Fatboy Slim DJs at Royal Society of Chemistry to celebrate 30 years of debut album
The institution last hosted a music event when Handel performed in the 18th Century
Fatboy Slim played a one-off show at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London this week. The date was one of many ways in which the UK DJ and producer is celebrating three decades since his debut album was released.
Originally arriving in 1996, 'Better Living Through Chemistry' helped lay the groundwork for the artist's inimitable sound, and the development of big beat as a genre. Yesterday, Wednesday 23rd September, the 30-year-old record was the focal point for an intimate party at Burlington House, home to one of Britain's leading scientific institutions. Watch some footage from the night below.
The evening kicked off with a warm up set by Feel It resident Joshua James. Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, then took over proceedings, with guests donning white lab coats in honour of both the LP and location. A makeshift dance floor and stage were set within the building's historic library, a space that comes complete with centuries-old alcoves. The date was only the second time the address has been used for a music event. The first was a performance by Handel in the 18th Century.
"What a brilliant night. Dancing surrounded by chemistry books in one of the most bonkers places I’ve ever played," said Cook. "It was the first time I’d properly listened back to the album in years and it was amazing to hear it with everyone again. The audience were mad. It felt less like a gig and more like getting the family back together for a very sweaty reunion.”
A 30th anniversary reissue of 'Better Living Through Chemistry ' is due out digitally tomorrow, Friday 30th September. Special edition vinyl and CD versions will then drop a week later, on 2nd October.
Last year, Fatboy Slim marked 40 years since his first singles landed with a book, 'It Ain't Over 'til The Fatboy Sings' . This was followed by the official release of his Rolling Stones mash-up, ' Satisfaction Skank ', which first appeared in his sets a quarter of a century earlier.
