One for the books

Mayday with Fatboy Slim at ://about blank — A Day That Felt Like a Miracle

On May 1st, a day often marked by protest, blocked streets, and political noise, something else happened in Berlin — something luminous, joyful, and unforgettable. We at Section 8 Berlin hosted one of our most special events to date: a daytime rave at ://about blank, headlined by the iconic Fatboy Slim.

And what unfolded was nothing short of magic.

The city was largely shut down due to Mayday demonstrations. Streets were blocked. Logistics were impossible. We couldn’t even get Norman Cook to his hotel. But none of that seemed to matter — not to him, and not to us. Fatboy Slim quietly prepared for his set in the backstage area. No green room demands. No special treatment. Just a man calmly getting ready to blow 1,200 minds.

And that’s exactly what he did.

He played with the intimacy of a true underground setting — just meters away from the crowd — and gave us everything. He mixed genres, dropped surprise edits of his mega-hits, and built a narrative that felt both personal and epic. People laughed, danced, and yes — some even cried. The energy was overwhelmingly positive. It wasn’t just a set. It was a masterful performance. Fatboy Slim reminded us why he’s not just a DJ, but a world-class entertainer and cultural force.

Support from Phonique, Robert Owens, and Nakadia gave the day layers of sound and soul — from deep Berlin groove to euphoric vocal house to punchy techno drive. Together, they created a sonic journey that felt like Berlin at its very best: diverse, bold, connected.

We’ve thrown a lot of parties at Section 8 Berlin. But this one — this Mayday — felt like a beacon. In a time of polarization, boycotts, and tension across our scene and society, this was unity. No posturing, no division. Just music, joy, and shared humanity under the spring sun.

Thank you, Norman. Thank you to everyone who danced, helped, trusted, and made it happen.

We’ll be talking about this one for years.

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