Electro house don Steve Aoki is much more than just an EDM producer; he’s a stage act with chaotic energy rivalling the red-eyed folk in 28 Days Later. When DJing his portfolio of bass-heavy house tracks, Aoki engages the crowd with steam gun wielding robot men, his now notorious cake-in-face antics and crowd surfing a variety of inflatable boats. And people bloody love it.
With a massive following of fans and his own label (Dim Mak Records) representing artists such as The Chainsmokers, The Bloody Beetroots, Angger Dimas and many, many more, Aoki is one of the most influential players in the house scene.
But in a world where even extremes can become boring, how do you keep up your image? You throw bigger cakes and crowd surf from higher points, that’s how. Although, not so high that you start breaking necks. No, that would be bad for PR …
Unfortunately that’s exactly what happened three years ago at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego when a young American lady, Brittany Hickman, was standing under an inflatable raft poised as a stage dive impact zone. Aoki reportedly dived from scaffolding 20 feet higher than the raft, landing with perfect precision. Brittany took the brunt of the impact and was knocked out; a quick trip to the hospital revealed she had broken her neck. Ouch.
She is claiming her neck has never fully healed and that it is still painful to this day which means poor old Mr Aoki (and Hard Rock Hotels) are being sued for damages. Let’s hope for all involved it is settled quickly and amicably, and that the judge also offers a little extra dose of common sense to both of them.
Check out Steve Aoki’s YouTube Channel for regular updates of his latest movements and music, including this gem (although he may be revisiting his inspirations soon):
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Science of Sound 