Both lifelong metal fans, Jack and Emma had spent their teenage years immersed in music. Jack, now 35, first saw System of a Down in Nottingham in 2002, while Emma, 34, growing up in Mexico, had her first gig experience watching Garbage in Mexico City the same year. Both went on to see countless bands over the years, but it was Metallica that eventually brought them together.
Jack’s first Metallica show was Reading Festival in 2003, while Emma caught them for the first time in Austin, Texas, in 2009. By the time the band played Prague in August 2019, Jack had seen them around 22 times. For Emma, it was her third.
That summer, Jack had secured tickets for the Prague show with a group of friends. Emma, by then living in London after moving to the UK to study in 2017, also had friends in Prague and made the trip with them. By sheer luck, both managed to get into the Snake Pit, a coveted section at the very front of the stage, surrounded by the band.
“The energy was unreal,” says Jack. “Everyone was just locked in, loving every moment.”
It was during Master of Puppets, arguably Metallica’s most iconic song, that the two first noticed each other. “The crowd was wild, the riffs were huge, and we just locked eyes and rocked out together for a moment,” he recalls.
As quickly as they had spotted each other, the moment was gone, lost in the chaos of the pit. The show ended with a blistering encore, and as fans spilled out of the venue, Jack found himself searching for his friends. Instead, he spotted Emma standing alone.
“I figured there was no chance she’d even speak English,” he admits. “But I went over anyway, and as soon as we heard each other’s accents, we got talking. Turns out, we both lived near London.”
The conversation flowed, and before they parted ways, Jack asked for Emma’s number. “Maybe it was the beers, but I wasn’t nervous,” he laughs.
The next morning, scrolling through social media, Jack spotted a photo Metallica had posted of the crowd. Right there in the frame was Emma. He sent it to her, and the two stayed in touch. Back in London, they started going to gigs together, forming a bond over their shared love of music.
In 2021, they got married.
Now, live music is as much a part of their relationship as it was in the beginning. “We’ve seen Metallica together at least 26 times, probably more,” Jack says. “We’ve lost count!”
But it’s not just Metallica. The couple make a point of seeing as many live bands as they can and have built their relationship around their gig calendar, finding tickets to shows across the UK and beyond. Like many fans, they have turned to Twickets to buy and sell tickets at face value.
“Twickets has been a lifesaver for us to keep our relationship fun and enjoy the music we love together,” says Emma. “We’ve bought and sold tickets for so many gigs, AC/DC, The Prodigy, Slipknot, Sum 41, Pearl Jam, the list goes on.”
At home, music is always playing, and when they’re not at a gig, they’re planning their next one. “For us, it’s more than just seeing bands, it’s about the experience, the energy, the people you meet,” Emma says.
Zoe Burke, leading wedding expert and editor of Hitched.co.uk shares her advice for those looking for love this Valentine’s Day:
“So, if you’re looking for love like Jack and Emma and not finding it on the apps or in your workplace, and your friends have all already tried to set you up with the best person they know and it’s still not happening, it could be time to widen your horizons and try some new hobbies!
“For introverts, there’s been a huge influx of book clubs and mindfulness classes like pottery or painting in the last few years, and even singles-only events so you won’t feel like the odd one out in a room full of couples.
“Community gardens or allotments are also a really cute way to meet people – even if the average age of those is slightly older, just expanding your friendship groups opens up opportunities for meeting new people your own age.
“If you’re a bit more adventurous or extroverted then active hobbies like Park Run, climbing or even joining in group hikes can be a fun way to meet people. Do remember though that not everyone you meet is looking for love, so proceed with caution in places where people might feel vulnerable on their own.
“And if all else fails, there’s always the solo travel route! There’s no better way to meet like minded people than when you’re out exploring the big wide world. With the number of tours and activities on offer for singletons in just about every city in the world, you’ll be forced to mingle with the singles in whichever place you decide to visit.”
Proposal expert, James Harris from luxury jewellers Austen & Blakecommented:
“We get a huge number of couples that meet their partners in unique places and go on to get engaged. Immersing yourself into a different setting like a gig, gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people, but it’s also a time when spirits are high and you’re most likely to be your relaxed, fun-loving self!
“My advice to anyone searching for their perfect partner is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and dare to meet people outside of formal settings. It’s important to be open to the unexpected.
“From our experience in helping thousands of customers over the years, building a connection around common interests seems to stand the test of time. It’s also a chance to create solid memories early on.”
