Renowned celebrity DJ Fat Tony, the legendary spinner who dominated London's vibrant 80s club scene and partied with icons including Princess Diana, has bravely revealed his horrifying battle with addiction that left him fighting for his life on a ventilator.
In a shocking extract from his forthcoming memoir I Don't Take Requests, the DJ - real name Tony Marnach - details how his decades-long cocaine addiction culminated in a catastrophic health collapse that saw him develop life-threatening sepsis.
A Descent Into Darkness
The celebrated DJ, who became a household name during his residency at the iconic Taboo club alongside the likes of Boy George, describes waking up in hospital completely disorientated and tethered to life-saving equipment.
"I woke up on a ventilator with no idea where I was or what had happened," Fat Tony recounts. "My body had shut down. The doctors told me I had sepsis and multiple organ failure - they didn't expect me to survive the night."
The Party Lifestyle That Nearly Killed Him
For years, Fat Tony lived the ultimate high-life, enjoying unprecedented access to the most exclusive parties and A-list celebrities. His cocaine habit, however, had spiralled into a devastating £400-per-day addiction that ultimately destroyed his health and career.
The DJ's health crisis began with what seemed like routine flu symptoms, but rapidly escalated into a life-or-death situation. "I was freezing cold, burning up, shaking uncontrollably," he recalls of the illness that would nearly claim his life.
A Miraculous Recovery and New Beginning
Miraculously, Fat Tony survived his ordeal and has since rebuilt his life, maintaining sobriety for over fifteen years. His memoir promises to be a raw and unflinching account of celebrity excess, addiction, and ultimately, redemption.
The book also contains never-before-shared insights into the lives of music legends including Michael Hutchence, with whom Fat Tony shared close friendships during the height of his career.
This shocking health revelation serves as both a cautionary tale about addiction and an inspiring story of recovery from one of Britain's most beloved entertainment figures.
