Electronic musician Dan Deacon slammed for 'worst rendition' of National Anthem before Orioles game

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Baseball fans at Camden Yards were left stunned on Thursday, July 10, afternoon after electronic musician Dan Deacon delivered a highly unconventional, auto-tuned rendition of the US National Anthem.

The performance took place ahead of the Baltimore Orioles’ doubleheader against the New York Mets and immediately ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions both in the stadium and online.

What was meant to be a patriotic moment turned controversial as fans struggled to make sense of the special effects-heavy interpretation. Within hours, Deacon’s performance went viral, amassing close to a million views and drawing polarized responses from viewers across the country.

Dan Deacon’s auto-tuned National Anthem stuns Orioles fans at Camden Yards

Deacon, a Baltimore-based electronic artist, opted for an auto-tuned version of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' departing from the traditional a cappella style typically expected at major league games.

The anthem, which holds particular meaning in Baltimore as the city where it was originally penned by Francis Scott Key in 1812, was delivered to a half-full Camden Yards where the reactions ranged from bewilderment to outright disdain.

Fans at the stadium were visibly puzzled during the performance.

Bizarre Orioles pregame show triggers social media meltdown: ‘Rock bottom'

Social media platforms quickly lit up with comments after the footage circulated widely.

One viral reaction summed up the tone of many critics, declaring, “I think the Orioles have officially hit rock bottom.”

Another user mocked the crowd's visible confusion, writing, “You can literally see people thinking ‘what the f**k is this?’”

A third viewer didn’t hold back, calling it “a disgrace, but fortunately nobody was there to see it,” in reference to the stadium’s sparse attendance.

Others didn’t mince words either. “This is easily the worst rendition ever performed of this song. Bar none,” one comment read, while another user added, “I lost it when the cop was saluting in a serious manner,” highlighting the bizarre contrast between the music and the formal ceremony.

Not every response was critical, though. Some fans appreciated the daring approach.

One supporter commented, “That kinda slapped tbh,” while another firmly stated, “No Dan Deacon slander will be tolerated.”

Baltimore anthem tradition fuels outrage over Dan Deacon’s remix

Adding another layer to the controversy is Baltimore’s already unusual approach to the anthem. It is a well-known tradition for local fans to shout “Oh!”—a nod to the Orioles, during the line, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.”

While fans of other teams often view the practice as disrespectful, locals consider it a cherished custom tied to the city's identity and baseball culture.

In Baltimore, the anthem is especially revered, given its historical roots in the city and the symbolism attached to “O” as shorthand for “Oriole.” This cultural backdrop makes any deviation from tradition, such as Deacon’s heavily stylized version, a particularly sensitive subject for some fans.

Despite the divided opinions over Deacon’s performance, the Orioles had something to celebrate on the field. The team clinched victories in both games of the doubleheader against the New York Mets.

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