Hard House History

This week on Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby welcomes back one of the most respected figures in the global hard dance scene, Steve Hill. Returning for his third appearance on the show, Steve officially enters the Hardhouse History "royalty club", joining the small group of guests who have come back multiple times to share their stories and insights from decades in the industry. In this episode, Steve gives listeners an update on what he has been working on recently, including time back in the studio and a series of new productions and remixes currently landing on labels like Tidy Trax. From fresh releases to collaborations and upcoming material, the conversation explores how Steve continues to evolve his sound while staying connected to the roots of hard house. Paul and Steve also get into the craft of DJing, particularly the importance of reading a crowd and building a set properly. Steve explains why he always arrives early at clubs to feel the energy of the room and understand where the night is headed before he plays. For him, DJing is about complementing the energy that has already been created while still taking the audience somewhere new. There are plenty of classic scene stories along the way, including a hilarious moment in Japan when the DJ before Steve decided to play 20 minutes of Steve Hill's biggest tracks before Steve's set. Moments like that highlight the unpredictable reality of DJ life and why every DJ needs a solid plan B when stepping into the booth. The episode also features a fun challenge in which Steve's legendary knowledge of the Tripoli Trax catalogue is put to the test. From release numbers to sleeve colours, Steve demonstrates just how deep his knowledge of the label runs.If you love the history of hard house and the people who helped build it, this is a must-listen episode.JOIN THE HISTORYWhat's your favourite Steve Hill track of all time? Did you ever see him play live during the peak hard house years?Share your memories in the comments and help us document the scene's history.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and keep the legacy of hard dance alive.#HardhouseHistory #SteveHill #UKHardHouse #TidyTrax #HardDance #TripoliTrax #RaveCulture #90sRave #PaulGlazby #DanceMusicHistory

This week on Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby reconnects with Les from Lab4, one half of the duo that helped define the harder, louder and more theatrical end of UK hard dance.Les takes us right back to the early 90s, before Lab4 even existed. He and Adam were in an industrial metal band called MAD, writing, programming and effectively carrying the project themselves. When the band dissolved around 93 to 94, the studio side began to take over. Access to proper equipment in Oxford, long hours of experimenting, and a growing obsession with programming led to the birth of Lab4.From day one, the goal was clear. They wanted to create what Les calls "stadium techno." Inspired by the spectacle of bands like Kiss and the sheer scale of arena rock, Lab4 invested heavily in stage production, lasers, smoke machines and a full visual show. It was never just about tracks; it was about impact.We dive into the breakthrough Fridge gig that kicked everything off, the unique Lab4 sound that sat differently on the pitch control than other DJs of the time, and the relentless behind-the-scenes workload. Writing, performing, organising gigs, doing artwork, accounts and logistics, the hour on stage was the easy part. The rest led to burnout.Les opens up about Adam leaving in 2006, the reunion years later for the Tidy Magna event, and the eventual final chapter after Finland in 2019. There is honesty here about physical limits, creative fatigue and the realities of sustaining a hard dance career for decades.It is a raw, reflective and hugely important conversation about one of the scene's most recognisable acts.Join the HistoryWere you front row for Lab4 at The Fridge or Magna?What was the first Lab4 track you heard live?Drop your memories in the comments and tag a mate who used to lose it to Soulfire.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help us keep the legacy alive.#HardhouseHistory #Lab4 #LesLab4 #UKHardHouse #TidyTrax #HardDance #90sRave #StadiumTechno #RaveCulture #PaulGlazby

