A security guard who went viral after being spotted singing along to The Charlatans at Glastonbury has been invited by the band to attend a gig with VIP treatment.
Kevin Cox has been a fan of the English rock band since the release of their first album in 1990 but had never seen the band live before Glastonbury.
He was then forced to face away from their performance as he kept watch over the crowd gathered by the Other Stage on Friday evening.
Mr Cox, 40, told PA he was “gutted” having to turn away from the band but was filmed happily singing the words to One To Another by festival-goer Alison Dawkins in a clip which promptly went viral on Twitter.
“I saw the clip and guessed that the person must be a fan of the band as he knew the words – even I forget them sometimes,” Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess told PA.
“But his job was to face the other way to ensure the safety of the crowd.”
Sharing the video, which has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, Burgess tweeted: “Any chance we could find out who this guy is?
“We’d like to invite him to a gig where he can watch rather than work.”
Burgess was sent the security guard’s contact details by one of Mr Cox’s work colleagues and said the Charlatans fan is now being given VIP access to any gig of his choice.
Tim. Found your man. Follow and I will send contact details. pic.twitter.com/kLACwZQI54
— Pete ⚽️ (@sta_legend) June 29, 2019
“What can he expect? A couple of access all areas passes for him and his wife and we’ll even sort him a rider if he tells us what they drink,” said Burgess.
“We’re looking forward to meeting him.”
We found him! We got in touch and he’s coming to a Charlatans gig and generally hanging out with us and watching the show. Thanks for all your help tweeterers https://t.co/JwY0Q3epLH
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) June 30, 2019
Mr Cox, from Andover, Hampshire, described his rise to viral stardom as “surreal” and praised The Charlatans for the kindness they have shown him.
“They don’t have to do that, they’ve gone above and beyond,” he said.
“I feel really touched – they’ve made my year basically, it’s been brilliant.”
Mr Cox said the band’s manager told him they are planning a tour soon and he could “come to a few” gigs and “bring some mates”.
Asked if there was a lesson that could be taken from his experience, Mr Cox said: “We’re not really meant to be singing along to the songs when they’re on so I can’t advise that.
“But if something like this falls upon you, just embrace it.”
Ms Dawkins, an occupational psychologist from Aldbury, Hertfordshire, said she was contacted on Sunday morning by Mr Cox’s wife Natalie who said he’s “so grateful” and thanked her for sharing the video.
“I can’t imagine the pain of having to turn your back on your favourite band just so you can do your job,” Ms Dawkins told PA.
“I love how a man who was in a world of pain not being able to watch his favourite band will now be guest of honour at a future show.