A brilliant career, but Armin once thought about quitting entirely for his family.

Few names shine as brightly in the world of electronic dance music as Armin van Buuren. With a career spanning over two decades, millions of fans around the globe, and countless number-one tracks, Armin has become a legend. But what many fans don’t know is that at one point, the Dutch icon came close to walking away from it all—for the most heartfelt and human reason of all: his family.

In a rare and emotional interview, Armin opened up about the internal battle he once faced, revealing how the pressures of the road and the desire to be present for his loved ones made him question whether the stage was worth the sacrifice.

The Price of Stardom: Armin’s Grueling Tour Schedule

At the peak of his touring life, Armin van Buuren was playing up to 150 shows per year, flying across continents, playing massive festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra, and delivering his weekly radio show, A State of Trance, with unwavering dedication.

But behind the decks, something was breaking down.

“I was living in airports and hotels more than my own house,” Armin admitted.
“I was seeing my kids on FaceTime more than in real life. And that hit me harder than any jet lag ever could.”

As Armin’s family grew—with the birth of his children—he began to feel a painful disconnect between his professional success and his personal life.

“I remember my son once asked me, ‘Daddy, why are you always on the airplane?’ That question broke me,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Moment of Doubt: “Do I Really Want This Anymore?”

The breaking point didn’t come with a dramatic collapse or burnout, but rather in quiet reflection during a night alone on tour.

“I was in a hotel room in Tokyo after a sold-out show. The crowd was amazing. But when I got back to the room, it was just… silence. No wife, no kids, no laughter. Just silence,” he recalled.

That night, Armin asked himself a question that would linger for months:

“Do I really want this anymore?”

For someone whose life had been built around passion for music, even considering quitting DJing was unthinkable. Yet, in that moment, it felt like the only path to reconnect with his true self and his family.

Family Over Fame: Armin’s Heartfelt Priority

Armin’s wife, Erika van Thiel, and their children have always been his anchor. Erika, a schoolteacher by profession, kept life grounded while Armin soared through stages around the world.

“She never cared about the fame. She just wanted a husband who was present,” Armin explained.

During one particularly long stretch of travel, Armin missed a milestone: his daughter’s first school recital.

“I watched the video after I landed. She looked around the room as if she was searching for someone. And I knew she was looking for me.”

That moment became a turning point. Armin sat down with his family and had an honest conversation about potentially ending his touring career.

The Compromise That Saved It All

Rather than quitting cold turkey, Armin and his family found a middle ground.

• He would cut back on shows, prioritizing quality over quantity.

• Family holidays and key events would become non-negotiable no-show days.

• His team adjusted touring logistics to minimize time away from home.

• A State of Trance episodes were pre-recorded to allow breaks.

“I realized I didn’t have to choose between being a great DJ and a great father—I just had to change how I did things.”

Since making these changes, Armin has said he feels more balanced, more connected to his music, and most importantly—more present in his children’s lives.

A Renewed Armin: Inspired by Love, Not Fear

Ironically, stepping back from the chaos reinvigorated Armin’s creativity. His 2023 and 2024 releases reflected a more emotional, introspective side, with lyrics and melodies often inspired by family moments.

Songs like “This Is What It Feels Like” and “Therapy” took on new meaning as Armin infused them with real-life emotion.

“When I create music now, I think of my family first. Will this make them smile? Will they dance to it in the kitchen?”

Even his stage presence shifted. Fans noticed a happier, more relaxed Armin, smiling more, sharing personal stories between tracks, and making time for meaningful fan interactions.

Fans React: Armin’s Vulnerability Inspires

When Armin shared this personal story during a 2025 podcast appearance, fans around the world flooded social media with support:

“As a father, I relate so much. Thank you for being honest, Armin.”
“This is why he’s not just a DJ—he’s a human being we admire.”
“Legendary producer, but an even greater man.”

His story also sparked conversations within the EDM industry, where the pressure to constantly perform often leaves little room for family life or mental health.

The Industry’s Wake-Up Call

Armin van Buuren isn’t the only artist who has questioned the demands of relentless touring. Stars like Avicii, Hardwell, and Eric Prydz have all either stepped away or significantly altered their schedules due to mental and emotional toll.

Armin’s willingness to speak openly about the emotional weight of fame has positioned him as a role model not just for artists, but for fans navigating similar life choices.

“We need to normalize saying no, especially when it means saying yes to the people we love.”

Fatherhood First: What Armin Tells Young DJs Now

Armin now mentors rising stars in the EDM scene and often brings up the importance of life balance.

“The road can be intoxicating. But if you’re not grounded in something real—like family—you’ll get lost.”

He encourages new DJs to set boundaries early, build reliable teams, and never feel guilty about prioritizing personal life.

“You can have the biggest drops and the wildest crowds, but if your kid doesn’t recognize you, what’s it worth?”

What’s Next for Armin: Slower Pace, Deeper Meaning

Looking ahead, Armin van Buuren isn’t stopping—he’s just doing it differently. His 2026 tour is smaller, smarter, and more intentional. He’s also working on a memoir that delves deeper into his personal journey of love, sacrifice, and rediscovery.

There are also rumors of a family-inspired album, with song titles reportedly drawn from conversations with his children.

“Everything I do now is from the heart. If it doesn’t align with my values or bring me closer to my family, I won’t do it.”

Conclusion: The Legend Who Chose Love

Armin van Buuren’s story is a beautiful reminder that even in the glittering world of global fame, the most powerful beat is the one of the human heart.

He didn’t walk away from his career—but he did walk closer to his family. And in doing so, he proved that true success isn’t about how far you can go—but how deeply you’re rooted in what matters most.

For fans, that makes Armin van Buuren not just a legend of the decks, but a legend of life.