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Luke Holdsworth, born deaf and raised in a deaf family, did not experience live music until he was in his twenties. Today, he stands as one of the United Kingdom’s leading British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at live music events, bringing the thrill of concerts to deaf audiences. His journey into this unique role highlights the intersection of accessibility, culture, and the shared joy of music.
At major events like Oasis’ reunion concert at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Holdsworth is not simply an onlooker but a vital conduit for deaf fans. Positioned prominently, he signs the performance, capturing the energy, rhythm, and even the iconic attitude of the Gallagher brothers. Reflecting on the experience, he says, “You get caught up in the atmosphere – it’s electric. It was an incredible privilege to be part of history while at the same time providing access for deaf people, helping them enjoy the shows.” For Holdsworth, whose first language is BSL—which has its own grammar, vocabulary, and syntax—this work goes beyond translation; it is immersive storytelling.
Holdsworth’s fascination with interpreting live music began relatively recently. Seven years ago, witnessing Tracey Tyer’s BSL performance alongside Underworld at Latitude Festival left a profound impact. “She embodied the music from the second it started and smashed it out of the park,” he recalls. Another pivotal moment came when he attended a Madonna concert at London’s O2 Arena that offered full sign language access. He contrasts this with his early experiences, noting, “As a deaf person, you always have to explain, or ask for access, or have a defence ready… this was one time when I felt like I was just a young guy who saw Madonna. I had what my hearing friends had – an easy night out.”
Inspired, Holdsworth pursued formal training as a BSL interpreter and has since signed for high-profile artists including Lewis Capaldi, Paloma Faith, and Disclosure. In 2023, his role at London’s Pride celebrations saw him working alongside Tracey Tyer once more. When Oasis announced their 2024 reunion tour, Holdsworth was called up to interpret at fourteen concert dates. He approaches each performance with deep preparation, studying artists’ back catalogues to grasp lyrics and stories, then channels the signature styles and personas during his interpretations. Describing his work with a colleague on Oasis, he notes, “We were able to bring their attitude, even their swagger – it’s compulsory!”
Holdsworth emphasizes the importance of making live music permanently accessible to the deaf community. Despite being legally supported under the Equality Act 2010, which mandates reasonable adjustments like BSL interpretation at events, he sees room for improvement. “But deaf people don’t want to have to explain, or buy a ticket and hope. If you’re promoting an event, just put BSL interpreters on, and tell people. They’ll buy tickets. It’s a win-win.” For Holdsworth, the presence of interpreters is more than a service; it’s about sharing a fundamental human experience. He reflects, “Being able to watch a show and being part of the crowd like everyone else – it’s not just about the music, it’s the vibe, the going out with friends, and having fun. You become one, you’re there as a community.”
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