Full Breakdown
Thomas Bangalter's Surprise DJ Set at Paris' Pompidou Centre
10/27/2025, 2:08:01 AM
Rare Live Appearance Marks a Significant Return
On October 25, 2025, Thomas Bangalter, one half of the iconic electronic duo Daft Punk, made a surprise return to the stage with a back-to-back (B2B) DJ set alongside Fred Again. at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This performance was part of Because Beaubourg, a two-day celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the French record label Because Music. Bangalter's set was his first public DJ performance in 16 years, reigniting nostalgia among fans and marking a significant moment in his post-Daft Punk career.
Set Highlights and Musical Selection
During the set, Bangalter played a selection of Daft Punk classics, including “Contact,” “Rollin’ & Scratchin’,” and “Digital Love.” He also incorporated tracks from other artists, such as The Chemical Brothers' “Galvanise” and Jonny Greenwood’s score for the film *One Battle After Another*. The performance featured a mix of dance music staples, including Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and Mr. Oizo’s “Flat Beat.” The event unfolded around 2:30 AM, with Bangalter joining Fred Again. and fellow DJs Erol Alkan and Busy P mid-set, creating a euphoric atmosphere for the audience.
Context of the Event
This DJ set was particularly notable as it occurred on the last night the Pompidou Centre would be open for five years due to renovations. Fred Again. shared on Instagram that Bangalter revealed to him that his first love for electronic music began in the Pompidou in 1992. The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, with Fred Again. expressing hope that it would not be another 24 years before Bangalter performed again.
Official Statements & Responses
Fred Again. described the experience as "the maddest two hours of my entire life," highlighting the significance of the moment for both artists and their fans. The event drew attention from the electronic music community, with notable figures like Tiësto and David Guetta expressing their excitement on social media.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event was celebrated, some critics noted that the surprise nature of the performance may have limited attendance, as many fans were unaware of the set until it was already underway. This raises questions about accessibility and the planning of such surprise events in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “wrote: “Last night I got to play with Thomas Bangalter, Erol Alkan, Busy P at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the last night before it closes for 5 years.” — Fred Again.
- “Thomas told me in this lift on the way down to the show that the first time he fell in love with electronic music was in this building in 1992.” — Fred Again.
- “All I said to him at the end is that I hope it isn’t 24 years til the next.” — Fred Again.
What's Next
Following this performance, Bangalter continues to work on various projects, including scoring for film and ballet. Fans are eager to see if this surprise set marks the beginning of more public appearances from the artist in the future. The full set from the Pompidou Centre is available for viewing on YouTube, allowing fans to relive the moment.
