View source for Fatboy Slim

{{Short description|English musician (born 1963)}}
{{redirect|Norman Cook|other uses|Norman Cook (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name              = Fatboy Slim
| image             = Fatboy Slim, Iris Festival 2025.jpg
| caption           = Fatboy Slim in 2025
| alias             = {{flatlist|
* Norman Cook
* DJ Quentox
* Cheeky Boy
* Sunny Side Up
* Yum Yum Head Food 
* the Feelgood Factor
* the [[Brighton Port Authority]]
}}
| birth_name        = Quentin Leo Cook
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1963|7|31}}
| birth_place       = [[Bromley]], [[Kent]], England
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Big beat]]
* [[electronic music|electronic]]
* [[acid house]]
}}
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Musician
* DJ
* record producer
}}
| instrument        = {{flatlist|
*Synthesiser
*sampler
*drum machine
*turntable
*bass guitar
}}
| years_active      = 1980–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Skint Records|Skint]]
* [[Astralwerks]]
* [[Southern Fried Records]]
* [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]]
}}
| past_member_of    = {{flatlist|
* [[The Housemartins]]
* [[Beats International]]
* [[Freak Power]]
* [[Pizzaman (band)|Pizzaman]]
* Mighty Dub Katz
}}
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Zoe Ball]]|1999|2016|end=sep}}
{{Infobox person
   | child       = yes
   | children    = 
   | website     = {{URL|fatboyslim.net}}
  }}
}}

'''Norman Quentin Cook''' (born '''Quentin Leo Cook''', 31 July 1963), known professionally as '''Fatboy Slim''', is an English musician and [[DJ]] who helped popularise the [[big beat]] genre in the 1990s. His music makes extensive use of [[Sampling (music)|samples]] from [[Eclecticism in music|eclectic genres]], combined with pop structures, processed rhythms and "sloganistic" vocals.

In 1985, Cook joined as the bassist for the [[indie rock]] band [[the Housemartins]], who achieved a number-one single with their 1986 cover of "[[Caravan of Love]]". However, Cook was uncomfortable playing conventional pop music. After the Housemartins disbanded, Cook moved to [[Brighton]] to pursue dance music. He formed the electronic group [[Beats International]] and produced their 1990 number-one single "[[Dub Be Good to Me]]", and played in the band [[Freak Power]]. He also released [[House music|house]] records under names including [[Pizzaman (duo)|Pizzaman]] and the '''Mighty Dub Katz'''.

In 1996, Cook released his first album as Fatboy Slim, ''[[Better Living Through Chemistry (album)|Better Living Through Chemistry]]'', followed by successful [[remixes]] for [[Roger McKenzie (musician)|Wildchild]] and [[Cornershop]]. His second album, ''[[You've Come a Long Way, Baby]]'' (1998), was [[certified platinum]] and produced the successful singles "[[The Rockafeller Skank]]", "[[Praise You]]" and "[[Right Here, Right Now (Fatboy Slim song)|Right Here, Right Now]]". ''[[Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars]]'' (2000) produced the single "[[Weapon of Choice (song)|Weapon of Choice]]", which won six awards at the [[2001 MTV Video Music Awards]]. ''[[Palookaville (album)|Palookaville]]'' (2004) was less successful, attributed to the declining popularity of dance music and a more obscure style. In 2009, Cook released an album as the [[Brighton Port Authority]], a collaboration with artists including [[David Byrne]]. He collaborated with Byrne again on the album ''[[Here Lies Love]]'' (2010), a [[concept album]] that was [[Here Lies Love (musical)|adapted into a stage musical]] in 2013. Cook has since focused on DJ performances over creating music.   

Cook has a [[Grammy Award]], nine [[MTV Video Music Awards]], two [[Brit Awards]] and an [[Ivor Novello Award]], and was nominated for the [[Tony Award for Best Original Score]] for ''Here Lies Love'' in 2024. He holds the [[Guinness world records]] for the most MTV Video Awards won by a DJ, the most MTV Video Awards won for a single video, and the most UK number-one singles by one musician as a member of different acts. He is an ambassador for [[Martlets Hospice]] in Brighton and has contributed to educational charities. Cook's marriage to the BBC presenter [[Zoe Ball]] was highly publicised.

==Early life and education ==
Quentin Leo Cook was born on 31 July 1963 in [[Bromley]] in Kent, England (now part of Greater London), the youngest of three.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 July 2017 |title=Happy Birthday to Fatboy Slim! |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/happy-birthday-to-fatboy-slim-20392016 |access-date=4 March 2019 |newspaper=Hot Press}}</ref><ref name="Deborah-1999">{{Cite web |last=Deborah |first=Ross |author-link=Deborah Ross (journalist) |date=19 July 1999 |title=Interview: Norman Cook/Fatboy Slim - You've come a long way, Quentin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/interview-norman-cook-fatboy-slim-you-ve-come-a-long-way-quentin-1107292.html |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> His mother was a teacher in a [[hospital school]], and his father was an environmentalist consultant who was appointed an [[Order of the British Empire]] for introducing [[Bottle bank|bottle banks]] into the UK.<ref name="Deborah-1999" /> His family belonged to the [[Kosmon]] faith, an obscure religious order.<ref name="Heath-1999">{{Cite news |last=Heath |first=Chris |date=1999-04-18 |title=The Fatboy sings |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/1999/apr/18/life1.lifemagazine5 |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=[[The Observer]] |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref>

Cook was raised in [[Reigate]], Surrey, which he later described as a "suburban hell".<ref name="Deborah-1999" /> He attended [[Reigate Grammar School]], where he took violin lessons alongside the future<!-- do not remove "future", as Starmer wasn't PM in the 1970s --> prime minister [[Keir Starmer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2020/03/keir-starmer-sensible-radical |title=Keir Starmer: The sensible radical |last=Maguire |first=Patrick |date=31 March 2020 |website=[[New Statesman]] |access-date=3 July 2020}}</ref> At school, he became a fan of [[punk music]] and edited a punk [[fanzine]].<ref name="Deborah-1999" /><ref name="The Independent">{{Cite news |title=Rise of the superstar DJ: In praise of Fatboy Slim |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/rise-of-the-superstar-dj-in-praise-of-fatboy-slim-430707.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706205119/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/rise-of-the-superstar-dj-in-praise-of-fatboy-slim-430707.html |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=[[The Independent]] |language=en-GB |url-status=live }}</ref> He adopted the name Norman when he was bullied for the name Quentin, which his classmates associated with the gay actor [[Quentin Crisp]].<ref name="Deborah-1999" /> He collected records and began [[DJing]] at 15.<ref name="Deborah-1999" />

