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Run-D.M.C. to Reunite at Fun Fun Fun Fest

Hip-hop trailblazers will perform for first time since 2002

Run-D.M.C., circa 1999.
Bob Berg/Getty Images
July 10, 2012 11:05 AM ET

Hip-hop trailblazers Run-D.M.C. are set to reunite for a performance at this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest, which runs from November 2nd to the 4th in Austin, Texas. The two surviving members, Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, will headline the main stage.

"We couldn’t be more excited," festival producer James Moody said in a statement. "Run-D.M.C. is one of our favorite bands, and one of the most influential groups of all time . . . We never thought that we would get to see [them] play live, much less play in Austin at our festival."

The Fun Fun Fun appearance will mark the first time Run-D.M.C. has performed since 2002, when they retired the name following the tragic death of DJ and producer Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell. To honor Jay's life, Fun Fun Fun Fest is working with Run-D.M.C. to donate a portion of the proceeds to the JMJ Foundation for Music, which helps provide children and young adults with access to the arts, regardless of socio-economic status.

Now in its 7th year, the 2012 Fun Fun Fun Fest finds Run-D.M.C. performing alongside a shortlist that includes Atlas Sound, Rakim, Against Me!, The Head and the Heart, Danny Brown, Bob Mould and many more. The full lineup will be announced on July 12th.

"This is as big as it gets," added Moody about the addition of Run-D.M.C. to this year's bill. "We are so proud to be working with them."

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