Fatboy Slim made his Rock in Rio debut on Sept. 7, closing the festival’s first weekend with a headline performance at the New Dance Order stage in Rio de Janeiro. The British DJ and producer had previously performed in Brazil many times throughout his career, but the 2026 edition marked his first appearance at the major Brazilian festival.

The performance came on a day that also featured major names including Elton John, Gilberto Gil and Jon Batiste. Fatboy Slim was the headliner of the New Dance Order stage, which Rock in Rio describes as one of the festival’s main spaces dedicated to electronic music.

Ahead of the performance, Fatboy Slim spoke with Billboard Brasil about his longstanding connection with the country. He described arriving in Brazil as being “like meeting family you didn’t know existed,” comparing the relationship between Brazilian audiences and his music to discovering relatives who share the same approach to dancing and celebration.

The DJ also spoke about the significance of appearing on the same festival lineup as Elton John and Gilberto Gil. He said he knew and respected both artists and regarded the opportunity as an honor, while describing himself as representing British electronic music alongside two artists with deep connections to their respective musical traditions.

Fatboy Slim’s relationship with Brazil has also extended into his recent studio work. In 2026, he collaborated with Brazilian DJ and producer Carola and Felix Da Housecat on “Funk Drunk,” following an earlier connection that began when Carola sent him a remix of one of his songs.

Rock in Rio had announced Fatboy Slim as the New Dance Order headliner in February, confirming his performance for Sept. 7 as part of the festival’s 2026 edition. The festival’s official lineup lists him alongside Aline Rocha, Leo Janeiro & Simo Not Simon and Max Styler on the electronic stage that day.

Following the show, Billboard Brasil reported that Fatboy Slim closed the first weekend of the festival, with the New Dance Order audience spanning multiple generations. His set brought his long-running big beat and electronic catalog to the festival, including established tracks such as “The Rockafeller Skank,” “Right Here, Right Now” and “Praise You.”

The Rock in Rio 2026 edition continues on Sept. 11, 12 and 13 after its opening run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 7. The festival features more than 1,300 artists across its various stages, with upcoming performances including Stray Kids, Alok, Maroon 5 and other international and Brazilian acts.