Norman Cook, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim, is riding high with performances lined up across Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, and Las Vegas, showing no signs of slowing down. Even after decades in the industry, his passion for DJing remains as strong as ever. “I’ll keep going until I drop,” he shares, explaining that the thrill of live sets keeps him energized, even as his love for making records has faded over time. For Cook, the idea of retirement is simply unappealing, conjuring up visions of endless lunches and rounds of golf, a far cry from the vibrant world of live music he thrives in.
In the midst of this global schedule, Cook reflects on the critical role his ex-wife, Radio 2 host Zoe Ball, played in his journey, especially during the height of his fame in the ’90s. He credits her with helping him navigate the chaos of celebrity life, explaining how her grounding presence and shared experience of fame kept him level-headed. “Zoe knew that level of fame before and has this way of checking my ego,” he says, describing her as both compassionate and supportive. This bond offered him stability in an otherwise tumultuous industry. For Cook, Zoe was not only a partner but a grounding force who reminded him of what mattered most, allowing him to navigate fame with resilience.
As Cook heads into a new season of international gigs, his dedication to his craft stands out, anchored by the lessons learned from a partnership that kept him focused and balanced even in the whirlwind of global fame. For Fatboy Slim, the show goes on, rooted in passion and gratitude.
