Fatboy Slim – a superstar DJ who turns every stage into a dance laboratory 2025 / 2026
Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, has been at the top of the global electronic scene for decades. Although he began his career as a bassist in an indie band, he gained worldwide fame as a pioneer of "big beat" – an explosive fusion of hip-hop, funk, acid house, and pop structures. His performances are not mere mixing of songs: they are carefully directed, adrenaline-fueled rides in which dance floors become communities, and hits like "Praise You," "Right Here, Right Now," and "The Rockafeller Skank" take on a new, monumental dimension. For readers searching for "Fatboy Slim tickets" in 2025 / 2026 and following where the best "Fatboy Slim concert" is brewing – this is a compass through his world, aesthetics, and the way he delivers a memorable live experience.
Behind the seemingly casual smile hides a studious perfectionist who, from his early days in Brighton, set the rules for a DJ performance as a complete show. Fatboy Slim was among the first to convincingly merge radio-friendly hooks with rough breakbeats, and then frame it all with stage elements that pushed audiences over the edge of euphoria in clubs and at festivals. In 2025 / 2026, when you search for "Fatboy Slim tour" or "Fatboy Slim live," you will realize that his reputation was built right on the field – in front of a playful crowd, under a sea of lights and huge visuals.
His influence on the scene is measured beyond the charts. The music video "Weapon of Choice," in which Christopher Walken dances through a hotel lobby as if the stage were his alone, became a pop-cultural artifact; the Big Beach Boutique on the Brighton coast turned the city into an open-air dance metropolis; and a series of remixes and original hits defined the sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2025 / 2026, audiences still seek "Fatboy Slim tickets" because his sets have that rare quality – the feeling of participating in something bigger than a concert.
Why is he worth seeing live? Because Fatboy Slim knows how to produce a collective "aha!" moment on the dance floor: the one when thousands of people recognize a sample, shout a chorus, and jump at the same time. From the clubs of Ibiza to open-air stages, his performances remain a benchmark for how to build tempo, how to read an audience, and how to turn a "drop" into collective elation. If you are interested in "Fatboy Slim tickets 2025 / 2026" and want to understand why they are in demand, read on – below we provide an overview of his career, reasons why he is worth seeing live, and tips for preparing your ideal concert experience.
Who is Fatboy Slim and why is he important
Norman Cook has built a career that few in electronic music can match. After experiencing early mainstream success with an indie pop band, he dedicated himself to DJing and production and, under the pseudonym Fatboy Slim, created a distinctive sound – groovy, sample-heavy, and irresistibly danceable. The album "You've Come a Long Way, Baby" brought a series of singles that dominated both clubs and radio, and his refined sense for set dramaturgy made him one of the most charismatic DJs of his generation. That influence is not just nostalgic: Fatboy Slim continues to shape the tastes of young club audiences today, and his performances remain a masterclass in how to "tell a story" through records.
Immediate live energy
Unlike performances that rely on pure technical perfectionism, Fatboy Slim builds his live experience on interaction. He skillfully "teases" hits, plays fragments of vocals that the audience immediately recognizes, and then surprises with an unexpected transition – say, a classic breakbeat underpinned by funk or an acid line. His stage is a playground for laser beams, LED visuals, and pyrotechnics used sparingly but effectively, precisely when needed to "cement" the set's peak. This is why searches like "Fatboy Slim live 2025 / 2026" are on the rise – because people are not just looking for a concert, but an event.
Anecdotes and moments that went down in history
One of the greatest moments of his career is certainly the mass gathering on the beach in Brighton, which showed how a DJ performance can become a civic spectacle. On the other hand, "Weapon of Choice" with Christopher Walken entered the canon of music videos: the dance moves became memes, and the song took on a life outside the clubs. These two episodes, though completely different, perfectly explain Fatboy Slim – a showman who loves "big," but also an artist who understands the microscopic precision of rhythm and movement.
