When Accessibility Isn’t Accessible
You’d think in 2025, with all the tech and talk about inclusivity, we’d have the gig access situation sorted, right?
Wrong.
At the massive Oasis reunion show in Cardiff, what should’ve been a joyful, nostalgic night turned sour for some disabled fans — and it wasn’t the brothers bickering for once. Fans reported that dozens of people on the accessible viewing platform stood for the entire two-hour set, blocking the view for others who physically couldn’t stand. One disabled fan even said they left early. Imagine that — paying through the nose to see your heroes and spending half the night staring at someone’s denim-clad arse.
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just an Oasis problem. This is happening all over the UK, across gigs, festivals, and venues.
And it’s about bloody time we talked about it.
🤷♀️ But Not All Disabilities Are Visible!
Absolutely. Let’s start with this: not every disability is visible, and we’re not here to play gatekeeper. People with chronic fatigue, autism, vertigo, fibromyalgia, PTSD, epilepsy and more may well need that space.
But there’s a difference between:
- fans quietly using the space for their genuine needs, and
- folks treating the raised platform like it’s their VIP upgrade with free WiFi and no mosh pit mud.
Intent matters. So does etiquette. If you can sit and let others see, you absolutely should.
🧠 Real Talk: What Happened at the Oasis Show?
Let’s paint the scene: 60,000 fans, two Gallaghers, one emotional rollercoaster. But over on the raised access viewing platform, things got murky. Fans who were supposed to benefit from the accessible view ended up stuck behind others standing, drinking, filming, and belting out “Don’t Look Back in Anger” like it was their X Factor audition.
One fan in a wheelchair said they couldn’t see anything for the entire gig. Another with a visual impairment said their carer was asked to move for “taking up too much space.”
It’s not just annoying — it’s demoralising. This space exists because without it, some fans can’t participate at all. And now even that’s being encroached on.
🏟️ “Is This Just a One-Off?” Not Even Close…
Nah butt. This has been brewing for years — here’s just a handful of gigs and festivals where access has been a proper shambles:
🎪 Glastonbury Festival
Despite being one of the better ones for access, Glasto still gets complaints about overcrowded platforms. One year, stewards stopped checking passes altogether during Elton John’s set, leading to chaos. Some fans even camped out in the access area to hold spots.
🤘 Download Festival
When it rains at Download (so basically every year), fans without access wristbands have literally climbed onto the raised platforms to escape the mud. Imagine needing to see Metallica from a safe space and suddenly it’s like Wacky Races up there.
🧼 Clean Bandit at BST Hyde Park
Yes, even at poppier gigs! Some carers reported having to argue with stewards who didn’t believe they needed access, while others were refused water unless they left the viewing area.
🎤 Billie Eilish @ The O2
In London, fans using hidden disability passes said they were harassed by others for “faking it.” Security didn’t intervene. Nice one.
🛑 Why Does This Keep Happening?
Let’s break it down like a dodgy festival tent at 4am:
| Problem | Why it sucks |
|---|---|
| Poor steward training | Some staff aren’t briefed on access etiquette at all. |
| Blagging fans | People lie to get into access platforms for a better view. |
| No enforcement | Even with rules, no one checks or cares half the time. |
| Hidden disabilities not respected | Some fans get challenged just for being able to walk. |
| Ticket resale abuse | Access tickets sold or passed on without checks. Grim. |
🦽 What Needs to Change? (Proper Job Edition)
If we want to sort this out, venues, promoters, and fans all need to pull their weight. Here’s how:
👮 Better Staff Training
Stewards should be taught how to support disabled fans, not just wave people through.
🪧 Clearer Signage & Boundaries
Access areas should have visible signs, with standing rules made obvious and enforced politely.
🧑⚖️ Proper Eligibility Checks
Using Access Card systems (like Nimbus) could help reduce abuse and protect hidden disabilities.
🫂 Create a Culture of Respect
Gig culture loves the underdog — let’s make room for everyone to enjoy the music.
🤘 What Can YOU Do?
Whether you’ve got a hidden disability or just a decent moral compass, here’s how you can help:
- ✅ Don’t blag your way into access spaces for a better view
- ✅ If you do have access needs, communicate them
- ✅ Don’t block others’ view if you can help it
- ✅ Report platform misuse quietly, kindly, and clearly
- ✅ Be sound — festivals are meant to feel like community, not combat
💬 Fan Voices
“It’s not about being better than anyone — I just want to see the band I grew up with.” – Charlotte, MS warrior and Oasis fan
“I’ve had to skip gigs before because I knew I wouldn’t be able to see. I’m 4’11 and autistic. The access platform is my only shot sometimes.” – Jas, 23
“I asked someone if they could sit down so my daughter could see and they told me to f*** off. She’s blind.” – Rhys, Cardiff dad
Only in Britain, mun… and not in a good way.
🎤 Final Thought
Live music should be joyful, shared, and inclusive. We all remember our first gig. The nerves. The lights. That first riff kicking in.
Everyone — EVERYONE — deserves that magic moment, whether they’re on two feet, four wheels, or somewhere in between.
So let’s protect access platforms. Let’s check our mates. Let’s be kind. Let’s give disabled fans the front-row feels they deserve.
C’mon butt — it’s not hard to be sound 🤘
⚠️ Disclaimer
The opinions shared in this blog reflect lived experiences, direct fan reports, and public social media accounts. We understand that not all disabilities are visible, and we advocate for compassionate, inclusive treatment for everyone. This post is not intended to shame, gatekeep, or discourage anyone with genuine access needs — visible or invisible — from attending live events. But it is a call for better enforcement, etiquette, and awareness around accessible viewing areas. Let’s rock together — not against each other.
Got your own horror story from an “accessible” gig that wasn’t so accessible? Or a lush story where it all went right?
Drop us a message or tag us @TheRiffReport — we’re all ears (and earsplitting amps) 🎧🔥
Diolch 🤘
