FATBOY Slim has marked 13 years since becoming sober.
Hove hitmaker Norman Cook checked himself into rehab in 2009 and, today, celebrated 13 years “sober and clean”.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Today I celebrate 13 years sober and clean. Thankful to everyone who has helped on my journey and sending love and strength to everyone on a similar path.”
Fellow musicians, including Brighton band Royal Blood rallied, behind the DJ in the comments and praised his “incredible achievement.”
Radio presenter Annie Mac wrote: “you’re an inspiration Norman”, while DJ Jax Jones shared a heart emoji.
After leaving rehab, Fatboy told the Independent that he decided to give up his partying lifestyle because he had simply “had enough.”
He said: “I gave it 30 good years. I caned the a**e out of it and left no stone unturned. But I would encourage everyone to have as much fun as possible – while it is still fun."
Norman, who became one of the UK’s leading DJs and producers, responsible for hits including Praise You, has previously spoken about how the arrival of his second child with Zoe Ball, felt like a gift after they both went sober.
Nelly was born in 2010, at which point the couple already had a nine-year-old son Woody.
Shortly after their daughter’s birth Cook said: “Zoe and I both gave up drinking, so this baby is a present of our sobriety. It was a tough start to the year but we’re both much happier.
“It’s all settled in at the Cooks’ household.”
Norman has become a pillar of the Brighton and Hove community.
He was the first musician to grace the stage at the Amex stadium in 2012, with the lifelong Albion fan playing to more than 35,000 at the then new venue.
He also snapped up the cafe at Hove Lagoon in 2013. Now known as the Big Beach Cafe, the much-loved venue continues to be a popular choice for beachgoers.
He also sounded the race klaxon at the Brighton Half Marathon in 2020, before running the race himself, raising money for charity group Young Epilepsy, in the impressive time of two hours,18 minutes and 18 seconds.
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