At [[sixth form college]], Cook met the songwriter [[Paul Heaton]], with whom he formed a punk band, the Stomping Pond Frogs.<ref name="Nichols-2011">{{cite web |last=Nichols |first=Paul |date=9 May 2011 |title=Norman Cook – He's Come A Long Way Baby |url=https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/features/norman-cook---hes-come-a-long-way-baby |access-date=30 August 2024 |website=[[PRS for Music]]}}</ref> He failed his [[A-level (United Kingdom)|A-level]] exams as he was focusing on playing music, and had to retake them.<ref name="Nichols-2011" /> Cook moved to [[Brighton]] to attend [[Brighton Polytechnic]] from 1982 to 1985 and gained a [[2:1]] in [[British studies]].<ref name="The Herald-2015">{{Cite web |date=2015-02-13 |title=Fatboy Slim gives university praise |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13201457.fatboy-slim-gives-university-praise/ |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |language=en}}</ref> In Brighton, he worked as a DJ and was taught how to [[DJ mixer|mix]] by the DJ [[Carl Cox]].<ref name="Doyle-2017" /><ref name="The Herald-2015" /> He appeared as a reporter in the music video for the 1982 song "[[Goody Two Shoes (song)|Goody Two Shoes]]" by [[Adam Ant]].<ref name="Heath-1999" />

== Career ==
=== 1985–1988: the Housemartins ===
While Cook was in Brighton, Heaton formed a band, [[the Housemartins]]. When their original bassist quit in 1985, Cook moved to [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] to join them.<ref name="BBC stardom" /> Cook said he learned to play the bass guitar in about a week.<ref name="Doyle-2017">{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Tom |date=January 2017 |title=Classic tracks: Fatboy Slim 'Praise You' |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-tracks-fatboy-slim-praise-you |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=[[Sound on Sound]]}}</ref> In 1986, the Housemartins reached number one on the [[UK singles chart]] with a cover of the 1985 [[Isley-Jasper-Isley]] song "[[Caravan of Love]]".<ref name="martins">{{cite web |title=HOUSEMARTINS |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/housemartins/ |access-date=25 December 2013 |publisher=Official Charts Company}}</ref> 

Cook was frustrated playing "white English pop" in the Housemartins. He was interested in hip-hop and dance music, but felt it was inappropriate for a white English man to work in this genre, and that no one would take him seriously.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /><ref name="Heath-1999" /> He was uncomfortable with acts such as [[Level 42]] or [[Simply Red]], who he felt "kind of pretend to be black".<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> While with the Housemartins, Cook began working on dance music using a [[TEAC Corporation|TEAC]] 144 [[Portastudio]] and [[Roland S-10]] synthesiser, with no intention of releasing it.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> He also created a [[megamix]], "The Finest Ingredients", that was played by the [[BBC]] DJ [[John Peel]].<ref name="Shoup-2024">{{Cite web |last=Shoup |first=Brad |date=20 October 2024 |title=Fatboy Slim: ''You've Come a Long Way Baby'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/fatboy-slim-youve-come-a-long-way-baby/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 1988–1995: Beats International, Freak Power and remixes ===
The Housemartins broke up in 1988.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Heaton and the drummer, [[Dave Hemingway]], went on to form [[the Beautiful South]], and Cook returned to Brighton to pursue dance music.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> He invested in equipment including a [[mixing console]], an eight-track [[reel-to-reel]], an [[Atari ST]] computer, an [[Akai S950]] sampler and, later, a [[Roland TB-303]] synthesiser.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> He released successful [[remixes]] such as "Blame It on the Bassline" with MC Wildski,<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> which reached number 29 on the [[UK singles chart]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 July 1989 |title=WON'T TALK ABOUT IT/BLAME IT ON THE BASSLINE |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/fatboy-slim-wont-talk-about-itblame-it-on-the-bassline/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |website=Official Charts |language=en}}</ref> He also formed a [[Sound system (DJ)|sound system]] collective, [[Beats International]], with a collection of [[MCs]] and singers.<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> Their single "[[Dub Be Good to Me]]" (1990) reached number one, but their second album, ''[[Excursion on the Version]]'' (1991), was a failure.<ref name="Shoup-2024" />

After Beats International disbanded in 1992,<ref name="DJ Mag-2018">{{Cite web |date=2018-04-18 |title=10 moments that defined Fatboy Slim |url=https://djmag.com/content/10-moments-defined-fatboy-slim |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |language=en}}</ref> Cook's marriage ended and he suffered a mental breakdown.<ref name="O'Brien-1998" /> According to Cook, he became a self-destructive [[workaholic]], drank heavily and alienated his friends. When therapy was ineffective, he began [[self-medicating]] with [[Ecstasy (drug)|ecstasy]].<ref name="Deborah-1999" /> Facing bankruptcy, he took work composing for a ''[[Smurfs]]'' video game.<ref name="O'Brien-1998">{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Karen |date=17 October 1998 |title=Hedonism rules for this funk soul brother |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/hedonism-rules-for-this-funk-soul-brother-1178962.html |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Cook formed an acid jazz band, [[Freak Power]], with musicians including the trombonist [[Ashley Slater]], which released the successful 1993 single "[[Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out]]" on [[Island Records]].<ref name="BBC stardom" /> Cook felt uncomfortable in the band, and recalled thinking on stage: "I'm a really crap guitarist. What am I doing here? I've spent the last 10 years getting pissed in nightclubs, learning how to DJ."<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> 

In 1993, Cook and John Reid formed the house duo Pizzaman. Their only album, ''Pizzamania'', produced three top-40 singles.<ref name="DJ Mag-2018" /> Cook also released music as the Mighty Dub Katz, recording two or three tracks a week in his home studio.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> As Cook's contract with Island forbade him from releasing or promoting music on other labels under his own name, he released them under aliases including Cheeky Boy, Sunny Side Up, Yum Yum Head Food and the Feelgood Factor, often on his own label, [[Southern Fried Records]].<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> Cook said his names reflected the fact that he did not take his work seriously.<ref name="Jonze-2013">{{Cite news |last=Jonze |first=Tim |date=2013-08-15 |title=Fatboy Slim: 'My weirdest gig? The House of Commons' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/15/fatboy-slim-weirdest-gig-bestival |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== 1995–1997: Fatboy Slim and ''Better Living Through Chemistry'' ===
Cook adopted the [[stage name]] Fatboy Slim in 1995. He said it was a meaningless [[oxymoron]] that suited him as it was "goofy" and ironic, and could not remember its origin.<ref>{{cite web |title=NPR's Weekend All Things Considered: Fatboy Slim |url=https://www.npr.org/programs/watc/features/2001/fatboyslim/010908.fatboyslim.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081243/https://www.npr.org/programs/watc/features/2001/fatboyslim/010908.fatboyslim.html |archive-date=1 December 2017 |access-date=4 April 2018 |website=Npr.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 July 1963 |title=Fatboy Slim &#124; Music Videos, Songs, News, Photos, and Lyrics |url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/fatboy_slim/artist.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206085309/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/fatboy_slim/artist.jhtml |archive-date=6 February 2006 |access-date=12 September 2011 |website=[[MTV]] |publisher=}}</ref> Around this period, the house music label [[Loaded Records]] created a new [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]] in Brighton, [[Skint Records]]. Its first record was the Fatboy Slim track "Santa Cruz" in 1995.<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> It sold only 800 copies, but attracted attention in the underground dance scene in the UK.<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> Cook was surprised to hear "Santa Cruz" played at an event in London by the [[Chemical Brothers]], then known as the Dust Brothers, and said it was "like meeting the rest of my long-lost family".<ref name="Shoup-2024" />

