Not EDM, not global glory: Armin van Buuren affirms that the greatest joy is the moments spent with his young children

In the fast-paced, high-adrenaline world of electronic dance music, Armin van Buuren has been a towering figure for over two decades. Revered as one of the greatest DJs of all time, he has headlined every major festival, produced anthems that defined a generation, and cultivated a global fanbase that spans millions. Yet, amid the flashing lights, deafening crowds, and the relentless tour schedule, Armin has recently opened up about a side of his life that rarely makes headlines: fatherhood.

Armin van Buuren’s family life and emotional priorities

In multiple interviews over the past few years, Armin van Buuren has spoken candidly about the profound shift in his priorities since becoming a father. Married to Erika van Thiel and the proud dad of two children, Armin has often emphasized that his most meaningful moments don’t happen on stage but rather at home, in the quiet comfort of being a dad. He has stated: “My greatest joy doesn’t come from standing in front of 50,000 fans. It’s in the little things, like helping my kids with homework or putting them to bed.”

For someone whose life was once dominated by studio sessions, airport lounges, and late-night gigs, this declaration might seem surprising. But for Armin, being present as a father is now his true purpose. It is a reality that continues to inspire both his personal decisions and his creative evolution as an artist.

The shift from global tours to treasured home time

The pandemic offered many artists a moment of pause, and for Armin van Buuren, that pause became a revelation. With international tours suspended and festivals canceled, he found himself spending extended periods at home with his family for the first time in years. That time turned into something transformational.

He described those months as “an unexpected blessing,” revealing how he had forgotten the beauty of normal routines: family dinners, school runs, weekend walks in the park. Instead of relying on adrenaline to fuel him, Armin discovered emotional fulfillment in fatherhood. This phase of domestic reconnection made him reassess what truly mattered in life.

Balancing fame with fatherhood: A delicate art

Despite his deep love for his family, Armin van Buuren admits that balancing global fame with parental responsibilities is far from easy. He often faces the guilt of leaving for long stretches to perform at international events. “Every time I walk out that door to catch a flight, I think about what moments I might be missing,” he shared in an emotional podcast segment.

To mitigate this, Armin has restructured parts of his schedule. He now limits the number of gigs per year and chooses quality time over quantity in his career. This change isn’t just about rest; it’s a purposeful decision to ensure he doesn’t miss milestones in his children’s lives. Creating boundaries around work and family has helped him develop a more sustainable lifestyle.

Inspiration from children: How fatherhood shapes Armin’s music

Interestingly, fatherhood hasn’t dulled Armin’s creativity; in fact, it has deepened it. He notes that becoming a parent has changed the emotional undertone of his music. Tracks like “This Is What It Feels Like” and “For All Time” resonate with a more reflective and heartfelt quality that he attributes to his family life.

He often draws inspiration from his children’s curiosity and unfiltered emotions. “Watching my kids see the world for the first time brings back a sense of wonder I thought I had lost,” Armin said. These insights have led to music that speaks not just to the dance floor, but to the human experience.

A message to fans: redefining success and happiness

Armin’s evolution from a career-focused icon to a more grounded family man sends a broader message to his fans. It’s a reminder that success isn’t solely about accolades or financial gain. True happiness, as Armin has discovered, often comes from the intangible and deeply personal moments that cannot be replicated on stage.

In one heartfelt message to his followers, he wrote: “I used to think success was measured by chart rankings and sold-out shows. Now, it’s about seeing my kids smile, being there for bedtime stories, and creating memories that last.”

This shift has also made Armin more selective with the brands and projects he works with, choosing those that align with his new values. Whether it’s a family-friendly tour or collaborations with artists who understand the importance of balance, Armin is now shaping his career with intention.

Armin’s legacy: Not just a DJ, but a role model

While Armin van Buuren’s name will forever be etched in the history of electronic music, his legacy now encompasses much more than beats and bass drops. His openness about fatherhood, emotional vulnerability, and the importance of personal fulfillment sets him apart in an industry often characterized by excess and detachment.

By publicly valuing his role as a father as much as his role as a DJ, Armin challenges other artists and fans to reconsider what it means to lead a successful life. He has redefined success as something holistic: not just professional acclaim, but emotional richness, personal connection, and inner peace.

Conclusion: The heart behind the headphones

Armin van Buuren may continue to thrill crowds with his high-energy performances and trance anthems, but beneath the surface lies a man who has found a deeper joy. His journey from globe-trotting DJ to grounded father is not a retreat from greatness but an evolution of it.

For fans who have followed him since his early days, this new chapter offers even more reason to admire him. Not just for his musical genius, but for his humanity. As Armin himself put it: “I’ve lived the dream, but now I’m living the truth. And the truth is, there’s no stage greater than being a dad.”

In embracing fatherhood so wholeheartedly, Armin van Buuren isn’t stepping away from the spotlight—he’s simply shining it where it matters most.