A BRITISH DJ has canceled all his upcoming shows at popular music festivals after a gang of thugs with “AK-47s” tried to kidnap him and his crew in Brazil.
Daley Padley, from Leeds, said he was left “devastated” after the horror attack and feels “lucky to be alive”.
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The 41-year-old music producer, whose stage name is Hot Since 82, was attacked by an armed group of thugs who began chasing them in a car after a concert in Rio de Janeiro.
He said the armed killers began following him and his team as they headed to the airport, and alleged that the thugs’ car was filled with AK-47s.
Describing the ordeal, Daley posted a video on Instagram where he revealed to his 520,000 followers that he canceled his upcoming tours in the country, including his performances at the Time Warp Festival and Warung Festival.
He said in the emotional video: “I feel a bit broken right now, I feel very lucky to be alive.
(I) I left the club at 5 am when it was still dark. “Ten minutes into the car ride to the airport we were followed and chased by a gang of kidnappers (and) murderers.”
The DJ said his life was saved by the quick thinking of his driver, who drove his car backwards at 70mph on the motorway to escape the thugs.
He added that the driver had driven backwards on the wrong side for many kilometers while dodging incoming traffic, and said he was lucky not to have crashed.
“Our driver put it in reverse and started driving on the wrong side of the highway, weaving in and out of cars.
“We were very lucky we didn’t crash because we were weaving through oncoming traffic at 60 or 70mph with the car full of AK47s following us.
“They were convinced they were going to catch us. We had to drive miles and miles down the highway in reverse to try to get away from the shooters.”
Describing the ordeal as a scene from the movie Fast and Furious, the DJ said he would never visit Brazil again.
“Obviously, as you can imagine, it was like a scene from Fast and Furious.
“I don’t know if I will ever return to Brazil now. I sympathize with the people of Brazil who have to live their daily lives like this in fear.
“I’m devastated inside. It makes you lose faith in humanity to think that someone told these shooters where we’re going to be. I had to change hotel rooms and book the first flight out of here.”
A feared Daley who, although he had a great time performing in the Brazilian city, canceled all his shows fearing for his life.
“I have children at home and my wife is about to give birth to 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 payment is worth it. I had a very bad time in Rio. But I’m leaving here, safety comes first.”
The music producer has received a lot of support from his fans and fellow DJs who flocked to his comments section to express their solidarity.
One said: “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I love Brazil and its people, but like everywhere in the world, there is darkness. Bless you, be well. Have a good trip.”
Another added: “Crazy bro. So grateful you’re safe.”
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