Fatboy Slim’s performance at Langley Park on March 14 was a reminder of why he remains a giant in the electronic music world. At 62, Norman Cook—better known as Fatboy Slim—hasn’t lost any of the energy or flair that made him a key figure in the rave and dance scenes.
His set was an effortless blend of nostalgia, new energy, and clever visuals, keeping the crowd engaged and dancing from start to finish.
Langley Park, an open space just outside the city, became the backdrop for an afternoon and evening that felt more like a festival than a typical DJ performance.
People began arriving early—by 4:30 pm—when DJs like Jennifer Loveless, CC: Disco, and DJ Seinfeld got the crowd warmed up with sets that set the tone for what was to come. By the time Fatboy Slim took to the decks just ahead of his scheduled 7:25 pm start time, the atmosphere was already electrically charged with excitement.
Fatboy Slim kicked off his performance with the opening theme to Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory—a surprisingly whimsical choice, but one that immediately sucked the audience in.
As the crowd settled into the familiar beats, the stage came alive with visuals that kept up with the music, blending a mix of abstract imagery and playful references that reflected Cook’s ability to evolve with the times while staying rooted in his signature style. His visuals were sometimes satirical, with imagery addressing current issues, but it never felt too heavy-handed. It was an example of how he’s able to use the stage as both a form of entertainment and a platform for subtle commentary.
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One of the things that stood out most was how seamlessly Fatboy Slim connected with his audience. The crowd at Langley Park wasn’t just a collection of the typical festivalgoers; it was a broad mix of people from all ages.
There was a sense of energy that didn’t seem to discriminate by age, and that’s a testament to Fatboy Slim’s ability to transcend generations. I noticed a woman in front of me, her high heels having given out mid-set, yet she kept dancing, undeterred. It felt like a perfect reflection of what Fatboy Slim’s music represents—something that brings people together, no matter the circumstances.
As the night went on, the crowd became more immersed in the experience, with many of Fatboy Slim’s biggest hits making an appearance: Right Here, Right Now, The Rockafeller Skank, Eat Sleep Rave Repeat, and Praise You.
Each track hit its mark, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to the classics that defined his career. The atmosphere was one of pure escapism, where people could just let go and lose themselves in the music. There was a sense of freedom in the air, as if everyone had temporarily left the world outside the venue behind.
But it wasn’t just about the music. Fatboy Slim’s performance also showcased how in tune he is with the times. The incorporation of both classic tracks and more recent selections showed that, while he’s very much part of dance music history, he’s not stuck in the past.
His ability to blend new and old was matched by his visual elements, which had a sense of cheekiness and wit. At one point, he flashed a photo of Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke on the screens, bowing theatrically before continuing the show. It was a playful moment that showed how relaxed Fatboy Slim is on stage, with just enough of a nod to his status as both a musical force and a cultural icon.
Langley Park itself became a microcosm of rave culture that night—where people from all walks of life came together and enjoyed the same thing.
Whether it was the seasoned ravers or the younger crowd, everyone seemed to be on the same wavelength, driven by the same collective rhythm. And while it might have been funny to see older generations really getting into the groove, there was something refreshing about it—Fatboy Slim’s music has a way of making people feel youthful, no matter how old they are.
Overall, Fatboy Slim’s performance at Langley Park was a reminder of why he’s such a legend in dance music. His ability to connect with the crowd, mix old favourites with newer material, and bring an energetic, no-holds-barred performance was as captivating as it was memorable.
As a 62-year-old who has been in the game for over 30 years, Fatboy Slim is a living testament to how great music can endure and evolve with time. He’s not just about keeping the past alive; he’s about making sure the future of electronic music remains just as exciting.
