The Secret Behind Armin van Buuren Being Stopped by the Crowd from Performing at the A10 Festival

What was set to be an unforgettable back-to-back (b2b) DJ performance between Armin van Buuren and rising star Benwal at the Festival op de Ring took an unexpected turn on Saturday evening. Due to overwhelming crowd control issues on the A10 ring road near Amsterdam, the world-renowned DJ never got the chance to perform, sparking disappointment and speculation across the electronic music community.

The Scene: A Festival Above the City

The Festival op de Ring was always meant to be extraordinary. Held on the iconic A10 ring road, a location typically reserved for endless streams of traffic, the one-of-a-kind event brought together top-tier DJs and thousands of fans eager to dance on concrete instead of club floors.

Armin van Buuren, known for his global legacy in trance and electronic music, was scheduled to perform back-to-back with Benwal during the final part of the evening at Audio Obscura, one of the festival’s premier stages. The moment was billed as a celebration of Amsterdam’s vibrant music culture and the union of two generations of talent.

But the magic on the decks was abruptly stopped before it could start.

Chaos at the Fences: Crowd Control Sparks Safety Concerns

As the evening progressed, excitement turned into chaos when some festivalgoers began climbing over fences to access the venue. According to reports, the surging crowd created a safety hazard, prompting police and enforcement officers to temporarily halt performances.

Among the affected was Benwal, who had just begun his set when authorities stepped in. The music paused, the lights dimmed, and a tense calm swept through the makeshift venue above the city.

Eventually, order was restored, and Benwal was able to return to the decks. But time had run out for Armin van Buuren.

The Missed Moment: “The B2B Will Happen One Day”

After the music resumed, the festival had only 30 minutes left before its scheduled end. Organizers confirmed that the time crunch, combined with security logistics, made it impossible for Armin to perform.

Benwal took to Instagram Stories with a heartfelt message and a photo of him and Van Buuren standing side-by-side, their expressions somber.

“Unfortunately, the police didn’t allow me and Armin to go b2b because of safety reasons,” Benwal wrote. “But the ending was so magical. And that b2b with Armin will happen one day.”

Armin van Buuren, known for his professionalism and positivity even in the face of setbacks, responded with a message of optimism, promising fans that the moment they’d waited for would come — just not yet.

Audio Obscura Reacts: Safety First, But the Show Goes On

Organizers of Audio Obscura and Festival op de Ring issued statements supporting the police decision, emphasizing that public safety always comes first — even at the cost of headline performances.

They acknowledged the enthusiastic turnout far exceeded expectations and praised the authorities for acting quickly to avoid any serious incidents.

“While we deeply regret that Armin could not perform, we’re grateful that everyone stayed safe. This festival made history, and we’re proud of what we created together,” one spokesperson told ANP.

Fans React: Disappointment and Hope

Reactions online were swift and emotional. Fans flooded social media with videos, messages of disappointment, and words of support for both Armin and Benwal.

Many described the day as “historic,” while others lamented missing what could have been one of the most iconic sets of the year. Still, the overall tone remained hopeful.

“They owe us a b2b soon,” one user tweeted. “Armin and Benwal — make it happen before the summer’s out!”

“Sad he couldn’t play, but safety first. Love how Armin handled it like the pro he is,” another posted.

A Symbolic Performance That Almost Was

This performance wasn’t just another date on Armin van Buuren’s calendar — it carried symbolic weight. A back-to-back set with Benwal, one of Amsterdam’s promising electronic talents, represented the passing of the torch, a fusion of legacy and new blood on the city’s most iconic roadway.

To see them together on the A10 would’ve been a moment of musical and cultural significance — and now, with the anticipation even higher, fans are more eager than ever to see it materialize.

Looking Ahead: When, Not If

Though the show didn’t go on for Armin van Buuren this past Saturday, the story is far from over. With both DJs expressing a clear desire to make it happen, the Armin x Benwal b2b set now exists in a sort of mythological space — a performance that didn’t happen, but already feels legendary.

And when it does happen, whether in a club, a warehouse, or another surprise pop-up on a highway, one thing is certain: it will be more than just music — it will be a long-awaited redemption.

For now, fans are left with the memory of what could have been, and a promise that someday, love for music and unity on the decks will prevail.

As Armin van Buuren says: “The music never stops — just hits pause sometimes.”