As one of club culture’s most notorious and celebrated figures, DJ Fat Tony (real name Tony Marnach) has long helped pave the way for London’s music scene.
Having begun his career three decades ago, winning early residences at the legendary Turnmills for Trade, Ministry Of Sound and The Lyceum & Egg, Tony soon made his mark on the international dance scene, holding a weekly show in New York at the Palladium for Steve Rubell during the height of Paradise Garage & Limelight. He has also graced the main floor of Privilege Ibiza, Space, Amnesia & DC10, alongside musical icons including Boy George, Sasha and Andy Weatherall.
Described by many as being ‘the closest thing that club culture has to a national treasure’, in 2022 Tony released his memoirs, I Don’t Take Requests – a no holds barred account of his life thus far, detailing with great candour his ascent from difficult beginnings to becoming the face of the 80’s and 90’s club scene, his drug addiction, HIV diagnosis, rehab and subsequent recovery.
Praised by both critics and readers for it’s breathtakingly honest, and at times outrageous, portrayal of one mans quest to succeed, the book shot to the top of multiple charts, earning Tony the moniker of a Sunday Times Best-Selling Author.
Now 14 years sober, and undeniably more relevant than ever, the South London native finds himself exploring new territories and terrains, enjoying success with his ‘The Recovery’ podcast, running one of lockdowns most popular Instagram accounts, and working to help others overcome addiction, as well as serving as the go-to DJ for fashion houses Versace, Louis Vuitton and celebrities Kate Moss and The Beckhams.
With some of his biggest performances and accomplishments taking place this year, the best, though, is yet to come, as in the words of Fat Tony: “my greatest ever set hasn’t even happened yet…”
We caught up with Fat Tony for the latest edition of our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Pimlico. I was born here and it’s my home – I’m a Londoner through and through!
Favourite place for brunch:
The Colbert in Sloane Square. The familiarity and good food are a wonderful respite from the madness of living in London.
Best coffee in London:
I don’t drink coffee but by all accounts Ben Venuti on Upper Tachbrook Street is pretty good! They also do a fantastic focaccia.
Favourite gallery or museum:
The one and only Natural History Museum. My favourite gallery is Saatchi… when they used to have good exhibitions; they take the piss these days!
Tell us a secret:
If you read my book ‘I Don’t Take Requests’, you’d know I don’t have secrets! It’s all out there in black and white.
Favourite place to shop:
Selfridges hands down. No other department store comes close when it comes to fashion and technology.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
Instagram. There’s a reason I’m on it so much. You have the whole world, in image form, in the palm of your hands.
Best London destination for a date:
The Thames Clipper. Just getting on a boat and going up the Thames always breaks the ice, because there’s just so much to see. I love London!
Favourite park:
Battersea Park, the english rose garden is tranquil and sublime. But there’s something for everyone in that park.
Favourite food market:
Duke of York Square on a Saturday on Kings Road. It’s so vibrant and the food offerings are incredible.
Your sanctuary in the city:
It would be the french church in Leicester Square. The Jean Cocteau Chapel – peace amongst all the debauchery.
What inspires you?
Anyone that gets up off their ass and does something with their lives. Getting knocked down and getting up again. Anyone recovering from anything in life are my biggest inspiration.
