Kevin Murison, a bagpiper in Ottawa, receives a mix of reactions while playing his instrument on a busy sidewalk. Despite some negative responses, he mostly gets positive feedback from passersby who appreciate his music. Last year, a tourist from Brazil was so moved by his performance that she hugged him and even offered her phone number for a potential South American gig.
Unfortunately, not all encounters have been pleasant for Murison. He recently experienced a violent incident that left him injured. While playing on a Saturday afternoon, a man approached him under the guise of wanting a photo but then brandished a knife. Murison sustained a 15-centimetre cut on his bagpipe bag and required four stitches on his thumb as a result of the attack.
Thankfully, a bystander called 911, leading to the quick apprehension of the suspect. The 25-year-old man now faces charges, including assault with a weapon and breaching probation. Ottawa police described the attack as unprovoked.
Despite the traumatic event, Murison remains resilient and determined to continue playing the bagpipes. His band has provided him with a new bag, showing support for their fellow musician. While he is currently recovering from his injuries, Murison looks forward to returning to busking once he has healed.
