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I'm very emotional. This is the first time I'm going to see Armin
When they see him, they will scream so loud, it hurts your ears.
Hello, darling. -Hi.
Will you be home for supper? -Yes.
So I can expect you back? -I might be a little late.
After five hours at a photo shoot I'll be exhausted.
I should think so. That's all I wanted to know.
I'll be expecting you then. -OK. Bye.
All the way to the right? Or to the left?
Hello? Good morning. -Can I help you?
I'm Armin van Buuren, I'm here for the photo shoot with Krijn van Noordwijk.
You can take the lift or the stairs.
Follow gangway 1 and ask at Customer Services.
Thanks. -Have fun.
Sugar? -No, thanks.
If you're going to do my hair really funky, I have this goatee already.
The difference is one little tuft of hair. Either up or down.
Up is Armin and down is someone else.
I'm a bit pig-headed.
He's a very special kind of person, I think.
You could compare him to the bards from the Middle Ages.
They were always travelling around on their own too.
Travelling musicians entertaining the folks.
A DJ is a modern version of it.
That tuft of hair is giving me a headache.
What do you think? Can't you flatten it?
It's too much of a cowlick.
Armin was just about to become a good producer...
when he made this really good trance record.
I was quite busy at the time but I decided to talk to him anyway.
I didn't expect much. A guy from Leiden.
I'd seen a picture of him. His hair was so neat and tidy.
He looked like the ideal son-in-law.
Not really suitable disco material. But OK, I'd talk to him.
But from the very first moment I met him, I thought:
He has it.
I'm going to go to the top with this guy.
I was 100% sure of it. I felt it straight away.
You're number 5 in the world rankings. So that makes you what?
Next year we'll still be in 3rd place.
But in 2007, *** 'em all.
This means that the world's number one DJ is Armin van Buuren.
And the only number one DJ in the world, 2008...
For the third consecutive year, Armin van Buuren.
I guess it's no secret who the winner is, right?
I suppose I can expect the obvious questions about how much I earn...
...or what kind of drugs I use.
What about the competition?
How many women offer themselves to me on stage?
But when you're as serious as I am about the whole business...
it's no issue. How can I explain it?
When I'm making music in the studio for 18 hours each day...
trying to express my feelings to my fans...
those questions are just not important.
I get so annoyed when I have to defend myself all the time...
and discuss it. To me that's not what it's all about.
But to other people it's obviously very important.
Is it working? -We've only seen the one DVD.
You can play any DVD on a Blu-Ray player.
You can play DVD's on it too. That's the whole idea.
I thought only Blu-Ray discs. -Can you see it's a better picture?
You liars.
This is where it all began. -Wait. Are you going upstairs?
Just my old room. -I need to tidy up first.
This is where I had my very first studio.
It was here.
I made Blue Fear here. -Tell them about the little mirrors.
I stuck this mirror up there.
When I had my studio up here, my mum used to scare me to death.
Because he was wearing his head phones.
I'd say: Armin, supper's ready. But he never saw me coming.
We put up the mirror so he could see the door opening.
So he'd know it was me.
The room was loaded with turntables and records.
We were quite pleased you moved the studio...
because he used to be ill quite often and we thought it was the equipment.
I moved everything downstairs. Let me show you. We'll go down.
You began on this little thing, didn't you?
It was the latest at the time. A Roland X 3 P.
Now it's an antique.
Did you see the radio upstairs?
The old Grundig with all the knobs?
It's still in the room where Armin used to sleep.
I used to have this fantasy about a radio with lots of knobs, like an organ
which could be used to produce the sounds of a whole orchestra.
The sounds of basses, violins, trumpets...
I'd orchestrate a huge concert on my own.
I fantasized about it and he actually did it.
My room seems much bigger in my memory. It's quite small really.
Trance music has a special effect on people. It unites them...
in a way I've never seen with other types of music.
It makes them ecstatic and has an almost religious effect.
It's extraordinary.
I want people to go home feeling good.
I want them to become emotional and feel liberated.
Let's see. I want to add a few more little things.
