Van Der Dijs
Venezuelan rock band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Van Der Dijs (also known as VDD) was a Venezuelan nu metal, rap rock, and alternative rock band formed in Caracas in 2024.[1][2] The group gained notoriety in the Venezuelan music scene after participating in the Nuevas Bandas Festival and releasing the singles "15 Minutos", "VENPAKA", and "¿DÓNDE ESTÁN?". In June 2026, the band received international attention after all of its members were killed in the 2026 Venezuela earthquakes.[1][3][4]
History
Van Der Dijs was formed in Caracas in 2024.[5] Their genre mixed elements of nu metal, rap rock, and alternative rock.[6] In 2025, the group participated in the Festival Nuevas Bandas, one of the main events for discovering new artists in Venezuela.[7]
The band released several singles, including "15 Minutos", "VENPAKA", and "¿DÓNDE ESTÁN?", in addition to performing in different cities across the country.[8] The group also had shows scheduled for Punto Fijo and Valencia.[9]
Death of the members
On 24 June 2026, all four members of the band were killed when a doublet earthquake collapsed the Costamar II building, located in Tanaguarena, in the state of La Guaira, where they were rehearsing.[10] Bassist Xander Hernández was reported to have initially survived, but later died from his injuries while receiving medical attention.[11]
The musicians' deaths were confirmed by the Center for Modern Art and Culture (CCAM), where the band had performed a few days earlier.[9] The deaths received widespread coverage in the Venezuelan and international press.[citation needed]