At Coachella 2025, EDM icon Deadmau5 made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he blacked out during his highly anticipated set. Performing alongside fellow producer Zhu, the set took an unexpected turn, with Deadmau5, whose real name is Joel Thomas Zimmerman, leaving the stage early after reportedly being asked to cut it short.
The blackout, which quickly went viral, caused a stir among fans, and Deadmau5 addressed the incident on social media the following day, issuing an apology. In an Instagram post, Zimmerman wrote, I dont remember a thing. But I dont think I had a cig? So… thats good I guess. Going back to bed. Wake me up around Thursdayish. He added that it probably would be his last Coachella show, a comment that sparked immediate reactions from fans and the EDM community.
Zimmerman, known for his innovative approach to electronic music and his signature mau5head, also shared his struggle with his performance that night, saying that the first part of the set went well but was ultimately derailed. He gave a shoutout to Zhu for helping him through the night, even as the crowd witnessed an uncharacteristic lapse in his usually flawless performance.
Fans and friends were quick to support Deadmau5 on social media, with Zhu commenting humorously about the whisky they had shared, suggesting it might have been a contributing factor to the events that transpired. Zimmerman later clarified that he had been feeling under the weather before the set, hinting that his health might have played a role in his condition during the performance.
The show itself had been part of Coachellas broader EDM offerings, with Zimmerman taking center stage after his involvement in various postfestival events, including the renowned Framework In The Desert afterparty series. Although this Coachella set was far from perfect, Deadmau5 remains a towering figure in the EDM world, and many fans expressed their sympathy, hoping for his swift recovery.
This incident follows a string of recent personal revelations, including Deadmau5s ongoing battle with nicotine addiction. Earlier, he had announced his plans to quit smoking, an endeavor he acknowledged was a significant challenge for him. The public blackout and subsequent apology reflect his vulnerability as an artistan openness that has only deepened his connection with fans who have supported him for years.
As for the future, Deadmau5 is not stepping away from the stage permanently. He has announced a series of shows across North America, including upcoming performances at Las Vegass XS Nightclub and festivals like Junction 2 and VELD. However, it remains unclear whether or not he will be back for another Coachella performance in the future, with the artist hinting that this might be the end of his desert festival journey.
Though it was a disappointing moment for many who had looked forward to seeing one of EDMs most iconic performers, Deadmau5s candid reflections show a side of the artist that fans rarely seeraw, real, and grounded. Whether he returns to Coachella next year or not, Deadmau5s legacy in the electronic music world remains intact, and fans are hopeful that this incident will only serve as a stepping stone for his personal growth and continued success.