Hi, my name’s Steve, and I’m from England. I work in marketing and sales at a carpet shop, but my journey has been far from ordinary. Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. I struggled to fit into society and faced constant bullying at school, largely because I wore glasses. That label—“geek” and “misfit”—stuck with me, making it hard to find my place or connect with people who truly understood me.
Life wasn’t easy. I’ve had 13 eye surgeries, which left my eyes looking a bit different. People would comment on how odd or red they looked, and that constant attention made me self-conscious. To distract from my eyes, I grew my hair out and started wearing a red bandana. Over time, I became known as Pirate Steve. That nickname followed me online, where I built a small audience on YouTube and Instagram.
But behind the nickname and the laughs, I faced serious challenges. I’ve been assaulted twice and lost count of the times people hurled abuse or harassed me—online and in person. It was a dark time, and I often felt like I was drowning in loneliness and depression.
Then, in 2023, everything changed. My dad and I were watching Glastonbury from home, and I saw Yungblud perform live on stage. His energy, his passion, and his unapologetic authenticity hit me like lightning. I couldn’t look away.
As I started learning more about Yungblud—his message, his community, and the family he’s built—I felt an instant connection. He stood for everything I’ve always believed in: being yourself, spreading love, and embracing the weirdness that makes us unique. I even wrote a self-help autobiography book about being true to yourself, battling mental health and living your best life as an alternative individual.
So, I jumped in. I joined Yungblud Facebook groups, and I went to Bludfest. It was an incredible experience. I met some lovely people, like Maria and Doris, though I lost them in the crowd and ended up watching Dom’s set alone. But even on my own, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years—accepted.
For the first time, I didn’t have to hide. I could be myself. At Bludfest, I wore my red bandana again without worrying about stares or judgment. I felt free. That day gave me a new lease on life, a reminder that it’s never too late to find your people and embrace who you truly are.
By day, I work in a carpet shop and dress conservatively for the job. But outside of work, I’m reclaiming my identity. I want to be part of something bigger—a movement where people can be unapologetically themselves, meet like-minded friends, and feel a sense of belonging.
To anyone out there feeling lost, isolated, or like you don’t fit in—come to a Yungblud gig. Go to Bludfest. Experience the magic of the BHC for yourself. It’s a family, a safe space where you’ll find love, understanding, and people who genuinely get you.
For me, the BHC is more than a fanbase. It’s a community—a place to share what’s on your mind and know that someone will listen and care. I see it growing stronger, with meet-ups happening all over England and beyond.
This is just the beginning of my story in the Yungblud movement. I don’t know where it’ll take me, but I’m excited to find out and meet new friends along the way.
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect.
Steve Rippin, aka The Positive Pirate (Pirate Steve)