International touring trance DJ Markus Schulz has performed all over the world. Whether it is a twelve hour marathon set at Tomorrowland, even longer sets at Space Miami or shows in Asia, South America, Europe or Australia, the Unicorn Slayer has seen it all. That is why it means something when he decided to speak out against having pyrotechnics in clubs after 27 people died and another 200 plus were injured in a club fire in Bucharest on Friday night as a result of pyrotechnics gone horribly wrong.
Markus Schulz, who has a lot of fans in Romania, released a statement about the incident, expressing his deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the fire and then prayers (we send ours out as well) to those recovering from the horrid incident. He also stated that going forward that he will not be using any pyro "big or small" inside a club he is playing. He also encourages all other members of the industry to take the same stance to try and promote a safer environment for clubbers worldwide.
"Dear friends,
Today I remain deeply affected by the tragic news from Romania last night, where 27 people died and over 200 remain injured because of a fire inside a nightclub.
When going out for an evening, the most important thing is to be in a safe environment. Sometimes the best experience about the scene we love is being able to share the memories with our friends the next morning.
Sadly, the event in Bucharest is only a small example of what has happened far too many times now, and I feel that we need to change, for the safety of all.
From now on, I will forbid the use of any flames, big or small, or pyrotechnics at any of my club shows. Yes, my job is to entertain, but the well being of my fans exceeds any DJ set. The music; and the love for music outweigh any visual effect.
To my fellow DJs, artists, promoters, club owners and staff, and industry members, I encourage you to take the same stance. We must accept the responsibility and honor the safety of our followers.
Please keep those who are injured and have lost loved ones in your thoughts.
Let us unite and make a change for the better.
With love,
Markus"
These nightclub fires happen all too often. A fire in a Brazilian nightclub in 2013 killed more than 200 people after performers accidentally lit a fire that ripped through the nightclub uncontrollably. Nobody should have to fear for their life when they enter a nightclub, especially not because of a potential fire. This is a good move by Markus and hopefully many of his colleagues. As the Wall Street Journal notes, pyro has been blamed for at least several other very deadly fires in clubs including one in 2009 in Russia that killed 152 and another in Buenos Aires in 2004 that killed 194.
