A memorable milestone: My son’s first concert experience

By ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman

There are certain milestones in life that leave an indelible mark on our hearts. One such moment for me was taking my son to his very first concert. As a music enthusiast myself, I was thrilled to share this experience with him, knowing that it would be an unforgettable memory for both of us. The anticipation, the energy, and the sheer joy of live music filled the air as we embarked on this exciting journey together.

My wife was able to obtain free tickets to the ‘The Ministry of Sound – Classical’ event in Bedford. Unfortunately on the day, she fell ill and suggested that I took our twelve year-old son. 

‘The Ministry of Sound – Classical’ sees our favourite old school dance tracks re-orchestrated, re-imagined, and re-lived by a breath-taking 30-piece orchestra, stunning vocalists and a sound and light experience like no other. Each show features never heard before classical remakes of iconic dance anthems, including: 

• The Chemical Brothers – Hey Boy Hey Girl
• Dario G – Sunchyme
• Faithless – Insomnia
• Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now
• Moloko – Sing It Back

As we walked through the town leading to the grounds, my son’s eyes sparkled with excitement and I knew that it was the right decision to take him. We were welcomed with a bustling atmosphere, the sea of fans, and the vibrant colours which added to the palpable sense of anticipation that surrounded us.

Seeing the stage set, adorned with dazzling lights and towering speakers, we decided to ditch our chairs and head to the front row. We joined the crowd, a mix of devoted fans of all ages, buzzing with enthusiasm. 

The world of dance music has evolved and grown so much over the years, but there are definitely some iconic DJs who left a lasting impact and made significant contributions to the dance music scene. Before the headliner ‘The Ministry of Sound – Classical’ we had a few support acts that included Judge Jules and Roger Sanchez. 

Judge Jules, is a British DJ, record producer, and radio presenter. He gained prominence in the electronic dance music scene during the 1990s and early 2000s. Judge Jules is renowned for his energetic DJ sets, blending various styles of dance music, including trance, house, and techno and without a shadow can still entertain a crowd.

Roger Sanchez is an American DJ, producer, and remixer who has had a significant impact on the house music scene. Known for his energetic DJ sets and distinctive sound, Roger Sanchez has been a prominent figure in the dance music industry for several decades and at the age of 56 his energy is still there for us all to see. He was incredible.

As the ‘The Ministry of Sound – Classical’ orchestra took the stage for the headline act, a surge of energy washed over both of us. The collective cheer from the crowd enveloped us, and my son’s eyes widened in awe and excitement. The orchestra and vocalists poured their hearts into each song and the sound reverberated through the open-air field. The atmosphere became electric, as everyone surrendered to the music, singing along, clapping and dancing to the beat. My son’s face lit up with joy and jumping mirroring the smiles and excitement radiating from the performers on stage. We were all connected by the shared love for music, experiencing a moment of pure magic.

Near the end of the night, I realised that this concert was more than just a musical event; it was a bonding experience between a parent and child. We danced together, sang at the top of our lungs and embraced the joy that filled the air. The music bridged the generational gap, and I saw my son truly come alive, his passion for music ignited. We shared laughter, awe, and a mutual appreciation for the art form. It was a precious opportunity to connect on a deeper level and create memories that I know will last a lifetime.

Taking my son to his very first concert was an amazing feeling. Witnessing his wide-eyed wonder, infectious enthusiasm and sheer joy made the experience even more meaningful. Sharing my love of dance music was a milestone that marked a new chapter in our relationship, one where we could explore the world of music together. I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce him to the magic of live performances and the power of music. This concert will forever hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the bond we share and the limitless possibilities that await us on this incredible journey called life.