BEAMING Fatboy Slim returned to Loch Ness yesterday claiming: "My baby's all grown up."

Dance star Norman Cook played at the first Rockness two years ago and yesterday rejoined 35,000 fans rocking the Highlands.

The DJ was blown away by the festival, adding: "It's incredible how it's grown since we created it a couple of years ago. It's mad to think it came from such a silly idea. "It's like seeing a child go off and grow up. There's a strange mixture of pride and trepidation at how big it's become.

"It makes me wonder just how big this event can become.

"I suppose the limits are set by the reaction of the people of Dores.

"When they feel it's getting too big or out of control, that's the time to stop growing. For now, though, it's amazing to be back."

Cook headlined the main stage last night. There was a real sense of homecoming as he came on stage to a bizarre Willy Wonka intro.

When he launched into Praise You, he sparked a mass singalong and left his decks to dance in front of the crowd.

His good mood didn't even waver when he was hit by a fan's lightstick.

Earlier, Dumfries-born Calvin Harris played much of his album Acceptable In The Eighties, with single Girls a huge crowd-pleaser.

Fellow Scots dance star Mylo spoke to Email after his blistering set - and revealed he is looking for unsigned singers for his next album.

He said: "I've been struggling for a while with one track. It's a Roxy Music-style tune so I've been trying to get Brian Ferry to sing on it.

"It's been dragging on for ages though so it's time for Plan B.

"If anyone out there sounds a bit like Brian Ferry please get in touch."

Just like at last year's T in the Park, The View sizzled - with the set blowing away the hangovers from singer Kyle Falconer's birthday on Friday.

The frontman looked ragged as he walked onstage but led the band through a string of new tunes and old favourites, including anthem Wasted Little DJs.

Razorlight will close the festival tonight but drummer Andy Burrows plans to promote his favourite charity by playing a surprise solo slot earlier.

He formed an all-star group - featuring pals from Editors, Muse and Guillemots - to play a fundraiser in London last month.

He has also recorded a solo album in aid of children's hospice Naomi House.

Speaking exclusively to Email, he said: "I would love to squeeze in 15 minutes for an acoustic gig.

"Maybe I'll do a bit of busking backstage to try to raise cash.

"There will be 40,000 people so if I can get across my message about Naomi House. It's perfect."

He hopes to perform tracks from his album The Colour Of My Dreams, which he recorded at home using material from a book of poems by a family friend.

Andy admits playing solo in front of such a huge crowd terrifies him. He said: "It's daunting but knowing I'm doing it for Naomi House spurs me on.

"I think of the incredible kids there and it shows me my worries are ridiculous.

"I was down there the other day drumming with them and their spirit is incredible, very inspiring."

Razorlight's next album is well underway and Andy claims it is the best thing they have done.

He added: "It's going well - it sounds amazing, immense, epic.

"The songs are stronger. It sounds phenomenal."

But will Razorlight give Rockness fans a preview tonight?

Andy said: "I'm not sure. I don't know if it is a bit early to let the singles, the biggies, out there."


Jazzie B, OBE

Producer honoured

Jazzie B – Soul II Soul head honcho and sound system selecta extraordinaire, has been awarded an OBE.

On 16th May, he was bestowed with the title of Officer of the British Empire from HM Queen Elizabeth, in acknowledgement of his tremendous contributions to black British culture, and his work supporting young people in music and sport.

The central figure of the pioneering Soul II Soul Sound System, which gained massive props and a cult following due their genre-fusing blend of boogie, rare groove and reggae, through the early '80s, Jazzie B led his collective to huge success when they morphed from party rocking DJ outfit to a mould breaking recording act.

Worldwide hits 'Keep on Movin'' and 'Back II Life' are forever ingrained as bonafide classics of pop mythology, and since that time Soul II Soul have tirelessly released hit albums and rocked venues and festivals alike. Garnering Soul Train and Grammy Awards, and regularly hosting the Back II Life festival in Antigua, the funki dred is smashing it – it's about time he got his props!

Ben murphy

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