Hot Since 82 has canceled upcoming shows in Brazil after a harrowing experience last night in Rio de Janeiro that saw him escape for his life.
Touring is a way of life for DJs around the world, and while the experiences for many have been positive, there’s always an element of danger that looms when you’re not playing a gig on your home turf. That’s exactly what happened to Hot Since 82 last night. The Knee Deep In Sound label boss had left Casa França Brasil in Rio de Janeiro after a show hosted by BOMA at 5am to head to the airport for his upcoming gigs at Warung Festival and Time Warp Brazil. They were followed by a car with gang members who were waving AK-47s around just ten minutes into the ride, leading his driver to take defensive action and attempt to escape.
They knew exactly where, what car, and exactly where we were gonna be at which time, which leads me to believe we were set up. If it wasn’t for the heroic maneuvers of our driver, I don’t even know if we’d be alive right now. I really don’t.
Hot Since 82
Hot Since 82 explains what happened that night, stating that they were on a busy motorway that was pitch black. The car in front of them pressed the brakes to get their car to stop, which is when people hung out of the car with AK-47s, and his driver went in reverse to escape as they weaved through oncoming traffic for miles. “If the AK47 shooters didn’t get us, then we’re lucky we didn’t have a really bad car crash,” he said.
“As you can imagine, it was like a scene from Fast & Furious,” Hot Since 82 said. “I’m giggling about it, but I’m fucking broken inside. It makes you lose faith in humanity knowing that someone has told these shooters where we were gonna be. Someone I had seen maybe tonight.” He then went on to say that he’s since changed hotel rooms and has booked the first flight out of Brazil. “To be honest, I don’t know if I’ll ever come back to Brazil now.”
I sympathize with the people of Brazil who have to live their daily lives like this in fear. Going to a club, just DJing should be about happiness and bringing joy to people’s lives. Not leaving the club and wondering if I’ll get home safe.
Hot Since 82
The emotions continued to run through Hot Since 82 as he explained he’s a father with children at home, and he and his wife have another child on the way in six weeks. “I can’t risk being in a position like this. It’s not worth it.” He also shared that he had a positive time in Rio de Janeiro otherwise and apologized for leaving, but safety comes first.
