The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Unplugged! Buskers in city face ban after complaints
Performers told they can no longer use amps as they make too much noise – meaning the music could be over
Buskers such as Dundee regular Fast Eddie, above, are facing an uncertain future after the council responded to complaints from the public by bringing in a ban on amplifiers. Picture: Kris Miller.
Buskers in Dundee city centre face having to down their instruments after the council received complaints about the noise they were making.
Musicians performing in the City Square have effectively been told they can no longer entertain shoppers after having their amplifiers switched off.
George Harris, who performs in the busy shopping area at the foot of Reform Street, was told by a council official he had to switch off his amplifier yesterday morning, following a “change in the rules”.
The young singer said it would be pointless playing without his small amplifier, as the sound just “disappears”.
Bagpipes would not be affected by the amplification ban, despite producing a similar noise level to a pneumatic drill.
Mr Harris said: “I arrived at my usual spot in the city centre at about 9.45am on Friday morning when one of the redcoat city ambassadors approached and said the council had received a number of noise complaints.
“I was then told the council had banned amplified music in the city centre – it wouldn’t even be a case of applying for a busking licence or anything like that.
“When I asked why, the ambassador said they had complaints after buskers from Glasgow came through and played with amps.
“It’s brought a complete halt to any performing we could do in the town.
“It’s pointless playing without an amp – the sound is lost and people just completely ignore it.
“This new rule has stopped the great atmosphere busking can create in the city centre.”
Buskers have performed in Dundee city centre for years.
Notably, KT Tunstall started her successful music career performing in Dundee before she was signed, while The View named their chart-topping debut album, Hats Off to the Buskers, after the city’s plethora of music men and women who played in the streets.
Dundee City Council has a busking guideline which does not explicitly ban using an amplifier.
The council’s website states: “Dundee City Council recognises the vibrancy to a city centre that buskers and other street entertainers can bring, but we do have a code of conduct that we ask (buskers) to adhere to.”
The code of conduct states: “Noise (music, instrument or voice) should not be so loud that it can be plainly heard at a distance of 50 metres. Please don’t use amplifiers unless permission has been granted by the council.”
Police have the authority to seize instruments if deemed necessary and the council’s code of conduct asks buskers to adhere to any instructions issued from their officers.
Dundee City Council was asked if a ban had been imposed but only referred The Courier back to its guidance.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
In a similar vein, the quality of a musical performance is a largely subjective matter. Which makes policing the presence of buskers something of a minefield.
Street entertainers in Dundee have hit out after claiming a rule change is set to silence them – or at least some of them.
Crucially, it appears amplification may be the key. So while a gently strummed guitar will struggle to be heard, the proud piper will perhaps be allowed to continue free from regulation.
Of course, some shoppers would rather city centres were free from busking altogether.
Others will doubtless argue they add to the atmosphere – an added attraction being no bad thing given the current travails being experienced by many high street retailers.
It is worth noting that many successful musicians have cut their teeth by taking to the streets – KT Tunstall is a fine local example of an artist who started out busking.
Certainly the city centre would be a less lively place were it completely free from musical entertainment, but such a scenario remains a long way off.
The council’s ambitions seem more focused on ensuring nobody creates too much noise.
As ever, a sensible implementation of the rules will be key to ensuring a harmonious city centre experience for all.