Disclaimer: I like to write funny/fun articles. This isn’t one of them.
I’ll be the first admit to having one too many during a couple of my sets and making an ass out of myself. I’m definitely not alone in that, plenty of other artists have either performed sloppily or failed to play at all thanks to over-indulging in whatever substance or combination thereof. However, there are concerning signs coming from long time house artist Erick Morillo, whose recent and past actions point towards a serious problem. 
This month alone, Erick, the mind behind the ultra-over-played classic ‘I Like To Move It‘, failed to show up for a gig in Long Island and had to be escorted off the stage during a show in Boston. Reportedly, Morillo was visibly barely functioning at Quincy, Massachusetts’ Ocean Club and before long had to stumble away, seeking help from his manager and security. At that point the show came to a grinding halt, raising serious questions before another artist could take to the decks. There has been no social media response from Erick or his team and it seems as though he has canceled shows up until the 29th of June.
This sort of behavior isn’t new to the Colombian DJ, in 2008 Morillo was arrested before a show in Scotland on charges of smuggling cocaine. A simple trip over to Google will reveal many, more stories and appeals about Erick than I can stomach to write about… Clearly, Morillo is in trouble, the depth of which is no laughing matter. Many of us have first hand felt the effects of addiction whether personally or at the hands of friends and family. There are few things worse, in my experience, than to lose a loved one to handcuffs or a body bag because of a gripping addiction. I like to write funny articles, but this isn’t one of them. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to draw a connection between club life, drugs, and EDM. Situations like Erick Morillo‘s can and do happen as a result of this lifestyle. It’s sad and frightening, but to those listening this should be most of all, sobering.
As a personal appeal to Morillo, get help. There is nothing romantic about dying for a rockstar lifestyle. You have friends, fans, and family who deeply care about you. To continue down this path is to disrespect not only all of those people, but also to disrespect the long career you have built for yourself. Get better for friends, fans, and family, but most importantly get better for yourself. We support you in this.
UPDATE: Erick has now released a public statement about his condition and his hiatus from performing.
“There comes a time when the body just can’t keep up with the hectic schedule and sleepless nights. Having pushed my body to the limits for many years, the time has come to take a break and refocus my attention on my health and well-being. I plan on returning stronger then ever to my passion of playing music and seeing you dancing on my dance floor. Until then, I like to thank all my fans for your enduring love and support! Hope to see you soon. Erick Morillo”
Smh
Hope he turns his life around…he needs to realize he’s got so many fans who look up to him.
Hope he turns his life around…he needs to realize he’s got so many fans who look up to him.
good article man. Rare to see good stuff like this.
Rock bottom? Come on, way to over exaggerate something that some people do every weekend. Missing 1 gig and part of another doesn’t warrant this type of news.
Wow you obviously don’t know anything about him. Not the first or second incident you ass. Do some homework retard. The man needs to get help. All I was doing was showing some concern as a fan. Maybe if enough fans say something, it will motivate him to help himself. When drugs or alcohol start causing major problems with law and your career, there is a problem
Wow you obviously don’t know anything about him. Not the first or second incident you ass. Do some homework retard. The man needs to get help. All I was doing was showing some concern as a fan. Maybe if enough fans say something, it will motivate him to help himself. When drugs or alcohol start causing major problems with law and your career, there is a problem
Everyone’s a critic….
Oh and what are you his manager/best friend? You come out with the comment you made before when you don’t even know him personally. All you know is what the news tells you, and past experience shows that the news tends to make light of a person’s faults rather than their accomplishments. Especially when they are famous and immersed in a culture so fraught of alcohol and substances. There is so much shit you don’t hear about that people like you cling to anything you can get. Do I understand where your coming from? Yes. But I think you derive too much information out of too little and too non-personalized news, coming from 3rd party accounts and law enforcement.
All the news tells me??? Been seeing him live since 1999. Dude has a major fucking problem. Trust me I know. Get a fucking clue. This article just confirms what I have seen on many nights. Again all I was doing is showing my concern. Cause I’m a real fan. Not some noob fucking who just read the article.
Yeah because hes probably the only DJ to get fucked up on the decks often….he must have a real issue. I like to follow the EDM scene as a whole not obsess over one DJ that I think I “know” because I’ve seen him messed up at shows. Once again you only see him in one setting, how are you to judge the intricacies of his life when you aren’t even a part of them? Oh yeah you cant because you don’t know him personally. Why don’t you stop cussing like a little kid and try and make some valid points.
He left a lot of fans worried esp hearing that his reason for not showing was due to an overdose.
Sadly, it sounds like that in his statement he’s still in denial.
Sadly, it sounds like that in his statement he’s still in denial.
Take a break Erick You deserve it. People think you have to keep hitting while the iron is hot. Erick Morillo you are way to talented to fall off your career just because you take time for yourself. No worries get your rest your peace of mind and then your career and body mind and Soul with come back way stronger.
“At that point the show came to a grinding halt” NO a loop was playing for a lil then I think it was dj bamboora that took over.
“At that point the show came to a grinding halt” NO a loop was playing for a lil then I think it was dj bamboora that took over.