Why "Fatboy Slim tickets" in 2025 / 2026 are particularly sought after
Besides his reputation, the reason is consistency. While many of his peers changed direction, Fatboy Slim remained true to a formula that works – not because it's simple, but because he upgrades it every time. In 2025 / 2026, when you plan your concert calendar, his performance will be a safe bet for a night where you want both nostalgia and freshness, both radio hits and hidden surprises.
Why you need to see Fatboy Slim live?
- Spectacular performance – The sets are dramaturgically layered: from opening grooves to climaxes that hit at just the right moment. There is no improvisation for improvisation's sake; everything is arranged to lift you up, bring you down, and lift you up again, like waves you gladly return to.
- Popular songs live – In clubs and on open-air stages, you'll most often hear "Praise You," "Right Here, Right Now," "The Rockafeller Skank," "Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat," and "Weapon of Choice." He often wraps them in mashups or sudden transitions that spike the adrenaline.
- Energetic connection with the audience – Fatboy Slim constantly "reads" the dance floor: he reacts to hands in the air, to chanting, and to moments when the crowd demands "one more drop." This two-way channel makes the difference between a good and an unforgettable performance.
- Visual and stage elements – LED screens, laser beams, occasional pyrotechnics, and witty visuals that accompany the samples. Everything is synchronized with the musical dynamism, with no excess – the effects always serve the music, not the other way around.
- Audience reactions and reviews – On social media and forums after his concerts, comments like "best party ever," "never seen a crowd jump so much," and "how does he manage to hit the mood every time?" dominate.
- Recent performances and tours – Even when he plays "iconic" venues or major festivals, the approach remains the same: groove first, and the hits come as a reward at the perfect moment. That's precisely why searches for "Fatboy Slim tour 2025 / 2026" remain relevant – the audience knows what they are getting.
Fatboy Slim – How to prepare for the performance?
If you plan to go to a "Fatboy Slim concert 2025 / 2026," preparation begins with choosing a spot and understanding the space. Most of his performances are "general admission" with standing: the best spot is usually near the front-of-house mixer (excellent sound) or centrally in front of the stage if you want maximum energy. In clubs with a gallery, a walk around the perimeter often provides the best balance of sound and view. If it's a festival, arrive early – the crowds are largest just before the prime-time slot, which is when Fatboy Slim most often comes on.
Past performances and audience experience
His sets in large halls and on open-air stages are often remembered for the "collective chorus": thousands of people singing samples before they even play, and the DJ then deliberately delays the drop to heighten anticipation. At club residencies, he is known to pull out deeper cuts, remix his own classics, or throw in unexpected twists – for example, short vocal phrases that "hint" at the next song. Although we are not announcing future performances, audience experiences from previous gigs clearly indicate: his shows are recounted as the biggest dance moments of the season.
Prices and budget (all in €)
The price range depends on the city, organizer, and type of event. For solo open-air or arena shows in Europe, it is common for standard tickets to cost approximately
35–75 €, while specific events and special locations (e.g., premium clubs) can go higher. In Ibiza, where "headline" nights are among the most sought-after, standard ranges are roughly
55–95 € for big nights, with season openings or particularly exclusive events potentially reaching
100–120 €. VIP tables and packages are a separate story and usually start much higher, depending on the club and included amenities. When talking about major festivals where Fatboy Slim is often one of the main attractions, weekend tickets frequently range from
200–300 € (depending on early purchase, loyalty programs, etc.), while single-day passes – where the festival offers them – are typically
70–120 €. As a practical reference point, for a large open-air event in Ireland, the standard standing price was around
67–70 € in regular sales, depending on fees. In 2025 / 2026, when you follow "Fatboy Slim tickets," this range is a good orientation for planning your budget.
How to find the best spots?
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Club: Stick to the axis towards the FOH (mixing desk) for the best sound. If you want a "view + space," side galleries and platforms offer width, while the central front third of the floor provides pure energy.
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Arena/Open-air: The central sector slightly behind the middle often offers the perfect compromise between visuals and sound. For a "fan-pit" experience, arrive early and expect a crowd.
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Festival: Orient yourself by the sound towers – the sweet spot is between them. Use landmarks (light towers, tents) to easily return to your position after getting water.
