
USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Former NBA player and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal enters the arena before game three of the 2022 western conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Former NBA player and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal enters the arena before game three of the 2022 western conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“It gives me the same adrenaline boost,” DJ Diesel told PEOPLE about his passion for his DJ career. After his retirement, the 4x NBA champion couldn’t think of what to do with his ample free time. He wanted to feel the same thrill that he felt during his playing days. And music was the answer. That is when he started DJing. He loved how people enjoyed his performances and how he was able to connect with the fans. Shaq will be doing it again with his latest comeback after the shocking chaos at Coachella.
Big Aristotle has a love for music. He has explored several styles, including EDM and more. As DJ Diesel, Shaq is known for his high-octane sets that blend elements of trap, dubstep, and electronic dance music, creating an energetic and immersive experience for the audience. And he will have the chance again when the Breakaway Music Festival arrives in Worcester. They have just announced that they will bring their massive multi-stage lineup for its upcoming edition in the city.
And Shaquille O’Neal will put on his DJ Diesel hat to deliver his best performance and impress music enthusiasts. After a standout event in Dallas, this new edition will feature the Chainsmokers, Subtronics, BONNIE X CLYDE, Cyclops, Dombresky, and more. There is another highlight.
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Fans who loved O’Neal and his son Myles O’Neal, who became the first-ever father-son duo to perform at Tomorrowland last year, will be thrilled to know that the 27-year-old will be performing at this event as well. He just released his new single ‘Work You Out’ under the Breakaway Projects label.

This comes after fans reported a chaotic start at Coachella 2025. Some attendees called it the “worst in history,” as car campers reported waiting over 12 hours to reach campsites despite arriving early. This led to major frustration even before the festival officially began. The Breakaway Music Festival featuring O’Neal, which will be held from September 5–6, might bring some hope to fans. The Breakaway Festival has established itself as a well-organized multi-city event known for its diverse lineups and positive attendee experiences. After all, O’Neal’s latest event as the label’s previous festivals have raised the bar.
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What’s your perspective on:
Can Shaq's DJ Diesel persona outshine his NBA legacy, or is it just a side gig?
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The Shaq Fun House event has interesting offers
O’Neal’s last event during Super Bowl weekend was its largest edition yet. It reportedly drew an attendance of over 5,000 fans. For the larger-than-life event, the basketball legend had offered an even more exciting giveaway. “🏈🚢 Get ready to win BIG for Big Game Weekend! Enter @CarnivalCruise Line’s Big Game Weekend Giveaway for your chance to score an unforgettable experience during the biggest weekend in football plus a $2,000 Carnival gift card toward a cruise! Don’t miss out—enter now.” the Los Angeles Lakers legend wrote on X, about the giveaway for the fans.
The grand prize included round-trip airfare for two, hotel accommodations, two VIP tickets to Shaq’s Fun House and Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate, plus a $2,000 Carnival gift card toward a cruise meet-and-greet with Shaq and Guy.
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Apart from the grand prize winner, five secondary winners were announced to receive two General Admission (GA) tickets to Shaq’s Fun House and Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate. John Summit, Ludacris, DJ Irie, Myles, and others who performed at the event.
Shaquille O’Neal’s continued enthusiasm for DJing as DJ Diesel showcases his ability to connect with audiences beyond the basketball court, tapping into the same energy that defined his legendary playing career. As the Breakaway Music Festival approaches, it offers a potential antidote to the reported Coachella frustrations, promising a high-energy performance from Shaq and a well-regarded festival experience. With his son Myles also set to perform, it’s clear that the O’Neal family’s musical endeavors are hitting their stride, bringing their signature larger-than-life energy to a new arena.
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Can Shaq's DJ Diesel persona outshine his NBA legacy, or is it just a side gig?