We recently spoke with Sean, one of our newest Gig Buddies participants, to hear all about his very first Gig Buddies social. His debut outing was at CHALK in Brighton, where he (and other Gig Buddies) saw Rolo Tomassi, and it turned out to be a night to remember!
Why Sean Joined Gig Buddies
Although Sean is new to the project, he’d known about Gig Buddies for a while before deciding to join. His reason was simple:
I joined because I’m obsessed with music.
Expectations vs. Reality
Going into his first gig, Sean didn’t really know what to expect:
I didn’t really have many expectations, but I was looking forward to it because I didn’t know what kind of bands or music style it would be.
Experiencing His First Gig Buddies Social
The night ended up being something special.
I think it was pretty amazing. I already knew a few people who were there, and I’d just been matched with my own Gig Buddy a month earlier, so it felt like the start of something new.
For Sean, having a Gig Buddy means freedom:
It gives me the freedom to go to a concert alone without stress or struggling to arrange things with care staff. It’s another option for someone to go with other than family or staff, which makes it easier.
The Highlight of the Night
When asked about his favourite part of the gig, Sean didn’t hesitate:
Definitely the final band (Rolo Tomassi). I wasn’t expecting that type of singer to just come out with this amazing voice. The way she could scream, it sounded massive, but it was all her. They had pedals and effects to make it even more aggressive, but it was still her voice on top. It was incredible.
The Importance of Staying Up Late
For Sean, being part of Gig Buddies is about more than music:
It means I’m able to socialise more than I have been in the community. It means a lot. Having the choice to stay out late and go to gigs gives me something else to do. To have fun, meet people, and share a drink.
A Night to Remember (and a Broken Pair of Glasses!)
Sean laughed as he recalled one extra detail from the night:
It was a great social evening and everyone had fun. I went a bit further than everyone else in the mosh pit and ended up breaking my glasses, but I managed to replace them, so it was fine. That just made it even more amazing. I came out with a few bumps, but it was worth it.
Sean is already looking forward to his next outing with Gig Buddies:
Would I go to another gig with Gig Buddies? Definitely.
Sean with his new Gig Buddy!