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most quietly influential figures in the scene, Jon Langford, the man behind Knuckleheads, K-Series and a huge part of the UK hard house foundation.The conversation quickly turns nostalgic as Paul and Jon talk about how DJs in the 90s rarely actually knew each other. They were, as Jon puts it, “ships in the night", a handshake at the decks, a quick hug, then one DJ mixing while the other packed their headphones away HHH - Jon Langford. Long before social media, reputations were built entirely on records and dancefloors, not followers.Jon walks through his beginnings, starting DJing in 1990 while still holding a day job, often finishing a club at 2 am and turning up exhausted at work the next morning. It didn't take long to realise that banking wasn't the future; music was.From record shop culture in Bournemouth to scrabbling for promos on Friday mornings, to forming Knuckleheads with Warren Clark, the episode dives deep into the creation of the hard house sound. Inspired by the Sharp Boys, Armand Van Helden's basslines, and the energy of American house, Jon explains how “House Rocker” and the Knuckleheads' identity were intentionally designed to create a recognisable style.They also explore the rise and fall of vinyl culture, the shift to digital downloads, and why many producers walked away in the mid-2000s. Jon candidly discusses leaving the scene for stability, building a full career in IT and cybersecurity, and returning years later with a completely different perspective on music and DJing.It’s a story about passion, burnout, reinvention, and why hard house never really leaves you.Join the HistoryWere you there for Trade, Tidy or the early Knuckleheads days?Tell us your memories, your first rave, or the track that changed everything. Leave a comment or message, and we might read it out in a future episode!Subscribe, share the episode with a mate from the dancefloor days, and keep the history alive.#HardhouseHistory #HardHouse #Knuckleheads #JonLangford #RaveCulture #UKHardHouse #90sRave #ClubCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #PaulGlazby

Hard House History goes properly behind the curtain this week as Paul Glazby welcomes back fan-favourite guest Paul Maddox for a very special episode, the first in a new series called Inspirations.Instead of just telling stories from the rave years, this episode digs into how the music actually gets made. Maddox breaks down the creative process track by track, explaining where ideas come from, why some work and others don't, and how a rejected concept can sometimes become gold.The pair start with Maddox's track "Miracle," born of hearing an indie-folk record on the radio and wondering, “What happens if you turn this into hard house?" After experimenting with a remix that never took off, the idea evolved into a full cover version, complete with new vocals and a deliberate nod to late-90s trance influences. They then move on to "Build It Up", a B-side that ended up outliving the A-side in DJ sets. Maddox explains how early hard house producers, long builds, chunky grooves and even clever sampling shaped the record, and why sometimes the simplest dancefloor track connects more than the clever one.Finally, the episode's highlight is the brand-new Glasby & Maddox collaboration, "Keep Hope Alive." What started as a risky idea inspired by a classic guitar progression slowly evolved into a full emotional record, eventually transformed by a powerful spoken-word vocal that gave the track its identity and meaning. This episode isn't just nostalgia. It's a genuine look at creativity, risk-taking, collaboration, rejection and those rare moments where everything clicks.If you've ever wondered how a hard house anthem is actually born, this is the episode you've been waiting for.JOIN THE HARD HOUSE HISTORY FAMILYIf you enjoyed this episode: • Follow the podcast • Share it with a rave mate • And tell us — what track inspired you to love hard house?Because the music never really left… we just kept hope alive.#HardHouseHistory #PaulGlazby #PaulMaddox #HardHouse #UKHardHouse #TidyTrax #DanceMusicPodcast #RaveCulture #ElectronicMusic #HardDance

