WHEELS OF MADNESS

Written by Shane Price

There are not many things in this world that truly move me and put a smile on my face. However, when I go to festivals there are things happening all around me that give me goosebumps, seeing the extreme happiness on people’s faces when the biggest drop happens, when strangers become friends, the complete freedom on people’s faces and the all-around magic that happens.

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In my travels, I’ve met some truly amazing and inspiring people. However, I have only met one person that brings a smile to my face and everyone he meets and he does it all from his wheelchair.  To me, he incorporates the exact reason we go to festivals, to make the dreams come true.

The last time I saw Wave (Galfestival on Instagram & Wheels of Madness on Facebook) on the last days of Sziget last year and you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.  I was lucky enough to get some insight into exactly what got him into festivals and how far he has taken his passion. 

WHEELS OF MADNESS
The Wave Easton Story

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I live in Israel, I first travelled to see live music in 2011 when I went to see Roger Waters The Wall; My first festival was Download Festival in 2012. Back then I wasn't a fan nor did I even know what EDM stood for, I went around Europe that summer to see as many bands and live music events as I could. 

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I choose to include Tomorrowland 2012 in my journey that year because the name sounded cool. I had never even heard of Tomorrowland before and didn't know what it was or what I was in for. Very innocently I thought there must be live bands playing in every festival. I had to get used to the music and before I knew it I was at the first party in my life. I let go of all my fears and I enjoyed that weekend to the fullest.

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That weekend changed me in so many ways that I can not even explain. 

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I have kept on following music every summer since and I have visited more and more EDM festivals and events after Tomorrowland. These days I mostly visit EDM & Hardstyle events and festivals. Within the last 8 years, I visited more than 120 festivals, events and concerts. 

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I have to use a wheelchair to get around since I can't walk or stand up safely and without pain, I also don’t have the best site so the wheelchair gives me the freedom I couldn't have otherwise to move around the venues. 

I started going to festivals all by myself to see my favourite bands. Over the years I made a lot of friendships and bonds with people from all over the world. Nowadays I go back to festivals to see most of them and share new memories with them. The festivals became a background for having the best fun with my friends.

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One of the most heart-warming moment isn't that of being held up above the crowd. It was four years ago at Sziget at one of the parties, people sat down on the ground around me dancing sitting on the ground... At first, it was only a few than a few more and more within what seemed like minutes most of the people at that tent were sitting down around me. 

It was a random gesture that i will never forget.

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Other AMAZING moments: 

• Being called by the DJ and the MC at the Q-Dance stage at Tomorrowland

• Being spotted in the crowd by R3hab at the mainstage of Tomorrowland 

• Seeing a video of myself being assisted by two gals from Australia going completely viral in minutes.

• Being lifted into the air at Tomorrowland 2012 and making it into the after movie. ​

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This story really shows how something as small as going to a festival you’ve never heard about, travel and just being a nice person can make way for life-changing events.

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I am looking forward to seeing my old friend again this year at Tomorrowland to catch up on life. 

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You’re an inspiration to myself and many many others around the world.