Fatboy Slim performs during the 2026 Boardmasters Festival at Watergate Bay on August 07, 2026 in Newquay, England. More than 45,000 music fans are expected at Boardmasters 2026 with over 90 artists performing over the
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Fatboy Slim Hits Rock in Rio Stage for the First Time Ever After Decades of Touring Brazil

The legendary British DJ closed out the mega-festival on the New Dance Order stage following a rare set by Elton John.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Fatboy Slim has finally crossed a massive landmark off his music bucket list. The iconic British DJ and producer took the stage at Rock in Rio for the very first time, closing out a monumental night packed with international legends and Brazilian music royalty. Operating on the festival's New Dance Order stage, the house hitmaker was responsible for pressing the ultimate final play button of the evening. The stage essentially acted as a massive afterparty for festivalgoers, drawing a diverse crowd of all ages—from young children to seniors—who gathered on the dance floor before heading home. ## Is this Fatboy Slim's first time playing in Brazil? Despite having toured Brazil dozens of times over the course of his celebrated career, this marked the musician's official debut at the legendary Rock in Rio festival. The hitmaker previously opened up about his special bond with the South American nation, describing his visits to Brazil as being akin to meeting family members he did not even realize existed. His overdue festival debut filled the last remaining gap in a night that already celebrated music legends across multiple genres. Before the electronic music icon took control of the decks to wrap up the festival, fans witnessed historic moments across several stages. ## Did Elton John come out of retirement for Rock in Rio? Pop icon Elton John stepped away from his official touring retirement for a rare, one-off performance at the festival. The superstar took over the Mundo stage and delivered a sweeping 24-song set to perform for his Brazilian fanbase. The celebration of legendary talent extended to Brazilian icons as well. On the Global Village stage, 80-year-old João Bosco brought classic MPB tunes to life. Meanwhile, 84-year-old music icon Gilberto Gil showcased his enduring star power on the main Mundo stage. By the time Fatboy Slim took over the New Dance Order stage to close out the night, the crowd was primed for a high-energy finale. His debut performance ensured that one of the most important figures in establishing the modern DJ's central role finally got his moment on the iconic Rock in Rio stage.

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People also ask

Has Fatboy Slim ever played at Rock in Rio before?
No. Despite touring Brazil dozens of times throughout his career, this marked Fatboy Slim's very first performance at the Rock in Rio festival.
Why did Elton John perform at Rock in Rio?
Elton John paused his official touring retirement for a special one-off performance, delivering a 24-song set on the festival's Mundo stage.