As Gibson marks 130 years of shaping music history, the legendary instrument brand has teamed up with Busk In London to bring a fresh series of live performances to the Gibson Garage London. This partnership celebrates London's vibrant busking scene, showcasing rising talent every week at Gibson's flagship store, the first of its kind outside the U.S., located at 61-62 Eastcastle St., just off Oxford Street.
Launched in 2014 by the Mayor of London, Busk In London was created to nurture musicians by offering talent development, industry education, and supporting grassroots venues across the city. Now managed by Found in Music, it’s become the go-to platform for buskers to shine. Gibson previously collaborated with Busk In London on the successful ‘London’s Streets are Paved with Talent’ campaign, and this expanded partnership provides even more opportunities for emerging artists to perform at a world-class venue.
The new performance series launched last week featuring talented artists like Leire, Atticus Blue, Samuel Ashton, Kitty Montague, Freddie Joon, and Clayton—all seasoned London buskers. UK singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins, who began his own career busking in Brighton, was on hand to show his support for up-and-coming street talent. Paul Broadhurst, Manager of 24 Hour London, gave the opening address.
From now on, live performances by buskers will take place every two weeks at the state-of-the-art stage inside the Gibson Garage London, with performers chosen through the Busk In London programme. Fans can catch the latest updates on these gigs via @GibsonGuitarUK on Instagram.
We got to speak to some of the buskers at the event, Samuel Ashton - who also performed that night, Samuel was super excited to be part of such a great initiative:
How important is it for a brand like Gibson to support busking in London?
For most musicians Gibson guitars are the stuff of myth and legend as so many heroes from the history of music have been seen toting the beautiful Gibson axes; and for anyone who has played one you can see why! Nothing quite compares to the experience of playing a Gibson. For musicians to have the support of such a big name in the world of music and opportunities to perform at the Gibson Garage in the centre of London is amazing in helping them grow their craft, connect with wider audiences and help to take it to the next level.
This kind of support is priceless as musicians take that leap to start their musical journeys busking on the street.
What is the best thing about busking?
There are many great things about busking. The freedom it offers to be able to bring your music directly to people not only in your hometown but across the globe is almost unrivalled in any other profession. And for me the best thing about busking is connecting directly with your audience face to face and those unique and beautiful moments when what you did meant something to someone. You can change somebody's whole day with a song and that is truly beautiful.
How important is it to be involved with Gibson x Busk in London?
Community is at the heart of any movement and Busk in London have championed community by bringing music directly to Londoners and thousands of tourists every day on the streets of the capital. This movement has opened up many more public spaces to busking and provided a huge platform for aspiring musicians to use as a stepping stone to springboard them onto wherever their future career may take them.
Having such a big industry brand as Gibson partnering with Busk in London not only creates yet another platform and opportunity for the grassroots aspiring musicians but it also brings Gibson to the forefront of the music scene and community of London and the UK. As such an incredible and world renowned guitar manufacturer having the support of Gibson is absolutely priceless and having the use of their guitars for the events really is a very special treat!!
What are the main struggles you are facing as a busker and how has Gibson helped you and will help busking?
Busking is rarely a struggle once you are in the right place with the right equipment, however getting to that point for some people can be difficult. Busk in London have been instrumental in opening new spaces for buskers to have a wider reach and broader opportunity of where they can busk in London and the new partnership with Gibson is opening up yet more opportunities and the association with such a legendary brand is incredible.
Reflecting on his own journey, Sam Tompkins added, “Busking was a huge part of my development as an artist, teaching me how to engage with people and perform. It’s amazing to see others have the same opportunity today, and to be part of an event with Gibson, who’ve always supported me.”
To stay updated on the Busk In London programme, follow @buskinlondon. For the latest on events at the Gibson Garage London, check out @GibsonGuitarUK.
Words by Sal F.
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