Thomas Bangalter’s First DJ Set in 16 Years Sends Shockwaves Through Paris at Because Beaubourg
What began as a night of French electronic celebration turned into a once-in-a-generation event. On Saturday night in Paris, during the 100% Ed Banger Records show at Because Beaubourg — the biggest event ever held at the Centre Pompidou — fans witnessed history: Thomas Bangalter, one half of the legendary Daft Punk, took the stage for his first DJ set since 2009.
The crowd’s reaction was instant chaos — screams, tears, and disbelief. Witnesses reported that some fans fainted when they realized who was behind the decks. Within seconds, thousands of phones lit up the museum’s Grand Hall, capturing what felt like the resurrection of an era.
A Night No One Saw Coming
The moment came during a back-to-back set between Pedro Winter (Busy P) — founder of Ed Banger Records and Daft Punk’s longtime manager — and Erol Alkan, when they invited global superstar Fred again.. to join them. Just as the energy peaked, Pedro turned toward the wings and introduced a “very special friend.”
When Thomas Bangalter emerged, the room erupted into pandemonium. The legendary producer — rarely seen since Daft Punk’s 2021 split — stepped up to the decks, dropping a thunderous, analog-infused set that felt both nostalgic and futuristic.
For fans of French touch, this wasn’t just another surprise cameo. It was the rebirth of a cultural icon — the return of a man who helped reshape the global soundscape with Daft Punk’s Homework, Discovery, and Random Access Memories.
“People were crying. It felt spiritual,” one attendee posted on X (Twitter). “You could feel the history in the room.”
A Celebration of French Electronic Legacy
Bangalter’s shock appearance capped off Because Beaubourg, a two-day festival celebrating Because Music’s 20th anniversary and the Centre Pompidou’s upcoming five-year renovation. Over 40,000 visitors packed into the museum’s transformed spaces for an immersive blend of music, art, film, and technology.
The festival featured 82 artists including Christine and the Queens, Sebastien Tellier, Shygirl, and 2 Many DJs, alongside 37 live performances, 27 hours of screenings, and 16 conferences. Guests also experienced immersive events like Justice’s IRIS, Shay’s Jolie Garce Club, and Thomas Bangalter’s own CAMERA / MAN installation — making his on-stage return even more poetic.
Because Beaubourg by the Numbers
🎶 82 artists & guests
🎥 27 hours of screenings
🖼️ 11 art installations
🎤 37 performances
🎧 5 immersive events
🛼 1 roller disco
👥 40,000 attendees
Links
Socials:
Because Music IG | Ed Banger IG | Thomas Bangalter IG | Fred again.. IG | Erol Alkan IG