EXCLUSIVEWoody Cook claims ADHD has helped him become a better DJ and is now his 'unique selling point' - following Glastonbury debut

By Stuart Pink

Published: | Updated:

Woody Cook has exclusively revealed to MailOnline that ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] has helped him become a better DJ, following his Glastonbury debut last month. 

The son of Fatboy Slim star Norman Cook and Radio 2 host Zoe Ball, 23, said the condition has now become his 'unique selling point' as he moves around so much behind the decks, he stands out from other DJs.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Woody told MailOnline: 'Having ADHD has contributed to my style. I've always jumped around a lot as a person'.

'I was contemplating calling myself Monkey Man as a DJ, by me letting go, it allows the audience to feel it too'. 

Woody Cook has exclusively revealed to MailOnline that ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] has helped him become a better DJ, following his Glastonbury debut last month

Woody Cook has exclusively revealed to MailOnline that ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] has helped him become a better DJ, following his Glastonbury debut last month

The son of Fatboy Slim star Norman Cook and Radio 2 host Zoe Ball , 23, said the condition has now become his 'unique selling point' as he moves around so much behind the decks, he stands out from other DJs

The son of Fatboy Slim star Norman Cook and Radio 2 host Zoe Ball , 23, said the condition has now become his 'unique selling point' as he moves around so much behind the decks, he stands out from other DJs

He explained: 'I've become at one with the DJ and the hype man and this inbetween phase, ADHD has really helped with that'. 

'As a DJ you're a performer, you're not just there to stand there and I think there's definitely part of my set where the crowd moves because I do.'

Woody started DJing during lockdown in bid to entertain himself and his friends when nightclubs were shut.

Despite his dad's success, he claims to have never been given a lesson and is self-taught.

Instead Norman, 60, who's had three Top 10 albums and seven Top 10 singles during his illustrious career, has given him plenty of life advice, rather than technical, as he embarks on a career in music.

Woody said: 'He never really gave me any lessons, I didn't touch decks growing up, he gave me more instructional stuff'.

'I would ask him questions like, 'why did you do that in a set?' 'Why did you do this?'

'And he would say "you will never be the best DJ out there, but you can be the most unique?" On a list of ten people, why would they pick you? What would make you unique to a promoter or booker?'.

Woody told MailOnline: 'Having ADHD has contributed to my style. I've always jumped around a lot as a person'

Woody told MailOnline: 'Having ADHD has contributed to my style. I've always jumped around a lot as a person'

He explained: 'As a DJ you're a performer, you're not just there to stand there and I think there's definitely part of my set where the crowd moves because I do'

He explained: 'As a DJ you're a performer, you're not just there to stand there and I think there's definitely part of my set where the crowd moves because I do'

Despite his dad's success, he claims to have never been given a lesson and is self-taught (Norman pictured on stage in 2023)

Despite his dad's success, he claims to have never been given a lesson and is self-taught (Norman pictured on stage in 2023)

Woody pictured with both his parents in 2015

Woody pictured with both his parents in 2015 

'So he gave me a lot of life lessons rather than actual hands-on stuff.'

Woody added: 'It was just my own curiosity. I was like, 'I'll teach myself.'

He describes his music as 'eclectic and energetic' and insists his sets are nothing like his famous father's, claiming there are clear differences between the two.

'I hop genres quite a lot. I go from disco, to house, to garage, to jungle to reggae dance. But whatever I do I try to channel this punk, Prodigy-esque energy and stage presence'.

Woody continued: 'We both definitely have a stage presence, we share the DNA of it because I've watched him DJ for so long my introduction to DJing is what he was doing, so there's an overlap there.

'I play a lot more obscure different genres and he keeps it just to house. And I obviously move a lot more - and that's not just down to age difference.'

The budding DJ is set for a busy summer with yet more gigs, including Mucky Weekender in Winchester, Hants, in September.

The boutique festival will take place over three days, rather than two, for the first time this year at the 5,000 capacity venue at Vicarage Farm from September 5 to 7.

Asked what fans can anticipate from his set, Woody adds: 'You can expect me to jump around and give Prodigy-esque energy while playing Ulta 90s house, to techno to speed garage, maybe a bit of jungle. Lots of energy and crowd interaction.

'I'm there to live it large.'

For tickets, visit the Mucky Weekender website

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

  • Constant fidgeting 
  • Poor concentration
  • Excessive movement or talking
  • Acting without thinking
  • Inability to deal with stress 
  • Little or no sense of danger 
  • Careless mistakes
  • Mood swings
  • Forgetfulness 
  • Difficulty organising tasks
  •  Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
  • Inability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.

Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices 

Zoe BallFatboy SlimWoody CookGlastonbury