A DJ has admitted his personal fears about how long the coronavirus pandemic will continue to affect gigs and the live music industry.

Fatboy Slim, who lives in Hove, said it feels “scary” not knowing how long it will be before he can return to playing to crowds live.

The DJ, whose real name is Norman Cook, was speaking on a podcast called Celeb And The Average. He told the show’s host Phil Reynolds: “The idea of how long it is going to go on gets really scary.

“And so, especially for people in our end of the entertainment business, it’s really scary because we’re under no illusions that will be the last thing to be put back in place.

“The pubs first and then the gyms, then sports and sporting events, but cramming tons of sweaty drunk people together to share bodily fluids and a common euphoria is going to be the last thing we’re allowed to do when you know the virus has been eradicated.

“It’s scary but I’m really glad of the vaccine - though it might still be six months.”

The 57-year-old, who has been DJing since the early 1990s, said the past eight months amid the coronavirus pandemic has been the longest period he has not worked in his whole career.

He said: “For the last 15 or 20 years at least I’ve been used to going out every other weekend and doing what I do.

“It was quite weird at first. It was the longest I’ve not DJ’d, so it was alien to me and not altogether unpleasant.

“I’ve always promised myself a summer off in Brighton with my kids and hanging out on the beach, but then I could never really do it because of the fear of missing out on all the festivals going on.

“Once I got my head around it, it was like, ‘Well, let’s use this time to spend quality time with my family.

“’Just rest up a bit and have that kind of summer off.’”

The Praise You hit-maker has also revealed he is expecting to have to “rebuild” his career following the pandemic, and he believes artists will only play local gigs at first, before touring can resume.

He told The List magazine: “I think it will start up at grassroots level again, with people playing in their own hometown. I’d like to play a week-long residency at a local club, then rebuild my career from there.

“It’s going to be an interesting journey after Covid.”

Last month Fatboy Slim took to the streets in Brighton and Hove in fancy dress to deliver his new album, Back To Mine, to fans.

The DJ delivered CDs to homes across the city in a Pink Panther suit, signing copies on doorsteps for supporters who had ordered early copies of the album.