When passing senior Shane Fella in the hallway, one might never guess that despite the image his clean cut appearance and wheelchair might give off, he is constantly planning out the details to his next metal concert.

After seeing his first concert with his father at age six, Fella’s passion for music has only grown. Over the years, Fella and his dad have grown closer through their connections to music and even agree that they could probably make it to varsity for head-banging.

“[Going to concerts] has strengthened our relationship and made us a lot closer,” Fella said. “We just have a good time. We’re a bunch of goofballs. We’re nuts when we go to concerts.”

Fella’s passion for music has done more than just create a special bond between father and son. After spending his childhood feeling like he was left on the outside due to the restrictions that cerebral palsy placed on him, Fella found a new outlet in metal music.

“There are a lot of things that he can’t do because of having a disability, like playing outside with friends,” Shane’s mother, Dawn, said. “He didn’t really enjoy attending his sister’s band concerts through school. He can’t play an instrument like he would love to, so we decided it was important for him to attend the metal concerts he likes.”

Instead of allowing his disability to also dictate his concert experiences, Fella learned how to take initiative and come out of his shell. Instead of being as shy and reserved as he used to be, Fella says that since upgrading his wheelchair to one that can stand up, his concert experience as well as his personal confidence have improved.

“I could see better and it was like I was more like the people. It felt great because I felt like I was on the same level as everyone else,” Fella said. “Before I could stand I felt disappointed because I couldn’t really see and I couldn’t interact with people as well, but I kept going for the love of music”

The first concert with the new wheelchair served as a milestone. Fella was able to put himself out there more and make new friendships, even with strangers in crowded venues.

“I feel like a lot of people in my position would not be willing to do what I do,” Fella said. “I think [other people with disabilities] would be scared to meet new people and talk to them like normal people, but that’s how I roll.”

Even though his dad is always right next to him in the crowded venues they frequent together,Fella has taken more and more of the planning into his own hands, from buying tickets and meet and greet passes to securing the best handicapped seating for himself.

“I think he’s a really passionate guy,” Fella’s friend Anthony Powles, senior said. “I hardly talk to people I don’t know in public so the fact that he calls ahead and makes connections like he does is really impressive.”

Twelve years of devoutly seeing his favorite artists resulted in a passion in Fella that allows him to leave his stresses behind and zone out to the booming noise of lead singers and bass guitars. With his dad at his side and his favorite bands on stage, the feeling of being at a concert is one that Fella says could never be replaced.