Electric Daisy leaving L.A. for Las Vegas; 'Good riddance,' says Coliseum commissioner
The ongoing brouhaha between Los Angeles politicos and promoters of dance-focused concerts has seemingly resulted in one of the nation's largest electronic music festivals leaving Los Angeles for Las Vegas. Insomniac Inc.'s two-day Electric Daisy Carnival, which last June drew between 80,000 and 100,000 people per day to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and adjoining Exposition Park, is leaving the Coliseum for Vegas after Insomniac's 13 years working with the L.A. venue.
Insomniac had previously announced that Electric Daisy would be held June 24 and 25 in Los Angeles, and it looked to be on track to return to the Coliseum. Yet controversy has followed the event for the last eight months. After last year's concert, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors established a task force to take a closer look at DJ-focused concerts, and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky at the time called for a "rave moratorium."
Late Thursday, however, Insomniac announced that an official agreement was still not inked, and Electric Daisy would be staged the same weekend in Las Vegas.
"Without an executed contract in place at this time, it has become impossible to guarantee to all of the fans and talent that EDC can be produced at this venue this year," read a statement attributed to Insomniac Chief Executive Pasquale Rotella. "We are grateful for all of the events we have been able to produce at the Coliseum and Sports Arena over the years."
A 15-year-old girl who attended the 2010 Electric Daisy concert later died as a result of an overdose of MDMA, a drug commonly known as Ecstasy. Additionally, more than 100 attendees were sent to hospitals. More recently, The Times reported that a Coliseum administrator doubled as a paid consultant to the rave producer.
Numerous efforts were made to convince L.A. officials that dance events were safe. Insomniac established an 18-and-over policy for all its events and pledged to have more medical staff on site. Dance promoters, who were not named, even funded a card distributed by the county's Department of Public Health to warn concertgoers of the dangers of Ecstasy.
Recent revelations by The Times, however, seemed to spell doom for the event. As a trio of reporters -- Andrew Blankstein, Ron Lin and Paul Pringle -- wrote today on L.A. Now, Electric Daisy was now mired in "a conflict-of-interest scandal." Reported L.A. Now:
The [Coliseum] administrator who worked on the side for Insomniac, Todd Stefano, was responsible for planning security and medical services for the rave. His dual employment had been approved by then-Commission General Manager Patrick Lynch, who resigned in the wake of the Times disclosures.
DeStefano’s ties to Insomniac are under investigation by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office and the state Fair Political Practices Commission. He has denied doing anything wrong.
Commissioner Rick Caruso, an ardent advocate against large dance concerts, told L.A. Now, “My first reaction is good riddance.” Caruso had been one of the more vocal critics of DJ-driven concerts, saying they breed drug abuse and unruly behavior.
Insomniac's statement said Electric Daisy's return to Los Angeles was "postponed," although no indication was given as to when or if the event would return to L.A. "I began my business here when I was in high school and Los Angeles remains my home," read the statement attributed to Rotella. "I would love nothing more than to have our events return to the Coliseum in the future."
Insomniac, now in its 15th year, has not yet revealed lineup or ticketing details for the Las Vegas concert.
-- Todd Martens
RELATED:
- Complete Electric Daisy Carnival coverage on Pop & Hiss.
IMAGES: Revelers at the 2010 concert (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times); part of the county's Department of Public Health Ecstasy warning card; Electric Daisy concergoers rush a fence (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)
rick caruso and usc are behind this, they both want a piece of the pie.andrew blankstien, ron lin or better yet let robert lopez look into rick caruso and usc dealings
Posted by: bill | February 24, 2011 at 11:17 PM
i have gone to EDC 3 years in a row and i am greatly sadden to hear that it is now moving to Las vegas. I look forward to starting my summer with EDC, it's the only festival in california where i know that my favorite electro artists will be. DJs are given a bad reputation with drugs and I think that the colliseum is forgetting how this event is suppose to be about THE MUSIC. i am very upset that i won't have an outlet to see all my favorite musical genuises in one place nearby. I cannot afford a trip to Miami for their festival or to Las Vegas. The death is tragic, but does removing this festival from the orginal location really solve anything? I hope this little girl's family is getting what they wanted.
Posted by: a sad reader | February 24, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Probably wont be posted in the US, but a new UK study on ecstasy...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/19/ecstasy-harm-brain-new-study
Posted by: Joe | February 25, 2011 at 01:29 AM
Why do they wait until the SECOND TO LAST tip on that "Ecstasy safety" card to say "Stay Away" from the drug? Is it because they know that their events are filled with such CRAP music entertainment that no sober person would enjoy it?
Posted by: Chris Wag | February 25, 2011 at 08:07 AM
i say the death of the girl is not a sad one and we ( the rave community) shouldnt have to punished for her action it is her own fault she died im sure no one drugged her. i really think this is very unnessary and im very dissapointed.
