Original version

BBC World Service Online

Migrated podcast image for: Outlook

Outlook

Factual: Life Stories

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

BBC World Service East Asia

Outlook: The celebrity DJ who fought addiction to feel music again

Magazines & Reviews

Untitled-1.jpg

22/06/2023 GMT

The celebrity DJ who fought addiction to feel music again

BBC World Service - Outlook, The celebrity DJ who fought addiction to feel music again

DJ Fat Tony dominated the club scene but when the Aids crisis hit, his world imploded

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)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Outlook

The celebrity DJ who fought addiction to feel music again

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service