After two decades of being an unofficial club favorite, Fatboy Slim's iconic mashup, 'Satisfaction Skank,' which heavily samples The Rolling Stones' classic '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' has finally received official approval and release. This long-awaited development marks the end of a protracted effort to clear the sample, bringing the track to a wider audience.
The track, a fusion of Fatboy Slim's 1999 hit 'The Rockafeller Skank' and the 1965 Rolling Stones anthem, was a staple on dancefloors at the turn of the century. Its release comes after The Rolling Stones granted permission, allowing Norman Cook, known as Fatboy Slim, to reconstruct the track using the original master recordings.
Key Takeaways
- Fatboy Slim's 'Satisfaction Skank' officially released after 25 years.
- The Rolling Stones granted permission for the sample use.
- Original stems of 'Satisfaction' were provided to Norman Cook.
- Music video for the track uses AI-enhanced archive photos.
- This follows a similar resolution with The Verve's 'Bitter Sweet Symphony.'
A Quarter-Century Wait for an Iconic Mashup
The journey for 'Satisfaction Skank' to achieve official status has been a long one, spanning 25 years. This mashup was a significant part of the 'big beat' sound that defined late 1990s dance music. It brought together two distinct eras of music, blending Keith Richards' instantly recognizable guitar riff with Cook's contemporary electronic beats.
During its unofficial existence, 'Satisfaction Skank' circulated widely through early file-sharing platforms like Napster. Bootleggers also pressed the track onto vinyl, ensuring its presence in nightclubs globally. However, despite its popularity, repeated attempts to secure official clearance for the sample were consistently denied.
"I got a call from Mick Jagger and he said he’d heard it and he liked the mix," Fatboy Slim, also known as Norman Cook, shared. "But his management was just like, ‘No, not even negotiable’. We’ve had a pretty flat ‘no’ for 20 years. I think we asked four times, and I wouldn’t have dared to ask them again."
Interesting Fact
The original stems of The Rolling Stones' 'Satisfaction' were delivered to Fatboy Slim in an armored van, highlighting the immense value and careful handling of these iconic master recordings.
The Rolling Stones' Change of Heart
The breakthrough came when The Rolling Stones finally relented, giving their full blessing to the project. This pivotal decision allowed Norman Cook to recreate the track using the original components of 'Satisfaction.' Access to these 'stems' means Cook could work with individual parts of the original recording, such as isolated guitar, bass, or vocal tracks, for a more refined and authentic integration.
The official release includes a new music video directed by Tom Furse, a member of the goth band The Horrors. Furse utilized artificial intelligence to enhance archival photographs of The Rolling Stones, creating a visually compelling accompaniment to the long-awaited track. This modern approach to visuals complements the track's blend of classic and contemporary sounds.
Echoes of 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' Resolution
The Rolling Stones' decision to approve the sample for 'Satisfaction Skank' resonates with a similar resolution from 2019 regarding The Verve's hit song 'Bitter Sweet Symphony.' That track famously used a four-second orchestral sample from an instrumental version of the Stones' 1967 song 'The Last Time' as its central string motif.
Initially, the Stones' publishing company disputed the use, leading to an out-of-court settlement where songwriting credits and all royalties for 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' were transferred to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. However, in a significant gesture, Jagger and Richards later returned all future royalties to The Verve's lead singer, Richard Ashcroft.
Background Information
Sample clearance in the music industry can be a complex and lengthy process. Artists often need permission from both the copyright holder of the sound recording and the copyright holder of the musical composition. This can involve multiple parties, including record labels, publishers, and the original songwriters, making official releases of sampled tracks challenging.
Artists Remain Active and Influential
Despite their long and storied career, The Rolling Stones continue to be active. The band released their comeback album, 'Hackney Diamonds,' in 2023, followed by a tour in 2024. Guitarist Ronnie Wood indicated in May that the band is already planning another album, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to creating new music.
Norman Cook, at 62, also maintains a highly active schedule. He recently hosted his 'All Back to Minehead' weekend festival, featuring performances from various artists, including actor Simon Pegg. Cook has announced plans for three major outdoor concerts on Brighton beach in July 2026. He also recently published a book titled 'It Ain’t Over ’Til the Fatboy Sings,' showcasing his continued engagement with both music and broader cultural endeavors.
The official release of 'Satisfaction Skank' not only celebrates a piece of dance music history but also highlights the evolving landscape of music rights and the enduring influence of legendary artists across generations.