Now: Big Fun – The UK's Dance-Pop Phenomenon

Now: Big Fun is a British dance-pop and rave act that emerged from the late 1980s UK club scene. The group achieved mainstream success with a series of high-energy singles that captured the era's euphoric spirit, most notably their 1989 Top 5 hit "I've Got the Music".

Early career

Now: Big Fun formed in Manchester, England, in 1988, initially as a studio project. The trio, consisting of vocalists John Hendry and Mark Walters alongside producer Mark Gamble, was quickly signed by the independent dance label Debut Records, which was also home to early hits from acts like 808 State.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough arrived in 1989 with the release of their debut single, "I've Got the Music". The track, built on a relentless piano-house riff and uplifting vocals, became an anthem, peaking at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. This success led to a major label deal with ffrr Records, a subsidiary of London Records known for its dance roster.

Key tracks

I've Got the Music — This 1989 single was their commercial peak, defining the piano-house sound of the UK's Summer of Love and earning a silver certification.

Can't Shake the Feeling — Released later in 1989, this follow-up single solidified their chart presence, reaching the UK Top 20.

Living for the Weekend — This 1990 track exemplified their formula of catchy, weekend-celebrating lyrics over driving house beats.

Big Fun — The group's self-titled 1990 track became another club favorite, showcasing their consistent production style.

Now: Big Fun released their self-titled debut album in 1990, which charted in the UK. They continued to release music into the early 1990s, including the single "Give a Little Love", before the group's activity slowed as musical trends shifted. Their music remains a staple on compilation albums celebrating the late 80s and early 90s dance era.

Fans of Now: Big Fun's uplifting house sound should also explore Black Box, an Italian house act famous for their sampled vocals and piano-driven hits. The UK's The Shamen shared a similar trajectory from the acid house scene to chart success. For the euphoric piano-house style, listen to Strike and their massive hit "U Sure Do". The production on early tracks by Technotronic also shares the same high-energy, beat-focused approach.

The music of Now: Big Fun maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated classic dance and 90s pop stations. Their anthemic hits are frequently featured in retro-themed programming blocks and weekend dance party shows on various online radio streams and FM stations specializing in throwback playlists.

Listeners can discover the classic dance-pop sound of Now: Big Fun on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear "I've Got the Music" and other defining tracks from this UK dance act.