Late rapper DMX will be honored during a memorial event at Brooklyn, NY’s Barclays Center on Saturday, April 24th at 4:00 p.m. ET, former manager Steve Rifkind confirmed to TMZ. The Yonkers, NY native died on April 9th after being admitted to the hospital following a heart attack, which some outlets have reported was the result of an apparent overdose.
Due to COVID, attendance for the event will be limited to only ten percent of the arena’s 19,000-person capacity. While initial reports indicated that the event would be publicly attended, an update from event organizers noted that the decision had been made to open the memorial only to friends and family. Organizers confirm to TMZ that the event will be livestreamed, though specific stream details have yet to be announced.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano reportedly welcomed the idea of using Yonkers Raceway for the memorial. Despite the fact that DMX memorial organizers opted for Barclays Center as the venue, Spano says the city is considering plans to honor the late rapper, born Earl Simmons, with a “statue or street name” in the city.
The DMX memorial will be among the first non-athletic events to take place at Barclays Center since New York officials began permitting limited-capacity audiences at stadiums and arenas in the state in February.
The news of a DMX memorial at the Brooklyn arena this week continues to reflect the gradual re-launch of live music in New York after a year of empty stages and venues. Beginning on April 1st, ticketed events have been permitted to resume in the state at significantly reduced capacity. While the capacity limits continue to make reopening financially unfeasible for many independent venues, the decision marks an important first step in the eventual reopening of the state’s once-vibrant live music industry. For updates on the ever-developing pandemic picture and the gradual return of live music, head here.
Tune in to the DMX memorial at Barclays Center on Saturday, April 24th below.
Celebration of Life for Earl “DMX” Simmons (Official Livestream) – 4/24/21, 4:00 p.m. ET
[Video: DMX]
[H/T TMZ]