DJ Hardwell cancels Taipei gig as bad weather grounds flights in Phu Quoc

By Dang Khoa December 18, 2022 | 10:50 pm PT

DJ Hardwell performs at Creamfields Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island, on December 17, 2022. Photo courtesy of Rukes

Hardwell, one of the world's top EDM artists, apologized to fans for having to cancel his show in Taipei on Sunday after bad weather stranded him in Vietnam.

He said on his Instagram account which has over 4.9 million followers: "Hello Taipei. I'm absolutely devastated this has happened. Been stuck at the airport since this morning, but no flights were cleared to land or depart from Phu Quoc today because of heavy winds.

"Unfortunately this situation is out of my control as I tried everything to make it to the show tonight. I will make it up to you."

He also reminded ravers to contact the event organizers and get a full refund.

The show was scheduled at the Dajia Riverside Park.

Previously, the Dutch DJ headlined the outdoor rave Creamfields Vietnam in Phu Quoc on December 17.

According to the Southern Hydro-meteorological Center, the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) is experiencing strong winds due to the effect of a cold continental high-pressure front and turbulent East Winds.

The weather forced many airlines to cancel and reschedule a number of flights.

All ferry and high-speed boat services between Phu Quoc and the mainland were also suspended due to rough seas Sunday.

Hardwell has been crowned the world’s top DJ by DJ Mag twice (2013 and 2014) and has remained in the Top 50 since 2011. He is 43rd now.

He has a slew of high-energy progressive house and big-room dance hits under his belt, including "Call Me A Spaceman" and "Apollo". The videos for these tracks have over 54 and 43 million YouTube views.

Billboard even praised the EDM "titan" for shaping modern dance music with his "unique melding of emotive vocalists and hard-hitting beats."