Arrival and logistics (parking, transport, accommodation)
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Transport: Plan to arrive by public transport when possible; the biggest crowds form after the set ends. If you're going by car, choose a parking spot a bit further away and allow for a 10–20 minute walk to the entrance.
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Accommodation: In festival cities, prices jump on the days of major events. Book early or look for alternative zones with good night transport lines.
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Safety and pacing: Hydration is key; take small bottles (check the rules), light clothing, and comfortable footwear. Agree on a "meeting point" in case you get separated – mobile network signal often drops during peak crowds.
Interesting facts about Fatboy Slim you might not have known
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Musical chameleon – Although he is synonymous with big beat, in his sets he skillfully mixes house, breakbeat, and even unexpected pop fragments.
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Visual genius – "Weapon of Choice" with Christopher Walken won a series of major awards; the iconic scenes of flying and tap-dancing have gone down in music video history.
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Collaborations and remixes – His interventions have been known to completely redefine original songs (remember how "Praise You" or the remix of "Brimful of Asha" changed the perception of radio audiences).
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Record-breaking parties – The massive open-air party on the beach in Brighton remains a symbol of a time when a DJ performance could turn an entire city into a dance floor.
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Stage artist – He is known for building his sets like stories: introduction – plot – climax, with a lot of humor and wit in the visuals.
What to expect at the performance?
Setlist (expected songs)
It's impossible to guarantee an exact list, but the following songs are almost constant guests or appear in fragments, mashups, and sudden transitions:
- "Right Here, Right Now" – a grandiose, cinematic intro to a big "drop"
- "Praise You" – a collective chorus the audience knows from the first second
- "The Rockafeller Skank" – a riff that gets hands in the air without exception
- "Weapon of Choice" – a groove that often comes as an unexpected teaser
- "Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat" – a modern rave slogan at a club tempo
- "Ya Mama" / "Sunset (Bird of Prey)" – as a spice to change the dynamics
Special performances and guest appearances
Occasionally, unexpected guests or visual quotes appear; more often, a "guest appearance" is actually a witty play on samples – short vocals and hooks that the audience recognizes, which then turn in a completely different direction. These are the moments when the dance floor explodes because no one expected that combination.
The audience – who usually comes to his performances
The spectrum is wide: from fans who listened to him in the late 1990s to a new generation that discovered his hits through streaming or TikTok. The common denominator? A high tolerance for sweat, smiles, and a lot of jumping. If you want the "front row," expect density; if you want dancing space, aim for the zones to the side and slightly back.
Practical tips for 2025 / 2026
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Budget for a standard ticket (35–75 €), leave a margin for transport and drinks, and for more exclusive clubs and openings, expect 55–120 €.
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Arrive early at festivals; the best spots disappear quickly.
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Plan your return – the biggest rush happens after the last drop.
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Conserve your energy – sets often come in waves; there will be moments for rest and moments when no one is still.
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2025 / 2026 – if you are tying your plans to a specific calendar, add a buffer for schedule changes and unforeseen lineup alterations.
Fatboy Slim – a practical guide for a flawless concert experience 2025 / 2026
Fatboy Slim – How to prepare for the performance?
Planning for a "Fatboy Slim concert" starts long before the bass first rumbles. First, consider the format: club, arena, or open-air. Each venue has different acoustics, crowds, and visitor flow. In clubs, "general admission" is standard – that means standing and a lot of movement, so sneakers with good cushioning make a bigger difference than you think. In arenas and outdoors, sound "travels" further; the best spot for those who want a crystal-clear mix is often on axis with the FOH (mixing desk), a few meters behind the denser core. If you want absolute euphoria and proximity to the visuals – aim for the first sector in front of the stage, but expect a compact crowd and constant movement.
Before you go, check the entry rules: transparent bags, permitted backpack dimensions, water bottles with or without caps, selfie sticks – every promoter has their own nuances. If you plan to record, be aware that in some clubs, recording with professional equipment is restricted, and a flash is never a good idea. Fatboy Slim is a performer who builds a connection with the audience – you'll recognize it when the crowd "outplays" the drop in unison – so it's useful to have your hands free, with your phone just for short clips.
