Throwback Thursday: 15-Year-Old T-Shirt

There are moments in life that feel like a full circle. For me, Monday, 19th May 2025, was exactly that. After years of waiting, I finally attended my first ever Lady Gaga concert in Singapore — and yes, I was in the same room as Mother Monster herself. That night wasn’t just about music or spectacle (though she did serve both flawlessly). It was about coming home to a part of myself I hadn’t seen in a while.

The energy was unreal. Every Little Monster in the room turned up and turned out — channeling their favorite Gaga eras, from The Fame to Mayhem. It was like walking into a living, breathing tribute museum. The dedication, the outfits, the creativity — Gaga’s fans really are some of the most passionate beings alive. And while I had toyed with the idea of showing up as Harley Quinn (because, duh, obsessed), something told me this wasn’t her night. This was his night — 17-year-old Faiz.

Back in 2010, that teenage version of me bought a white "Little Monster" t-shirt from the official Haus of Gaga merch store. It was a promise to himself: "One day, I’ll wear this to a Gaga concert." In 2012, that chance almost came with the Born This Way Ball in Singapore, but the reality of student life hit hard. Tickets were expensive, and as much as he wanted to go, it just wasn’t possible.

That t-shirt was never worn again, only once outside the house. Instead, it followed me across cities and life phases — folded neatly, stashed away like a quiet dream waiting for its moment.

And then came May 2025.

I knew the person going to that concert wasn’t the 34-year-old me. It was him — that hopeful, wide-eyed teenager who clung to Gaga’s lyrics when nothing else made sense. So I let him take the reins. He wore the T-shirt. A little faded, maybe. Soft from years of waiting. But that night, it finally fulfilled its destiny.

A 15-year-old T-shirt made its way to Mayhem Singapura 2025

Under the lights, sweating, screaming, dancing, singing, and yes — crying — that t-shirt got its moment. We got our moment.

So, to teen Faiz:

I hope you felt every beat of that night.

I hope you sang your heart out.

I hope you saw how far we’ve come.

Because you — and that t-shirt — deserved every second of it.

Here’s to teenage dreams that wait patiently and still come true, even 15 years later.