Tiësto: A Night in the Life
On Saturday, August 31, before the deaths of Jeffrey Russ and Olivia Rotondo were announced and the final day of Electric Zoo Fest canceled, Dutch DJ Tiësto was preparing to headline the massive electronic dance music event held on New York City's Randall's Island. Rolling Stone met with Tiësto that afternoon at his sprawling hotel room at the NoMad Hotel, before heading to the grounds to party backstage before his midnight set. Check out the photo gallery for a night in the life of Tiësto. – William Goodman
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The Highest Quality
Tiësto’s manager presents new t-shirt designs and styles for his approval: "I want the highest quality," the DJ says, rubbing the fabric in his fingers.
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Mayfair
A knock at the door signals the arrival of Tiësto’s crew of close friends — mostly gorgeous, leggy models. He calls room service for beers and tequila shots, then flaunts a new café racer leather jacket: "It's 3D, apparently,” he says, pointing to the breast patches. “I bought it at Atrium, my favorite store [in NYC]. But I don't need a jacket today—too hot.” He sets up a laptop with music and catches up with friends, showing off iPhone pics on Instagram: "I like Mayfair," he says of his fave filter.
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Lets Do This
Tiësto and his extended crew exit the hotel to awaiting sleek black SUVs. Outside on the sidewalk, he jumps up and down in excitement: "Lets do this!" he says. "The party is just beginning!"
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It’s a Convoy!
Riding in a car with his manager and a few select ladies, he rolls down the window to watch his extended crew fill the other cars: "It's a convoy!" he jokes.
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Black Matte
After the 20-minute drive from Midtown Manhattan to Electric Zoo on Randall's Island, Tiësto admires the black matte paint job on his pal's luxury SUV backstage. "Nice!" he says, petting its hood.
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The Special Backstage Trailer
Tiësto leads his extended crew to the festival headliner's special backstage trailer.
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A High-End Waitress
A dozen steaming-hot pizzas are waiting inside, among assorted high-end liquors and snacks. Ever the consummate host, Tiësto then circles the gathering party and offers shots, beers and pizza slices to friends and strangers: "Hey! Somebody wants pizza?" he says. "I’m like a high-end waitress!"
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The EDM Festival Circuit
Tiësto stops to chat with familiar faces from the EDM festival circuit, as a video producer filming a new series for the DJ tails along.
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Amazeballs
Tiësto returns with a few more pizza pies and this time bites into a pepperoni slice: "Mmmm," he says. "Amazeballs." He adds, "For me DJing is not work. It's a celebration for everyone to have a good time and I like to be a good host. And what you do before the show is equally important."
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Crazy German Stuff
Tiësto sits down in his trailer for an interview with Sirius XM Radio, which broadcasts his radio show "Club Life," to discuss his Las Vegas residency and upcoming new album: "I’m still finishing it," he says. "An album with guest artists has to be something different, something special. But it should be out the beginning of next year." Afterwards, he offers the crew a shot of "this crazy German stuff." "It's like Jägermeister, but without sugar," he says. "It's the worst shot. But in five minutes you'll be in heaven."
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Good Luck
Tiësto visits his good friend David Guetta in his trailer, just before the French DJ takes the stage. "Good luck onstage tonight," Tiesto says. "I’ll play some deep house," Guetta quips, playfully suggesting he'll steal Tiësto's distinct EDM style.
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The Press Gathers
The press gathers to capture Tiësto and DJ Hardwell discussing new remixes and live performance backstage.
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Cracking Jokes
Tiësto cracks a joke with a banana while passing Guetta en route to the headliner's stage.
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Glowsticks Erupt
Tiësto struts onstage to a massive roar and a barrage of lights. Glowsticks erupt across the field.
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Fireworks
Fireworks explode onstage as Tiësto drops the bass and cranks the BPM on another bangin' EDM track.
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The Zoo Crowd
Tiësto presiding over the 50,000-strong Electric Zoo crowd.
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Triumphant Close
With nearly 20 years experience, Tiësto's stage-show is unrivaled in the EDM world. A colorful light show and fireworks display bring a triumphant close to Saturday night at Electric Zoo.