Posted by: it doesnt matter | February 25, 2011 at 08:23 AM
thats so true...movinq the location of EDC doesnt chanqe anythinq. its not EdCs' fault that the little girl died, it was her choice to take those druqs and i dont mean any disprespect to the family, EDC isnt bout the druqs or the outfits its about havinq fun and dancinq and the music, it was great beinq able to see all my favorite artist & DJs' last year...it was my first time goinq, i dont do druqs at ALL i go to raves to have fun and becuase of the music.
Posted by: cherrie<$ | February 25, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Moving the event to las vegas doesn't solve the problem it just moves it. Now there will be a bunch of under aged kids in Las vegas running around on ecstacy shrooms acid what ever the hell it is they take doing there shuffle on las vegas blv.
Posted by: Tyler perry | February 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Hey! So i live in vegas and EDC in vegas is now the talk of the town, i wanted to know if you need to hire any cheerleaders to partner stunt or do any stunts during this event? That would be a fun new experience for vegas and i would love to be apart of it!! If so feel free to shoot an email!
Posted by: Maria Caband | February 25, 2011 at 10:46 AM
-HELL YES!!! SIN CITY BABY NOW LETS MAKE IT 21+ HAHA!!!
Posted by: Shawn | February 25, 2011 at 11:22 AM
This breaks my heart. I've been going to EDC for the past 3 yrs and look forward to it each summer. Me and my bf met at EDC 2008 and celebrate our anniversary here every yr. Things really have gotten out of control with the number of irresponsible kids showing up and taking drugs and ruining it for the rest of us. Changing the age limit to 18 was a great idea and should have been set to 18+ from day ONE. I feel for this girls family but this is what happens when you don't teach your children how to be responsible! Because of this we are all suffering. Raving is about the MUSIC!!! It should not be about drugs and under age adolesence. If moving EDC to Vegas makes it safer and more enjoyable for the us, then I'm all for it. I personally havent gone to any all age event or anything less than 21+ because kids don't belong at raves and neither do irresponsible druggies. Hopefully I can make it to vegas and continue on with my annual summer rave and anniversary. PLUR!
Posted by: Sad raver | February 25, 2011 at 11:39 AM
okay no one makes or orders someone to take drugs.. She obviously found her way to buy it from someone.. not the raves fault! She lied to her parents she was somewhere an instead she went there, she had been talking about that being her first rave! Before the rave at taft high school! who gaved her the money for the rave I'm guessing her parents since she didn't work, it's the parents fault for not teacher her not to be a liar! or for her trying to get drugs around at rave.. A rave can be fun without drugs! it's not all about drugs all about the music..
Now that they are moving it to Vegas it's not point I mean when June comes by it's gonna be summer who's gonna wanna go to rave in Vegas in summe it's gonna be very hot! San bernandino be the best place to move the rave it's closer an won't be as hot as Vegas!! People make wrong choices all the time, guess it was her wrong choice this time! :)
Posted by: augusto toledo | February 25, 2011 at 11:51 AM
FUNNNY HOW THEY HAVE A LITTLE CARD ON THE SIDE TALKING ABOUT THE DANGERS WHILE ON ECSTACY ALREADY APPROVING THE DRUG BUT TO BE CAREFUL???
WOW honestly. these reporters this media is corrupt so bad !!!!!!
AND DECIDE TO CHANGE THE LOCATION OR PREVENTING THE RAVE FROM HAPPENING? people will take drugs regardless at home or not
if we should try to relocate any place where we have an oppurtunity to take the drugs we must relocate schools because people KIDS r doing it in the restroom.!!
IDIOTS!
Posted by: crissy_runn | February 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM
This is ridiculous. I don't see how this is going to help at all. It's just going to be moving the so called "problem" somewhere else. It's not Insomniac's fault some stupid little girl decided to be irresponsible with her drug use. Anyone who uses ecstasy can tell you that it's important to stay hydrated, and I heard that she died of dehydration due to the drug's effects, NOT an overdose. As far as the Vegas bit goes though, I don't think there's any venue in Vegas that could do EDC as nicely as the Coliseum does it... Also, Vegas is SUPER HOT, just to point out the obvious. What are they going to do? People are going to be dropping like flies due to overheating and dehydration, if it's going to be held outdoors. No matter what they do, there's always going to be ecstasy at these events. That's just going to make the overheating issue even worse. If they don't have constant shade on the crowd, they'd better be prepared to give out free water bottles. I don't even know if I want to go any more because of this. It's my first EDC, and I'll be coming from Utah, so this IS nicer because it's closer, but this also jacks up the price quite a bit.
