The Ancient Art of Busking

Busking – the act of performing in public places for tips, has been around for centuries and includes not just musicians, but all types of performers. The term busking was first used in the mid 1800s in the UK. It is believed to have come from the Indo-European word bhudh-skō, meaning to win or conquer. Over the centuries, busking included poets, musicians, jugglers, story tellers, puppeteers, acrobats, circus performers, clowns, and more.

Early musicians commonly used organ grinders, barrel organs, and music boxes as their instruments. Today, buskers use a huge variety of instruments, amplifiers, synthesizers, mixers, and more to share their talents. Some even have merchandise for sale; I have purchased CDs on multiple occasions from buskers I particularly enjoyed.

I enjoy listening to musicians and watching performances by street artists while out and about and have collected a wide range of photos. Here are a few of my favorites.

Busking is ubiquitous in Bath, England, and I have enjoyed many incredibly talented musicians there. This woman has an amazing voice.

In medieval France, street performers were referred to as troubadours, traveling from place to place to make a living. France is still a great place to find buskers. We enjoyed this performance on a beautiful February day last year in Paris. I still wonder how he got the piano onto the bridge.

In Paris you’ll find them on the Metro:

On bridges:

On street corners and squares:

They often bring their pets along:

I learned recently that many famous celebrities started out busking, including Steve Martin, Rod Steward, Tracy Chapman, Robin Williams, and Sheryl Crow.

Maybe this masked figure is actually someone famous?

It seems to me that busking takes quite a bit of bravery. I know I don’t have the courage to stand on a street corner and perform. So I always try to show a little appreciation for buskers with a smile or nod of appreciation. If you take a photo, be sure drop a coin or two into their collection tin. Who knows, you might be helping a future award winning artist.

I hope you enjoyed this post on busking. As always, I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment if you’re so inclined.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia