Fatboy Slim becomes first DJ to play Houses of Parliament (From The Argus)

Fatboy Slim becomes first DJ to play Houses of Parliament

12:24pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Emily Walker, Chief Reporter

Fatboy Slim became the first DJ to "play" the Houses of Parliament.

The legendary turntablist was right here, right now at the Mother of all Parliaments, warming up for 22-year-old student Bryce Fury, the winner of a national DJ-ing competition.

Slim, real name Norman Cook, who lives in Western Esplanade, Portslade, played to 250,000 people on Brighton Beach in 2002 but the audience tonight for the show in a marquee on the House of Commons terrace bar by the River Thames attracted a somewhat smaller audience.

Speaking before the gig, he said: "I've played some exciting and unique places around the world, from Bondi Beach to the Great Wall of China to an igloo, but playing in the House of Commons might be the most unique to date."

Stephen Mosley, the Conservative MP for Chester, was among those at the gig, tweeting a picture of former Housemartin Cook in action on the decks.

Mr Fury, whose real name is Bryce Moore, played after winning the House The House competition, in aid of the Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Foundation.

The electrical engineering student from Corby, Northamptonshire, was chosen from more than 200 DJs at the final in February at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London.

"It's a bit daunting to meet someone who is a living legend," the Northumbria University student said.

"This is a massive opportunity for me, to meet so many important people.

"I wouldn't be complaining if I ended up DJ-ing full time, I've done quite a bit of it in Newcastle."

The Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Foundation encourages 16-25-year-olds to get more involved in their communities through grassroots initiatives. All the 10 national finalists had to devote at least four hours to a community project.

Mike Weatherley, Tory MP for Hove and Portslade, said: "House The House is giving young people the chance to have a voice, to be recognised for their endeavours and to engage with their communities to create change from the grassroots up.

"Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and House The House are great examples of what the whole music industry can achieve in an innovative way."

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