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Radio 1 Stories: Let Me Into the Music

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Let Me Into the Music

14/05/2012

BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1 Stories, Let Me Into the Music

Nihal looks at live music access for disabled gig-goers.

Nihal goes backstage and into the mosh pit with gig-goers and artists from across the disability spectrum to find out what equal access means and why it should matter to everyone.

Disabled and non-disabled music lovers alike agree, if music is your religion, then paying homage shouldn't feel like paying a visit to the dentist, right? In this programme Nihal investigates equal access to live music. He learns that disabled access has come a long way since the campaigning charity Attitude is Everything formed in 2000, but both punters and professionals explain why there's still a long way to go.

Some people might never have given access a second thought, but others have to think about it way too much. What if all your mates had access all areas passes and you were left out in the cold, or stuck in the corner with a great view of the fire exit? If you're disabled, access to music venues and festivals, like many public places, can still be a lottery. But is it really too much to ask to see your favourite band, without it turning into an obstacle course or military operation?

Nihal takes listeners on tour, backstage and in the mosh pit with gig-goers and artists across the disability spectrum to find out what equal access means to them and why it should matter to everyone. We check out a legendary rock venue out of hours, tour a tiny pub venue with Blaine from the Mystery Jets, meet young disabled performers doing it for themselves, feel the vibrations from a deaf rave DJ set and find out just what it takes to put on a totally accessible gig.

Young people open up about what it's like to be music fans, who just happen to be disabled. Both promoters and venue owners are upfront about how much progress has been made to improve facilities and we hear from campaigners working with industry insiders to make sure access is guaranteed, not denied.

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