Cook co-founded a popular club night at the Concorde in Brighton, the Big Beat Boutique, where he played music from genres including [[northern soul]], [[acid house]], [[hip-hop]] and reggae, combined with [[breakbeats]]. The scene became the foundation of [[big beat music]].<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> Cook later wrote of the "enormous collective pride" in the big beat genre being named after the club night, just as [[House music|house]] and [[Garage house|garage]] music were named after venues in Chicago and New York City.<ref name="Cook-2025">{{Cite news |last=Cook |first=Norman |date=2025-10-16 |title=Fatboy Slim: 'We converted the indie kids into rave monkeys – and it felt good' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/oct/16/it-aint-over-til-fatboy-slim-sings-norman-cook-photo-book-rocket-88 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Cook described it as a "very productive time", when acts such as the Chemical Brothers, [[Death in Vegas]], [[Monkey Mafia]], [[Bentley Rhythm Ace]] and [[FC Kahuna]] were "breaking rules and feeding off each other".<ref name="Nichols-2011" /> 

Cook's friends encouraged him to make music similar to the style he was playing in his DJ sets.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Skint released the first Fatboy Slim album, ''[[Better Living Through Chemistry (album)|Better Living Through Chemistry]],'' in 1996.<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> That year 1996, Cook performed as Fatboy Slim at [[Glastonbury Festival]] for the first time. As of 2024, he had played at every Glastonbury festival since.<ref name="Pigott-2024">{{Cite web |last=Pigott |first=Maddy |date=2024-06-06 |title=Fatboy Slim explains why he can't stop returning to Glastonbury Festival |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/glastonbury/fatboy-slim-glastonbury-festival-interview-praising-you-b2557312.html |access-date=2026-06-29 |website=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref> According to ''[[The Independent]]'', by 1997, Cook had become "part of an elite coterie of superstar DJs" who earned large fees to perform at international venues and were "guaranteed to fill dance floors from Manchester to Madrid".<ref name="The Independent" />

=== 1998–1999: ''You've Come a Long Way, Baby'' and international success ===
In 1998, Cook's remix of "[[Renegade Master]]" by [[Wildchild (rapper)|Wildchild]] reached number three on the UK singles chart, and his remix of "[[Brimful of Asha]]" by [[Cornershop]] reached number one.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Cook said the tracks represented a creative breakthrough: "That's when I was like, I've nailed it now, I've got the formula."<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> He began receiving interest from artists such as [[Madonna]] and [[Robbie Williams]].<ref name="O'Brien-1998" /> He turned down an offer from the [[Pet Shop Boys]] to produce their next album, as he liked their music but felt it did not suit his style.<ref name="O'Brien-1998" />

For his second album, ''[[You've Come a Long Way, Baby]]'' (1998), Cook aimed to create a coherent album using "all the ideas that had been brewing and fermenting" in the big beat scene.<ref name="Cardew-2023">{{Cite web |last=Cardew |first=Ben |date=2023-10-19 |title=Fatboy Slim's ''You've Come a Long Way, Baby'' at 25: Norman Cook's rock & roll opus |url=https://djmag.com/features/fatboy-slims-youve-come-long-way-baby-25-norman-cooks-rock-roll-opus |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |language=en}}</ref> He created three successful singles in one week: "[[The Rockafeller Skank]]", "[[Praise You]]" and "[[Right Here, Right Now (Fatboy Slim song)|Right Here, Right Now]]".<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> "Praise You" was the first Fatboy Slim UK number-one single,<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> and its music video, directed by [[Spike Jonze]], won numerous awards.<ref name="BBC stardom">{{cite news |date=7 September 2001 |title=Norman Cook's long way to stardom |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1530530.stm |access-date=20 May 2010 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> At the [[1999 MTV Video Music Awards]] in New York City, Cook performed "Praise You" and won three awards, including [[Breakthrough Video]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1999/mtvvmas.htm|title=1999 MTV Video Music Awards|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="Michaels-2008">{{cite news |last1=Michaels |first1=Sean |date=15 May 2008 |title=Fatboy Slim is no more |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/may/15/clubs |access-date=19 July 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Four days later, ''You've Come a Long Way, Baby'' was [[certified platinum]].<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> That year, Cook won the [[Brit Award for Best British Dance Act]].<ref name="Rogers-2012">{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Simon |date=2012-02-22 |title=Brit awards winners list 2012: every winner since 1977 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/feb/22/brit-awards-winners-list-2012 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> He also married the [[BBC]] presenter [[Zoe Ball]], triggering attention from the [[tabloid media]].<ref name="Nichols-2011" />

=== 2000–2003: ''Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars'' and Brighton beach ===
[[File:BigBeachBoutique.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Big Beach Boutique II]] in 2002, when more than 250,000 people saw Fatboy Slim perform at a free concert on Brighton beach]]
In 2000, dance music was at peak popularity, controlling 13.3% of the UK album charts.<ref name="The Independent" /> Cook was a key figure in the rising popularity of [[club culture]] in the UK, along with acts such as Chemical Brothers, [[Basement Jaxx]], [[Underworld (band)|Underworld]], [[Groove Armada]] and [[Leftfield]].<ref name="McLean-2015">{{Cite web |last=McLean |first=Craig |date=16 May 2015 |title=Fatboy Slim: The superstar DJ who bounced back from rehab reveals secret of the five Fs |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/fatboy-slim-the-superstar-dj-who-bounced-back-from-rehab-reveals-secret-of-the-five-fs-10251220.html |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> That year, Cook released the third Fatboy Slim album, ''[[Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars]]'', featuring collaborations with [[Macy Gray]] and [[Bootsy Collins]].<ref name="BBC stardom" /> He attempted to create a less radio-friendly album, saying: "I'm much happier at number nine in the charts than at number one because you're still top ten but it's a lot less work and stress."<ref name="Nichols-2011" />

