The day before I attended Twenty One Pilots, Breach, listening party, I hit the floor—literally.

One day before Breach, listening party

When the doctor asked me to accompany my nervous partner to offer her support while he removed a cyst from her neck, like any loving partner, I stepped up. The doctor warned me to look away. I wanted to. I knew I shouldn’t watch, but… Curiosity compelled me.

I squeezed her arm as the scalpel cut, while the blood flowed. A small incision to remove a skin cyst grew larger and deeper. The room swayed, as my temperature rose, while my stomach churned like a cement mixer. I can only describe it as a drunken sensation. I slurred something about needing to sit down and made my way to the end of the bed.

Next thing I know, I’m on the floor.

My partner panicked, thinking something had gone wrong with the procedure. The doctor panicked because now he had two patients to deal with. And our kids—just outside the room—heard my head hit the floor.

The Breach, listening party

Fast forward one day: Me and my son-in-law were among 50 or so avid fans at a UK Breach, listening party, the new album from Twenty One Pilots. A few thousand fans worldwide got the same privilege. We heard it before the rest of the planet—and it was worth every second.

I won’t give away any spoilers. The album felt and sounded like their last five blended for 47-minute into an emotional kaleidoscope. Soft melodies give way to rap bursts, tempo shifts, and raw vulnerability. Downstairs hit hard—Tyler’s reflections on self-worth struck a chord. Robot Voice was a synth-drenched trip through distortion though evocative. Every track had a moment that made me stop, breathe, and feel.

A Surprise Opportunity

However, the real prize? A conversation with the record store owner. I asked whether they ever hosted book signings. He said yes—and to my surprise, prefers them to album signings. I mentioned Resurgence – The Eternal Colony™, my debut novel launching this November. This will mark my first official signing. He was busy with wrapping things up with the listening party, so I offered to return next week when I collect my album to set a date and time, and browse his store for more music and books to add to my collection.

Music has played a huge part in my writing journey. Bands like Twenty One Pilots inspire me to recognise and deal with the emotional rollercoaster of life—and build it into my characters on the page. They’re not just surviving external threats; they’re wrestling with inner conflicts, doubts, and troubled pasts. That tension—between chaos and clarity—is what makes them grounded, and what keeps me writing.

My Dream

I would love to write a novel centred around Tyler Joseph’s rich lore universe, exploring Clancy’s struggle to escape from Dema and the bishops—a reflection of his own demons. It would be an honour and a privilege to contribute to a story that’s helped so many fans feel seen, understood, and inspired. Some days knock you down, but others lift you up. Today was amazing, and I’m grateful for every moment.

If this moment resonated with you, check out my debut novel, Resurgence – The Eternal Colony™. Explore the world here.

Or head over to the Twenty one pilots store for music and merch!