"Fatboy Slim tickets" in 2025 / 2026 follow different pricing policies, but there are patterns. For solo indoor and open-air performances, standard tickets often range from 35–75 €, depending on the city and production. For prestigious club nights, especially in tourist destinations and peak times, "general admission" prices can be 55–120 €, while VIP packages and tables go significantly higher, depending on the club and included amenities. Multi-day festival passes are most often 200–300 € (depending on the sales phase), and single-day passes are 70–120 €. In practice, an example of a large open-air event showed that a standard ticket with fees can be around 67–70 € – an excellent reference when planning your budget for 2025 / 2026, whether you choose a "Fatboy Slim tour" in a metropolis or a one-day trip.
Travel and logistics are key to a pleasant experience. If you can, choose public transport: the biggest crowds form 15–30 minutes after the set ends when everyone is heading in the same direction. If you must go by car, park a little further away and factor in a 10–20 minute walk – you'll be faster than the queue trying to exit the main parking lot. For open-air events by the coast or in parks, check the weather conditions; a light raincoat is often a better investment than an umbrella that obstructs the view. In 2025 / 2026, it's good to have a "meeting point" agreed upon in advance because the mobile network signal can weaken at the peak of the event.
Acoustics and "sweet spots" vary by venue. In clubs, the best compromise between sound and view is slightly to the side, 8–15 meters from the DJ booth, where the sound waves from the PA system merge without too much air compression. In arenas with line-array systems, aim for the middle between the sound towers; too close to the stage you get more "front fill" than the full picture, and too far away you risk delays and reflections from concrete or stands. At festivals, follow visual landmarks (light towers, tents, banners) and agree on a "movement circle" – it's much easier to return to your zone when you know where the sound tower or video pillar is.
Safety and rhythm: Fatboy Slim sets are known for their amplitudes – periods of groove with "teasers" are followed by sudden jumps in tempo and energy. Hydration is crucial; if allowed, bring a collapsible bottle or buy water before the peak when queues form. Wear breathable clothing; layering is the smartest option as clubs and open-air venues have different microclimates. If you go in a group, agree on signals and short messages ("left of the sound tower," "behind the light bridge"). In 2025 / 2026, be prepared for "cashless" systems at festivals; top up your wristband early so you don't waste signal and time during peak hours.
For those aiming for maximum visual impact, Fatboy Slim uses LED screens, laser beams, and witty graphics that follow the samples – the visuals often "spoil" the next motif, but in micro-parts that entice more than they reveal. If you are a photography enthusiast, the best "panorama" is obtained from the second third of the floor, to the side, or from a stand at a slight angle; closer to the stage you will capture more details of faces and hands, but you will also get more contrasting flashes. If you want pure audio pleasure, foam earplugs protect your hearing without "killing" the highs – an excellent compromise for long sets.
If you follow "Fatboy Slim live" in clubs, be prepared for drink prices on nights with "headline" guests: mixed drinks in some Mediterranean clubs range from 15–20 €, beer is usually cheaper, but water and soft drinks can be more expensive than you expect. This is a part of the budget that many overlook; put it under "mandatory" along with transport and coat check. For 2025 / 2026 in which you plan multiple outings, a mini-budget per event (ticket + transport + drink) will help you realistically estimate how "Fatboy Slim tickets" fit into your calendar.
"Merch" and props? Although it's not "band merch" in the classic sense, at larger events you will often find themed T-shirts, hats, or glowing accessories. If you like souvenirs, buy them before the peak – after the set, popular sizes sell out and long queues form. If you wear glasses, consider a strap; in the euphoria, there are too many hands in the air to be looking for them on the floor.
Eliminate everything that distracts you from the moment. Fatboy Slim is a master of "socializing" with the audience through samples: a short "stutter" of a chorus, an unusual cut in a vocal phrase, a witty visual – then an unexpected transition to another tempo. When the crowd recognizes the signal, a collective shout erupts, which is half the experience. This is why a "Fatboy Slim concert" is not just a cross-section of hits, but a shared moment where the audience becomes part of the arrangement.
