Violinist Joshua Bell was left shocked and disappointed when he realised parents don't like their children paying attention to street musicians during a recent busking experiment.
The acclaimed classical musician dressed down and wore a disguise for his odd free show at the Washington D.C. Metro (subway) station - and was surprised no one recognised him.
Reporting back to editors of the Washington Post newspaper, who came up with the ruse, Bell confessed he was appalled to discover so many adults don't like their children to stop for buskers.
He tells WENN, "I had a baseball hat on and tattered clothes, so, if there was anyone who had been to my concerts, they would not have known it was me.
"It was sad and interesting because children tended to want to stop and listen and parents would drag them away and not let them stay and listen."
There was a good side to Bell's busking adventure: "I got some money; I think I made about $40 in 40 minutes, which isn't that bad!"
contactmusic.com