Photo: sterling munksgard / shutterstock
The man behind the mask.
By Isabella Pacinelli — Written on Mar 02, 2021
Labeled as the world’s second-highest-paid DJ in 2019 by Forbes magazine, Marshmello is the real deal. But since he always performs in his signature marshmallow-shaped helmet, we can't help but wonder what Marshmello looks like.
Marshmello is an American electronic music producer and DJ. He is best known for collaborations with artists such as Khalid (Silence), Selena Gomez (Wolves), Anne-Marie (Friends), and Bastille (Happier).
What does Marshmello look like?
After the first-ever Marshmello face reveal at EDC Las Vegas in 2016, concertgoers got a glimpse of the DJ like never before.
With short brown hair and a smile that matches his mask, you can tell that Marshmello is just performing for the love of music.
Marshmello's real name is Christopher Comstock.
Born in Philadelphia, Comstock began his career in 2015 and debuted his first studio album, Joytime, in 2016.
He has worked closely with other DJs like Skrillex, Diplo, and Zedd.
In fact, it was close friend Skrillex who first gave away Marshmello's true identity. There's video evidence of Skrillex referring to Marshmello as Chris in an interview, only to then go on and continue calling that same person Marshmello throughout the duration of the interview.
Dedicated fans also correctly guessed who was behind the Marshmello face based on a leg tattoo that both Marshmello and Chris Comstock happen to share.
A winner of two iHeartRadio Music awards, an International Dance Music award, an MTV Europe Music award, and a Remix award, Marshmello is a force to be reckoned with.
One of the most impressive qualities about him is that he does it all with a marshmallow on his head.
His white helmet, marked with black strikes for eyes and a smile, has been around as long as he has.
Or is that so?
Chris Comstock was actually an already-famous DJ before Marshmello came into existence.
Referred to by the stage name of Dotcom, he was one of the first artists to show support for Marshmello’s music (or you could say his own music).
So, to clear things up — Dotcom is Chris Comstock and Chris Comstock is Marshmello.
Regardless of the confusion over identity, this DJ has proven his talent and continues to do so with exciting new collaborations with Halsey and the late Juice WRLD.
Why does Marshmello hide his face?
When asked in a thumbs up/thumbs down interview whether or not he would ever reveal himself, he said no.
Two months after the interview he tweeted the reason behind his mask.
“I don’t take my helmet off because I don’t want or need fame," he explains. "I’m genuinely trying to create something positive for people to connect with.”
Cue the awweees!
So, Marshmello performs hidden as a way to humble himself and focus on what really matters — the music.
But he doesn’t just stop at the music.
Marshmello has found a way to further connect with his fans by letting them get a little glimpse into his life through frequent uploads on his YouTube channel.
He has created playlists that offer insight into some of his favorite things like adventuring, gaming, cooking, and how-to tutorials (all while leaving the mask on though).
Has Marshmello shown his face?
Aside from the quick 2016 face reveal, There’s no telling when, or if, Marshmello will go about revealing his face again.
For now, it seems like he enjoys keeping his identity to the side (although we have it figured out).
I think if we were to ask him what he wants from his fans it would be to not focus on what’s in the helmet but rather what’s in his heart.
What’s Marshmello up to these days?
Like the rest of us, he’s practicing social distancing and wearing a mask. And although he’s released some new music, it has all been pre-recorded.
He recently made the decision to cancel his Melloverse tour that was set to begin August 28.
As a result, he has issued full refunds to anyone who bought tickets and hopes to reschedule the tour for the year 2021.
The good thing about his helmet is that it probably protects against coronavirus!
And with heartfelt songs like Alone, it’s safe to assume that Marshmello is creating some powerful and relatable lyrics during this time.
Isabella Pacinelli is a writer who covers relationship, self-love, spirituality, and entertainment topics.