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Touring globally is commonplace for DJs, providing many with overwhelmingly positive experiences. However, these travels are not without risks, particularly when abroad. Such was the case for Hot Since 82, who had just left a performance at Casa França Brasil in Rio, hosted by BOMA, at 5 am. He was en route to the airport for his scheduled appearances at Warung Festival and Time Warp Brazil when, merely ten minutes into their journey, their vehicle was aggressively pursued by another car filled with gang members brandishing AK-47s, forcing his driver to undertake evasive maneuvers.
Hot Since 82 recounted the chilling details of their escape. They were on a dark highway when the assailants tried to force their car to stop by braking abruptly in front of them. His driver reacted quickly, reversing and dodging through oncoming traffic to evade their pursuers. “The situation was dangerously close to either getting shot or having a severe accident,” he explained.
Describing the ordeal, Hot Since 82 likened it to a “Fast & Furious” movie scene. Despite making light of the situation, he expressed deep emotional distress. “It’s deeply unsettling to think someone planned this attack, knowing precisely where we would be. It shakes your faith in humanity,” he admitted. Following the incident, he changed hotels and booked the earliest possible flight out of Brazil, questioning whether he would ever return.
Hot Since 82 also expressed empathy for the residents of Brazil, who face such fears regularly. “DJing should be about spreading joy, not fearing for your safety after leaving a venue,” he stated. With a family at home and another child on the way, he emphasized that no career opportunity could justify the risk to his safety.
Hot Since 82 had enjoyed his time in Rio de Janeiro aside from this incident and apologized for the abrupt cancellation of his shows, prioritizing his and his team’s safety above all else.
