Life Beyond the Stage: Armin van Buuren – The Legendary DJ and the Humble Father

For most people, Armin van Buuren is the towering figure behind the decks, lighting up stadiums and festivals with pulsating beats and euphoric melodies. With over two decades in the electronic music industry, he’s not just a DJ; he’s a global trance icon, a five-time #1 DJ in the DJ Mag Top 100, and the mastermind behind the monumental radio show A State of Trance (ASOT).

But behind the high-energy live sets, globe-trotting tours, and chart-topping anthems like “Blah Blah Blah”, “This Is What It Feels Like”, and “Shivers”, Armin van Buuren leads a remarkably grounded and meaningful life as a family man.

In a world where fame often comes with chaos, Armin’s offstage persona tells a story of balance, humility, and unwavering love for his family.

The Other Side of the Spotlight

When he’s not performing at massive festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, or EDC Las Vegas, Armin van Buuren is at home in Leiden, Netherlands, where he lives with his wife Erika van Thiel and their two children, Remy and Fenna.

Despite being one of the busiest artists in the industry, Armin has always emphasized the importance of family over fame. In several interviews, he has described how becoming a father shifted his perspective and changed his priorities.

“I’m not just Armin the DJ anymore. I’m Armin the dad. That means something much deeper to me.”

Balancing Family and a Global Tour Schedule

Armin’s tour schedule is grueling. From ASOT 1000 world tour stops in cities like Mexico City, Madrid, and Los Angeles, to solo shows at iconic venues such as Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, his calendar is packed.

Yet, he insists on keeping his family at the center of it all. How does he do it?

The answer lies in conscious time management and strong values. Armin has shared that he refuses to take bookings on important family dates like birthdays or school events. Even when he’s on the road, he makes a point of checking in with his children daily, often via FaceTime.

“No matter where I am, I want my kids to know I’m always present in their lives, even if it’s through a screen that day.”

He’s also been known to fly back to the Netherlands immediately after a show just to spend Sunday breakfast with his family, before catching another flight to the next city.

Life in Leiden: Simplicity Amid the Fame

While many celebrity DJs choose to live in luxury cities like Los Angeles, Ibiza, or Dubai, Armin van Buuren continues to live in his hometown of Leiden. The quiet, historic Dutch city provides the perfect contrast to the wild energy of global music festivals.

In his neighborhood, he’s not treated like a superstar—he’s just another dad walking his kids to school or riding his bike to the local market. This level of normalcy is exactly what Armin craves.

“Leiden keeps me grounded. Here, I’m not the guy on stage. I’m just Armin from down the street.”

Spirituality and Mental Wellness

Over the years, Armin has spoken candidly about the mental toll of fame and the constant pressure to stay on top in a highly competitive industry. The solution for him has been to invest in his mental well-being.

He practices meditation, does yoga, and reads self-development books to keep a healthy mindset. He even incorporates his mindfulness practices into his pre-show routines. Before playing massive sets like Armin Only: Embrace or ASOT Year Mix, he often takes 15 minutes alone to center himself.

These practices not only help him perform at a high level but also allow him to stay emotionally available for his wife and kids.

The Role of Fatherhood in His Music

Interestingly, fatherhood hasn’t just shaped Armin’s private life—it’s had a direct impact on his music.

Tracks like “I Need You” and “Sunny Days” reflect a more personal, heartfelt side of his artistry. These aren’t just club bangers; they’re songs that reflect longing, vulnerability, and hope—emotions any parent can relate to.

Moreover, his children sometimes provide unexpected creative inspiration. In an interview, Armin shared that his son Remy’s love for melodies occasionally helps shape the vibe of new tracks.

“Sometimes I’ll play a rough mix at home, and if I see Remy start dancing or humming along, I know I’m onto something.”

Staying True in a Flashy Industry

While many of his peers have fallen into the traps of excessive partying, scandal, or burnout, Armin van Buuren remains one of the most respected figures in the scene—not just for his music, but for his integrity.

He doesn’t chase clout, nor does he manufacture drama for attention. His social media, interviews, and public appearances consistently reflect authenticity, gratitude, and joy in simple things.

A Role Model for Fans Worldwide

For many fans, especially those who’ve followed him for over a decade, Armin van Buuren is more than a DJ—he’s a role model.

Young parents see him as someone proving that you don’t have to give up your dreams to have a family. Creatives see how he maintains his artistry without compromising his ethics. Fans struggling with stress or burnout find inspiration in how he speaks openly about wellness and mindfulness.

Whether you’re dancing to his set at ASOT Miami, listening to his Weekly A State of Trance Radio, or watching his family stories on Instagram, you see a man who’s not just chasing success—but living with purpose.

Conclusion: Armin van Buuren – More Than Music

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of EDM, where DJs rise and fall with the seasons, Armin van Buuren stands out—not just for his legendary talent, but for his human side.

He is a man who knows that the lights don’t last forever, but love, family, and authenticity do. As much as we admire him for giving us unforgettable sets, like “Gaia at ASOT 950”, or classics like “Communication”, what truly resonates is the image of Armin: not just on the main stage, but walking hand-in-hand with his daughter, riding bikes with his son, and smiling beside his wife in their kitchen in Leiden.

He reminds us that it’s possible to be both extraordinary and ordinary, both global and local, both superstar and father—all at once.

And maybe that’s what makes Armin van Buuren timeless.