The Legendary Manchester Busker . www.manchesterbusker.com
History - Interview with Mark Burgess www.myspace.com/chameleonsvox
Do you remember how many Manchester Busker events you took part in?
"No not really, not exactly, I think I did about three in the Green room, one at a venue in South Manchester, and then I took Chris and a few of his regulars down to the Marquee and spot-lighted MB shows as part of a Sun And The Moon show."
Do you have any particular lasting memories of any one Manchester Busker occasion?
"I do yeah, I actually mention it in my autobiography that's coming out in April. It was when I was getting to know Bryan Glancy. Keni (Mark Kennedy - the Manchester artist) told us that Bryan was taking part in an MB show at Bury Derby Hall, so we went along. Bryan came out looking all cool in his black clothes and matching Raybans. The hall fell into a respectful silence as he greeted everyone and introduced himself. He strummed a chord on his guitar, wasn't quite happy with the amp volume level, so he reached across to adjust it. Just then his stool slipped from under him and he and his amp crashed to the floor amid deafening reverb from the amp. The hall erupted into laughter. Picking himself up, he righted his amp, which miraculously, was still working, plugged in his undamaged guitar, another miracle, and then delivered a stunning ten minutes set. People actually stood up to applaud him, including us."
What do you think made Manchester Busker so special?
"Well there was the variety for one, a very diverse collection of extraordinary talent that included Henry Normal, Lemn Sissay, John Thompson, John Bramwell, Bryan Glancy, the list is endless.. But whether or not anyone was familiar with who they were watching or listening to didn't matter, every performer was treated with the same respect. Acoustic artists would pay for example, and you could have a pin drop during their set. When everyone was on form, which they were more often than not, it was a very special atmosphere and an exciting thing to be around. At the time I was very involved with record companies and the like, I was with Geffen records back then, but the MB helped get back to the root, it had nothing to do with all that music business bull-shit and so from my point of view, it was very refreshing. Also, playing alongside some of those people, actually made me a better musician, and over the years whenever I met anyone who had been involved, we still felt that connection. Above all though I'd have to say that it was down to Chris. He worked tirelessly and unselfishly for the MB and everyone involved had a tremendous and lasting respect for what he was doing."
A considerable number of the original performers have gone on to form successful creative careers, and in some cases have gone to the top echelons of their profession. Any comments on this?
"Well it doesn't surprise me at all, I mean the talent of the people that were involved was immense. I believed in it and in the people that took part and their reasons for doing it. It doesn't surprise me at all that many of them went on to carve out successful careers for themselves. Funny though, whenever I'd see a name crop up, like Henry Normal on a writing credit for the Royale family or whatever, first thing that would come into my mind would be, ah, a fellow Manchester Busker :)"
Describe Chris Coupe in a sentence:
"Chris Coupe was one of the most enthusiastic, optimistic, tireless, unselfish, and devoted people I've ever met in the business and what he did for the M/c Busker, he did out of love for the project."
