Dave Blunts announces he’ll perform standing up and stage dive with paramedics on standby at El Rey Theatre show [VIDEO]
Rapper Dave Blunts to Perform Standing Up for First Time Ever
Dave Blunts, the viral sensation known for performing while using an oxygen tank, has just raised the bar—and the stakes—for his next show. This afternoon (August 6), he announced in a video that he’ll perform his entire El Rey Theatre concert standing up. Not only that, but also with plans to stage dive into the crowd. The show, scheduled for August 30, 2025, is already generating massive buzz across social media for what fans are calling his boldest move yet.
“I’m standing the whole show,” Blunts says in the clip. “And I’m stage diving. Paramedics on deck for y’all too.”
The announcement is equal parts hilarious and historic. Therefore, marking the first time the rapper will attempt a full set on his feet. This is despite weighing approximately 600 pounds (272 kg) and having faced serious health concerns over the past year.
From Oxygen Tanks to Onstage Triumph
Blunts’ real name is David Blunt. He gained notoriety in late 2024 after clips of him performing on stage with an oxygen tank began circulating on social media. Critics labeled him “gimmick rap.” However, fans flocked to his raw, unfiltered style that blends trap, emo rap, and meme culture. Songs like “Big Body” and “Oxygen”—both of which openly reference his size and struggles—cemented his place as a polarizing but undeniable force in the underground rap scene.
Now, the El Rey show represents a comeback moment. After being hospitalized multiple times in 2024, Blunts is attempting what may be his most physically taxing performance yet. Most of his past shows have been performed seated due to mobility and respiratory issues, which makes this shift a milestone both symbolically and physically.
The El Rey Theatre Show: What to Expect
The event will be held at the historic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles—a venue with a capacity of 771 people and standing-room-only GA access. According to Blunts, no opening acts have been announced yet. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 8:00 PM. Tickets are priced between $30 and $50 and are available through AXS and select third-party sellers.
The plan for Blunts to stage dive has already sparked concerns and laughter online, especially given his size. While the tone of his announcement is clearly humorous, there’s an undercurrent of real danger. Both he and the crowd could be at risk, hence the decision to have paramedics on standby.
Still, fans are calling it the ultimate “I told you so” moment against those who dismissed him as lazy or incapable.
X (Formerly Twitter) Reacts: Hype, Humor, and Concern Collide
The announcement video was reposted on X by @scubaryan_, quickly racking up 7.6K likes, 465 replies, 262 quotes, and nearly half a million views as of August 6.
Here’s how the responses broke down:
Humor and Memes (70%)
Most replies leaned into jokes about the potential dangers of his stage dive:
- “He’s gonna kill somebody 💀” – @LilGucciBoaa
- “This is a terroristic threat.” – @therealyammer
- “They gon’ need FEMA at that show.” – Multiple users shared crowd crush memes and tsunami GIFs.
Support and Inspiration (15%)
Some users expressed genuine support for Blunts’ progress:
- “Super inspiring, fr. Standing the whole show at 600 lbs? Mad respect.” – @aarashmusic
- “He putting in work. I’m rooting for him.” – @Blackout_BOE
Skepticism or Criticism (10%)
A smaller percentage weren’t convinced:
- “Sick of meme rap.” – @newvonmoon
- “He ain’t gone make it past song #2.” – @BigHargyyy
Neutral or Confused (5%)
Some users were unfamiliar with Dave Blunts and just asked, “Who is this?” or made light observations like, “Why does the background look like it’s 2003?”
Why This Moment Matters
Dave Blunts’ announcement isn’t just another viral moment—it taps into deeper narratives around body image, health, fame, and performance culture. By staging a standing show and crowd dive, he’s confronting critics who accused him of laziness, while also embracing the absurdity that made him famous.
While it may read like a meme, this moment is also layered with themes of resilience and spectacle—making him both a product of internet culture and a disruptive voice within it.
If this performance succeeds, it could redefine what success and showmanship look like for artists facing chronic health issues. But the risks—legal, physical, and reputational—are very real.
The Risk—and Hype—Behind the Crowd Surfing Claim
Dave Blunts’ announcement has become a viral sensation online. However, his plan to stage dive into the crowd at 600 pounds raises serious questions. But it’s not just about health and logistics. Also, it’s about liability. At his size, even a carefully executed dive could result in injuries to fans, staff, or himself. Given the El Rey Theatre’s general admission layout and tightly packed standing-room setup, the idea is both absurdly hilarious and deeply risky.
Yet, this is precisely why it works for Dave Blunts. His entire persona thrives on pushing the boundaries of what’s expected. This not just of rappers, but of human bodies under duress. His commitment to performing standing up and crowd surfing, despite being tethered to an oxygen tank in recent months, is a form of radical showmanship that fans are eager to witness in person.
Industry insiders have quietly speculated about whether the crowd surfing bit is exaggerated for marketing buzz. But regardless of whether he follows through, the anticipation alone has boosted ticket sales and increased engagement with his music. In a genre where physicality, presence, and daring all matter, Blunts has weaponized his vulnerabilities to craft one of the most talked-about performances of the summer.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the jokes or rooting for the underdog, one thing is clear: August 30 at El Rey is going to be a night to remember. Whether Blunts pulls it off or creates chaos, he’s once again flipped the internet’s attention in his favor.
And in a world where virality can launch a music career, Dave Blunts might just have another hit on his hands—without dropping a single bar.