Interesting facts about Fatboy Slim you might not have known
Fatboy Slim is synonymous with big beat, but his sets are rarely "pure genre." He is known for being able to connect a 90s hip-hop vocal, a rock riff everyone knows, and an acid line that "pops" perfectly on a large sound system in just a few minutes. For the audience, this means that "Fatboy Slim live" very often delivers unexpected mashups – and ones that sound like they always belonged together.
His trademark is not just the classics "Right Here, Right Now," "Praise You," and "The Rockafeller Skank," but also the way he builds dramaturgy around them. A "tease," a brief return to the intro, then a fake drop, and then a full "release" – all in seconds. Such a structure requires precision and "reading" the dance floor; when you recognize that the crowd is already singing the sample before the song has even started, you know the moment is ripe. This is precisely why his performances are often spoken of in superlatives – it is about directed spontaneity, the skill to lead the audience but leave room for surprises.
The pop-cultural history of Fatboy Slim is full of memorable episodes. The music video "Weapon of Choice," in which Christopher Walken dances through hallways, jumps down stairs, and – in the most famous shot – "flies" through the air, won numerous awards and became a benchmark for how to combine humor, dance, and beat. On the other hand, the famous open-air party by the sea in Brighton showed how a DJ performance can transcend club walls and turn an entire city into a dance floor. These events are still talked about today, and in 2025 / 2026, these examples serve as a reminder of why "Fatboy Slim tickets" still capture the public's imagination.
Collaborations and remixes are an important part of his story. In a club context, this often means that a "foreign" vocal or riff appears and takes over the stage for a minute or two, and then "melts" into the original groove. If you like discovering details, pay attention to the short vocal phrases in the transitions; they are often signals that announce the next block of the set. It is through these quotes and shifts that Fatboy Slim reminds us why he is one of the most influential architects of dance culture.
Another interesting fact: although he is known in the studio for sample-based production, live his aesthetic is "the beat first – then everything else." In other words, rhythm and pulse lead the story, while melody and hooks serve as landmarks, "lighthouses" that guide the audience through changes in tempo and texture. In this way, the sets do not feel like a playlist, but like a journey with clear destinations and many exciting detours.
For lovers of visual narrative, Fatboy Slim loves intelligent humor. The visuals often "invoke" pop culture icons, graphic wordplay, or quick animations that comment on the samples. This creates an additional level of communication with the audience: laughter and shouts simultaneously, while the bass does its job. In 2025 / 2026, when you search for content about the "Fatboy Slim tour," you will find a wealth of footage where the audience and visuals are almost as important as the song itself.
What to expect at the performance?
The setlist is never a "copy-paste," but there are patterns. There is a high probability that you will hear fragments or full versions of classics like "Right Here, Right Now," "Praise You," "The Rockafeller Skank," "Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat," "Weapon of Choice," "Ya Mama," and "Sunset (Bird of Prey)." The order and treatment change depending on the venue and audience: sometimes "Right Here, Right Now" will serve as a monumental introduction to the first big drop, sometimes as a final triumph, and sometimes it will come in the form of a sudden vocal teaser in the middle of a completely different groove. It is this unpredictability that is remembered – you recognize the hook, but you get a new outfit.
Special performances and "guest appearances" in his case are often conceptual. Instead of a standard "guest MC," you will more often witness a famous vocal or riff appear in a micro-quote, cut into syllables, and then "locked" into a break that raises the tempo. These are the moments that make the crowd cheer in unison – a combination of memory and current energy. If you have been to his sets before, you know how powerful it is when the crowd recognizes that what they love is "coming," and the DJ holds the tension for a few more seconds before the impact.
The audience is diverse, from veterans who carry big beat in their muscle memory to new generations who discovered the classics through streaming and short video formats. This is why "Fatboy Slim tickets" are an intergenerational magnet: the older generation wants to recapture the collective chorus, the younger generation wants the experience their friends talk about. If you love the front row and "sweaty" euphoria – arrive early and expect a compact crowd; if you want dancing space and a good view, aim for the side and slightly back. In clubs with a gallery and balcony, the middle of the gallery often provides the best shot of the visuals, while the side positions are ideal for a "rest" without losing the atmosphere.
How to find the best spots? As a rule, the best ratio of sound and view in arenas is the central sector behind the middle, at a height where the vertical laser beams "intersect" with the LED background – the picture is full, and the sound is stable. On open-air stages, the sweet spot is between the sound towers; follow them with your eyes and orient yourself by them. In clubs where the DJ booth is lowered, a slight side position at a 30–45 degree angle provides the most "air" and better depth of field.
Tickets and budget in 2025 / 2026: for stand-alone venues or open spaces, plan for 35–75 € for a standard ticket; in the most sought-after club nights 55–120 €; at festivals 70–120 € for single-day passes and 200–300 € for multi-day passes. Drinks on peak nights are often 15–20 € for mixed drinks; water is mandatory, and energy is precious. A coat check or lockers are practical (5–10 €), especially if you combine public transport and walking.
Accessibility and comfort: many venues and festivals offer platforms for people with reduced mobility – sign up in advance as the number of places is limited. Earplugs protect your hearing without losing the experience; for long journeys, consider compression socks. If you wear contact lenses, bring artificial tears – dry air and laser effects can irritate the eyes. In 2025 / 2026, when you put the "Fatboy Slim tour" on your calendar, it's time to check late-night lines, shuttle buses, and taxi zones – during peak times, traffic is slowest right at the exit.
The "etiquette" on the dance floor is simple: the space is shared. If you are moving towards the front, be brief and decisive, without pushing; if someone needs water or space, help them. Fatboy Slim is a performer who encourages community – the best moments happen when the crowd breathes as one. If you want a recording for a souvenir, keep the "pan and scan" short; the most beautiful shots happen when you put your phone away and let the visuals and bass "pick you up."
And what about the "after-party"? At larger events, there is often a continuation in clubs or on secondary stages, but keep your energy under control: an hour of euphoria at the core of the set is better than three hours of "spending" it beforehand. It is this "pacing" that distinguishes those who remember the concert by one song and those who remember it by the whole journey. For the "Fatboy Slim live" experience, the rule applies – arrive rested, leave satisfied.
Finally, a small "checklist" for 2025 / 2026:
- Tickets – plan a range of 35–75 € for solo shows; 55–120 € for premium clubs; 70–120 € for single-day festivals; 200–300 € for multi-day passes.
- Position – FOH line for sound, front for energy, side and behind the middle for an overview.
- Arrival/departure – public transport where possible; park further away and walk 10–20 minutes.
- Gear – light clothing, sneakers, earplugs, raincoat for open-air, charger or power bank.
- Drink budget – budget 15–20 € for cocktails on peak club nights; water is a priority.
- Safety – agreed meeting point, "cashless" balance topped up in advance, short messages for orientation.
If you are still looking for lucrative details about "Fatboy Slim tickets" and want to upgrade the experience, look for tickets in the early waves of sales – the "early" phase is often worth it. Be cautious with resale; choose verified channels and compare the price with the organizer's range. If you encounter "dynamic pricing," compare dates and locations – sometimes a one-day trip is worth the savings and a better spot. But above all, look at the bigger picture: Fatboy Slim is a performer who rewards those who come with an open mind, ready for rhythms that jump between genres and decades, yet sound completely contemporary.
Why, in the end, is a "Fatboy Slim concert" such a special category? Because it combines all three dimensions of a great "live" event – a rhythm that keeps the body moving, melodies and hooks that awaken memory, and visuals that create a story. And that is why these nights are talked about, why "Fatboy Slim live" remains on calendars, and why "Fatboy Slim tickets," even in 2025 / 2026, remain a concept for an experience that is not forgotten. In a scenario where many sets resemble each other, he stands out with his ability to recognize the moment and turn it into a collective elation – that "right here, right now" that cannot be replicated with the same intensity when you watch it on a screen, but only when you are there, in the crowd, while the bass writes your evening.