This evening was a bit of rush getting to Stratford underground station for 6pm, due to the train being held for ages before I arrived at Stratford. I think this session was another weird vibe! It most be something in the London air at the moment! Haha!
It all started off on a bad note, when I ran to the station office door which was shutting, and the cleaner was coming out. I didn't think it would be a problem me catching the door and going in, as I normally go in there anyway to sign in. Next thing the station manager yelled at the cleaner telling me he shouldn't have let me through and he keeps letting random people in. The cleaner was so rude saying “Come here!” at me, ordering me to go to him and pointing like I needed to obey him. I said: “I appreciate you not talking in that tone to me, that is very rude!” Basically he started yelling at the station manager and they had an argument. I managed to get away from them and sign in. I don't know how I managed to walk into that situation. I think I was at the wrong place at the wrong time in this particular moment!
When I went to sign in the station manager said: “I'm not cross with you, it's how the cleaner spoke to you and he keeps letting everyone in. He should've said to you, you have to ring the bell before you come in.” I said: “I always do, just thought as the door was shutting, I could just catch it and run in to sign in.”
Anyway, this led to an uncomfortable performance for the two hours, as the cleaner was giving me looks whilst I was busking and looking miserable/angry. I only was going there to play music and then somehow got dragged into an argument between the cleaner and station manager. God knows how!
It was a very busy evening, people were looking miserable, laughing at me and in general didn't seem that bothered. I kept persevering, and as always in these situations smile at the people that make faces/shout at me and keep playing! It was lovely though to see one of my fans, who came down to see me, these moments make busking worth it. Thank you for coming to Stratford station! It goes to show you never know who's watching in the audience and busking definitely gives you a thicker skin to wear too!