Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter Surprises Fans with B2B DJ Set with Fred Again.. in Paris

Rarely seen without the helmet, Thomas Bangalter drops a surprise DJ set alongside Fred Again.. in the heart of Paris.

A Night to Remember at the Pompidou Centre

When was the last time you caught Thomas Bangalter spinning live without his iconic Daft Punk helmet? For many of us, the answer was a distant dream—until October 25, 2025, when the legendary Daft Punk member shocked fans with a surprise back-to-back DJ set alongside the talented Fred Again.. in Paris.

Thomas Bangalter, Fred Again.., Erol Alkan, and Busy P at Because Beaubourg, Pompidou Centre

This intimate and rare event took place at Because Beaubourg, inside the iconic Pompidou Centre, celebrating the 20th anniversary of French record label Because Music. The night was electric with the presence of not just Bangalter and Fred Again.., but also Erol Alkan and Busy P, creating a star-studded line-up that any electronic music fan would kill to witness.

First DJ Set in 16 Years: A Moment Frozen in Time

The significance of this gig can’t be overstated. Thomas Bangalter revealed this was his first DJ set in 16 years without his famous mask on. Imagine that—over a decade and a half of quiet until this moment when the electronic music pioneer stepped out from behind the anonymity.

The setlist was a nostalgic trip, spinning classic Daft Punk anthems such as “Contact,” “Rollin’ & Scratchin’,” and “Digital Love.” But Bangalter didn’t stop there. He also mixed in The Chemical Brothers’ “Galvanise” and Jonny Greenwood’s haunting score from the film One Battle After Another, blending genres and moods seamlessly.

Fred Again.. Shares the Magic Behind the Scenes

Fred Again.., who’s been making waves in the music scene with his emotive productions, took to Instagram to share his awe:

“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. 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. He also told me he hasn’t played a proper set without the mask on for 24 years. I didn’t know what to say to either of those things and I still don’t.”

The emotional weight of this moment was palpable. Fred Again.. ended his message with a heartfelt note: “All I said to him at the end is that I hope it isn’t 24 years till the next. Thank you to the infinity legends Erol and Pedro for making me feel so at home.”

Watch the Unforgettable Set

Lucky for those who couldn’t attend, several videos of the set have surfaced online, capturing the energy and vibe of this historic night. Watch Thomas Bangalter and Fred Again.. blend sounds and eras into a mesmerizing live performance:

• Daft Punk x Fred again.. (Digital Love x Loving Arms) at Because Beaubourg
• Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk) b2b Fred Again.. b2b Busy P b2b Erol Alkan | Because Beaubourg 2025
• Fred Again b2b Thomas Bangalter Daft Punk @ Because Beaubourg with Pedro and Erol Alkan Paris 2025
• THOMAS BANGALTER (DAFT PUNK) B2B FRED AGAIN B2B BUSY P B2B EROL ALKAN - LIVE PARIS 2025

A Glimpse Back: Daft Punk and Phoenix’s Legendary MSG Show

This surprise set isn’t the only time Daft Punk has stirred excitement with unexpected collaborations. Recently, rare footage surfaced of Daft Punk joining French band Phoenix during a legendary 2010 Madison Square Garden concert.

In that unforgettable show, the masked duo appeared mid-set during Phoenix’s “If I Ever Feel Better,” later merging forces for epic performances of “Harder Better Faster Stronger,” “Around The World,” and Phoenix’s own “1901.” It’s moments like these that remind us why Daft Punk remains a cornerstone of electronic music history.

Upcoming Daft Punk Releases and Fred Again.. Innovations

Fans have more reasons to celebrate. Daft Punk’s iconic third album, Human After All, is set for its first-ever vinyl remix album reissue on November 28, 2025. Heavy hitters like Justice, Soulwax, SebastiAN, Basement Jaxx, and The Juan Maclean lend their unique spins, making this a must-have for collectors and audiophiles alike.

Meanwhile, Fred Again.. continues to innovate with his new USB series. His latest single, “You’re A Star,” features Amyl & The Sniffers and marks the start of a 10-song release over 10 weeks, culminating in a vinyl compilation. The London producer is also touring with DJ sets in 10 cities, underscoring a creative streak that’s hard to beat.

The Night That Bridged Generations

This surprise B2B set in Paris was more than just a gig; it was a meeting of electronic music titans across generations. Thomas Bangalter emerging without his mask after 24 years added an emotional gravity to the night, while Fred Again..’s youthful energy balanced the vibe perfectly.

For fans like me, these are the moments that remind us how music can connect past and present, legends and newcomers, all in one unforgettable night.

FAQ

• How long had Thomas Bangalter gone without DJing without his mask?
  Thomas Bangalter hadn’t played a proper DJ set without his mask for 24 years before this surprise Paris show.
• Where did the surprise DJ set take place?
  The set was held at Because Beaubourg inside the Pompidou Centre in Paris, celebrating Because Music’s 20th anniversary.
• Who joined Thomas Bangalter for the B2B DJ set?
  Thomas played alongside Fred Again.., Erol Alkan, and Busy P during the event.
• What notable songs did Thomas Bangalter play?
  He spun Daft Punk classics like “Contact,” “Rollin’ & Scratchin’,” and “Digital Love,” plus tracks from The Chemical Brothers and Jonny Greenwood.
• Are there videos available of this special set?
  Yes! Several videos are online capturing the set’s highlights, including performances on YouTube.

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