There are dozens of buskers working downtown Vancouver streets during the Olympics. Meet Andy Rimer, aka Spandy Andy, originally from Red Deer, Alta.
Q: Who are you?
A: My name is Spandy Andy, ‘cause I’m Andy and I wear spandex. I do a lot of mime and moon walking and elusionary-style dance … (That’s when) you control a part of your body differently than you would regularly see.
Q: What’s business like?
A: During the Olympics it’s been an average of $300 to $400 per show and I usually do that in two or three hours. If I go all day … I make like $700. If it’s not the Olympics, I make $40 to $100.
Q: How did you start?
A: I became a busker because one year ago I used to work for IBM — I finished college, got a great job … (then) decided I didn’t want to do this nine-to-five.
Q: Of all the other buskers, who’s your favourite?
A: We all hang out together. Flying Bob was my mentor and he is in town for the Olympics. The Silver Elvis is amazing. He inspires me a lot. At the busking party (Saturday) … you know how the superstar comes last? Well, then he just busted it out on the dance floor.
