BRIT Awards week, in partnership with War Child, saw Fatboy Slim take to the stage for an intimate, sold-out performance at Boiler Shop.
Packed with anticipation, the venue felt industrial yet modern – a warehouse-style space whose acoustics provided perfect resonance. Middlesbrough-born Max Jones opened proceedings, delivering a high-tempo set of thumping dance beats that had the floor filled within 30 minutes. Although interaction was minimal, the tunes kept the audience enthused and energetic throughout.
Capital Radio’s Sam Lavery led a brief intermission, highlighting the importance of War Child’s work in supporting children affected by conflict. Notably, this marked the charity’s first event in Newcastle.
And when Fatboy Slim entered to thunderous applause, he had the audience in the palm of his hand before even reaching the decks. Within seconds, his mastery was unmistakable – as was his passion. The inclusion of ‘Sinner Winner’ by Felix da Housecat was a standout moment. Stepping to the front of the stage, Slim urged the crowd to crouch down, only for them to leap up again in time with the drop. “Are there any sinners out there?” he called. On this night, there most certainly were.
Executing a career-spanning set, classics such as ‘Praise You’ and ‘The Rockafeller Skank’ were interwoven with samples from Groove Armada, Diana Ross and The Rolling Stones. Dance, techno, house, dancehall, disco and rock were all skilfully represented. ‘Born Slippy’ by Underworld blended seamlessly with indie gem ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers in one of the evening’s most unexpected highlights.
‘Right Here, Right Now’ crossed with the Nirvana staple ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ seemed to fall slightly flat at first, but the crowd were won over by the time the chorus arrived. Every second was spent building towards the next hook. Whether waving hands aloft or participating in the signature ‘big fish, little fish, cardboard box’, crowd interaction ensured there was never a dull moment. Nostalgic smiles and a sense of relived youth spread across faces as euphoria lifted the room.
‘The End’ by The Beatles played over the PA as Slim exited the stage – a fitting close to his first Newcastle performance in three years.
