Fatboy Slim has officially ruled out making another album, revealing he no longer feels the same spark for producing music. The DJ and producer whose real name is Norman Cook, opened up about his decision during a Q&A at his All Back to Minehead event in Somerset.
“My last two singles came out of live sets,” Cook explained. “They were just tracks I made to play in my shows. But you can’t make music unless you’re absolutely passionate about it. It has to drive you from the moment you wake up. I just don’t feel like that anymore. I’ve tried to force it for years, but now I’m focusing on DJing, which I enjoy more.”
It’s been 20 years since Cook released his last album, Palookaville. Fans hoping for a follow-up will have to make do with his electrifying live shows. “I’m not saying I’ll never feel the passion again,” he added. “But for now, I’m happy with where I am.”
The weekend also featured Cook’s son Woody stepping up to the decks. Woody, who’s carving out his own DJ career, kept his ambitions quiet for years to avoid being labelled a “nepo baby.” Cook shared, “When he lived with me, I’d ask, ‘Do you want to DJ?’ He’d always say, ‘I don’t want to be in your shadow.’ But when he went to university, he called me two weeks later and said, ‘Dad, I’ve started DJing.’”
Fans of Right Here, Right Now and Praise You might feel disappointed, but Cook’s decision highlights his focus on what drives him creatively. Fatboy Slim’s legendary live sets aren’t going anywhere, and for now, that’s more than enough. Especially since Fatboy Slim is due to return to Australia in March. Whilst in the country, Fatboy Slim will play shows in large outdoor venues including Perth’s Langley Park and South Australia’s Barossa Valley. Tickets for these shows can be accessed here.
