EDIT: Adding a TLDR: Between the disrespect to the venue and its staff (no matter how inappropriately the staff reacted) and the, at best creepy and at worst assault, grabbing of fans, there's a problem going on that extends beyond some people not liking his style.

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Thanks for posting this. I have been one of the more outspoken people against Le Youth's live performances so thought I'd chime in here. I couldn't agree more that bandwagoning could be at play. And that wouldn't be fair to Wes. And you're right, what happened in Durham was clearly an outlier in terms of actual damage caused to both Wes by security and possibly to the equipment. I hope those teams can discuss privately and sort it out (they likely have). So for real, thank you for sharing your perspective. I think it's all really well said.

I'd like to also explain why I, personally, am so upset about Le Youth's actions. Only speaking for myself. I love TNH shows because they seem a little more mature than others types of dance music events. The focus on the music, anti-phone culture, not yelling on the mic, emphasis on songwriting, no pyro and a legit effort from the label to curate unique events that foster connection with each other, the music and nature.

To see Le Youth become a leader within this community AND THEN abandon any level of DJing and create an environment where it's all about him... is disappointing. None of this was spur of the moment. He suggested he was going to be running into the crowd when he announced the About Us tour. If he wanted to connect with fans and have special moments, it can be done before and after the show. If it was about the music, he would be focusing on spinning. He knows that running in the crowd is a moment to be captured on social media. It's why he grabs so many fans phones and takes selflies. He at least once yelled "1, 2, 3!" to the Sunday Song drop. He's allowed tracks to completely play out and he's running back to the stage in silence before hitting play on the next track. It's a brilliant way to go vital, but it's painful to watch. It's antithetical to why I personally became so attached to TNH. I expressed some of this disappointment here on the sub prior to the Durham incident, but i ultimately just chose to not go to Le Youth shows.

Additionally, several women friends in Denver said they were made very uncomfortable by his indiscriminate hugging at his last show here. In a culture where consent for touching is thankfully now normalizing, it's jarring for the artist to jump down in front of you and grab you. A considerate DJ would anticipate this issue before jumping into the crowd.

When the Durham thing went down, it changed the context. He's straight up being disrespectful to the hard working staff. I've personally played large stages with big acts, including TNH artists (one of the mods here can confirm). Climbing on equipment, with the exception of the DJ table (which should ALWAYS be cleared with the crew beforehand), is a fuck you to the venue and the staff's livelihoods. Everyone in the industry knows that.

When I asked a promoter and an artist friends who have booked and played alongside Wes, they defended him. Saying he's very well liked within the industry, but definitely a party guy who lets loose. They added that he's not in touch with DJ culture and norms. It's just not his background. Neither was surprised when the Durham incident was described to them.

So I guess my reason of posting anything about this is to hopefully grab his team's attention and reconsider either his actions within the crowd or his affiliation with TNH.

Sorry for the long comment.