Celebrity DJ Fat Tony has marked a monumental personal milestone, sharing an inspiring message of hope as he celebrates 19 years of recovery from a devastating 28-year addiction to drugs and alcohol.
From Rock Bottom to Recovery
The music star, whose real name is Tony Marnach, took to Instagram to reflect on his journey. Now 60, he posted a candid comparison of his past and present self, describing the man he was two decades ago as 'a helpless addict with no direction or will to live'. He revealed that his addiction, which spanned nearly three decades, had destroyed not only his own life but also impacted his entire circle of friends and family.
In his heartfelt post, he wrote: 'All I wanted to do is die. TODAY I’m CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF RECOVERY. I’m so grateful for the people that gave me the love and strength to get clean and sober... Today I LOVE LIFE one day at a time.' He encouraged others by stating that recovery is everything and highly recommended it, adding that when you hit rock bottom, 'the only way to go is up'.
A Life Transformed
Fat Tony's public celebration of sobriety follows a series of joyful personal events. In November, he celebrated his milestone 60th birthday at the upmarket Soho Mews House in London, surrounded by famous friends. The guest list included his husband, Stavros Agapiou, as well as showbiz pals like Culture Club singer Boy George, TV presenter Davina McCall, and actress Claire Sweeney.
The couple, who exchanged vows at London's Welsh Chapel in May 2023 with Boy George as best man, have built a stable life together in north London. Tony previously explained his choice of venue, noting the church's historic support for the gay community during the HIV/AIDS crisis, calling it a 'full circle' moment for those who didn't survive.
The Gift of Sobriety and Music
In a past interview, Tony, who overcame his addiction over 16 years ago, spoke openly about the profound change sobriety brought. He admitted to still suffering from imposter syndrome but credited his recovery with reconnecting him to his passion. 'Since I got sober that reconnection to music is the best gift anyone could ever give me,' he said. 'Some people listen to music but I feel music, it is the best drug there ever is.'
He described reaching a critical low point, weighing just seven stone and having lost his teeth, before a moment of clarity and an act of love from one person saved his life. This epiphany led him to quit drugs cold turkey and spend six months in rehab. He has remained steadfast, stating unequivocally that returning to substance use would end his life and career. For DJ Fat Tony, the incredible life he leads today is built entirely on the things he chooses not to do.