The video for "[[Weapon of Choice (song)|Weapon of Choice]]", directed by Spike Jonze and featuring [[Christopher Walken]] dancing through a hotel, won six awards at the [[2001 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="Fatboy Slim rakes in MTV awards">{{cite news |date=7 September 2001 |title=Fatboy Slim rakes in MTV awards |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1530007.stm |access-date=20 May 2010 |work= |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Cook earned the [[Guinness world records]] for the most MTV Video Awards won by a DJ and the most MTV Video Awards won for a single video.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most MTV Video Music Awards won by a DJ |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/760169-most-mtv-video-music-awards-won-by-a-dj |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most wins for a single video by a DJ at the MTV Video Music Awards |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/760915-most-wins-for-a-single-video-by-a-dj-at-the-mtv-video-music-awards |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref> The album also included "[[Sunset (Bird of Prey)]]", whose video used the 1964 "[[Daisy Girl]]" campaign ad.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Bein|first=Kat|date=7 February 2018|title=Fatboy Slim's 10 Best Songs: Critic's Picks|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fatboy-slim-songs-best-hits-list-8463826/|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> In the same year, Cook released ''The Fatboy Slim'' ''/ Norman Cook Collection'', a compilation of his remixes from the 1980s and early 90s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savlov |first=Marc |date=June 2, 2000 |title=Fatboy Slim ''The Fatboy Slim / Norman Cook Collection'' (Universal/Hip-O)Fatboy Slim ''On the Floor at the Boutique: Mixed by Fatboy Slim'' (Astralwerks) |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2000-06-02/77467/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=[[Austin Chronicle]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2001, Cook held a free beach concert, Big Beach Boutique, in Brighton. It was attended by around 60,000 people.<ref name="McVeigh-2002">{{Cite news |last1=McVeigh |first1=Tracy |last2=Townsend |first2=Mark |date=2002-07-21 |title=Pier pressure |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2002/jul/21/artsfeatures.features |access-date=2025-03-04 |work=[[The Observer]] |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> The set was released as the 2002 album ''[[Live on Brighton Beach]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Segal |first=Victoria |date=2005-09-12 |title=Fatboy Slim: ''Live on Brighton Beach'' |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews-nme-6098-333885 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> By 2002, according to the ''[[Daily Telegraph]]'', Fatboy Slim was the "world's biggest DJ".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Benji |date=2023-02-04 |title=What happened when 250,000 ravers descended on Brighton Beach and changed British law |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/02/04/right-right-now-sky-documentaries-review-fatboy-slims-2002-brighton/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125011214/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023/02/04/right-right-now-sky-documentaries-review-fatboy-slims-2002-brighton/ |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date=2024-02-01 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> That July, he played a second free concert on Brighton beach, [[Big Beach Boutique II]].<ref name="guardian2">{{Cite news |last=Seale |first=Jack |date=3 February 2023 |title=''Right Here, Right Now'' review – Fatboy Slim's beach concert will make you flinch with anxiety |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/feb/03/right-here-right-now-review-fatboy-slims-beach-concert-will-make-you-flinch-with-anxiety |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> It was attended by around 250,000 people, four times more than expected.<ref name="guardian2" /> Local authorities were severely underprepared, which led to more than 170 injuries and six arrests.<ref name="McVeigh-2002" /> Two people died in the hours after the concert.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 September 2002 |title=Drugs led to Brighton party death |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2266987.stm |access-date=8 March 2025 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The cleanup operation lasted days and cost over £300,000, with 160 tonnes of rubbish collected from the beach.<ref name="No repeat-2002">{{Cite news |date=2002-07-15 |title='No repeat' of Fatboy chaos |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2128992.stm |access-date=2025-03-08 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="McLean-2004">{{Cite news |last=McLean |first=Craig |date=2004-05-23 |title=Where did it all go wrong? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/may/23/electronicmusic.popandrock |access-date=2025-03-08 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> However, Cook was supported by Brighton residents. The Brighton newspaper ''[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]]'' printed a supplement to publish the letters supporting him, and [[BBC Southern Counties Radio]] received many positive calls.<ref name="McVeigh-2002" /> 

In 2001, Cook won his second Brit Award for Best British Dance Act.<ref name="Rogers-2012" /> Cook released a live album and DVD of the Brighton beach performance, ''[[Big Beach Boutique II (album)|Big Beach Boutique II]]'', in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-03-01 |title=''Big Beach Boutique II'' |url=https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/big-beach-boutique-ii-26819/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> He contributed production to "[[Crazy Beat]]" and "Gene by Gene" on the 2003 [[Blur (band)|Blur]] album ''[[Think Tank (Blur album)|Think Tank]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiCrescenzo |first=Brent |date=5 May 2003 |title=Blur: ''Think Tank'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/828-think-tank/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2004–2008: ''Palookaville'' ===
[[File:Fatboy Slim at Portrush Beach Party 2006.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cook performing in [[Portrush]], 2006]]
By 2004, dance music was in commercial decline, replaced by a resurgence of guitar bands.<ref name="The Independent" /> That year, Cook released his fourth album, ''[[Palookaville (album)|Palookaville]]''. It sold far fewer copies than his previous albums, which Cook credited to its more obscure musical style. Cook said he was "happy to take my foot off the gas for a bit" and receive less tabloid attention.<ref name="Petridis-2009" /> 

After the ''Big Beach Boutique II'' DVD became a bestseller in Brazil, Cook played to an estimated 360,000 people in Rio in 2004. He returned many times in the following years, and performed on the reality TV show ''[[Big Brother Brasil]]'' in 2005.<ref name="Whitehurst-2014">{{Cite web |last=Whitehurst |first=Andrew |date=2014-05-23 |title=Fatboy Slim's Brazilian love affair |url=https://djmag.com/content/fatboy-slims-brazilian-love-affair |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |language=en}}</ref> His 2007 tour was released on DVD as ''Adventures'' ''in Brazil''.<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" /> Cook filled the Friday night headline slot on the Other Stage at [[Glastonbury Festival 2005]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glastonbury 2005 lineup |url=https://www.theguardian.com/arts/glastonbury2005/page/0,,1496953,00.html |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> 

In June 2006, he played a headline performance at the [[RockNess]] festival on the shores of [[Loch Ness]].<ref>{{cite news |date=25 June 2006 |title=Rock Ness fans have monster time |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/5114238.stm |access-date=20 May 2010 |work=BBC News}}</ref> ''[[The Greatest Hits – Why Try Harder]]'' was released that month, including the new tracks "[[Champion Sound (song)|Champion Sound]]" and "[[That Old Pair of Jeans]]".<ref name="Hogan-2006">{{Cite web |last=Hogan |first=Marc |author-link=Marc Hogan |date=June 27, 2006 |title=Fatboy Slim: ''Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9151-greatest-hits-why-try-harder/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On New Year's Day, 2007, Cook held another performance on Brighton beach, Big Beach Boutique 3.<ref name="Topping-2007">{{Cite news |last=Topping |first=Alexandra |date=2007-01-02 |title=Brighton DJ slims down new year beach party |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jan/02/musicnews.music1 |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Tickets were only available to residents of [[Brighton and Hove]], capped at 20,000.<ref name="Godwin-2006">{{Cite news |last=Godwin |first=Jamelia |date=2006-10-30 |title=Fatboy back with slimmed-down beach bash |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/oct/30/electronicmusic |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Big Beach Boutique 4 took place on September 27, 2008, with the same ticket procedures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-29 |title=Fatboy Slim Brighton beach party attracts thousands |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fatboy-slim-20-1336047 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== 2008–2014: the Brighton Port Authority and ''Here Lies Love'' ===
In 2008, Cook played at Glastonbury Festival, the [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]] [[Wireless Festival]], Rockness Festival and Coachella.<ref name="newmoniker">{{cite web |date=14 May 2008 |title=Fatboy Slim is no more |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fatboy-slim-25-1325855 |access-date=1 October 2011 |website=[[NME]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2008-04-24 |title=Coachella Line Up 2008 |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/coachella-line-up-2008-1405293 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2009, he released the album ''[[I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat]]'' as the [[virtual band]] the Brighton Port Authority, featuring [[Iggy Pop]], [[David Byrne]], [[Dizzee Rascal]], [[Martha Wainwright]] and [[Ashley Beedle]].<ref name="Petridis-2009">{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |date=2009-02-27 |title=Drunk in charge of an album |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/27/norman-cook-brighton-port-authority |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Cook also produced two tracks on ''The Revolution'' ''Presents'', a 2009 compilation album by various Cuban musicians,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Spencer |first=Neil |date=2009-06-20 |title=The Revolution: Presents Revolution |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/21/revolution-cuba-presents-review |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Observer]] |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> which he later regretted, saying: "I'm not [[Paul Simon]] – I'm not the world's best musical ambassador, it wasn't my forte."<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" />

Cook played an unadvertised concert at [[Glastonbury 2009]],<ref>{{cite web |author=Canter |first=Alicia |date=28 June 2009 |title=Glastonbury festival 2009: Fatboy Slim wows Trash City |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2009/jun/28/glastonbury-gallery-trash-city-fatboy-slim |access-date=12 September 2011 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> and headlined the east dance stage at [[Glastonbury 2010]].<ref>{{cite web |title=News – The 2010 line-up is revealed! |date=14 April 2010 |url=http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/news/the-2010-line-up-is-revealed |access-date=12 September 2011 |publisher=Glastonbury Festivals}}</ref> He collaborated with Byrne again on ''[[Here Lies Love]]'' (2010), a [[concept album]] about the life of the Philippines First Lady [[Imelda Marcos]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Empire |first=Kitty |author-link=Kitty Empire |date=2010-04-03 |title=David Byrne and Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/apr/04/david-byrne-fatboy-slim-love |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=[[The Observer]] |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> [[Here Lies Love (musical)|A musical]] based on the album premiered in 2013 at [[the Public Theater]] in New York City and opened on [[Broadway (Manhattan)|Broadway]] in 2023.<ref name="nyt2">{{cite news |last1=Paulson |first1=Michael |date=12 January 2023 |title=''Here Lies Love'', an Imelda Marcos Disco musical, will play Broadway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/theater/here-lies-love-broadway.html |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="variety2">{{cite news |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |date=12 January 2023 |title=''Here Lies Love'', David Byrne-cowritten musical, to open on Broadway in immersive, standing-room setting |url=https://variety.com/2023/legit/news/here-lies-love-broadway-musical-david-byrne-filipino-immersive-imelda-marcos-1235487183/ |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>[[File:Fatboy Slim Maceos Bar Glastonbury 2013.jpg|thumb|200px|Cook performing at [[2013 Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury Festival 2013]]]]In the 2010s, as [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] grew in popularity worldwide, Cook began performing more frequently in the United States.<ref name="Baltin-2013">{{Cite magazine |last=Baltin |first=Steve |date=19 March 2013 |title=Fatboy Slim: Las Vegas' EDM scene 'really isn't for me' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/fatboy-slim-las-vegas-edm-scene-really-isnt-for-me-107821/ |access-date=9 March 2021 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On 18 June 2010, he performed at the Cool Britannia [[2010 FIFA World Cup|FIFA World Cup]] music festival at the [[Cape Town International Convention Centre]] in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=26 May 2010 |title=Dizzee Rascal, Fatboy Slim To Play World Cup Shows |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles//1206102/dizzee-rascal-fatboy-slim-to-play-world-cup-shows |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510185919/https://www.billboard.com/articles/1206102/dizzee-rascal-fatboy-slim-to-play-world-cup-shows |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=9 March 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In 2011, he received [[PRS for Music]] award for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the [[Ivor Novello Awards]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-24 |title=Ivor Novello winners 2007 |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6686859.stm |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 30 May, he was the headliner at [[Movement Electronic Music Festival]] in Detroit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2011 |title=Fatboy Slim, Carl Craig head Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2011 |url=https://consequence.net/2011/03/fatboy-slim-carl-craig-head-movement-detroit-electronic-music-festival-2011/ |access-date=9 March 2021 |website=[[Consequence of Sound]] |language=en-US}}</ref> He headlined [[Bestival]] on the [[Isle of Wight]] on 11 September.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bestival 2011 Line Up |url=http://www.virtualfestivals.com/bestival-2011/lineup |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212132146/http://www.virtualfestivals.com/bestival-2011/lineup |archive-date=12 December 2013 |access-date=27 June 2013 |publisher=Virtualfestivals.com}}</ref> Cook performed "Right Here, Right Now" and "The Rockefeller Skank" at the [[2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony]] in London.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fatboy Slim emerges from a giant octopus |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-19238930 |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 1 September, he performed at [[Brighton Pride]].<ref>{{cite web |date=23 August 2012 |title=Fatboy Slim joins Freemasons at Brighton Pride |url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/fatboy-slim-joins-freemasons-brighton-pride230812 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909085850/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/fatboy-slim-joins-freemasons-brighton-pride230812/ |archive-date=9 September 2015 |access-date=22 September 2014 |website=Gay Star News}}</ref> In March 2012, Cook hosted a ten-part radio programme, ''On The Road To Big Beach Bootique 5'', on [[XFM]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Andrew |date=22 March 2012 |title=Fatboy Slim joins Xfm for Big Beach Bootique show |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a372561/fatboy-slim-joins-xfm-for-big-beach-bootique-show.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417161607/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/news/a372561/fatboy-slim-joins-xfm-for-big-beach-bootique-show.html |archive-date=17 April 2012 |access-date=6 April 2012 |website=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref>

In 2013, Cook performed at [[Ultra Music Festival]] in Miami.<ref name="Baltin-2013" /> That year, he released "[[Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat]]", with Riva Starr and [[Beardyman]], which reached number three in the UK and introduced Fatboy Slim to younger audiences.<ref name="DJ Mag-2018" /> Supported by a remix from the Scottish DJ [[Calvin Harris]], it topped the [[UK Dance Chart]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20131103/7501/ | title=Official Singles Chart; 2 November 2013 - 8 November 2013 | publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] | access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="DJ Mag-2018" /> Cook contributed to ''Bem Brasil'', a 2014 compilation of Brazilian music remixed by various DJs and producers.<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" /> In 2015, he received the Alumnus Award from the [[University of Brighton]] for his contribution to the music industry and support for the university.<ref name="The Herald-2015" />

=== 2015—present: focus on performances ===
[[File:Concierto de la Semana de las Juventudes (Sábado) (26619607049).jpg|thumb|Fatboy Slim performing in Mexico City, 2017]]As of 2015, Cook was performing about 70 DJ sets a year and declined many opportunities to perform more. He was not interested in further fame or success, saying, "Nowadays I'd rather go sideways than up. I don't want to do things on a bigger scale. I want to do things that are interesting."<ref name="McLean-2015" /> On 15 May 2016, he played a private two-hour set "Baby Loves Disco" for preschool children and their parents during the [[Brighton Fringe]].<ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2016 |title=Fatboy Slim played a secret set – MuzWave |url=https://muzwave.com/2016/05/fatboy-slim-played-secret-set/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616212812/https://muzwave.com/2016/05/fatboy-slim-played-secret-set/ |archive-date=16 June 2016 |access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref> At [[Glastonbury 2016]], he played the John Peel stage for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016, Glastonbury – Fatboy Slim in Pictures – BBC Music |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/28jCKmgt3fLlWgwZWVN4Qtk/fatboy-slim-in-pictures |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629083607/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/28jCKmgt3fLlWgwZWVN4Qtk/fatboy-slim-in-pictures |archive-date=29 June 2016 |access-date=19 September 2016 |website=BBC}}</ref> In 2017, he released the single "Where U Iz".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pharms |first=Gabrielle |date=2017-03-04 |title=Fatboy Slim unveils new single, 'Where You Iz': Listen |url=https://djmag.com/news/fatboy-slim-unveils-new-single-%E2%80%98where-you-iz%E2%80%99-listen |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |language=en}}</ref>

At a concert in [[Gateshead]], England, in October 2019, Cook performed a [[Mashup (music)|mashup]] of his track "Right Here, Right Now" and [[Greta Thunberg]]'s speech at the [[United Nations]], which went [[Viral video|viral]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Michallon |first=Clémence |date=9 October 2019 |title=Fatboy Slim remixes 'Right Here, Right Now' with Greta Thunberg's United Nations speech |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/fatboy-slim-greta-thunberg-right-here-right-now-remix-mashup-a9147736.html |access-date=11 October 2019 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref> Cook made a cameo as a DJ in the 2019 film ''[[Greed (2019 film)|Greed]],''<ref>{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Emily |date=28 February 2020 |title=Norman Cook's cameo role in Steve Coogan film Greed |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18262661.norman-cooks-cameo-role-steve-coogan-film-greed/ |access-date=12 July 2022 |work=[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]]}}</ref> and played himself in the third series of the [[Channel 4]] sitcom ''[[Derry Girls]]'', broadcast in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-23 |title=Derry Girls make surprise appearance at Fatboy Slim gig |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67191704 |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 lockdowns]], Cook posted mixes online and worked at the cafe he owned in Hove, which he said "kept him sane".<ref name="Petridis-2022">{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |date=2022-06-21 |title='Twiddle a knob and make a face' – Norman Cook on his mental health DJ classes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jun/21/twiddle-knob-make-a-face-norman-cook-fatboy-slim-mental-health-dj-classes |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In May 2021, Cook performed in Liverpool as part of the government's trials to restart mass audience events following the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Petridis-2022" /> In July 2022, the 20th anniversary of Big Beach Boutique II, Cook headlined the On the Beach festival in Brighton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smitherman |first=Ellie |date=2022-07-22 |title=Fatboy Slim headlines first night of seafront festival |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/20297215.pictures-fatboy-slim-headlines-first-night-beach/ |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]] |language=en}}</ref>

Cook collaborated with the British singer [[Rita Ora]] on the 2023 single "[[Praising You]]", a reworking of his track "Praise You".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2023-04-19 |title=Rita Ora announces new album and shares 'Praising You' featuring Fatboy Slim |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/rita-ora-announces-new-album-and-shares-praising-you-featuring-fatboy-slim-3432809 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> At [[Glastonbury 2023]], Cook played the song "Insomnia" by [[Faithless]] as a tribute to the Faithless singer, [[Maxi Jazz]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geraghty |first=Hollie |date=25 June 2023 |title=Watch Fatboy Slim pay tribute to Faithless' Maxi Jazz at Glastonbury 2023 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-fatboy-slim-pay-tribute-to-faithless-maxi-jazz-at-glastonbury-2023-3461084 |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> That October, he was awarded the [[Guinness world record]] for the most UK number-one singles by one musician as a member of different acts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=2023-11-13 |title=Fatboy Slim Presented With Four Guinness World Records |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/fatboy-slim-presented-with-four-guinness-world-records/ |access-date=2025-07-25}}</ref> At the [[77th Tony Awards]] in June 2024, Cook and Byrne were nominated for the [[Tony Award for Best Original Score]] for ''Here Lies Love''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Rachel |date=2024-04-30 |title=Tony Awards nominations 2024: the complete list |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/30/theater/tony-awards-nominations.html |access-date=2026-03-31 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That month, Cook released the single "Role Model". The music video, his first in nearly 20 years, features celebrities edited with [[deepfake]] technology, such as [[David Bowie]], [[Bill Murray]] and [[Muhammad Ali]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vuoncino |first1=Chris |title=Fatboy Slim releases star-studded music video for 'Role Model' |url=https://weraveyou.com/2024/06/fatboy-slim-role-model-music-vide/ |website=We Rave You |date=13 June 2024 |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref> 

In July, Cook joined his former bandmate [[Paul Heaton]] to play bass on the 1986 Housemartins song "[[Happy Hour (The Housemartins song)|Happy Hour]]" at [[Glastonbury 2024]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |last2=Snapes |first2=Laura |last3=Hunt |first3=Elle |last4=Mumford |first4=Gwilym |date=2024-06-29 |title=Glastonbury live: Friday with Dua Lipa, LCD Soundsystem, Idles and more – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2024/jun/28/glastonbury-live-dua-lipa-marina-abramovic-and-more-to-perform-as-main-stages-open-on-friday-live |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Cook estimated that his performance at [[Glastonbury Festival 2025]] was his 100th Glastonbury performance, including performances in small tents.<ref name="Levene-2025">{{Cite news |last=Levene |first=David |last2=D'Souza |first2=Shaad |date=2025-07-02 |title='I genuinely love this place so much!' Fatboy Slim's 100th Glastonbury set – picture essay |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/02/fatboy-slim-100th-glastonbury-set-picture-essay |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He said he was proud of his association with Glastonbury, which had not been "tarnished by money".<ref name="Levene-2025" /><ref name="Pigott-2024" /> 

On 11 December 2025, Cook released "Satisfaction Skank", a remix of "The Rockafeller Skank" incorporating elements of the 1965 [[Rolling Stones]] song "[[(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction]]". Cook had played the remix in his DJ sets for years, and it became one of the world's most [[Bootleg recording|bootlegged]] recordings. It was blocked from release until the Rolling Stones' management agreed to license its sample after several refusals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=11 December 2025 |title=Rolling Stones finally approve Fatboy Slim sample after 25 years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dzre3z96go |accessdate=11 December 2025 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> As he grew older, Cook lost interest in creating music and focused on DJ performances, which he said he still had "100% passion for".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Daniel |date=2024-12-30 |title=Fatboy Slim says that he's lost his 'passion for making music' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fatboy-slim-says-that-hes-lost-his-passion-for-making-music-3825254 |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Trendell-2025">{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2025-12-11 |title=Fatboy Slim tells us about finally getting the Rolling Stones' approval for mash-up 'Satisfaction Skank' after 25 years |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fatboy-slim-interview-rolling-stones-satisfaction-skank-mash-up-new-music-future-dance-3917965 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> He said in 2025: "If I did make a new record then it would be a very average record. I prefer not to waste mine or other people's time with that. I feel like I've made enough records and there's a body of work there that's good enough."<ref name="Trendell-2025" />

