A music fan has spoken out after his access request was turned down for a Ryan Adams concert in Bristol. Dr Paddy Ladd, who was born partially deaf but has been completely deaf since 2013, said he was “deeply shocked and disillusioned” after being told by promoters he could not move seats at Bristol Hippodrome to watch the US singer despite the show allegedly not being sold out at that time.
Dr Ladd, who is 71, said he has been determined not to let deafness prevent him from enjoying live music and attending concerts. He uses a balloon to feel the vibrations, lipreads and has a set of lyrics and a small light to see them along with a personal assistant who uses British Sign Language. He explained that other promoters in Bristol and elsewhere have always been very accommodating of these requests.
He had second row seats to see Ryan Adams - who he has been a fan of for 18 years - at Bristol Hippodrome on Monday (April 17) but was issued a refund when the promoter could not accommodate his request for the use of a small light to read along with the lyrics.
