Tens of thousands of Oasis fans filed into Cardiff's Principality Stadium last summer, ready to witness what many thought would never happen: the band's reunion tour. But among the sea of diehards was one man who wasn't there to sing along—he was there to sign. Luke Holdsworth, a profoundly deaf British Sign Language interpreter, stood beside the stage making the band's notorious swagger visible to thousands of deaf fans who had come expecting something far less.
"You get caught up in the atmosphere – it's electric," Holdsworth told Positive News. "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."
Holdsworth, 36, was born deaf and raised by deaf parents, which meant British Sign Language was his first language from birth—a language built on hand shapes, gestures, facial expressions and body movements rather than spoken words. For Holdsworth, signing wasn't just communication; it was everyday life. Like many in the deaf community, he even has his own sign language name: "Shy," chosen to reflect his quiet nature as a child.
For years, Holdsworth assumed live music simply wasn't for him. He didn't attend his first concert until his mid-20s—a One Direction show that left him frustrated. "There was no interpretation so I didn't understand a thing," he said. "It's hard to explain what having access means to a deaf person."
Everything changed seven years ago when he saw Tracey Tyer, a celebrated performance interpreter, sign alongside electronic duo Underworld at Latitude Festival. "She embodied the music from the second it started and smashed it out of the park," Holdsworth recalled. "Me and my friends were in awe."
He later saw Madonna perform at London's O2 arena with full BSL access. "As a deaf person, you always have to explain, or ask for access, or have a defence ready," he said. "I don't like the word 'normal' but 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."
That experience inspired him to train as an interpreter. In 2023, he found himself in Trafalgar Square signing at London's Pride, working alongside the very person who had sparked his ambition: Tracey Tyer. Since then, his career has taken off. He's signed for Lewis Capaldi, Paloma Faith and Disclosure. In 2024, the call came to cover 14 dates on the Oasis reunion tour.
For those shows, Holdsworth worked alongside colleague Samantha Vanterpool, and together they brought the band's trademark Manchester cockiness to life through sign. "We were able to bring their attitude, even their swagger—it's compulsory!" he laughed.
Holdsworth hopes performance interpreters become standard at concerts so deaf teenagers no longer have to wait until their mid-20s to feel the thrill of live music. Under UK law, event organisers already have a duty to make reasonable adjustments, which can include BSL interpretation. But Holdsworth wants to go further: "If you're promoting an event, just put BSL interpreters on, and tell people. They'll buy tickets. It's a win-win."
This summer, his diary is packed—signing at Wembley for Harry Styles, more Lewis Capaldi shows, and a full-circle return to Latitude. For him, it's about more than accessibility. "Signing allows deaf people to experience one of humanity's most basic pleasures," he said.