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby finally sits down with one of the most requested guests the podcast has ever had, Fergie. A DJ whose story is inseparable from the rise of UK hard house, the conversation goes far beyond club nostalgia and into the raw reality of growing up inside the scene.Fergie takes us back to early-90s Ireland, learning to mix on battered turntables as a kid and playing nightclub residencies at just 14. What follows is a journey that sounds almost impossible now, moving to England as a teenager under the mentorship of the legendary Tony De Vit. The episode explores the real relationship behind the myth, not just DJ and protégé, but family, trust and belief. You hear about long car rides to gigs, promo records spread across bedroom floors, and hours spent watching Tony craft sets and productions from scratch.The discussion also opens up the era many only heard rumours about: chaotic club nights, the explosion of Gatecrasher and Trade, and the intensity of a culture-changing dance music forever. Most movingly, Fergie shares deeply personal memories of Tony's illness, his passing, and the moment he was asked to play Tony's scheduled set the very night after the funeral. It’s emotional, honest and gives listeners a perspective on the scene that no documentary ever fully captured.The episode also explores the evolution of hard house itself. Was it really a genre, or something much broader? Fergie explains why tracks like The Dawn blurred boundaries and how that shaped his own decision years later to move away from the sound and search for his own musical identity.This isn't just dance music history. It’s a coming-of-age story inside one of clubbing's most important eras.Relive the History If this episode brings back memories, share it with a mate you used to go raving with. Tag them, message them, or send the link and say, "Remember this?" And don't forget to follow Hard House History so these stories never get lost.#HardHouseHistory #PaulGlazby #DJFergie #UKHardHouse #ClublandStories #TonyDeVit #RaveCulture #DanceMusicHistory #90sClubbing #ElectronicMusicPodcast

This week on Hard House History, Paul sits down with Irish hard house pioneer Mark Kavanagh, a name woven deep into the fabric of the late-90s scene. From pirate radio and underground raves in Dublin to chart positions, Trade club connections and releases that helped define the harder sound, this episode is less an interview and more a living archive of how hard house actually spread beyond the UK.Mark explains how the early Irish rave scene evolved from tiny gatherings into packed venues like the Olympic Ballroom, where hundreds quickly became thousands, and where he eventually went from playing records to producing them. He recalls documenting the scene in magazines and fanzines because, at the time, nobody else was capturing what was happening. The conversation dives into the real history of the genre, the pre-digital era of DAT tapes, mailing lists and white labels, and the moment Irish dance floors embraced the harder, faster sound years before UK media took it seriously. Mark also shares how his productions took off after pirate radio repeatedly played his records, turning a studio shed project into a national booking schedule. Paul and Mark also unpack Trade’s influence, the origin of the term “hard house”, and how radio, clubs and DJs together created a movement rather than a marketing genre. It’s a fascinating reminder that scenes weren’t built by algorithms, they were built by people travelling, sharing music and handing records directly to each other.If you want to understand how hard house actually grew internationally, this episode is essential listening.JOIN THE HISTORYGot memories from the late 90s rave era?Tell us the club, the DJ and the track that changed everything for you.Comment on Spotify or YouTube and help document the real history of hard house.#HardHouseHistory #MarkKavanagh #90sRave #TradeClub #IrishRaveScene #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #OldSchoolRave #ClubCulture #PaulGlazby

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with Nick Denton, a name that quietly but profoundly shaped the hard house movement from the mid-90s onward.From sneaking into clubs at 16 with a fake ID to becoming a resident DJ, producer, label boss, and digital pioneer, Nick's story is one of timing, talent, and relentless curiosity. He talks candidly about cutting his teeth at Southampton's Magnum, early influences like rave tapes, Trade at Turnmills, and being taken under the wing of Paul King, a partnership that led to seminal projects like Overload and Trauma, and eventually to the launch of Toolbox Recordings.Nick reflects on the white-label era, pressing vinyl by hand, selling records out of car boots, and the moment everything changed with the arrival of digital distribution. Long before it became standard practice, Toolbox became one of the earliest labels to embrace digital platforms, a move that helped future-proof the music while many others struggled to adapt.The conversation also dives into the realities of burnout, financial risk, and why Nick often worked behind the scenes rather than chasing the spotlight. There's plenty of laughter too, Manchester after-party stories, broken cars, lost nights and the kind of chaos only the hard house scene could produce.Now, with Toolbox celebrating its 25th anniversary and Nick marking 30 years in the scene, there's a renewed fire. New releases, events, collaborations and a genuine sense that hard house is bubbling again under the surface.This is a proper deep dive into the history, the hustle and the heart of hard house.30 Years of Hard House, One StoryToolbox is back, and so is the fire Revisit the sound, the stories and the spirit of hard houseListen now and subscribe for more Hard House History wherever you get your podcasts#HardHouseHistory #NickDenton #ToolboxRecordings #HardHouse #TradeAtTurnmills #90sRave #UKDanceMusic #ElectronicMusicHistory #DJCulture #RaveLegacy

