Fatboy Slim

Norman Cook had been the bassist in the Housemartins before reinventing himself as a DJ and producer. As Fatboy Slim, he developed a sound — big beat — that combined house music's four-on-the-floor rhythm with hip-hop samples and rock energy. The result was something that worked equally well in clubs and on radio.

'Better Living Through Chemistry' (1996) was the debut — a strong collection that established the template. 'You've Come a Long Way, Baby' (1998) was the breakthrough — 'The Rockafeller Skank', 'Gangster Trippin', and 'Right Here, Right Now' were all enormous hits. The album reached number one. Cook was suddenly one of the most successful British artists in the world.

The Big Beach Boutique concerts on Brighton Beach — 250,000 people in 2002 — were among the most spectacular events in British music history. Cook has continued to DJ and record, his influence on subsequent electronic music considerable. He remains one of the most beloved figures in British music.