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Reflections on the Jet Set Nightclub Collapse by DJ Alex Gutierrez



 Reflections on the Jet Set Nightclub Collapse

As DJs, our minds are wired to think about sound — mixers, turntables, PA systems, USB sticks, the right playlist, the energy of the crowd. When we’re booked for a gig, especially overseas, the checklist is all about gear and vibes. Rarely, if ever, do we think: Is this building structurally safe?

That changed after the recent, devastating collapse of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.

Jet Set wasn’t just any nightclub — it was an institution. Since opening in 1973, the venue became a cultural hotspot in the Dominican Republic, known especially for its iconic Monday night live dance music sessions that attracted celebrities, socialites, and music lovers alike. It wasn’t just a place to party — it was a place of legacy. Tono Rosario, Rubby Perez, Omega ,Raulin Rodriguez were just a few of the performers that graced their stage.



But the tragedy that unfolded serves as a stark wake-up call for performers and partygoers alike. The building, originally constructed as a cinema (which comes with a whole different set of architectural and safety standards), had been reworked and reimagined several times — renovations in 2010 and 2015 attempted to modernize it. Still, signs of deeper issues may have gone unnoticed or unaddressed. In 2023, it was even struck by lightning, a freak incident that may have contributed to the building’s eventual structural compromise.

Despite its rich history and seemingly solid reputation, the collapse was sudden. And for many of us in the music scene, it hit close to home — not just because of the lives affected, but because it challenges a fundamental assumption we all make: that the place we’re playing in is safe.

When DJs take international gigs, we research the crowd, maybe the local laws, sometimes even the dress code. But rarely do we stop to think about the safety codes of the venue itself. We assume that if a nightclub is open for business, it’s up to standard. Jet Set’s collapse proves that assumption isn’t always safe.

For performers, especially those working the international circuit, this raises some important questions:

  • How much do we know about the buildings we’re stepping into?

  • Are venues keeping up with inspections, especially those housed in older or repurposed buildings?

  • Should artist riders start including safety clauses or venue certification requests?

Of course, this isn’t about creating paranoia. It’s about awareness. Just like we double-check our cables and bring backups of our USBs, maybe it’s time we added one more step to our pre-gig rituals — asking the questions that might save lives.

Jet Set will be remembered for its legendary nights, the unforgettable music, and the many artists who graced its stage. But let’s also remember it as a turning point — a moment that reminds us that no matter how solid the bass is, the ground beneath our feet matters more.

Stay safe. Spin smart. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

— A DJ who’s rethinking the green room checklist.

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