My music became popular thanks to a radio show I hosted at ID&T Radio.
I was in a small studio in Amsterdam...
and some guys up in Groningen were streaming my show on the internet.
It appeared that everything I said in Amsterdam went all over the world.
I became successful due to that power.
Where are the parties? We can't go to all of them.
But shame on you for staying home. There's lots to do.
I have another scoop for you. System F versus Armin van Buuren.
Exhale in a new mix.
Armin was very good at recognizing the power of internet.
Especially in relation to his radio show.
The whole world was listening.
In the old days people listened to regional radio on FM.
Nowadays when a broadcast takes place...
the whole world can listen to it.
What a good idea. We could call it: Going East.
We start here and go there, there, there and there.
Five locations. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... All going east.
I'd leave out Poland. -And do a gig over here after all.
Perhaps Indonesia or Singapore.
A place which is easy to get to. -Or Dubai?
We can do Dubai too. -And then the season starts, mate.
Starting in Space on Ibiza.
And then we hop by Abu Dhabi.
And we know what's going to happen here.
Do you? What's that?
I don't know yet. -The arrival of the baby.
Oh, great. Cocorico again. I just love Energy.
One day off and then off to Taiwan? -Why not?
It's too much. He'll be gone from the 29th of October...
to the 10th of December. I have to disagree.
When you come home you're not as relaxed as you are now.
I know. -You need 3 or 4 days rest.
Not that much. I only need a couple of days.
I really think you should skip some.
You're not a robot.
I understand we're doing less for the moment.
I want one weekend a month off.
But I need to show my face every once in a while.
What would you say about me flying to London on the 17th of December...
and returning first thing the next morning?
You could, but you'll only just have come back from a 4-week-tour.
Yes, but I'll be going in the evening and returning at 6 the next morning.
That's true.
Bye, sweetie.
The first time I was here in 2000...
I was on after Judge Jules in Eden.
I was on after Judge Jules. It was the graveyard shift...
but I was only too happy to be on Ibiza.
This is the first time in Club Space.
The island has lots of disco's.
Unbelievable amount of venues on this relatively small island.
You have to perform here, as a showcase for the rest of the year.
Well done, mate. Happy? -Yes.
That showed 'em. -Sure did.
Coming to eat?
What a big box full.
Was it good? -It sure was.
There was never a set point in my career that I decided to be a DJ.
I didn't make a conscious decision.
I became one eventually of course...
but it was more like a question of trial and error.
I finished law school. I wanted some basic training...
so I had something to fall back on.
I was never actually under pressure to have to perform.
After 'Communication' which was a huge success in the UK...
I couldn't seem to make a suitable follow-up track.
I was quite frustrated.
But I was able to get over it very easily.
There was another moment when I felt the same frustration.
When I was chosen number one for the first time by DJ Magazine.
That was in 2007.
I was under such pressure to perform. People expected the stage to explode.
You're the God, man.
I always felt like an odd ball in the DJ scene.
Perhaps I should have become an attorney sitting in an office.
Is this the life that was meant for me?
Or am I leading a life that I'm not supposed to?
The beginning was so weird. I was fully trained to be an attorney.
That was the whole purpose of my studies.
Sometimes I have the feeling I'm doing something I shouldn't do.
He's crying for you, Armin.
It's a crazy and volatile world.
I miss being in touch with people of my background and training.
I sometimes miss having more depth to my life.
On the other hand it's a very creative profession.
Safety in Pregnancy
I have a world-famous artist here today.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's Armin van Buuren.
Good morning.
I'm happy to say I've still got jet lag.
How many countries do you go to in a year?
I don't know. I did try to count them when I got bored on a plane one day.
I counted 82 in ten years. -Good gracious.
Congratulations, by the way. -Thanks.
I'm glad everyone knows I'm going to be a dad.
I posted it on twitter the other day. I got lots of amazing reactions.
Great. Where's our boss? He usually shows up with a bottle at some time.
Of course I'm here with champagne.
Just pour it into my coffee.
You hear this very subtly in the background.
It's very subtle. You have to strain to hear it.
