Thomas Bangalter’s Surprise DJ Set at Paris’ Centre Pompidou
Celebrating 20 Years of Because Music
On the evening of Saturday, October 25, a surprise back-to-back (B2B) DJ set unfolded at the iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris. The event was a 20th anniversary celebration for the influential French record label, Because Music. The lineup featured an exciting collaboration between Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, Fred Again.., Erol Alkan, and Ed Banger Records founder Pedro Winter.
Bangalter’s Return to the Decks
In what marked his first DJ performance in 16 years, Bangalter lit up the room with a carefully curated selection of tracks. He delighted the audience with classic Daft Punk hits, including “Rollin’ & Scratchin’,” “Digital Love,” and “Contact.” The set also included tracks from other notable artists, such as “Galvanise” by the Chemical Brothers and a segment from Jonny Greenwood’s score, One Battle After Another.
A Moment of Nostalgia
Reflecting on the significance of the venue, Fred Again.. shared an intimate moment on Instagram, revealing that Bangalter expressed his early love for electronic music blossomed in the very building they were performing in back in 1992. He also mentioned that it had been 24 years since Bangalter last performed without his iconic helmet, leaving Fred Again.. in awe of the revelation.
Bangalter’s Recent Projects
Before this surprise set, Thomas Bangalter made his last public appearance during the Weeknd’s performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards alongside his Daft Punk partner Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Earlier this year, Daft Punk also made waves by joining Fortnite, incorporating tracks from their legendary catalog and their iconic TB3 and GM08 helmets into the popular video game. Additionally, Bangalter released his solo album, Mythologies, in 2023, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.
Conclusion
Thomas Bangalter’s surprise DJ set at the Centre Pompidou not only celebrated the 20th anniversary of Because Music but also marked a nostalgic return for the iconic artist. The evening served as a reminder of the lasting influence of Daft Punk and the enduring legacy of electronic music. Fans are left hopeful that it won’t be another 24 years before they see Bangalter grace the decks again.
FAQs
When did Thomas Bangalter last perform live before this event?
Thomas Bangalter’s last live performance was during the Weeknd’s set at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
What tracks did Bangalter play during his DJ set?
He played several Daft Punk tracks including “Rollin’ & Scratchin’,” “Digital Love,” and “Contact,” as well as “Galvanise” by the Chemical Brothers and a segment from Jonny Greenwood’s One Battle After Another score.
What is the significance of the Centre Pompidou for Bangalter?
Bangalter revealed that his love for electronic music began in the Centre Pompidou in 1992, making the venue particularly meaningful for him.
What recent projects has Bangalter been involved in?
Bangalter released his solo album Mythologies in 2023 and participated in a collaboration with Fortnite earlier this year, featuring Daft Punk’s music and iconic helmets.
