Fatboy Slim Reflects on Rave Revolution adn Unexpected Honors
Norman Cook, known globally as Fatboy Slim, recalls a pivotal moment in music history: converting indie music fans into fervent ravers-a transformation he describes as deeply satisfying. The DJ and producer, celebrating decades in the music industry, recently shared anecdotes ranging from a surreal DJ lesson with Nicole Kidman to the surprising honor of having a sex toy named after him.
cook’s success story isn’t simply about chart-topping hits; it’s about a cultural shift. His innovative blend of genres and energetic performances in the late 90s and early 2000s helped bridge the gap between alternative music and the electronic dance scene, impacting a generation and influencing the sound of modern music. As electronic music continues its mainstream dominance, Cook’s reflections offer valuable insight into its origins and evolution.
In 2001, Cook found himself DJing at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Baz luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. During his set, nicole Kidman, star of the film, requested a lesson in the art of DJing. Cook remembers the moment as “quiet a surreal moment, marred onyl by her being appalled at how sweaty my headphones were.”
A striking image from Cook’s career is the artwork for You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, which was later immortalized as a statue for a 2006 best-of compilation. The original photograph, taken at the 1983 Fat People’s festival and discovered by Cook in The Guardian, features a subject who remains unidentified despite efforts to track them down.
Despite numerous musical accolades, including gold and platinum discs for his production and remix work, Cook considers a different recognition his proudest achievement. “Whenever anybody asks me what was your proudest moment in 40 years in showbiz, I always say having a dildo named after me.” He was doing his ironing, surrounded by his awards, when he reflected on this unusual honor.
