House DJ Lil Louis may be left with permanent hearing loss after incident at Sankeys

Chicago-born house music producer, Lil Louis, has been left with what is being described as a career threatening injury after an air horn was blasted into his ear at close proximity.

The DJ, who is often dubbed “The founding father of house music”, was forced to cancel his gig at Sankeys at the weekend after the incident took place during sound check.

Lil Louis posted the following statement on Facebook yesterday:

“Dear Manchester.

I know you wondered what happened on Saturday. I’ll explain. I was really excited to play for you, thus, deeply disappointed that I didn’t. As usual, I landed then went to Soundcheck. As we were about to leave, this idiot came into the booth and without notice, decided to show off a new toy (a very powerful CO2 cannon blaster machine), which seemed 12 inches from my left ear. As he shot it, the compressed air that blasted out of the cannon was louder and more shrill than anything I’d ever heard. It hurt so bad, I jumped in the air and screamed. The pain was followed by an intense ringing and muffled silence. The left side of the room went dead, and I couldn’t hear anything except that ring. I was taken to the hospital, where I spent the night being passed around a bevy of doctors including an ENT specialist. I was diagnosed with SIHL (sound induced hearing loss), a permanent hearing loss, and given a strong steroid medication. I haven’t been able to easily walk straight (my equilibrium is off), so I can’t work out, hold down food, and I’m nauseous and lightheaded. I’ve gone from sleeping two hours a day to being in bed for two days.

I am fucking upset, because this idiot, (a manager no less) should have known better. And not only did he prevent me from playing for you, he may have ended my career as a DJ and Artist. I’m not looking for sympathy, but to prevent any new rumors from milling, instead of handling it privately as usual, this time I’m sharing the details.

Know that I live for three things, God, to finish this film, and create and play music for you. I’ve been able to handle everything life has thrown me. But I don’t know what will come of this. While writing this, I thought about the Serenity Prayer my mom gave me at 5. I understand why now. This is beyond my control, so I have to accept whatever comes. But I’m praying, because I’ve made the best album of my life, and want to give you that, the film, and the best DJing, which is still in front of me. In two hours, I have to take further tests. Wish me luck…

Musically yours,
Lil Louis.”

Lil’ Louis live at “Movement: Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival” in 2012.