MONTREAL — One of the city’s most recognizable amateur musicians has been fined for playing his music too loud.
Cyrille Estève, also known as the “Spoonman,” was ticketed $149 on May 25 by a Montreal police officer for violating a borough noise ordinance.
Estève is offended that he was targeted.
“It’s the first time in 19 years that police [gave] me trouble like that,” he told Global News.
The busker, who has been playing his spoons at the same location directly in front of the Ogilvy department store for 19 years, is contesting the fine.
Estève argues he’s in full compliance with the Ville-Marie borough bylaw because noise ordinances recently changed and the violation cited on the police ticket is from an outdated bylaw.
The current ordinance requires that no music can be heard beyond 25 metres from the source.
Estève says he’s turned down the volume on his music box to comply.
“I reduced my volume so it cannot be heard,” he said. “So I’m [within the] law.”
The amateur musician has been playing his spoons here since 1997. He chose the location in front of Ogilvy’s for several reasons, including the affluent area that helps line his pockets.
“If I would do that in front of the Salvation Army I wouldn’t make a lot of money,” he said.
The “Spoonman” is considered part of the social cultural fabric in the area, having entertained thousands of pedestrians for years.
Many pedestrians Global News spoke to support Estève.
“It’s part of the Montreal culture. It’s part of the deal. He’s here all the time,” one man said.
“I feel like people need to leave him alone. Leave the ‘Spoonman’ alone,” said another.
However, Estève has been challenged by city officials two other times since 1997 for violating local bylaws.
But the musician has no plans to move.
Many hope Estève will be around for many more years playing his spoons.