Holy Ship and future HARD events just won’t be the same from now on as Gary Richards leaves behind a legacy at Live Nation and marks the end of an era…
The beloved electronic music executive, also known as Destructo behind the decks, officially shared the news via social media yesterday:
“To all the HARDfam & Shipfam: I am leaving Live Nation after this week’s Hard event to pursue an incredible new opportunity that I will share with everyone in the weeks to come. Accordingly, I will not be attending or curating the next Holy Ship cruise event in 2018. I have the utmost respect for Michael Rapino and Live Nation. Let’s make this week’s 10th anniversary show the best HARD event ever! Gary Richards AKA Destructo”
Producers, labels, and others in the music industry have expressed their extreme dissatisfaction — especially with Destructo not returning to curate Holy Ship in 2018. Hashtags like #NOLINEUPNOPAYMENT, #NOGARYNOSHIP, and #INGARYWETRUST have become a common theme on Twitter.
The “No Gary No Ship” petition is nearing its goal of 2,500 signatures (sign it here), but as of now it’s not looking like the legendary producer and friend to so many will be returning in any capacity.
EDM Reacts to Gary Richard’s Departure from Live Nation
No way would I have ever done @HOLY_SHIP if it wasn't for @DestructoHARD …almost positive I can speak for most of the artists
— SKRILLEX (@Skrillex) August 2, 2017
No Gary, No Ship #shipfam https://t.co/cS3MIKPhhk
— Boys Noize (@boysnoize) August 2, 2017
Holy ship without @DestructoHARD isn't holy ship at all.. this man created endless memories for countless ppl 😔
— Ghastly (@Ghastly) August 3, 2017
Dirtybird will not be on @HOLY_SHIP in 2018.
— Dirtybird (@Dirtybird) August 3, 2017
Utter madness going down with this @holyship / @HARDFEST news. Gary IS Holy Ship and Hard! #NoGaryNoShip @DestructoHARD
— Alex Metric (@Alexmetric) August 3, 2017
So much love & gratitude for @DestructoHARD for supporting me & putting me on at them, i'm sure whatever is next is going to be even better!
— Alex Metric (@Alexmetric) August 3, 2017
@DestructoHARD real will always recognize real. You're a pioneer, innovator, and you stayed true to the culture. Respect man
— 👊🏻LIL FIGHTY👊🏻 (@FIGHTCLVBMUSIC) August 3, 2017
End of an era w/ #HolyShip & #HARDfest but looking fw to what @DestructoHARD does next. Real one. https://t.co/E1iFljvUJr
— Matt Medved (@mattmedved) August 3, 2017
Gary leaves Holy Ship, Kaskie leaves Pitchfork, Thump is gone, MTV news went poof… wtf is going on 🙁
— Dani Deahl (@danideahl) August 3, 2017
Thank u Gary Richards for 10 incredible years of the finest in cutting edge music
Forever one of our biggest inspirations
🍫🍋🙏 pic.twitter.com/yTkA35zn7x
— Brownies & Lemonade (@TeamBandL) August 3, 2017
Here at GDE, we wanted to share our thoughts on Gary Richards aka @DestructoHARD leaving @HARDFEST after this weekend
Just had to keep it 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZOqqFI2M5s
— GDE (@GlobalDanceElec) August 3, 2017
ShipFam Reacts to “No Gary No Ship” Movement
If @LiveNation pushes @DestructoHARD out of #HolyShip the whole thing falls apart. Calling it right now.
— Los (@WhyIsLenguage) August 2, 2017
First trump became president now Gary Richards isn't a part of holy ship. WHATS GOING ON WITH THIS WORLD?!
— Anna Marie (@AMC_MVP) August 2, 2017
Seriously @LiveNation. you're gonna push @DestructoHARD out of Holy Ship? He is the father and the creator. this won't be good #nogarynoship
— Kelly (@Kelly2daK) August 2, 2017
I respect artists & labels supporting @DestructoHARD by deciding not to go on @HOLY_SHIP but sad that paying fans are left behind like that
— Steven Estrada (@e_strada95) August 3, 2017
crazy that Gary Richards got pushed out of HARD
all of you threatening to boycott Holy Ship are full of shit though, you'll still go
— EDMsnob (@EDMsnob) August 3, 2017
Photo via Rukes