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Written By Grace Lamb Gigs and festivals promise unity through music, but for many with chronic illnesses and disabilities, this vision remains out of reach. The live music industry often treats accessibility—a basic right—as an afterthought. This needs to change: accessibility must be at the center of all planning and delivery. According to government statistics from 2019, more than three million disabled people attend a concert every year, and disabled music fans make up 11% of the live music audience. (Savage, 2019) Yet, over five years later, disabled music fans are still facing many barriers at live events. As of 2018, Attitude Is Everything‘s State of Access report indicates that approximately 82% of people in the UK have experienced difficulties booking accessible tickets. 79% had been deterred from buying gig tickets due to problems with booking access, 73% had felt discriminated against when trying to book access, and 11% had considered taking legal action. ("State of Access Report 2018", 2018) Ticket limits make things worse. Accessible seats are typically located in restricted areas, with a limited number available for general sale as presales increase. These seats are often non-transferable, reducing flexibility for disabled fans. Instead of welcoming, ticketing often becomes the first barrier for those needing accessible support. Even when tickets are secured, challenges remain. The Co-Op Live in Manchester faced public criticism for failing to provide proper access, such as priority entry. ("Appalling - Review of Co-op Live, Manchester, England", 2024) In contrast, venues like The O2 and AMG venues offer priority entry for fans with disabilities. ("The O2 Accessibility Information", n.d.) Some venues still lack basic amenities such as step-free entrances, working lifts, or accessible restrooms. (Purcell, 2019) Access remains inconsistent across locations. Viewing platforms are sometimes too far from the stage. Some are poorly managed or crowded. Inconsistent staff training leaves fans frustrated or without help. Disabled fans should feel welcome, not like a problem to manage. Barriers are also cultural. Disabled fans may face scrutiny or have to justify being in accessible areas. This adds emotional strain. Disabilities are not always visible. No fan should have to share personal details just to enjoy an event. Respecting access is also part of fan culture and requires the community to improve. Camping culture has transformed the way fans experience live music events, such as arena shows and festivals. The most dedicated spend days queuing outside, hoping for the best spots. Promoters and venues often reward this dedication with priority entry for campers. For people with disabilities, camping is not realistic. Those who need rest, medication, or special assistance cannot spend days in line. They are often excluded from priority access, even if they have standing tickets. Disabled fans may wait until hundreds have already entered, putting them at a disadvantage before the show even starts.
True accessibility cannot be an afterthought — it must be embedded in every aspect of live music from the outset. While the solutions are not complicated, they require commitment:
At its core, live music is about connection. It means thousands of strangers singing the same words, moving to the beat, and sharing a moment. That promise fails if any barriers — physical, cultural, or systemic —exclude some fans. Equal access is not a privilege or a favour. It’s a right. If live music is truly for everyone, then accessibility must stop being a side conversation and become the foundation on which events are built. Music can unite people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. However, unity can only be absolute when every fan can participate without unnecessary stress, stigma, or exclusion, because music is for everyone; it shouldn't be this hard for fans with disabilities to enjoy it. References:
Savage, M. (2019) Ticketmaster makes ‘Huge step forward’ for disabled music fans, BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-50247373#:~:text=I’ll%20meet%20you%20at,@bbc.co.uk%20. State of Access Report 2018. (2018). Attitude Is Everything. Appalling - Review of Co-op Live, Manchester, England. (2024). https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187069-d27151317-r971028825-Co_op_Live-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html The O2 Accessibility Information. (n.d.). theo2.co.uk. https://www.theo2.co.uk/accessibility/the-o2 Purcell, E. (2019) Music venues continue to lack access facilities for disabled fans, Disability Horizons. Available at: https://disabilityhorizons.com/2019/07/music-venues-continue-to-lack-access-facilities-for-disabled-fans/
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