Subway Performers Advocacy Group
Standing united in stopping violence, harassment, and theft of hard-working musicians performing in the subway and public transit systems
Thank you for your interest in supporting SPAG. We represent and seek musicians, fans, commuters, advocacy groups, public planners, policy makers, public safety advocates, Asian American alliances, and community members who want stronger protection for musicians performing in the subway. We welcome you to join this historic movement in calling for meaningful changes from transit and police authorities to secure our subways as vital hubs for music and performing arts.
Two Attacks in Less Than a Year
On Tuesday, February 13th 2024, the beloved cellist and songwriter Iain Forrest, popularly known as Eyeglasses, was attacked while performing at the 34th St Herald Square subway station in New York City. This marked the second time in less than a year that Iain had been physically assaulted during subway performances.
While Iain loved performing for everyone in the subway, the heinous attacks on his life shattered his sense of safety and security. Despite his passion for music and unwavering commitment to sharing it with others, he made a heart-breaking decision to cease public performances in the subway.Â
An Outpouring of Support and Press
Eyeglasses' posts of the attacks on social media went viral, as millions of people across the globe shared them in the hopes of identifying and catching the attacker (the suspect has not yet been caught by authorities as of this writing). Fans expressed their outrage, sympathy, and overwhelming support for Iain and other subway musicians.
Press outlets across the USA and world aired the story, and have engaged transit authorities and government officials in New York City regarding crimes affecting subway musicians. The story was featured on domestic outlets including CBS Inside Edition, Fox News, the Daily Mail, and the New York Post, as well as numerous international outlets.
A Call for Change in New York City
Hundreds of talented musicians, including Eyeglasses, are members of Music Under New York, the MTA's own music program that schedules unpaid volunteers to perform at iconic and busy subway stations. The tremendous value the program brings in enriching the lives of New Yorkers may be undercut by assault, harassment, and robbery of its members.
Yet, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and New York Police Department (NYPD) do not track statistics of crimes against subway musicians. This has to change to know where, when, and why these attacks happen. With this data, police resources can be smartly allocated to where they are needed to deter and prevent attacks.