Posted by: Katy | February 25, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Scratch what I said about expenses :) EDC Las Vegas is gonna be cheaper! Bring it on!! I'll just be sure to pack extra sun screen!
Posted by: Katy | February 25, 2011 at 04:00 PM
I don't care how hot vegas is! all i know is im gonna party my ass off with other ppl who don't care i'll stan in the sun just to watch my fave djs playy so back off and live a little or just stay ur ass at home cause im here for the music not whining ppl!
Posted by: me | February 25, 2011 at 04:06 PM
RIP SoCal Massives.
To the city of Los Angeles and coliseum commissioner... You are scum for allowing this to happen. Punish the massives because of your own ignorance and lack of understanding of the EDM culture.
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Posted by: Will | February 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM
The First Amendment to the US Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Coliseum Commissioners...you have overstepped your boundaries.
Posted by: straightshooter | February 25, 2011 at 06:24 PM
the move is great. vegas is a much better spot. its already known for the nightlife. an outdoor event with the biggest electro djs on the planet can only get better in vegas. plus hopefully they will make it 21+.. this would make it definitely better and vegas is the only spot that could pull in a comparable number of people aged appropriately.
Posted by: soulkutz | February 25, 2011 at 08:52 PM
No surprise
the love is dead in socal rave scene
EDC kicked out of its home state
the massive insomniac parties were a wreck 6 years ago..now its a Disneyland spectacle ridiculoso
over priced tickets - they figure the young kids sell drugs and or ask get rents$$...great target audience promoters
over crowded over sold venues
water bottles at 4$ each---there is business and there is robbery
majority of the music is bunk
something constructive
wheres the vibe?
bring back smaller venues, less massive raves , less corporate parties
bring back good music good and art focused events
keep the ticket prices at 20$ tops.
20$ is affordable and reasonable for a small event
Posted by: ganjamon | February 25, 2011 at 08:53 PM
LA WILL LOSE OUT ON ME! MORONS! We need the money as it is. This state is in dire need of financial help and all a commissioner can say is good riddance? We need to revamp this city, but it looks like it's gonna take the youth to do it. We can't rely on old farts anymore.
Posted by: Redic | February 26, 2011 at 03:26 AM
Excuse me, 1 out of 80,000 people is a ridiculously small percent, and 100 injured out of 80,000? Look at concerts like Coachella, or other big music events. This has nothing to do with people getting hurt, it has to do with the word 'Rave' and it's negative connotations and associations with drugs. Any concert, unless it's Justin Beiber, is going to have some sort of drug use. It's inevitable. While it may be true that there is a higher concentration of drug use, the only thing that needs to happen is the Coliseum (or whatever venue) Needs to have a disclosure form. You take drugs, it's your problem. End of Story.
Posted by: Lauren A. | February 26, 2011 at 10:01 AM
@ Chris Wag: Obviously they have enough people interested in the music to sell 100,000 tickets at almost 150$ a pop. You can't tell me or anyone else that drugs and music haven't always been associated. Regardless of it being EDC or Woodstock, drugs are going to be present. The Rolling Stones partied just as hard as Deadmau5. You can't judge what people do and their own reasons for going, just because you have a different opinion. This is what's wrong in the world.
Posted by: Lauren A. | February 26, 2011 at 10:05 AM
@ Lauren A.; I'm not saying drugs and music aren't associated and I'm sure the connection goes back hundreds if not thousands of years, way before the Rolling Stones. But how many people do you hear of dying from drug use at a Rolling Stones concert? Or any other concert festival for that matter? The fact is, and I'm not saying there aren't exceptions to the rule, but raves are mostly filled with drugged young people who are too uninformed about what they are doing to be safe. And just because 100,000 people decided to join the herd and shell out $150 a pop for tickets doesn't make it good.
And to the person who thinks raves are a Constitutional Right-- ah-hahahahahahahaha!
Posted by: Chris Wag | February 26, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Maria- There are no "stunts" in EDC. Unless you want to climb 25 feet up in the air then jump off onto the crowd, thats cool.
I'm glad EDC is held in Vegas this year. Its double or maybe even triple the fun. As for the cost, I just need to buy EDC tix. Vegas is covered already. Got my rooms for about $52-$85 a night at the MGM.
Posted by: Tiffany | February 26, 2011 at 01:12 PM
I agree with having it be 21 and up. Here in New Mexico, its all ages, which means as young as 10 years old show up! Not cool at all. Went to EDC in LA in 2009. Loved it! Definately wanting to go again. Perhaps it will be better in Vegas.
Its no ones fault on overdose on anything but the person who takes it. If you havent tried something before, take it in small doses.
Looking forward to seeing Benny Benassi!
Posted by: jarrod white | February 27, 2011 at 03:29 PM