== Style ==
Cook said he combined breakbeats from hip-hop, the "anarchic rebellion" of [[Punk rock|punk]], the energy of [[acid house]] and the [[Hook (music)|hooks]] of pop music.<ref name="Cook-2025" /> He differentiated himself from other dance acts by using traditional [[song structures]], such as verses, [[Refrain|choruses]] and [[Thirty-two-bar form|middle eights]], to arrange "dance floor ingredients ... in a manner that the human brain would associate with pop music".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Roy |date=2020-10-30 |title=Fatboy Slim on ''You've Come a Long Way, Baby'': 'At this point, I'd cracked the big "drug build"' |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/fatboy-slim-on-youve-come-a-long-way-baby-at-this-point-id-cracked-the-big-drug-build |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=[[MusicRadar]] |language=en}}</ref>

Cook pioneered the 1990s electronic genre [[big beat]], which ''[[Sound on Sound]]'' likened to a "[[pop art]]-styled collage" of samples.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> The ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' writer Brad Shoup described ''You've Come a Long Way, Baby'' as "pure pop", unlike the stranger or harsher music of other big beat acts such as the Chemical Brothers or [[the Prodigy]].<ref name="Shoup-2024" /> Another ''Pitchfork'' critic, [[Marc Hogan]], characterised the Fatboy Slim formula as "eclectic samples, sloganistic vocal snippets, and an all-around drunken good-time spirit".<ref name="Hogan-2006" /> ''[[DJ Mag]]'' wrote that Cook created "big brash party tunes for big communal occasions" and was a "showman" and entertainer.<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" />

Cook said he had never created overtly political music, and that when he tried to make "angry" music it "comes out slightly light-hearted ... so it's about the party and the rhythm".<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" /> He took accusations that he "made dance music for people who don't like dance music" as a compliment, saying he had made it more accessible.<ref name="Nichols-2011" /> He said his music was for "people who do shit jobs all week and on Friday and Saturday nights they get to be glamorous and exciting ... My music is for the hips not the head{{nbsp}}... It's not supposed to be dissected by journalists, you're not supposed to sit at home with the lyric sheet wondering what they mean, reading the sleeve notes."<ref name="O'Brien-1998" /> Fatboy Slim tracks have been used extensively in adverts, film and television. Cook said his music suited advertising, as "you can hear 15 seconds of my stuff and it makes complete sense".<ref name="Shoup-2024" />

=== Method ===
{{Multiple image
| align             = 
| direction         = vertical
| total_width       = 
| image1            = Roland TB-303 Panel.jpg
| image2            = AKAI_S900.jpg
| image3            = Atari 520 ST + with monochrome monitor SM 124.jpg
| caption3          = Equipment used by Fatboy Slim. From top: [[Roland TB-303]] synthesiser, [[Akai S900]] sampler, [[Atari ST]] computer
}}
Cook uses [[Sampling (music)|samples]] extensively. He estimated that most of his tracks contain only 20% original material, with some containing none at all, and was proud of creating music that did not resemble the acts he sampled.<ref name="Heath-1999" /> As he felt sampling hit songs would be too easy, he instead sampled vocal and drum parts from obscure vinyl records, creating a library of sounds. He likened his process to [[collage]], and enjoyed finding "that one little bit of magic" in an obscure track and turning it into a hit.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Cook's approach was to blend elements from several popular styles, such as pop, punk, rap and acid house, to create "an attractive and accessible package".<ref name="Nichols-2011" /> He said he was unable to write traditional songs.<ref name="Heath-1999" />

Most Fatboy Slim albums are assembled from samples combined with parts played on [[Roland TB-303]] and [[Studio Electronics]] SE-1 synthesisers.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Cook manipulated samples through methods such as [[Time stretching (audio)|time-stretching]] and distortion, using [[Akai S900]] and S950 samplers, and [[Sequenced music|sequenced]] them using an [[Atari ST]] computer running [[C-LAB Creator|C-Lab Creator]].<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> He created drum tracks by sampling individual drum hits from vinyl [[Break (music)|break]] beats, then programming new patterns.<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Most Fatboy Slim tracks have two drum tracks playing simultaneously: one "modern and crisp and clean-sounding" and another "older and dirtier" with less "punch".<ref name="Doyle-2017" /> Cook continued using the same equipment even as more sophisticated technology emerged. He began using a [[MacBook]] with [[Ableton Live]], but found the lack of limits and no opportunity to "bend the rules" made the process less exciting.<ref name="Doyle-2017" />

=== Live performances ===
Cook said the role of the DJ was to "orchestrate a collective euphoria".<ref name="Pires-2015">{{Cite news |last=Pires |first=Candice |date=2015-05-23 |title=Norman Cook: 'Nobody knows the retirement age for a DJ. I'll step down when either the crowds or I stop enjoying it' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/23/norman-cook-fatboy-slim-this-much-i-know |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He believes DJs should communicate with the crowd through their expressions and body language and respond to them: "The more the crowd give me back, the more I wanna give them and it becomes a cycle of nonsense – sometimes to ludicrous extremes."<ref name="Pires-2015"/> He aimed to energise the crowd like [[James Brown]].<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" /> He described [[Jon Carter]] and [[Carl Cox]] as DJs he learned from and whose stage styles he adopted.<ref name="Whitehurst-2014" /> He resisted pressure from record companies to perform with live musicians, as he felt the appeal of his music was in "the grit and character" of the samples, and to recreate them would be "like hearing a wedding covers band".<ref name="Cardew-2023" /> He performs in Hawaiian shirts without shoes.<ref name="Pires-2015"/>

