DJ Dan Handled These "Entitled" Club Goers Like A Boss

In case you missed it over the weekend, DJ Dan, one of the most recognized names and faces in the history of the U.S. house music scene, was bugged, p

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

In case you missed it over the weekend, DJ Dan, one of the most recognized names and faces in the history of the U.S. house music scene, was bugged, poked, and eventually swung at during his set at Red Maple last Friday in Baltimore. Now, we've covered some of the DJ incidents stemming from unruly VIP bottle service types, including the incident back in March of this year where the DJ was physically assaulted and had his gear destroyed. Dan, being the O.G. good vibe guy that he's always been known for, took the situation in stride by hitting his Facebook the following day with an encouraging statement to support underground music and explaining his position and feelings in regards to the incident. He's also issued the following official statement:

"The place was packed with my hardcore followers and the vibe was amazing. A girl who obviously did not know anything about me (or the night) kept coming up to me asking for a request I did not have nor would I ever play. I politely told her that I did not have it but if I had a remix of it that I liked I would play it but I just don’t have it. She said 'How can you not have that? You’re the dj, you should have that'.

Then at about 1:30 she came back up asking for it again with a guy next to her. I honestly didn't even realize they were together and trusting that the place was packed with people that came to hear my set, I figured he was a fan and he would hear me out and help me get through to her. Especially since he could see that I was still mixing and could not carry on this conversation. I looked at him and said...can you please explain to her that the track she is asking for is just not my style or sound? Shockingly, he started lunging an at me and said something along the lines of, 'Bro you need to stop being disrespectful to her and play the song…' To which I responded that no, actually I don’t! Then he ran up into the dj booth and swung at me, fortunately he missed and barely got me. Right then my friend stepped in between the two of us until the security guards came to have them removed from the club. While this was happening, I shut the music off and pointed right at him and announced 'This guy just tried to hit me because I wouldn't play his girl’s mainstream request'. The crowd booed at him and then I made my announcement that was captured on video."

Shouts to DJ Scotto for posting the video of DJ Dan's response.Red Maple promoter Leonard Clarke also issued the following statement:

"I think Dan's description of the incident as he posted it on his FB page was generally accurate and fair. This was an unfortunate and regrettable incident perpetrated by an intoxicated individual whom, unlike the other 99% of those in attendance that night, was not there for DJ Dan or for house music."

Ultimately, there's a reason why dudes like Dan keep at it in this industry. His love of what he plays is absolutely undeniable. His music isn't even really my particular thing and I've seen the dude throw down and had an absolute blast witnessing it. The thing is, vets like him (and new kids on the come up) should ALL be given the space and be encouraged to creatively express themselves. Acting out disrespectfully or even with aggression over a mainstream song request is definitely not the look and makes you come off so basic it hurts. If you don't dig the music a given DJ is playing, cut the bullshit (and your losses) and go somewhere else. You know you have other options in whatever worldwide location you find yourself. It's really that simple.

DJ Dan has a new album, Nothing But a Party, is out on May 12.

Latest in Music