'Leeds is one of my favourite crowds': DJ Fat Tony on his 'pilgrimage' back to the city

DJ Fat Tony has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, for some of its biggest celebrities and at some of the world’s biggest fashion houses.

But speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post ahead of his return to Under The Arches in November, the DJ, whose real name is Tony Marnoch, still considers the trip to Leeds a “pilgrimage”.

“Leeds is one of my favourite crowds,” Tony, 59, said. “People up north really know how to party, and I’ve had a close relationship with Leeds for a few years now.”

His Full Fat Fest returns to Under The Arches on New Briggate on November 14. The event has been running for three years, and the “not so intimate” day party, which finishes at 9pm, has become a firm favourite with Tony and locals.

“Under the Arches is a great venue,” Tony said. “It’s got a kind of nostalgic feel to it, and an incredible sound system. This is our third year doing Full Fat there, and it always goes off. We bring our full production over, and I close things out with an extended set.”

Fat Tony’s career has been illustrious. He has spun records for David and Victoria Beckham, is a good friend and frequent collaborator with Kate Moss, and has worked with superstars like Madonna and Miley Cyrus.

One particularly memorable collaboration was with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul herself, Mary J. Blige.

Tony said: “I got the opportunity to work with Mary J. Blige a few years ago. She’s someone I look up to, and her music helped get me through the darkest moments of my addiction. To share our experiences with each other was a moment I’ll never forget.”

He has also worked closely with Donatella Versace and served as the former resident DJ for Vogue.

“For me they’ve always been connected,” he said. “My first job was in fashion in the Great Gear Market on the Kings Road. My best friend was the biggest pop star on the planet. The 80s were a statement in fashion and music, and I’ve carried that relationship throughout.

“The ‘celebrity’ side, I guess, just came along with it. It just so happened that so many of my friends back then became some of the most influential people in their field.”

DJ Fat Tony has been a part of British club culture for more than four decades. After scoring his first gig at 16 years old, “turning up to the club with four records and not knowing s**t”, he knew this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

“Seeing people happy on the dancefloor… there’s no better feeling,” he said.

“The world’s changed so much, right? We have different technology, people have social media, the music is constantly evolving. The party scene has changed too, but I always like to look forward and see it as an evolution. That’s why I can never name my ‘favourite night ever’. The best is always yet to come.”

Since kicking drugs and alcohol in the late 00s, Tony has been open about his experiences with addiction, recovery and sobriety.

His first novel, I Don’t Take Requests, is an honest recount of his childhood in Battersea, club culture in the 80s and 90s, and the issues that came with it.

“It all started when I wrote my memoirs,” he explained. “I knew if I was going to do that, I wouldn’t half-ass the details. That journey was really unexpected, and it led me to having to face some deep-rooted traumas I’d never dealt with.

“Then in publishing them, the response I got was incredible. People stopping me at airports, sharing their stories with me, telling me how much the book had helped them. I always thought if I can help one person, I’ve done my job.”

Those meetings inspired him to keep writing. In June 2026, he released his second memoir, Recover Me: A User’s Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Insanity, which he describes as “basically a different kind of self-help book, helping people through recovery whether it’s from addiction or really any kind of trauma”.

But through highs and lows, it’s behind the decks where he feels the most at home, whether at Glastonbury or under railway arches in a city in the north of England.

“It’s all about the people to me, to be honest,” he said. “I can be on the Greenpeace Stage (at Glastonbury) in front of 10,000 people, or I can be in a sweaty basement with 100; if the crowd is connected, then I get the same amount of joy.”

He’s not expecting any big surprises as he returns to Leeds in a month. Tony has played here enough to know the city knows how to party.

“I wouldn’t say the Leeds crowd surprises me because I know they’re up for a good time, but I’m always impressed by their energy,” he said.

“My entire career I’ve always looked forward. Yes, it’s really nice to look back on the really special moments - there are too many to count - but the fact that I’m more excited about the next one than the last one has probably been a big factor in how long I’ve been able to do this job.

“As for the Leeds show on November 14… I just want everyone to come ready and with a lot of energy. I’ve not once been disappointed with a Leeds crowd, so I’m not one bit worried that it won’t be a very special show. I can’t wait to be back.”

Tickets for Full Fat Fest at Under The Arches in Leeds are on sale now.