Dan Deacon Performs National Anthem at Baltimore Orioles Game

Baltimore-based electronic musician Dan Deacon delivered a groundbreaking and polarizing performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Baltimore Orioles game against the New York Mets on July 10, 2025. Deacon, known for his experimental and electronic compositions, brought his unique style to Camden Yards, leaving the audience with mixed reactions. His rendition of the national anthem featured a vocoder setup and heavy use of autotune, resulting in a sound far from the traditional a cappella version expected by many. This performance quickly went viral, prompting diverse opinions from fans and spectators alike.

Deacon's approach to the national anthem was described as mesmerizing by some, who appreciated the innovative take. Using electronic elements, he started the anthem in a customary manner but quickly transitioned into a series of harmonies and layered effects, culminating in a growling shout of “O say,” which likely resonated with fans of Baltimore's Orioles, colloquially known as the “O's.” This particular embellishment highlighted a local tradition, with fans customarily emphasizing the “O” in “Oh” during the anthem. However, despite this nod to local culture, not everyone was enamored with the avant-garde version. Some attendees and viewers voiced their confusion and displeasure online, labeling the performance as a “disgrace to America.”

The mixed reception underscored a broader divide in public taste, pitting traditional expectations against modern interpretations. On social media, reactions ranged from ardent support to vehement criticism. One fan defended the rendition, asserting that no “Dan Deacon slander would be tolerated,” while others were baffled and criticized the performance as unpatriotic. A clip of the performance shared by Deacon on Instagram, captioned “Go Os,” suggested that the musician himself was proud of the bold artistic choice.

This was not the first time Deacon had ventured into these waters; he has built a reputation around his experimental work, continuously pushing boundaries in both live performances and recorded compositions. His latest project before the anthem was scoring the soundtrack for “Venom: The Last Dance,” indicating his active role in blending music with visual media.

The event sparked a broader conversation about the role of tradition in public performances and the acceptance of innovative interpretations of national symbols. While Deacon’s approach may have seemed unconventional, it also challenged audiences to reconsider the spaces within which national identity and artistic freedom intersect. By using electronic music — a form historically associated with rebellion and innovation — Deacon's performance was a statement on both personal and national levels, asking hard questions about comfort zones and cultural conformity.

Interestingly, the Orioles not only embraced Deacon’s creativity but also saw victory on the field, defeating the New York Mets 7-3 in what some might call a serendipitous series of events. Baltimore’s fans further solidified their loyalty by adopting the tradition of over-pronouncing the “Oh” in the anthem, akin to their love and support for the Orioles. This local twist in tradition gave the occasion an added layer of cultural significance, celebrating both city and team.

The reaction to Deacon's anthem displayed a microcosm of a larger cultural conversation about jury-rigging tradition with modernity, showing how art can be a polarizing force in societies governed by strong patriotic sentiments. Whether seen as a beneficial challenge to conventionality or a step too far, Dan Deacon’s performance remains a memorable moment in the intersection of music, sports, and national identity, sparking debate and reflection on the evolving landscape of cultural performances. With the Orioles claiming victory that day, the narrative of association between creativity and team spirit may well enshrine Deacon's rendition in the local lore, a feat of reconciling communal identity through music.