I lost interest in Diplo when he embarked on a musical shift to EDM and started doing stupid shit like standing on DJ tables during his sets (see photo above). While I won’t digress and give my opinion on the former and the latter, the man born Thomas Wesley Pentz deserves a pat on the back for announcing on Twitter on Saturday that he’s donating $100,000 to a GoFundMe launched by Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak and County Sheriff Joe Lombardo to help victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas.
Earlier in the week EDM act The Chainsmokers confirmed they donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe.
“My deepest sympathies are with the victims of this horrific tragedy and their families,” Diplo wrote in a statement. “It’s my hope that these events will start a long awaited and honest conversation about the importance of gun control in America. Las Vegas is my home, and it’s devestating to see this happen in such a vibrant city with an amazing community of people I consider my family.”
In addition to donating $100,000, Diplo, a resident at Wynn Las Vegas’s XS Nightclub, challenged other DJs and hotel owners to follow his lead. His message was heard loud and clear.
Kaskade promptly replied, “Count me in @diplo #VegasStrong.”
Dutch DJ Tiësto, who also has a Las Vegas residency, doubled down: “As a Las Vegas lover I do what Vegas lovers do! I double down! So I will donate 200k.”
So far over $10 million has been raised. You can contribute to the fund here.
October 11 update: Hakkasan Group has announced a Benefit Concert to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. In response to the recent tragedy, the Las Vegas-based company will look to bring the industry together to raise funds for families and victims affected by this devastating event. With tickets starting at $30 and VIP tables available for purchase, all proceeds will be donated to the Las Vegas Victims Fund via the Direct Impact Fund, a 501(c)(3) which will take no fees or operating costs for their help in distributing relief to the victims.
I donated $100,000 this weekend to the victims in Las Vegas. I challenge any other Dj’s or hotel owners to match it we owe it to the city 💛 pic.twitter.com/6LyQFEK4eA
— diplo (@diplo) October 7, 2017
Count me in @diplo #VegasStrong https://t.co/sz6InUadSl
— Kaskade (@kaskade) October 7, 2017
As a Las Vegas lover I do what Vegas lovers do! I double down! So I will donate 200k https://t.co/GHjnjmtvMJ #VegasStrong
— Tiësto (@tiesto) October 7, 2017
Image by Danny Mahoney