Little did the band know they would have cause to sing about an injustice directed towards them when they were busking on a busy street in Manchester, UK, one day. Although large events do understandably require a permit, insisting on one for a small band of buskers pushes things too far. That’s why when representatives from the council tried to stop Phat Bollard’s performance, the crowd were unimpressed.

The band held firm against the two overly officious gentlemen with the crowd’s full support. In fact, everyone was so pleased to see the band stand up for themselves that soon the standoff drew more of a crowd than the music had!

The band was clearly not blocking access to the street or any of the surrounding shops so trying to get them to leave appears to be enforcing rules for rules’ sake. The band enquired if the crowd wanted them to move, and the answer was a definite no.

The band has six members, Andrew Whittaker and Patrick Shevlin on guitar; Ash on banjo; Aaron Barnes rather whimsically playing the mandolin; stick-box bass played by Irie Reilley and last but not least, Patrick Dunbar plays percussion. What makes their music both interesting and unique is that their songs address social injustice and inequality in society today.

Clearly getting exasperated by the council workers wasting taxpayer’s money to fix a problem that didn’t exist, the band launched into a rather pointed and appropriate song called “Council”.

It is a scathing commentary about corrupt governments and the impact on schools, care homes and poverty. As many councils claim they have insufficient money to provide basic services, the band highlighted that stopping them was hardly an effective use of funds.

The two council workers walked away as the song got into full swing, and the band appeared victorious. They had the full support of the crowd and now the internet. Their performance has had over a million views on YouTube and many comments of support. Long may their music continue.