Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim says "lunatic Kiwis" are the reason he keeps heading back to Aotearoa.
'The Rockafeller Skank', 'Praise You' and 'Right Here, Right Now' DJ is to play six dates in New Zealand in summer 2023.
Christchurch, Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Taupō will all get the chance to rave alongside Slim, whose real name is Norman Cook.
Speaking to Ryan Bridge and Melissa Chan-Green on AM, Cook said despite his DJ career spanning nearly 40 years, he's still thrilled to go on tour.
"There's a few lines under the eyes from the late nights, but it actually keeps me young - there's something about seeing the vibe of seeing young people dancing, and that youthful celebration just kind of rubs off and keeps me young too.
"Mainly the prospect of dancing with lunatic Kiwis. It is what I do, it's a lovely job to roam the world, and spreading the word of nonsense and happiness.
"And after lockdown that idea of us all communing through music and having that shared experience with the flashing lights and the abandon, it's a heady thing," Cook said.
The DJ added he loved seeing generations of the same families among the crowds, sharing the communal experience of music.
"I didn't dream people would still be digging it 20 years later. The nicest thing for me is if there are 25 year olds coming to shows who go 'I was brought up with your music', like I grew up with the Beatles.
"So I love that, I really encourage multi-generation raving, people coming with their parents and having a competition of who can outrave each other."
FATBOY SLIM NZ TOUR DATES
Friday, January 27 - QE2 Park, Christchurch
Saturday, January 29 - Tremain Field, Napier
Sunday, January 29 - Victoria Park, Auckland
Friday, February 3 - Anderson Park, Wellington
Saturday, February 4 - Gibbston Valley, Queenstown
Sunday, February 5 - Taupō Amphitheatre, Taupō.
