Three sold-out Stades de France announced for 2026, a supersonic world tour, a return to Las Vegas in the spring: at 57, David Guetta continues to electrify the planet.
David Guetta crosses time zones like others change playlists. After a year 2025 marked by yet another coronation in Ibiza — world number 1 DJ for the fifth time according to DJ Mag — he is about to open a new chapter. Always ahead of the beat, he thinks of partying as an exact science: maximum intensity, shared emotion. He ignites a stadium like a club, talking about his beginnings, his obsessions, and what comes next, with the raw energy of a Stones concert… and an intact faith in the power of sound to bring crowds together.
What was your first musical shock, the one that made you want to make music?
There have been several. In the 80s, as a child, I listened to free radio stations. The DJs mixed without filter, nothing but raw passion. I was fascinated by'sequence of pieces, remixes, this mysterious logic. Then there was Dee Nasty on the decks at Chez Roger Boîte Funk : pure hip-hop, a slap in the face. Later, Frankie Knuckles, Eric Morillo, David Morales… There, I'knew: I wanted to be a DJ.
DR USHUAÏA IBIZA
What did we listen to at the Guettas when you were a kid?
Not that much music at home, but I was really into Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder… I listened to them over and over. C'remained my base. This soul, this warmth does not'never left.
You grew up in the 1980s, when rock dominated and New Wave was exploding. Did this energy influence your first sets?
No way ! I got my first real job, at 17, in a Parisian gay club, Le Broad. I was passionate about funk, disco, black music. But at that time, New Wave reigned there. For the boss to hire me, I had to do it. I didn't know anything about it, so I learned on the job. I mixed funk, disco and New Wave. And this forced mixture already contained the seeds of electro: drum machines, synths, a deeply funky soul. Two pillars that still define my music today: advanced electronic production and emotion inherited from soul.
Like rock, L'EDM rocks the stadiums. Does it have the same potential for rebellion and longevity?
Without a doubt. House music is not a passing fad. Today'Today, dance occupies a larger market share than rock. In its early days, house and techno embodied'pure underground. For forty years, it has been a social revolution. In England particularly, it brought together all classes, from the son of an aristo to the city kid, around the same dancefloor. I have remained faithful to this old school vision: a set must be an almost spiritual collective experience where differences remain at the front door.
Your shows have a visceral energy. Have any rock frontmen inspired you?
I come from black music, not rock. But Kings of Leon and Coldplay m'scored. Their energy and sincerity,'is huge. The first time I'met Chris Martin, I told him: “You m'you influenced so much.” He m'replied, laughing: “Yeah, I'I heard.”
Your three Stades de France are already full. How do we prepare this?
J'I'm afraid all the time. Not about going on stage, but about not being up to par, comparing myself to giants like The Weeknd or Coldplay. These shows must be the most beautiful of my life, with top production. It will be closer to'a concert that'a simple club night.
Why did you choose Black Coffee to open at the Stade de France?
It was obvious. We did “Drive” together, one of my biggest hits. He revolutionized dance with'Afro House. This sound is everywhere. He led the way. C'is an honor.
DR USHUAÏA IBIZA
Your residence in Ibiza, F*** Me I'm Famous,c'is a laboratory?
Exactly. J'y test my sounds, I'm going to listen to'other DJs, I spot trends. My job is'is to take the energy from the'underground and transform it into accessible songs.
And Galactic Circus, your concept'UNVRS?
We live in a world of screens. I want to bring back'human at the center: dancers, acrobats, real interactions. Orchestrate the party, guide the collective energy.
A modern Ringmaster?
Downright ! My idea was to orchestrate the celebration, to guide the collective energy.
DR UNVRS IBIZA
L'interaction with the public,'is there'future of clubbing?
C'is already the present. The DJ reacts to the crowd. Unlike a group with a fixed set, a DJ improvises and exchanges. This flow of energy is the secret of'a good evening.
L'analog still has a place in your work?
A little, out of romance. In Ibiza I'I have a Rhodes piano. But frankly, the current plugins sound just as good. What I'like it'is to add'acoustic: for example, a brass section on my track with Teddy Swims and Tones and Ireleased on October 10, Gone Gone Gone. It brings another soul.
Does AI stimulate or scare you?
AI fascinates me. I'm even a beta tester. She doesn't scare me. A musician draws inspiration from what he has heard, learned and digested. AI does the same, but with a million references. It can democratize technology, not replace the human spark. Innovation and soul remain human.
Smartphones in a club, barrier or tool?
At the beginning of'a set, everyone films. Then it passes, people let go. The real problem is'is the fear of being filmed. Before, you could let go. Today'Today, some are holding back. everyone is afraid of being 'caught in the flag'.(laughs)
Do the younger generations experience the celebration differently?
Yes, I find them more passive. In the 90s, clubs were incubators of music, fashion and ideas trends. Today, the Internet has taken over — but it's less organic. Clubs are no longer places of creation.
DR UNVRS IBIZA
Could you do a tiny set again, just for fun?
Downright ! J'saw Bob Sinclar replaying funk in La Yellow Hand. Awesome ! These moments without format, it'is kif. Like Bob, I'I started with eight hour sets. We have this culture.
Among your hits, which surprised you the most?
I'm Goodcomposed in 30 minutes, for laughs. It stayed on my hard drive for two years, the label didn't want to release it. I played it in a DJ set, someone sampled it on TikTok… and it became a huge hit!
Among all the awards you have received, is there one that really matters?
I take that with hindsight. The awards are political. My real reward is the ticket sales, the streams, the connection with the audience.
You remixed Bonnie Tyler in your song “Together”. Young people in clubs, who don't necessarily know the original, sing it at the top of their lungs. Do you see yourself as a bridge between generations?
Creating bridges between eras, styles and generations is the primary objective of DJing. Since my beginnings, I have remained faithful to this vision. A good set is a balance between nostalgia, bangers and new things. You thrill the crowd while surprising them.
Have you ever danced alone to one of your tracks in the studio?
All the time ! (Laughs) When I come up with an idea in the studio, I turn it up loud and dance like a crazy person. This is the best time!
All the dates of David Guetta's 2026 Tour
