Brit DJ ‘lucky to be alive’ and cancels festival shows after horror carjacking by armed gang in Brazil
A BRIT DJ has cancelled all his upcoming shows at popular music festivals after a gang of thugs with “AK-47s” tried to carjack him and his crew in Brazil.
Daley Padley, from Leeds, said he was left “broken” after the horror attack – and feels “lucky to be alive”.
The 41-year-old music producer, who goes by the stage name Hot Since 82, was targeted by an armed group of thugs who began chasing them in a car after a gig in Rio de Janeiro.
He said the gun-totting killers began following him and his crew while they were on their way to the airport – and alleged that the thugs’ car was filled with AK-47s.
Describing the horror ordeal, Daley posted a video on Instagram where he revealed to his 520,000 followers he has cancelled his upcoming tours in the country, including his gigs at the Time Warp Festival and Warung Festival.
He said in the emotional video: “I am feeling a little bit broken right now, feeling very lucky to be alive.
[I] Left the club at 5 am when and was still dark. Ten minutes into the car journey to the airport we were followed and pursued by a gang of hijackers [and] murderers.”
The DJ said that quick thinking by his driver saved his life who drove their car backwards at 70mph in the motorway to escape the thugs.
He added that the driver had driven backwards on the wrong side for many miles while dodging the incoming traffic – and said was lucky not to have crashed.
“Our driver put the car in reverse and started driving on the wrong side of the motorway the wrong way, weaving in and out of cars.
“We were really lucky to not have crashed because we were weaving in and out of oncoming traffic going 60, 70mph with the car full of AK47s following us.
“They were adamant they were going to get us. We had to go miles and miles down the motorway in reverse to try to get away from the shooters.”
Describing the horror ordeal as a scene from the Fast and Furious movie, the DJ said he would never visit Brazil again.
“Obviously as you can imagine it was like a scene out of Fast and Furious.
“I don’t know if I will ever come back to Brazil now. I sympathise with the people of Brazil who have to live their daily lives like this in fear.
“I am broken inside. It makes you lose faith in humanity to think somebody has told these shooters where we are going to be. I have had to change hotel rooms and booked the first flight out of here.”
A dreaded Daley while he had a great time performing in the Brazilian city, he cancelled all his shows amid fear for his life.
“I have children at home and my wife is about to deliver our next baby in six weeks. I can’t risk being in a position like this,” he said.
“It’s not worth it, no DJ show or fee is worth it. I had such a wicked time in Rio. But I am out of here, safety first.”
The music producer has received huge support from his fans and fellow DJs who flocked to his comments section to extend their sympathy.
One said: “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I love Brazil and its people but like all parts of the world, there is darkness. Blessings that you are ok. Safe travels.”
Another added: “Crazy brother. Super grateful you are safe.”