Getty Image
The South Carolina football program is bringing a Saturday tradition to life this season. Darude, the DJ responsible for creating “Sandstorm,” will play a concert ahead of the Gamecocks’ matchup versus Kentucky.
Fans and media have been quick to comment on the surprise guest appearance, posting responses on social media.
The “Sandstorm” tradition began in Columbia more than a decade ago, first being blasted over the loudspeakers in Williams-Brice Stadium during a 2009 contest against Ole Miss. The Rebels entered that matchup undefeated and ranked No. 4 in the country.
They’d leave with their first loss of the season.
In a tight game, the Gamecocks led 16-10 late in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss had one last shot at the lead, driving into South Carolina territory.
Just before an important 3rd-and-long play, Willy B broke into a full-on rave.
The Gamecocks would go on to make a pair of stops to end the Rebels’ threat and leave with their first win over a Top 5 team at home. The song stuck and now is played weekly in Columbia, becoming one of the more notable gameday traditions in the SEC.
Now, creator Darude plans to bring the ‘Sandstorm’ to South Carolina fans in person.
Gamecocks to bring ‘Sandstorm’ DJ as guest performer.
IT’S HAPPENING!!! pic.twitter.com/EvtURrzmGM
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) August 22, 2023
Head coach Shane Beamer made the announcement on Tuesday, noting the DJ would be in attendance for South Carolina’s November battle against Kentucky.
The internet is full of reaction following the news as college football fans race to social media to post their thoughts.
Darude, the artist behind “Sandstorm,” will hold a concert on South Carolina’s campus before the Gamecocks host Kentucky on Nov. 18. He will also be the celebrity starter for the Gamecocks. #Sandstorm pic.twitter.com/4DIZSHkYlt
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) August 22, 2023
Gamecocks fans are pumped to hear about the “Sandstorm” concert.
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) August 22, 2023
Yeah, South Carolina is going to win by 3 touchdowns against Kentucky. https://t.co/TRVS9nnI8d
— Grant Chachere (@ChachereGrant) August 22, 2023
Others, not so much.
Nobody will ever be able to explain this school’s obsession with this horrible EDM song… 😂😂😂 https://t.co/5cZdoj6aAT
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) August 22, 2023
hey man I know you’re really tired of that screaming chicken every time they do anything of note, but what if you also tried being tired of the world’s lamest pre-kick ritual https://t.co/vZsuEXeyrg
— Katie (@KatesOfHeaven) August 22, 2023
We’ll see if Darude can provide some excitement in Columbia.