Shaun's fight to meet challenge (From Swindon Advertiser)

Shaun's fight to meet challenge

7:00am Monday 21st January 2013 in News

THE SHOW will go on for a musician who is enduring a rollercoaster ride in his battle to hold a gig by an orchestra comprised of 70 strangers he recruited on the London Underground.

Shaun Buswell came close to cancelling the 12/12/12 challenge, which originally stipulated that he had to form a band to perform at one of 12 top London venues by December 12.

The rules stated that he could approach people carrying an instrument or part of an instrument as long as they were within the barriers of a station or on a train.

The performance was moved to the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on January 26 after the Daytrippers charity for the children with disabilities and life-limiting illnesses lent its support to the project.

But that was thrown into doubt at the end of last week after poor ticket sales.

However Shaun, of Stratton, is determined the show will go on after interest picked up, though nothing will be confirmed for definite until today.

He said: “Ticket sales have picked up and sponsors have come to the table.

“We have a coach going from Swindon and are just trying to drum up as much interest as possible. “It’s great and very humbling that the charity are staying with me, even though things haven’t gone as we would have hoped.

“It’s also incredibly humbling working with some of the musicians, who include a trumpet player who used to record with Ray Charles. They have all given up their time for free for charity. It’s the best of the British spirit and we are just crossing our fingers it goes ahead.”

The challenge, supported by Transport for London, is in doubt despite Shaun having spent 346 gruelling days trawling more than 200 stations and meeting more than 300 strangers.

The 35-year-old gave up his flat and executive management position in the city to prove that strangers can come together for a good cause and create soul-stirring music.

For more information, including tickets for the bus from Swindon, visit www.121212.org.uk or follow: @121212challenge on Twitter.