Due to Avicii’s hospitalization, Joel Zimmerman, also known as Deadmau5, filled in last minute to close out the night of Ultra Day 2; and though we were sad to hear of Avicii’s unfortunate health problems and show cancellation, Joel threw down an incredible entertaining and energetic set. In the midst of his classics, Zimmerman interjected a playful series including a mashup of Avicii’s “Levels” and his “Ghosts N Stuff,” as well as McMangos’s Old MacDonald edit of “Animals.” Though most fans applauded Zimmerman for his whimsy and comedic interlude – calling him TrollMau5 – some DJs like Tiesto took offense.
@tiesto @Avicii how does one play a track sarcastically? Am I supposed to sneer while hitting the sync button? Or is that ironic?
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) March 30, 2014
@tiesto I played it to help funding for NASA. They’re incredibly under funded. It’s sad really.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) March 30, 2014
Also animals by @MartinGarrix was and is an amazing epic track and he has 100 more epic releases coming in the future #supertalent
— Tiësto (@tiesto) March 30, 2014
Perhaps because of his notoriety for Twitter controversy and sarcastic humor, Zimmerman seems to be receiving unnecessary reprimands for his intentions when he clearly expressed his honor and gratitude for filling in for Avicii both on Twitter and during the set.
.@Avicii hey man, wish it was under better circumstances, ill do my best to hold it down for you tonight. get better soon dude!
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) March 29, 2014
well, stranger shit has happened… thats for sure. but, glad i could help a friend out and be with my fans tomorrow night 🙂
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) March 28, 2014
Regardless, a great fill in performance by Deadmau5, and again, best luck of luck to Avicii on a quick recovery.