== Charity work and activism ==
In 2008, Cook remixed the track "Amazonas" for the charity Bottletop, which funds educational projects in deprived areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Right here, right now: Fatboy Slim and Sound Affects Brazil |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/right-here-right-now-fatboy-slim-and-sound-affects-brazil-784784.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227093426/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/right-here-right-now-fatboy-slim-and-sound-affects-brazil-784784.html |archive-date=27 February 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |website=[[The Independent]]|date=23 February 2008|last=Walker|first=Tim}}</ref> In June 2022, he gave DJ lessons as part of an [[NHS foundation trust]] initiative to create art events for people with mental health problems.<ref name="Petridis-2022" /> As of October 2025, he had helped fund 30 workshops and the programme was set to continue for at least another year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-07 |title=Fatboy Slim DJ mental health workshops to continue |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y45gpn50yo |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> That November, the project received the gold award in the Sussex Partnership Trust Positive Practice awards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Bob |date=2025-11-15 |title=Fatboy Slim mental health workshop picks up health trust award |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn8vmklxld7o |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On 6 March 2013, Cook became the first DJ to perform at the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] in aid of the Last Night a DJ Saved My Life Foundation, which encourages young people to become involved in their communities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 March 2013 |title=Fatboy Slim DJs at House of Commons |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-21696458 |access-date=2025-03-28 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Cook said later that it was a "milestone" to perform there years after the [[Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994]], which clamped down on raves: "Isn't it brilliant that finally we've wormed our way into the public's consciousness to the extent that we're not seen as a bunch of drug-taking anarchists any more? Dance music is here to stay."<ref name="Jonze-2013" /> In October 2023, he performed a secret gig at the Prince Albert pub in Brighton to support its campaign against property development in the [[North Laine]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loben |first=Carl |date=2023-10-31 |title=Fatboy Slim plays surprise gig in campaign to help save Brighton's Prince Albert pub |url=https://djmag.com/news/fatboy-slim-plays-surprise-gig-campaign-help-save-brightons-prince-albert-pub |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |language=en}}</ref>

Cook is an ambassador for [[Martlets Hospice]] in Brighton. In October 2018, he walked 26 miles, the length of a [[marathon]], to promote the [[Snailspace]] public art project, which raised money for Martlets. He changed his name to Fatboy Slow for the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 October 2018 |title=Fatboy Slim ditches name and walks marathon in charity challenge |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2018-10-19/fatboy-slim-ditches-name-and-walks-marathon-in-charity-challenge |website=[[ITV News]]}}</ref> In April 2025, he opened Martlets' refurbished [[charity shop]] in Brighton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maisner |first=Stuart |last2=Carden |first2=George |date=2025-04-24 |title=Martlets hospice charity shop reopens in Brighton after facelift |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd38d0z5lzo |access-date=2026-04-05 |website= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Fatboy_Slim_cafe.png|thumb|Fatboy Slim memorabilia in Cook's Big Beach Cafe, Hove, in 2025]]
Cook's first marriage, to a nurse, ended in the early 1990s.<ref name="BBC stardom" /> Cook met the BBC presenter [[Zoe Ball]] in Ibiza in 1998.<ref name="BBC stardom" /> They married in 1999 and had their first child in 2000. Their relationship attracted extensive tabloid attention, and Cook said he was a victim of the [[News International phone hacking scandal]].<ref name="Petridis-2004">{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |date=2004-09-10 |title=How the Fatboy grew up |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/sep/10/popandrock4 |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="Jonze-2013" /> ''The Independent'' described Cook and Ball as "the It Couple (or, one of them) of [[Cool Britannia]]".<ref name="McLean-2015" /> They separated in 2003, but reconciled and had a second child in 2010.<ref name="BBC News-2016" /> As of 2004, they lived on Western Esplanade in [[Hove]].<ref name="Petridis-2004" /> In September 2016, Cook and Ball announced their separation after 18 years.<ref name="BBC News-2016">{{cite news |date=24 September 2016 |title=TV's Zoe Ball and DJ Norman Cook announce separation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37464920 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> 

For several years, Cook used drugs including cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine and performed while intoxicated.<ref name="Petridis-2004" /> After he became a father, he worried that his drug use affected his relationships.<ref name="McLean-2015" /> After Ball threatened to leave him if he did not stop drinking, on 4 March 2009, Cook checked into a rehabilitation clinic for [[alcoholism]]. As of June 2026, he had been sober for almost 15 years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rawlinson |first=Kevin |date=2026-06-27 |title=Fatboy Slim says he felt paralysed at prospect of DJing sober after rehab |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jun/28/fatboy-slim-djing-sober-rehab-alcoholism-desert-island-discs |access-date=2026-06-28 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Cook said performing sober gave him [[stage fright]] for the first time.<ref name="Jonze-2013" />

In 2002, Cook changed his name by [[deed poll]] to Norman Quentin Cook.<ref name="Deedpoll">{{Cite news |date=8 July 2002 |title=Changes of Name |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/L-56625-852 |periodical=[[London Gazette]] |publisher=[[UK Government]] |place=London |page=8166 |issue=56625}}</ref> In the same year, he purchased a 12% share in [[Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club]], which he has supported since moving to Brighton in the 1980s.<ref name="DJ Mag-2018" /> In June 2013, Cook opened the Big Beach Cafe in Hove in a property previously owned by [[Heather Mills]], and worked there during the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 lockdowns]].<ref name="Haddad-2013">{{Cite news |last=Haddad |first=Sam |date=2013-08-16 |title=Fatboy Slim's new Brighton beach cafe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/aug/16/fatboy-slim-big-beach-cafe-brighton-hove |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="Petridis-2022" /> He sold the cafe in November 2025, saying he no longer had time to run it as his business partner was retiring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholsan |first=Savannah |date=2025-11-15 |title='It's time': Fatboy Slim announces he is selling seafront cafe |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25621968.fatboy-slim-sells-big-beach-cafe-hove-lagoon/ |access-date=2025-11-15 |website=[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]] |language=en}}</ref> Cook also owned a Japanese restaurant in Brighton, Oki-Nami,<ref name="Haddad-2013" /> and co-owned [[the Spotted Pig]], a [[Michelin-starred]] gastropub in New York City that closed in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fox |first=Killian |date=2008-08-16 |title='I liked it so much I bought the restaurant' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/17/restaurants.foodanddrink2 |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Moskin |first1=Julia |last2=Severson |first2=Kim |date=January 27, 2020 |title=The Spotted Pig, where employees were sexually harassed, closes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/dining/spotted-pig-closes-ken-friedman.html |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He collects objects bearing the [[smiley]] symbol, and in 2019 he curated a smiley exhibition in Lisbon with the Portuguese artist [[Vhils]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=2019-06-16 |title=It's not an emoji: Fatboy Slim launches smiley exhibition |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/jun/17/its-not-an-emoji-fatboy-slim-launches-smiley-exhibition |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Fatboy Slim}}

== Discography ==
{{Main|Fatboy Slim discography|Norman Cook discography}}

'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Better Living Through Chemistry (album)|Better Living Through Chemistry]]'' (1996)
* ''[[You've Come a Long Way, Baby]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Palookaville (album)|Palookaville]]'' (2004)

'''Collaborations'''
* ''[[Here Lies Love]]'' (2010) 
* ''[[I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat]]'' (2009)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic}}
* {{discogs artist}}
* {{IMDb name}}

{{Fatboy Slim|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Fatboy Slim|Awards for Fatboy Slim]]
|list =
{{Brit Dance Act}}
{{DramaDesk Music}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Music Video}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Electronic}}
{{MTV Video Music Award – Breakthrough Video}}
}}
{{The Housemartins}}

{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Musicians from the London Borough of Bromley]]
[[Category:People from Bromley]]
[[Category:People from Hove]]
[[Category:People from Reigate]]
[[Category:Big beat musicians]]
[[Category:Musicians from Surrey]]
[[Category:Guitarists from London]]
[[Category:English film score composers]]