Awesome. They're little steps.
Really awesome.
The idea we had with the tempo change, it's crazy.
It's a dry close and a wet open.
A bit vague.
You could do it during a break, so you hear it coming from a distance.
Start very low and suddenly it's there.
A really loud noise.
I want something like that. -Yes, like that.
What are we missing? -Nothing.
Yes, this is big.
Why are women so unbelievably slow with electronics. Why?
The internet plug for this computer isn't working properly.
They're all asking how you feel. And I say: What about me?
I'm feeling fine.
Erika feels fine. -I can hear you on the radio.
Every Friday night on Radio 538. -A good night's rest...
And she goes: 'A good night's rest is essential. ' So I'm off too.
You can't go till you've heard all that rotten trance music.
How's your tummy? -It's fine.
We've just been dancing on the beach. We're having a rest now.
So it will be a shock-proof baby.
Yes, we'll have a shock-proof baby.
I have to get going. Love you.
Kiss. -Thanks.
You look great.
Bye, darling. -Bye.
Yes, I'm in Chile.
Nice show, man.
Now is the interviews and stuff.
To the outside world it may look really easy and effortless.
But sometimes he works for over 80 to 90 hours a week.
He never stops working.
Not that it matters because he's a huge success.
But it's not true that he sits back and waits for things to happen.
He works really hard.
He actually puts everything into his gigs and radio shows.
I can't say no to a gig. I love doing them all.
If you put me in front of 200 people in a club in Leiden for 3 hours...
I go just as crazy. I like all of it.
But I tend to forget about myself.
I know I can't say no, so I ask someone else to do it.
I know I'm happier when I'm rested and have more time to myself...
and time for my friends. But it just doesn't happen.
He was on a tour once, lying in the back of a van with a very high fever.
He was on a dirt road for 3 hours from one location to the next.
He was really ill and he had a fever and everything.
Once he'd arrived he got up the stage and did the 3-hour gig...
with the same smile and enthusiasm. He went all out.
When he came off stage he collapsed and was violently ill.
He doesn't like to show his weakness and does everything for his fans...
and for his act on stage.
I'm done with it. It's five in the morning.
I'm knackered. Time to look for a new job.
The people you love most, suffer the most. They really do.
When I'm with you guys, I'm happy and cheerful.
But when I'm at home, I can be really cranky. I'm serious.
I can be such a he-man. It's quite irritating.
When I'm on tour, I have lots of fun. It's not an act. I have a great time.
When I get home, I'm tired and fed up.
And the woman I love has to suffer.
It's good to realize I'm spending 95% of my life...
with people who won't love me in ten years' time.
They'll be cheering someone else.
I want to ask you to put your hands together...
for this unique man. We can be proud of this Dutch guy.
His name is Armin van Buuren and he's the best DJ in the world.
See you in space. -Absolutely.
Isn't this fun?
Coming, darling?
Is it OK to run off like this or should we stay longer?
It's up to you. -I don't want to stay too long.
But it doesn't seem right to shoot off like this.
Let's stay for another 15 minutes. -It won't work.
It will.
We'll say we're going. -I can tell you now...
It's a physical thing too. No, it's not ego-tripping.
Are you going to answer for me? Actually, I want something to eat.
We can eat at home. -I know. But I want to eat here.
It's a new experience. That's how you should look at life.
They won't take us seriously, because we're not rich enough.
We'll act as if we belong. -What were we talking about?
We're real mates. -Real mates.
Can you see? -Van Buuren 10?
With the Argentinean colours. What's the size? Very small?
That's cool. -I don't think it will fit me.
What did you say? I'll call you again.
So you have Wi-Fi? Can you download the films I send you?
Sure. Did you get my films yesterday? -Yes. They were really cool.
Weren't they? -Great stage. Awesome.
It's huge. Really great.
And Rutger is there? -Yes, I had a row with him yesterday.
Why? -He was really pissed off.
He'd thrown the DVD away because he wasn't mentioned in the credits.
Oh, shoot. -It got quite out of hand.
That's bad news. -You can say that again.