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby is joined by Eamonn Fevah, one of the key behind-the-scenes figures responsible for shaping UK hard house culture through clubs, labels, and some of the wildest parties of the late 90s and early 2000s.Eamonn takes us back to 1996, arriving in London from New Zealand on what was meant to be a working holiday, and instead finding himself at the centre of a rapidly exploding clubbing scene. From Sunday daytime clubbing at The Aquarium to after-hours chaos in Soho, this is a story built on friendships, timing, and saying yes to opportunities before realising how big they would become.The conversation charts the rise of Fevah, from a small membership-based afterparty to sold-out events at The Tube, London Astoria, Ministry of Sound, Heaven, and beyond. Eamonn shares how Fevah unintentionally became a launchpad for some of the most important DJs and producers in hard house and hard trance, including close working relationships with Steve Blake, Dave Parkinson, and a long list of artists who defined the era.There are incredible stories from international tours, including infamous boat parties to Hamburg, Ibiza takeovers, and the reality of promoting events before social media or digital distribution existed. Vinyl, phone numbers on record labels, and weekly record shop trips were the lifeblood of the scene.Eamonn also reflects on stepping away from the UK after the London bombings, returning to New Zealand to raise a family, and later helping reignite the scene through modern Fevah events and new music projects. From accidental beginnings to lasting legacy, this episode captures a time when club culture was raw, risky, and driven entirely by passion.This is not just a DJ story; it's a promoter 's-eye view of how hard house became global.Were Fevah parties part of your clubbing story?Vinyl era or digital age, which do you miss most?Should promoter stories be told more often?Listen now and relive the chaos.#HardhouseHistory #EamonnFevah #FevahRecords #HardHouse #UKRaveCulture #DanceMusicHistory #ClubCulture #90sRave #PaulGlazby #HardDance

In this landmark episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with Tall Paul, one of the most important and often misunderstood figures in the story of UK hard house and late-night club culture.While Tall Paul may not always be labelled a "Hard House DJ" by today's definitions, his role in shaping the sound, space, and spirit that allowed hard house to exist is undeniable. As the resident DJ at Trade, held at Turnmills, the club owned by his father, Tall Paul was there at the very beginning, watching underground dance culture transform from a local bar crowd into a movement that redefined nightlife.Paul and Tall Paul rewind to the late 80s, from pirate radio and record digging to the groundbreaking 24-hour licence that gave birth to Trade. They unpack how that Sunday morning energy, the crowd, the fashion, the lasers, and the music all collided to create something genuinely new. Tall Paul shares rare behind-the-scenes insight into building sets for Trade, the pressure of following DJs like Trevor Rockcliffe and Tony De Vit, and how his own sound helped bridge rave, techno, and what would become hard house.The conversation also travels far beyond London. Tall Paul reflects on early international touring across Japan, the US, Ireland, and Scotland, the realities of long tours, border issues, and the mental and physical toll of life on the road. There’s honest discussion about burnout, stepping away from DJing, family priorities, and returning on his own terms as a new generation rediscovers the music.This episode also touches on vinyl versus digital, the evolution of DJ technology, the return of physical releases, and the idea that rave culture, for many, was a form of therapy during a tense and divided era.This is not just club history; it is cultural history.Was Trade the true birthplace of hard house?Vinyl or USB, what defines a real DJ set for you?Which Tall Paul era stands out the most?Listen now and step back inside the foundations.#HardhouseHistory #TallPaul #TradeClub #HardHouseOrigins #UKRaveCulture #DanceMusicHistory #PaulGlazby #ClubCulture #90sRave #ElectronicMusic

