The Five Craziest Moments in EDM from 2023

A recap of the five craziest, and potentially most feral, moments of 2023, EDM edition.

It’s been one hell of a year – humanity has made great strides. From surviving a global pandemic in 2020, to barely getting by in 2021, to breathing again in 2022… and now the whirlwind, cold plunge, and electric surge that was 2023. Finally, the world has returned to its natural order, its vibrant and feral chaos.

There were heartwarming moments: from marriages (congratulations to Illenium, Porter Robinson, and Subtronics), engagements (best wishes to Rezz and Excision), and new additions to loving families (shout out to Borgore and Alison Wonderland). But beyond the lovey-dovey and warm n’ fuzzy were moments rife with fomentation, moments of awe and shock, where the electric dance community stood still, utterly bamboozled.

Burning Man became Rain Man, Ebola Man, and National Disaster Man.

Burning Man has come a long way since its debut in 1986, which featured a small ceremony in Baker Beach, San Francisco, and a tiny 8-foot flammable “burning man.” Yet, the much larger and grandiose Burning Man of 2023 was not what radically self-reliant burners expected. For the first time in history, it torrentially poured during the festival, creating uninhabitable living conditions and viscous, gelatinous mud. Some rogue burners fled, making their escape by foot, while others extended their burn, patiently waiting for the alkaline dust to dry – for the roads to become drivable, for the National Guard to call off the state of emergency, for the miraculous rainbow to appear that graced all our feeds.

The CEO of Goldman Sachs continued and then discontinued his DJ escapades amidst the finance behemoth’s fall from grace.

Goldman Sachs isn’t just any bank – it’s one of the most powerful and prestigious financial institutions the world has ever known. Yet, the CEO of the financial zeitgeist of our time… is a DJ? I’m sorry… what? The drama that ensued between DJ D-Sol and Wall Street – the battle between fun and adultism, great raves but dubious work-life culture, and successful sets at Tomorrowland versus failed business ventures – was nothing short of binge-worthy.

Michael Bibi was diagnosed with cancer. #GetWellBibi

Earlier this year, house music’s best man, sweetheart, and estimable UK maestro announced that he would be taking a brief hiatus, citing medical troubles as the underlying reason. Initially, the medical diagnosis was tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears. Almost immediately post the announcement, the diagnosis was recanted – it wasn’t tinnitus, it was cancer. Despite the odds, Michael Bibi fought hard through rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation, through more than 100 consecutive days at the hospital. Despite a few interspersed sets in Europe and New York, Michael continues to focus on his health and fight, inspiring our community and the world beyond measure.  

Bassnectar attempted multiple comebacks amidst his sexual misconduct trials and tribulations.

This whole situation has been an absolute trainwreck, dumpster fire, catastrophic courtroom drama, and the chronicles stretch into the horizon. From poorly executed comebacks to failed projects to rampant rumors on Reddit and a comeback NYE set for December 2023, Bassnectar has somehow managed to maintain an image of both chaos and insensitivity.

Electric Zoo faced a handful of unfortunate mishaps

The mayhem began when Electric Zoo announced the unfortunate cancellation of day one due to “construction delays,” then the festival’s production team closed the event’s entrance mid-day on day two, turning away valid ticket holders. The impatient attendees ended up storming the gate, infiltrating Electric Zoo by force. Despite promising full refunds, many ticket holders claim to still be waiting with a pending class action lawsuit in the works.

And… that’s a wrap! What a year it has been… To more raves, laughter, and life. Until next year!