A couple of hours ago, the A State Of Trance (ASOT) Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands kicked off with some of the world’s top DJs/producers slated to perform.
On the Mainstage, the line up included Gareth Emery, MaRLo, Armin van Buuren, and Paul van Dyk.
However, Paul van Dyk’s set was abruptly cut short when he met with an unfortunate accident midway through his gig. The “Godfather of Trance” reportedly fell off the stage, though it is not immediately known how it happened. On the live stream video, the German DJ/producer can be seen standing in front of his equipment before disappearing into the dark.
It happens at the 0:04 – 0:05 mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYi7U8QVbaA
The drop is believed to be a 20-foot drop. Medical personnel were dispatched and Paul van Dyk was airlifted by a helicopter to a nearby hospital. He is believed to have sustained a head injury.
Armin van Buuren later took to his Facebook page to confirm the incident and said that all further sets that were initially scheduled for the Mainstage has effectively been cancelled. Out of respect for Paul van Dyk, Armin also cancelled his own vinyl set, which was supposed to have taken place on the same stage.
The other stages at ASOT Festival were allowed to carry on their shows as planned.
Paul van Dyk (real name Matthias Paul) is know to be one of the pioneers of the trance movement and a producer that the #TranceFamily holds dear to their hearts. The 44-year-old Grammy Award-winning producer is seen as a legend by not just fans but also other DJs/producers around the globe. As such, upon hearing the news, scores of artistes and friends of Paul have taken to Twitter to express their concerns and to wish Paul a speedy recovery:
My thoughts and prayers are with you @paulvandyk. #legend
— Ben Gold (@BenGoldMusic) February 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/DashBerlin/status/703823839784906753
Hey @PAULVANDYK ,I hope you're ok..I wish you a speedy recovery 🙏🏻
— Tiësto (@tiesto) February 28, 2016
My thoughts are with the legend that is @PAULVANDYK after his accident, praying for a speedy recovery! get well soon mate x
— Richard Bedford (@RichardBedford) February 28, 2016
Just heard about the shocking news of Paul Van Dyk's accident.. Wishing him a speedy recovery.… https://t.co/Ixrk55ufni
— ilan Bluestone (@iBluestone) February 28, 2016
I just woke up to the shocking news about @PAULVANDYK falling of a stage at #ASOT750UTRECHT.
Hope you will be ok dude…All the best.— Ferry Corsten (@FerryCorsten) February 28, 2016
Wishing one of my biggest inspirations @PAULVANDYK a speedy recovery back to full health after his accident. Thinking of you mate! x
— Craig Connelly (@craig_connelly) February 28, 2016
Wishing @PAULVANDYK a smooth recovery from his accident last night at #ASOTFESTNL 🙏
— 4 Strings (@4Stringsmusic) February 28, 2016
Wishing a speedy recovery to a legend @PAULVANDYK! I hope you'll get well ASAP
— ARTY (@artymusic) February 28, 2016
Wishing @PAULVANDYK a fast recovery!
— Andrew Rayel (@Andrew_Rayel) February 28, 2016
We're all with you legend 💪☺ @PAULVANDYK
— KhoMha (@KhoMha) February 28, 2016
I hope Paul is ok ❤️ RT @asot: Official statement at https://t.co/xFMXcbp6uG
— Ruben de Ronde (@rubenderonde) February 28, 2016
My thoughts are with @PAULVANDYK right now …… I'm sure we all hope that we hear some good news soon. X
— Andy Moor (@DJAndyMoor) February 28, 2016
Feel better @PAULVANDYK ! @arminvanbuuren pic.twitter.com/ZFOVMgkKYm
— Nicky Romero (@nickyromero) February 28, 2016
It is not known to what extent Paul van Dyk’s injuries are, but what we do know is that he’s on the mend. Dash Berlin took the liberty to update trance fans via Twitter on Paul’s condition, saying that he’s stable and “was very lucky”.
In case you missed it, here:
https://twitter.com/DashBerlin/status/703875597144100864
We’ll update this post with more information as soon as we have more details. Meanwhile, we’re just really, really glad that he’s stable.
UPDATE (28th February, 11:17pm):
Paul van Dyk’s management has updated his Facebook page to thank fans for their overwhelming love and support. They also added that Paul is currently still in the hospital and that details about the injuries that he sustained are not yet available.
We’re keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. Get well soon, Paul!
UPDATE (6th March):
Great news! Paul van Dyk’s management confirmed via a Facebook post that Paul is well on his way becoming 100% again. He’s fully conscious now but because he sustained a concussion and a cracked vertebrae from his fall, he’s required to under hospital care while he recovers. We’re just glad that he’s okay 🙂
UPDATE (26th May):
It has been about 2 months since we last heard anything substantial about Paul van Dyk’s progress. And now, the legend himself has spoken.
Paul took to his Facebook page yesterday to post up a personal message for everyone who have been camping for answers. In his statement, he called the incident the most difficult challenge that he has ever been through, that changed his life in a way that he never thought was possible.
He added, “Although there is a long way ahead for me to completely recover, I am positive, optimistic and doing absolutely everything I can to get back to my passion and share with you my love for music, to share more unforgettable moments and to live this second chance to the maximum – to live it grateful and happier than ever.”
The same statement was also posted on his Instagram.
Read his full statement below:
Welcome back, Paul van Dyk. You can do this! We’re right behind you 🙂
Sources: Armin van Buuren’s Facebook page, Mixmag, Your EDM, EDM Assassin, The Bangin Beats, Dancing Astronaut, Dash Berlin’s Twitter / Featured image from Paul van Dyk’s Facebook page.
