The Chainsmokers to perform at the ‘edge of space’

By Alma Fabiani

Published Jul 30, 2022 at 09:00 AM

Reading time: 2 minutes

33883

Electronic duo—and EDM nightmare to most—The Chainsmokers are going to space. Yep, you read that right, we might finally get rid of them. Well, if anything goes wrong with the over-the-top mission, that is.

On 18 July 2022, the Associated Press (AP) announced that the “hit-making duo of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall” had signed up to get into a pressurised capsule tethered to a stratospheric balloon in 2024. What for, you ask? Oh, just to perform some 20 miles above the Earth—at “the edge of space”—because why not when you’re already that pretentious?

As surprising as it may sound to some of you, the two white male DJs weren’t the ones behind this egomaniacal idea. Space tourism company World View partnered with the musical duo to come up with the plan, as well as to provide the actual resources needed to send two space novices on an intergalactic bender.

“We have always dreamed of going to space and are stoked to collaborate with World View to have this adventure and experience,” said The Chainsmokers in a statement. “We know the views of both Earth and space are going to be incredible and inspiring and we hope to leverage this flight for creativity on future projects.”

Speaking to the AP, World View CEO Ryan Hartman mirrored the DJs’ statement just above, “We think about inspiring new perspectives and how those new perspectives can lead to a radically improved future for our Earth.” He continued, “To be able to reach the audience of The Chainsmokers through Alex and Drew’s work contributes to our mission as well. It’s something that I’m personally inspired by and excited about.”

As we continue to witness the appearance of more and more private space exploration firms offering seats to the public, from Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, it’s not hard to figure out why World View picked The Chainsmokers—to reach and hopefully attract a younger audience.

Hartman also added that he watched as his youngest son belted out lyrics from the duo’s songs and was inspired by the band’s popularity. He explained the flight to the pair over dinner. “I have just seen firsthand and personally how their music reaches a lot of different groups, a lot of different age groups and just how passionate they are about their music and their art. It matches our passion for what we do,” he told the AP.

Each World View balloon capsule is designed to seat eight passengers and reach a peak altitude of 100,000 feet (30,480 metres). Flights will last six to 12 hours. The Chainsmokers will become the first musical artists to perform in space.

Though no details concerning potential additional guests have been shared yet, it’s been revealed that the band is set to join a group of mostly scientists and engineers on one of World View’s inaugural 2024 flights.

On its journey to steal the hearts of younger generations, the space tourism company also announced in May that it was welcoming actor, environmentalist and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Adrian Grenier—yes, Vince from Entourage—as its Chief Earth Advocate.

Keep On Reading

By Charlie Sawyer

Transformers director Michael Bay officially confirmed to direct movie about viral Skibidi Toilet meme

By Charlie Sawyer

Sabrina Carpenter accused of centering men on controversial album cover

By Eliza Frost

The Summer I Turned Pretty is getting a movie. Could it be here in time for Christmas?

By Eliza Frost

Bad timing? Gavin Casalegno’s Dunkin’ ad sparks backlash over actor’s alleged conservative views

By Charlie Sawyer

Fans express concern after Harry Potter TV series announces the casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione

By Eliza Frost

What is the Gen Z stare, and why are millennials on TikTok so bothered by it?

By Eliza Frost

Rina Sawayama calls out Sabrina Carpenter’s SNL performance of Nobody’s Son for cultural insensitivity 

By Charlie Sawyer

Another female influencer has been punched in the head in New York. Is it the same attacker?

By Eliza Frost

If everyone has an AI boyfriend, what does that mean for the future of Gen Z dating?

By Charlie Sawyer

How rediscovering Nintendogs as an adult has helped my anxiety

By Eliza Frost

Jennifer Aniston to star in Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died

By Abby Amoakuh

I sat down with two professional matchmakers to solve Gen Z’s dating fatigue

By Eliza Frost

Jennifer Lawrence weighs in on The Summer I Turned Pretty love triangle, revealing she is Team Jeremiah

By Charlie Sawyer

First look at $1 billion UK mini city where controversial HBO Harry Potter series will be filmed

By Charlie Sawyer

Donald trump to accept $400M luxury plane from Qatar royal family

By Eliza Frost

Does the SKIMS Face Wrap actually work, or is it just another TikTok trap?

By Eliza Frost

Bad Bunny is not touring the US due to fear of ICE raids at concerts

By Charlie Sawyer

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega reveals surprising dream role in recent interview

By Eliza Frost

Sabrina Carpenter says you need to get out more if you think Man’s Best Friend artwork is controversial 

By Charlie Sawyer

How influencer Liv Schmidt promotes toxic eating habits through the Skinni Société