Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike — is a legendary Belgian DJ duo, recognized as global leaders in the EDM genre and symbols of the big room house era. Brothers Dimitri and Michael Thivaios conquered charts, major festival stages, and millions of hearts with their unique style, explosive energy, and ability to turn every performance into a grand show.
Early Years
Dimitri Thivaios was born on May 16, 1982, and Michael on December 2, 1985, in the village of Wilrijk near Antwerp, Belgium. Their musical tastes were shaped by hip-hop, electro, and early house. As teenagers, they began performing at local parties, mastering DJ techniques and crowd interaction.
In the early 2000s, Dimitri traveled across the Mediterranean, performing on Greek islands, in Spain, and Mallorca. This experience inspired him to develop a personal style that fused European melodies with festival energy. Upon returning to Belgium, he teamed up with his brother Michael, and soon the duo gained popularity in the club scene.
Career Beginnings
The Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike project officially launched in 2007. Their first success came with a remix of DJ Pedro Henriques’ “Work That Body”, followed by original tracks like “Coca Cola” and “Liquid Skies”. Their productions stood out for their powerful sound, and their performances for charisma and live energy.
Gradually, the duo began collaborating with major artists and labels. Remixes for Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta, Afrojack, and Tiësto earned them professional recognition and opened the door to the international scene.
Breakthrough and Global Fame
Their big breakthrough came in 2010 when they created the official anthem for Tomorrowland — “Tomorrow (Give Into The Night)”. Since then, the brothers have been resident headliners and faces of the festival, releasing anthems every year, including “Chattahoochee” (2013), “Wakanda” (2014), “The Hum” (2015), and “Tremor” (with Martin Garrix).
Their explosive big room sound and energetic stage presence made them headliners at Ultra Music Festival, EDC, Creamfields, Electric Zoo, and other major events. Their show “Bringing The Madness” became legendary for its staging, pyrotechnics, and synchronized crowd interaction.
Key Hits
- “Mammoth” (with Moguai) — one of the most recognizable big room anthems.
- “Tremor” (feat. Martin Garrix) — a massive international festival hit.
- “Higher Place” (feat. Ne-Yo) — topped charts and achieved platinum status.
- “Complicated” (feat. David Guetta & Kiiara) — a successful crossover hit.
- “Instagram” (feat. Afro Bros, Natti Natasha & Daddy Yankee) — a hit blending EDM and Latin influences.
Own Label: Smash The House
In 2010, the brothers founded their own label, Smash The House, which became one of the leading platforms for festival electronic music. The label’s top tracks air weekly on Minatrix.FM in the show Smash The House Radio. It has released music by artists like W&W, Bassjackers, Quintino, and Wolfpack. Smash The House also runs sub-labels Generation Smash and Green Room to support emerging producers.
Awards and Recognition
- Twice ranked #1 in the world by DJ Mag Top 100 DJs (2015, 2019).
- Multiple winners of NRJ Music Awards and IDMA.
- Performed at the world’s largest venues: Tomorrowland Mainstage, Madison Square Garden, Sportpaleis Antwerp.
- Created soundtracks for movies and video games, including voice roles in Mortal Kombat 11.
- Collaborations with pop and rap stars: Ne-Yo, Wiz Khalifa, Paris Hilton, Gucci Mane.
Stage Style and Personality
The duo’s hallmark is their incredible charisma and live audience engagement. Like Mike (Michael) often acts as MC, hyping up the crowd and transforming the set into a full performance. Dimitri Vegas handles mixing and visual concepts, making every show a synergy of sound and light. Their performances are known for theatrical elements, special effects, and cinematic production.
Charity and Social Projects
The brothers are actively involved in charity initiatives. They support cancer foundations, help children, and work with environmental organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they hosted online concerts, donating proceeds to healthcare services.
Interesting Facts
- In 2020, the duo recorded the official track for “Mortal Kombat 11”, with Dimitri featured as the character Sub-Zero.
- They own a clothing brand and NFT art series inspired by Tomorrowland.
- In 2023, they launched the show “Garden of Madness” in Ibiza and Madrid, combining music, visual art, and theatrical elements.
- Their YouTube channel has tens of millions of views, and their fanbase exceeds 15 million followers across social media.
Legacy
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are more than DJs — they are ambassadors of festival culture. They played a huge role in popularizing EDM, uniting generations of listeners. Their music embodies energy, drive, and celebration. Through innovation, artistry, and charisma, the brothers remain among the most influential artists on the modern electronic scene.
