Fatboy Slim's surprise DJ set at Sheffield's Gut Level in celebration of grassroots music venues

A Sheffield LGBTQ club celebrated buying up its own home last night with a surprise set by Fatboy Slim.

The legendary DJ played to an intimate crowd at Gut Level, Chapel Walk, on Thursday night ahead of headlining Tramlines Festival 2026 today (July 24).

The party for 100 invited guests comes after the members' club “secured its future”, with community society Music Venue Properties purchasing the building to protect it for the long term.

MVP took over ownership of the building on Chapel Walk in June 2026, making the club one of 10 venues nationwide it has bought to prevent communities losing their homes to leases and aggressive business practices.

Fatboy Slim, true name Norman Cook, is an investor in MVP and said: “Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues. The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience. The grassroots venues continually struggle in the current financial climate, and landlords are not always their friend.

“Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats. MVP is ethical investment that protects venues but also has a sound business model.

“I have invested a substantial sum and I am proud to be able to help protect the nurturing environments for future musicians & DJs. I urge anyone to join me, whether you are successful musician wanting to give something back to the lower rungs of the food chain or a music fan who wants to feel part of the wonderful community. It’s not a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry.”

Another investor in MVP reportedly includes the UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

Gut Level is a private members’ club which took over the former Andrews Cafe building in 2023.

MVP says it means Gut Level will now benefit from permanent protection and long-term security under community ownership.

It says that through its Own Our Venues initiative, Music Venue Properties acquires the buildings that house grassroots music venues, removing them from the risks of the commercial property market and safeguarding their future as vital cultural assets for their local communities.

Owners Frazer Scott and Katie Matthews said in June: “Gut Level has always championed new ways of doing things, so the principles of community ownership felt like a natural fit. Having long-term security and a supportive landlord is a gamechanger, giving us the confidence to invest in the space, plan for the future and continue supporting Sheffield’s grassroots music scene.

“This stability will benefit not only the venue, but also the many people who use Gut Level to create, organise, connect, and celebrate. It’s a huge win for our community – and for Sheffield’s weirdos.”

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