The celebrity DJ who fought addiction to feel music again
DJ Fat Tony was master of the London and New York club scenes as a teen but after losing friends and his boyfriend to Aids, addiction took control of his life.
British house music pioneer DJ Fat Tony shot to stardom in 1980s London as a teenager headlining at the city's top clubs. He soon became DJ to the stars, playing for Madonna, Prince and Elton John. But then a new mysterious illness, Aids, took hold and devastated the gay community. Tony lost many friends and his boyfriend, his drug and alcohol addiction spiralled and he almost lost everything. At rock bottom, a moment of compassion helped Tony turn a corner and he finally sought help. It was a long road to sobriety, tackling many demons along the way but Tony made it back to his turntables and started DJing again.
Tony's memoir is called I Don't Take Requests.
For support on any of the issues raised in this programme, please visit bbc.com/action line
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Olivia Lynch-Kelly and May Cameron
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
(Photo: DJ Fat Tony Credit: Afshin Feiz Photography)
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 22 Jun 2023 11:06GMT±«Óătv World Service
- Thu 22 Jun 2023 17:06GMT±«Óătv World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Thu 22 Jun 2023 21:06GMT±«Óătv World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Fri 23 Jun 2023 02:06GMT±«Óătv World Service
Contact Outlook
Info on how we might use your contribution on air
Podcast: Lives Less Ordinary
Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected