# Disabled Fans Say the Live-Music Industry Can Do Better: ‘We Are Not a Pain in the Ass’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/disabled-fans-say-the-live-music-industry-can-do-better-we-are-not-a-pain-in-the-ass/
- Published: 2026-11-01T14:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-01T14:54:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Rolling Stone
- Original article: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/disabled-fans-live-music-industry-ada-compliance-1235566027/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- A concertgoer faced access barriers at an outdoor show.
- The writer wants dialogue and better planning across live music.
- More than 50 people shared perspectives on accessibility.

## Summary

A newly disabled concertgoer describes being left without clear access information, facing a long, difficult route to the accessible viewing area and finding it full on arrival. The experience prompted complaints to local and state authorities, but the writer says the goal was a conversation about how the live-music industry can improve access.

The article draws on interviews with more than 50 people in the disability community and entertainment industry, as well as the writer’s experiences at later shows. It says access can vary widely between venues, and quotes wheelchair user Kelsey Peterson describing how a lack of suitable seating at Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater leaves her with a restricted view and sound.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.