Busker who refused to move becomes internet sensation

6:21pm Wednesday 30th May 2012 in Community

Elliott 'Elijah MC' Locke singing in Brighton 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.

Related links

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)

tom servo says...
7:01pm Wed 30 May 12

he's had 350 views, 29 likes and there are 17 comments. How is that an "internet sensation".

Report this post »

turtling. says...
8:00pm Wed 30 May 12

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

Report this post »

kkj says...
1:23am Thu 31 May 12

Ah, Brighton's famous 'South Lanes'...

Report this post »

freebeing says...
12:27pm Fri 1 Jun 12

This guy is a local hero! love your music to Mr Elijah MC. AWESOME!

Report this post »

JoeF78 says...
1:23pm Fri 1 Jun 12

turtling. wrote:
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
Ever heard of personal preference mate? One man's trash is another man's treasure.

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.

Report this post »

debster 1 says...
1:51pm Fri 1 Jun 12

Elijah you are a star and a hero for helping people from all over the globe to realise that we are not just little old me, but have rights and need to stand up for them.

Hats off to you my friend :-)

Report this post »

welesmere says...
2:07pm Fri 1 Jun 12

South Lanes? No such place. North Laine, yes, The Lanes, yes, 'South Lanes',no.

Report this post »

Prince Al-Aha-meed says...
4:54pm Fri 1 Jun 12

This guy is the bees knees. Whenever I see him playing it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Good Job Elijah MC!

Report this post »

Prince Al-Aha-meed says...
4:55pm Fri 1 Jun 12

tom servo wrote:
he's had 350 views, 29 likes and there are 17 comments. How is that an "internet sensation".
Check it now - it's 2,365 in two days!

Report this post »

Prince Al-Aha-meed says...
4:57pm Fri 1 Jun 12

turtling. wrote:
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 happen to think the toilets at Brighton station are clean and enjoyable to use. Just like Elliott.

Report this post »

Reeoccupy says...
5:34pm Fri 1 Jun 12

Elijah is being responsible whilst standing up for his rights to play music in a public space. Reminding people to be considerate towards their fellow man, by agreeing to turn the music down if local shopkeepers are finding it too loud. I also like the fact that in the video he was assertive but remained polite to the security oficers. I am sure the officers half expect people just to react and get really defensive/angry. but with said knowledge and politeness then he managed to take his power back and retain harmony as much as possible with those involved...:) If people do not like the music they can walk on. Atleast he is doing something positive, creative and fullfilling with his time. Music brings people together. Evokes memories. Shows empathy. Makes people 'feel' stuff...and lyrically talks to people, shares messages, makes people think, helps them work stuff out sometimes. Music rises above all the manmade legislations that try to make life difficult. Bring on more buskers!!

Report this post »

ElliotViola says...
9:38pm Fri 1 Jun 12

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.

Report this post »

ElijahMC says...
12:12am Sat 2 Jun 12

ElliotViola wrote:
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.
Elijah MC here...

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.

Report this post »

Hove Actually says...
12:03pm Sun 3 Jun 12

welesmere wrote:
South Lanes? No such place. North Laine, yes, The Lanes, yes, 'South Lanes',no.
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?

Report this post »

menowhere says...
1:15pm Sun 3 Jun 12

not my sort of music but good on the bloke for not bowing down to threats from the security guards.

Report this post »

willy harris says...
4:21pm Sun 3 Jun 12

bet all the moaners would prefer this guy to hang around alleyways waiting too pounce on old ladies nicking the pension books,instead of trying in his way to brighten up the day in town, also maybe making a few bob,then they really would have something to gripe about.climb down from your anus, get real.

Report this post »

Iain Chambers says...
12:47pm Mon 4 Jun 12

Glad to see that being polite but firm over his right to busk got Elijah MC the right outcome. Busking does enhance city centre life for many citizens.
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.

Report this post »

willy harris says...
2:30pm Mon 4 Jun 12

turtling. wrote:
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 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,

Report this post »

Jo Wadsworth says...
3:27pm Wed 6 Jun 12

Hove Actually wrote:
welesmere wrote:
South Lanes? No such place. North Laine, yes, The Lanes, yes, 'South Lanes',no.
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?
Hi,

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.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree