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Tuesday, 29 April, 2003, 18:45 GMT 19:45 UK

Buskers get Tube permission

Cellist Julian Llyod Weber busks on the Underground The underground music scene has been given a boost as it emerged that buskers will be able to perform legally on Tube platforms.

A change in the local bylaw came after eight out of 10 passengers on the London Underground (LU) said they liked hearing live music as they travelled.

Anyone who believes they have musical talent can audition and apply for a formal licence.

A panel of judges will select the artists at auditions next week at Canary Wharf station.

Performers will rotate around 25 different pitches across 12 LU stations, including Oxford Circus, Charing Cross and Tottenham Court Road.

Britain's best buskers

Buskers will only play on the platforms, not on the trains, and will not be paid for their work.

The scheme will initially run for 16 weeks starting at the end of May and will then be reviewed.

Pressure for a change in the law came from LU.

Tony Maguire of LU said: "We listened to what our customers want, now we'll be listening to some great music from some of Britain's best buskers - coming soon at a station near you."

The scheme will be promoted as Carling Live Underground Music.

Cellist Julian Llyod Weber became the first official LU busker when he launched a six month pilot scheme in 2001


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Related to this story:
'My busking tips for Badly Drawn Boy' (27 Feb 03  |  UK )
Buskers make protest heard (18 Nov 02  |  England )
Buskers sound Tube protest note (05 Jun 01  |  Entertainment )
Lloyd Webber gets underground vibe (14 May 01  |  Entertainment )

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