Fatboy Slim (real name Norman Quentin Cook), became one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music (EDM), blending elements of house, funk, hip hop and breakbeat into a sound that defined a generation. Cook began his musical career as the bassist for the indie rock band The Housemartins in the 1980s before moving into electronic music. Under the moniker Fatboy Slim, he rose to international fame in the late 1990s with a string of groundbreaking hits including “The Rockafeller Skank”, “Praise You”, “Right Here, Right Now” and “Weapon of Choice”. His 1998 album “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” was a landmark release, cementing his status as a pioneer in the EDM scene.
Known for his explosive live shows and energetic DJ sets, Fatboy Slim has headlined some of the world’s biggest music festivals, including Glastonbury, Coachella and Tomorrowland. His landmark 2002 performance at Brighton Beach, where he played to over 250,000 people, remains one of the most legendary live DJ events in history.
Fatboy Slim’s music videos have also become cultural phenomena, with “Weapon of Choice” (featuring an iconic Christopher Walken dance sequence) and “Praise You” (a low-budget guerrilla video directed by Spike Jonze) receiving critical acclaim and multiple awards, including MTV Video Music Awards.
Aside from his hits, Fatboy Slim’s influence on electronic music cannot be overstated. He played a key role in popularising big beat music and influenced countless DJs and producers around the world. With a career spanning over three decades, Norman Cook continues to perform, produce and inspire, remaining an enduring icon in dance music culture. Whether it’s his chart-topping tracks, unforgettable music videos or energetic live performances, Fatboy Slim has left an indelible mark on the global music scene.
