Live Review
Fatboy Slim, RockNess 2010
Cook doesn’t rely on well-known samples for his sound.
Through the course of tonight’s DJ stylings, the crowd will only be treated to four actual Fatboy Slim songs. At a less dance-centric festival this might have been a problem, but here at the banks of Loch Ness every minute is lapped up just as eagerly as the last.
Mr Cook, of course, inadvertently began the festival as a one-day event in 2006, and he looks every inch the proud dad as the first building strains of ‘Right Here, Right Now’ wash over the crowd. Wallflowers this audience are not - or maybe it’s just impossible not to move in the midst of this nostalgic number from 1999.
The rest of the set is clever, sharp and fast-moving. Cook doesn’t rely on well-known samples for his sound; he simply mixes and creates beats that are made for dancing. That’s not to say he doesn’t tease a little bit, though: the crowd are ecstatic when the main riff from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ ‘Heads Will Roll’ is played out, but it’s stripped back straight away in a truly tantalising moment. Former hit ‘Weapon of Choice’ is given a slightly slower, more mumbling remix, inspiring many in the crowd to attempt Christopher Walken’s legendary dance from its video.
As will happen so many times over the course of this weekend, it’s a Queen song that becomes the most memorable. ‘We Will Rock You’ starts up and the ever-dancing fans catch on straight away, only to be in for a pleasant surprise as Cook’s video display in the background directs the crowd to sing “we will we will… RockNess!” A fantastic statement for the opening night of the festival, and as we look up at the stage we see that no one’s smile is as big as Norman Cook’s himself. A proud dad, indeed.
Records, etc at
Fatboy Slim - You've Come A Long Way Baby (Half-Speed Remaster) (National Album Day 2023) (Vinyl LP - black)
Fatboy Slim - Palookaville (Vinyl LP)
Fatboy Slim - Better Living Through Chemistry (Vinyl LP)
Read More
Bestival Announce Friday Night Headliner
The new act will be joining already confirmed bill-toppers, Elton John and Snoop Dogg.
16th May 2013, 7:55am
Boardmasters 2011
The remarkable thing about Boardmasters is how well it works.
24th August 2011, 2:15pm
Fatboy Slim Announces December UK Tour
He'll play five dates in total, kicking off in Brighton.
4th July 2011, 11:59am
Fatboy Slim, Of Montreal & More Join Chicago’s North Coast Festival
They're joining the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Neon Indian, Gogol Bordello and David Guetta on the bill.
10th May 2011, 10:10am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.