Let’s be honest upfront. Attending shows, festivals and dance music events have been a part and parcel of our lives, for a variety of reasons. However, the one thing that every attendee shares at these events is a united, singular passion for the music we’ve grown to love and adore. It’s amazing, yet uncanny how a simple track can bring forth an array of common emotions to a humongous audience. Events like these transport our minds and souls into an alternate reality where there are no problems, deadlines, or struggles. For those few hours, we’re at peace, and the music truly controls us. Each and every person may have a large compilation of his or her issues, but stories like these truly make us feel that our problems are a piece of cake compared to this heart-rending tale. Been proven time and again, all good things do come to an end. Which brings me to the heart of this piece, a young man called Shawn Sage.
Shawn Sage is currently facing a problem that would probably defeat the best of us. Shawn has been diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer, and frankly, his prognosis seems very grim. It doesn’t seem like he has much long left, but what’s key worthy here is his never-say-die spirit that’s forced him to stand up to his issues and flip them off as if they never existed, a book we could all take a leaf out of.
Despite facing this uphill battle with a fatal disease, Shawn chose to live the dream, attending the recently held Escape From Wonderland. Whilst he was there, he also shared his kandi with a completely random stranger, only on the condition that it would never be given away, explaining his condition and narrating a story for each kandi bracelet. Shawn is the epitome of true dance music spirit, and clearly, the principles of Peace, Love, Unity & Respect have been embodied in him. Sometimes, it takes a life-changing circumstance to realize what matters the most, and, despite Shawn’s virtually inescapable fate, he’s still placed his prized kandi in the safe-keeping of a nobody.
All of us should definitely take away from this story. After all, we’re all bound by the same things we love. As much as we love our music, we mustn’t forget the people who share our love. It only takes a tiny moment to seal a long-lasting memory, and at the end of the day, one ought to look back and cherish those moments. It isn’t rocket science, it’s the little things that always count. Shawn called Escape ‘his last rave‘, and decided he wanted to live life to the fullest. We at the TheBanginBeats definitely hope that isn’t the case, and our thoughts and prayers go out to him, wishing him the best.
Despite our world coming under a barrage of criticism, it’s essential to point out the silver lining. Moments like these restore our faith and love for the world we’re so utterly fond of.
Godspeed, Shawn Sage. You’ve definitely changed our lives for the better.