The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: 'Sandstorm' creator Darude performs at Gamecock Park ahead of Kentucky matchup

Finnish DJ Darude performed a mix of music from his discography, including songs from his newest album, "Together," and his hit single "Sandstorm," at a pre-game concert at Gamecock Park. Once in the stadium, Darude visited the sidelines and student section, and he DJ'd during the Gamecocks' game against Kentucky. The musician's song was first played by South Carolina in a game against Ole Miss in 2009 and has since become a Gamecock tradition. 

Darude, the creator of "Sandstorm," holds up a sign for the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. Darude performed a mix of his songs before the Gamecocks' game against Kentucky at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Darude, the creator of "Sandstorm," holds up a sign for the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. Darude performed a mix of his songs before the Gamecocks' game against Kentucky at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Darude dances while playing a mix of music from his discography. The Finnish DJ performed for a crowd at Gamecock Park ahead of South Carolina's game against Kentucky.
Darude dances while playing a mix of music from his discography. The Finnish DJ performed for a crowd at Gamecock Park ahead of South Carolina's game against Kentucky.
A Gamecock fan moves her arms to the music while at a pre-game Darude concert in Gamecock Park. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Wildcats 17-14.
A Gamecock fan moves her arms to the music while at a pre-game Darude concert in Gamecock Park. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Wildcats 17-14.
Finnish DJ Darude makes a heart with his hands at the end of his set at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The DJ performed an hour-long set prior to the South Carolina versus Kentucky football game on Nov. 18, 2023, and was later introduced onto the field at Williams-Brice Stadium as the special guest of the game.
Finnish DJ Darude makes a heart with his hands at the end of his set at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The DJ performed an hour-long set prior to the South Carolina versus Kentucky football game on Nov. 18, 2023, and was later introduced onto the field at Williams-Brice Stadium as the special guest of the game.
Darude talks to the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The Finnish DJ first released his hit single "Sandstorm" in 1999.
Darude talks to the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The Finnish DJ first released his hit single "Sandstorm" in 1999.
A fan moves his hands to the music while at the pre-game Darude concert in Gamecock Park. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Wildcats 17-14.
A fan moves his hands to the music while at the pre-game Darude concert in Gamecock Park. The Gamecocks went on to defeat the Wildcats 17-14.
Darude smiles at the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park prior to South Carolina's game against Kentucky. South Carolina first played Darude's song "Sandstorm" during a game against Ole Miss in 2009. 
Darude smiles at the crowd during his concert at Gamecock Park prior to South Carolina's game against Kentucky. South Carolina first played Darude's song "Sandstorm" during a game against Ole Miss in 2009. 
A crowd of Kentucky and South Carolina fans listen to Darude perform "Sandstorm" during his pre-game set at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The Finnish DJ performed several hits from his new album, "Together" and some of his classic hits.
A crowd of Kentucky and South Carolina fans listen to Darude perform "Sandstorm" during his pre-game set at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. The Finnish DJ performed several hits from his new album, "Together" and some of his classic hits.
Darude performs to a crowd at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. Fans gathered before South Carolina's game against Kentucky to hear Darude play a variety of songs from his discography, including the hit single "Sandstorm," which is now a gameday tradition.
Darude performs to a crowd at Gamecock Park on Nov. 18, 2023. Fans gathered before South Carolina's game against Kentucky to hear Darude play a variety of songs from his discography, including the hit single "Sandstorm," which is now a gameday tradition.
A fan smiles while listening to Darude perform on Nov. 18, 2023. Darude went on to DJ during the Gamecocks' game against Kentucky.
A fan smiles while listening to Darude perform on Nov. 18, 2023. Darude went on to DJ during the Gamecocks' game against Kentucky.
Darude smiles for a picture with a fan while on the sidelines of South Carolina's game against Kentucky. The Gamecocks went on to beat the Wildcats 17-14.
Darude smiles for a picture with a fan while on the sidelines of South Carolina's game against Kentucky. The Gamecocks went on to beat the Wildcats 17-14.
Darude, the creator of the song "Sandstorm," reacts to his song playing in Williams-Brice Stadium. "Sandstorm" was first played by South Carolina in 2009 and has since become a tradition for Gamecock fans.
Darude, the creator of the song "Sandstorm," reacts to his song playing in Williams-Brice Stadium. "Sandstorm" was first played by South Carolina in 2009 and has since become a tradition for Gamecock fans.