Last June, Michael Bibi’s team shared news that no one ever wants to hear: the London-based producer had been diagnosed with CNS lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. This announcement led to the cancellation of his shows as Bibi began treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. The vibrant nightlife of clubs was replaced with days spent watching Netflix in the oncology department. “It was pretty intense,” Bibi tells Billboard from London, in what is likely an understatement.
Despite the gravity of his situation, Bibi is generous with his story, often laughing while recounting the past year. His journey began with treatment, included a last-minute trip to Ibiza to play the closing event of his Solid Grooves party, and led to the September announcement that he was cancer-free. He made his return to the stage at Coachella in April and is now preparing for a monumental show at London’s Finsbury Park, billed as the city’s largest electronic event to date, expected to draw 45,000 attendees.
The Finsbury Park show will feature an extended set by Bibi, following performances by producers like Chloé Caillet and Dixon. This event also marks the introduction of Bibi’s One Life concept, which will include five more shows across Europe through late September. The One Life initiative represents a new normal for the previously globe-trotting DJ, focusing on a very select number of shows, mostly during the day and early evening.
“I am still very much in recovery,” says Bibi, 34, noting that he feels better on some days than others since leaving the hospital. “I’m only doing a very, very, very, very limited number of shows and making sure they are the best that they can possibly be.”
Reflecting on his diagnosis and the support he received from the electronic music community, Bibi emphasizes that he is “so just living for each day right now.” The upcoming Finsbury Park performance is a significant milestone for him, filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. “I’ve been preparing because I haven’t really played much at all since everything happened,” he says.
The preparation process itself has been healing for Bibi. “Going through old tracks, new tracks — particularly old tracks because they just have so many memories for me, different tracks and different locations and stuff. It’s been very healing. And emotional.”
Bibi always knew he would return to music if he could. “I just knew that I would never come back in the same way. This is going to change me forever,” he says. While he still wants to perform, he acknowledges that the intense touring schedule of his past is over. “I just want more of a balance in my life. But no, music is just part of me. I don’t think I could live without music.”
The journey to his diagnosis was long and fraught with uncertainty. Bibi had been experiencing worsening tinnitus and underwent numerous tests before an abnormality was finally detected. “The doctors believe that we found it as a coincidence. So in a way, I got lucky to have found it,” he explains.
Once diagnosed, Bibi quickly began treatment, which was a challenging period. “I did become quite ill at that point because it took such a long time,” he recalls. His career was put on immediate pause, and everything was on hold for about a year. “Then I went through all the treatment, and then doctors started telling me that everything was looking good and that possibly I could be getting back to work within a certain period of time.”
The response from the electronic music community was overwhelming and heartwarming. “It was beautiful. Just nothing but love and support,” Bibi says. During his treatment, he spent time with family, watched Netflix, and even made some music, although concentration became difficult later on. “I was in hospital for six months. That’s a long time.”
Bibi’s mentality throughout his treatment was one of determination. “I always thought I was going to beat it. I didn’t really have any other options,” he says. Toward the fourth month of treatment, he received verification from doctors that he was on the path to recovery.
Music played a crucial role in his healing process, although he avoided club music during his hospital stay. “I was listening to a lot of ambient house mixes. They were pretty cool. A lot of ambient stuff. Pretty nice,” he says.
One of the most emotional moments of his journey was his return to the club scene for the Solid Grooves closing party at DC10 in Ibiza. “When you’ve been stuck in a hospital room for four months, isolated away from people, then you sneak back into the club and all eyes are on you, it is intense. But good,” he recalls.
This spontaneous trip to Ibiza inspired the One Life concept. “The concept basically is that — it’s living in the moment, living in now, embracing the now. If you’re well and you have the capacity to enjoy life, enjoy it. Be free and be happy, and don’t take things too seriously,” Bibi explains.
Since being told he is in remission, Bibi has focused on his health, undergoing rehabilitation, eating well, and spending time with loved ones. “I’m not doing any shows that are late at night anymore. I’m just chilling for now. The doctor’s orders are literally, ‘Just chill,’ and that’s what I’m doing.”
Bibi’s return to the stage has been carefully planned, with a very limited number of shows to ensure he can give his best performance. “I have to listen to my body and take each day as it comes,” he says.
The July 6 show at Finsbury Park is particularly meaningful for Bibi. “London’s my hometown. I’ve got so many memories there. It’s just a very special place for me,” he says. The response to the event has been incredible, with tickets selling out almost immediately. “Now it’s just about putting on the best show possible for everyone.”
Bibi acknowledges that he has an amazing team supporting him, but the creative side of the work still demands a lot from him. “I probably bit off a little bit more than I thought I could chew. But it’s going well; I’m enjoying it now,” he says.
As he continues to recover, Bibi is taking things slow and focusing on his health. “I have to listen to my body, take my time. Relax. But it’s difficult because I’m a very motivated person. I like doing things. I have a lot of ideas. When I have to just chill, sometimes it can be frustrating, but it is what it is, so I just get on with it.”
While Bibi’s future in the club world may look different, he remains committed to his music and his fans. “I’ve had lots of offers. People are offering all sorts of different crazy, amazing, beautiful shows. It’s like, ‘Wow, amazing,’ but I just have to say no for now because I am in recovery.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bibi’s purpose has evolved. “I just want to help other people. How I go about doing that exactly, I don’t know. I know I help people with my music. I know I’ve helped people with my story.”
Source: Billboard
