about their neighbourhood. Ben Leo is a student at Journalism Works.
I have now changed the copy.
tom servo says...
7:01pm Wed 30 May 12