The Illinden Uprising began back in August 1903 in what is now the modern-day North Macedonia – it was an organised revolt against the powerful Ottoman Empire. It contributed to the eventual downfall of this empire in the early 1920s – and many within Macedonia see it as a crucial moment in the formation of their own state.
This year will be the 120th anniversary of the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising, to use its full name. And it’s because of historical events that Derrick May – the 60-year-old occasional DJ from Detroit – finds himself in the eastern European state this week, as part of his much-ridiculed European Coming Back Tour.
So how on earth did May end up on the lineup at Dupeni on the Prespa Lake, due to take place tomorrow night? Our regular Detroit sources are mystified on the finer details, although one mentioned that “Derrick has had a lot of contacts in the east of Europe since the 90s, and they’ve always had plenty of work for him.”.
That loyalty clearly runs deep – in much of the world, May remains effectively unbookable. Three years after multiple allegations of sexual abuse were made against him, most venues risk negative online publicity by booking him – although it appears that in the Balkans, they don’t care too much about any backlash.
A quick look at the country reveals this is hardly a surprise – despite being signed up to the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women since the 90s, mistreatment of women remains common. A 2018 report revealed the disturbing statistic that 45% of women said they had experienced psychological, physical, or sexual violence from their partner.
Seemingly unperturbed by the possibility of kickback, May appeared in person a few days ago to promote the event. He said…
“It’s really gratifying to know that my music has reached so many people, not only in Detroit, my hometown, but also in Macedonia and other parts of the world. Techno music has always been about breaking boundaries and connecting people. Witnessing the global influence of my music confirms the universality of techno and its ability to bring different cultures together on the dance floor.”
The article goes on to describe how May apparently “shaped the course of electronic music, taking it to new heights and captivating audiences around the world with his signature sound”, a statement that demonstrates one thing and one thing only – namely that plank lover Mike Weston has been sending press releases out to journalists again.
May is expected to earn a five-figure sum for his appearance tomorrow – something which will no doubt be welcome after Sonus Festival cancelled his gig later this month…