Did you have a good talk with him? -Yes, but he's still cross.
Especially with me. And he's right.
Because I'm responsible for the whole *** business.
So many guys are involved now, making these mistakes is almost inevitable.
I'm going to kick up a fuss. I've had enough of this.
I asked for something to eat at six and this is what I get.
I have to make a ten-hour radio show and there's nothing.
They're coming at 8. -I said 6 o'clock.
Damn.
I'm interviewing people with my mouth full.
I can't leave, I have to do presentations.
I was very clear about it yesterday: I'm going early so I can have a meal.
And they give me this. Come on.
They've opened the doors without our permission. Just great.
This is just great. Well done.
If I'm not happy, I know I won't perform well.
I'm a bit neurotic that way.
I want things to run smoothly.
I expect high standards.
I want good organization.
Don't let yourself be overruled. Let me know if it happens.
I'll stop the music and make sure things go the way we want it.
Any lost time, I simply take off the next session.
Just tell them. It's very simple.
I think they've added a little act.
Listen, if we get what we want I'll do two hours.
But if they haven't connected it the way we want, I'll play longer.
I don't begrudge the other DJ's their success.
I don't want to take anything away from them.
On the other hand, I want to be at the top and stay there.
Not because I want to be the best DJ. I just want to do what I do best.
When I play one of my own tracks and see the dance floor go crazy...
it's so fulfilling.
Ladies and gentlemen, Armin van Buuren.
We have a surprise for you.
The biggest surprise you can get.
I give the floor to the Mayor of Leiden.
Ladies and gentlemen, Armin isn't only a Master of Laws...
he's also a master of his profession.
But there's one thing Armin doesn't have yet.
We felt something should be done about it.
And her Majesty the Queen agreed.
I'm extremely happy to be able to announce...
that it pleased her Majesty the Queen to appoint you, by Royal Decree:
Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
It's a very high one. The highest there is.
Was it good? Be honest. -It was good. I'm being honest.
Really? -No kidding. Did you see the crowd?
I can't surpass what I've achieved now.
It somehow even hurts a bit.
Because I enjoy doing it so much. I'd hate to have to stop.
You've seen it for yourself. Being at all the gigs these past months...
has been so extraordinary. I'm aware of it every day.
I would miss it so badly if I couldn't do it anymore.
I'd give all my money away just to be able to keep doing it. I'm serious.
It just has to be Guetta. -It's Guetta.
Go, Guetta. Here goes, sweetie.
Hi, it's Ben Murphy from DJ Magazine. How are you doing, Armin?
I'm good thanks. I'm calling you about the Top 100 DJs, 2011.
I wanted to let you know that it's been a very close competition...
this year in particular.
I want to offer my commiserations. You've not come to the top spot.
But you came in second this time.
Big congratulations obviously on reaching that.
And also for winning the last four years, which has been amazing.
Unprecedented, really.
I'm second. -Congratulations.
It was to be expected. -You knew it.
He deserves it.
Number two.
Really good. -It was a close call.
He wasn't allowed to confirm it was Guetta, I guess?
Number one: Guetta. Two: me. -Well, it's amazing.
Guetta really deserves it.
Another year in the top 3. -In the top 3 again. Second place.
Not bad.
Awesome.
Back to being the underdog.
You've never seen me like this, have you?
She's smiling at Daddy.
She just ate and is a bit ***. See?
How are you, man? Congratulations.
Congratulations, really well done. -I'm so happy you're giving it to me.
It's really amazing. -It's an honour, man.
Now you have the burden, buddy. The heavy cross...
I know it's only for one year. You're going to take it back next year.
It wouldn't have felt right to win it again...
but it doesn't feel right to lose it either.
It's a bit of a disappointment.
But it's come at a good time.
Four, five times. Who cares? I have my daughter now.
It's so much more important.
I'm serious. It was Daddy's day today. I had it well balanced out.
I got up early, boiled an egg, gave her a bottle...
We had a conversation together. I'm dead serious.
All these awards, it's all true, they're no longer important...
when you're home alone with your daughter. It's the best.
Stop the camera.
It's true.