In this deeply personal episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with Jayne Parkes, sister of the late Tony De Vit, to explore the man behind the decks and the legacy that helped shape hard house culture forever.Rather than focusing on tracklists or club nights, this conversation centres on Anthony as a brother, a son, and a human being. Jayne shares rare insight into Tony's early life, his natural musical ability, and the household influences that shaped one of the most important DJs in UK dance music history. From piano lessons and mobile discos to The Nightingale and beyond, the foundations of Tony's journey are laid bare.Jayne reflects on Tony coming out at a time when being openly gay was far from easy, and how his presence helped bridge the gap between gay and straight club culture, long before it became the norm. There are touching stories about family trips, travelling the country for gigs, and how, despite global success, Tony never changed to those closest to him.The episode also explores Tony's production work, his studio years, and iconic moments like the Live in Tel Aviv mix, a recording that inspired an entire generation of DJs, including Paul himself. Jayne speaks candidly about the shock of Tony's passing, the reality of the AIDS crisis at the time, and the emotional weight carried by tracks like The Dawn.There is also reflection on Tony's enduring legacy, from the blue plaque at the Custard Factory to the recent documentary that introduced his story to a new audience. Jayne offers a perspective that no one else can, reminding listeners that behind the legend was a humble, generous, and deeply loved man.This episode is not just history; it is remembrance.Where were you when you first heard Tony De Vit?Is Live in Tel Aviv still the benchmark mix?What does Tony’s legacy mean to you?Listen now and remember the origin story.#HardhouseHistory #TonyDeVit #JaneParkes #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #RaveCulture #ClubCulture #90sDance #UKDanceMusic #PaulGlazby

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby is joined by one of the defining female voices of the hard house era, Tara Reynolds. From arriving in London in the mid-90s to becoming a staple of the UK hard house scene, Tara's journey is one built on instinct, resilience, and a genuine love for the music.Tara takes us back to her early clubbing days, discovering DJing almost by accident, and overcoming nerves to land her first gigs at house parties and iconic London nights like Fever and Euphoria. What follows is an honest reflection on how talent in DJing goes far beyond beatmatching, covering crowd reading, phrasing, energy, and knowing exactly when to switch things up.The conversation dives deep into her signing with Tidy Trax, a move made purely on reputation before she had even played for the label. Tara shares stories from Frantic, Tidy Weekenders, Brixton Academy foyers, and the rare experience of being one of the standout female DJs in a male-dominated scene. There's also insight into her production work, including the story behind tracks like Mercy, collaborations with Paul Maddox and Steve Blake, and her lone release on Vicious Circle with Paul Glazby.Paul and Tara reflect on life after the peak of hard house, moving continents, balancing family life, and why stepping away from the decks doesn't always mean walking away forever. Tara opens up about returning to DJing on her own terms, playing iconic Australian events like Rewind, and even retraining as a nurse while still being recognised worldwide for her DJ legacy.This episode is a warm, funny, and deeply honest look at longevity in dance music, the realities behind the scenes, and what it means to leave a genuine mark on a culture.Were you there for the Frantic and Tidy era?Which Tara Reynolds track still gives you goosebumps?Should the history of hard house be discussed more?Listen now and be part of the story.#HardhouseHistory #TaraReynolds #HardHouse #DanceMusicHistory #TidyTrax #Frantic #WomenInDanceMusic #90sRave #UKHardHouse #PaulGlazby

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of underground dance culture, Chris Liberator. From punk squats and anarchist ideals to acid techno warehouses and vinyl-only ethics, this is a deep, honest conversation about how hard music really evolved.Chris traces his journey from growing up in Essex, immersed in punk and anarcho-punk culture, through bands like Hagar the Womb, and into the birth of the acid techno movement. What emerges is a powerful reminder that hard dance did not come from glossy clubs or mainstream house music, but from anger, energy, rebellion, and community.Together, Paul and Chris unpack the often-overlooked crossover between punk, metal, techno, and hard house. They challenge the “official” dance music history and talk openly about why harder sounds resonated with outsiders, misfits, and ravers who wanted more than a head-nod groove. This episode dives into Stay Up Forever, squat parties, vinyl culture, and the family-first ethos that shaped the UK’s underground scene.Chris also shares insight into working with long-time collaborators like Sterling Moss and Henry Cullen, the discipline of unlearning traditional musicianship to create proper techno, and why vinyl still matters. There's honest discussion around careers versus culture, mental health, genre tribalism, and what happens when scenes grow, fracture, and evolve.The episode wraps with a look at Chris's brand-new collaborative album with Sterling Moss, including the long-awaited track "We Are The Freaks," a release born of years of trust, friendship, and shared philosophy rather than hype.This is not just an interview, it’s a history lesson, a reality check, and a celebration of underground music done the hard way.JOIN THE REVOLUTION Did punk and metal influence your taste in dance music? Vinyl or digital, where do you stand? Is underground culture stronger without career pressure?Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.#HardhouseHistory #ChrisLiberator #AcidTechno #HardDance #UndergroundMusic #StayUpForever #RaveCulture #VinylOnly #TechnoHistory #PaulGlazby

This episode of Hard House History is deeply personal, as Paul Glazby sits down with his longtime friend Tim Tom, a pivotal figure not just in Paul's DJ journey but also in his life beyond the music. Their friendship spans nearly three decades and began on the dancefloor at Rise in Sheffield, a club that helped shape an entire generation of hard house culture.What starts as a nostalgic walk through early clubbing memories quickly becomes an honest and powerful conversation about identity, anxiety, creativity and transformation. Tim shares his journey from rock bands and social anxiety into the rave scene, discovering freedom, connection and self-expression through hard house and club culture. These experiences were not just nights out; they became formative moments that shaped confidence, purpose and community.The episode explores the behind-the-scenes reality of early DJ life, record shopping rituals, house parties that became training grounds, and the raw, unfiltered energy of Sheffield's late 90s scene. Paul and Tim reflect on how those years forged lifelong friendships and creative ambition, while also acknowledging the personal struggles that came with it.As the conversation evolves, Tim opens up about stepping away from clubbing, navigating mental health challenges, and ultimately finding a new calling in helping others process trauma and emotional blocks. His story is a reminder that the legacy of hard house is not just found in records or rave memories, but in how the culture helped people find themselves.This episode is about friendship, growth and the lasting impact of hard house culture, long after the music fades.If Hard House History has ever reminded you of where you came from, share this episode with someone who was part of your rave journey and subscribe to keep these stories alive.#HardHouseHistory, #HardHouse, #RaveCulture, #SheffieldClubs, #DJLife, #DanceMusicHistory, #ClubCulture, #OldSchoolRave, #MentalHealthJourney, #ElectronicMusic

Hard House History celebrates its FIRST BIRTHDAY with a truly landmark episode, welcoming one of the most influential figures in UK dance culture, Billy Daniel Bunter. Few guests could better represent the roots, evolution and crossover power of hard house than a DJ who lived through it all, from the late 80s rave explosion to the global hard dance movement that followed.In this episode, Paul and Bunter go deep into the pre-genre era, when dance music lived under one roof and labels like hard house, jungle, trance and techno had not yet split into defined scenes. Bunter shares vivid stories from his teenage years as a resident DJ at Labyrinth and Four Aces, where he played every Friday and Saturday from the age of 15 and unknowingly helped shape the future of multiple genres.The conversation traces how harder sounds evolved organically, with Belgian New Beat, early techno, breakbeat and tougher house all feeding into what would eventually become hard house. Bunter reflects on working with and influencing artists across scenes, including John the Dentist, BK, Rob Da Bank, Mickey Finn and figures from jungle, grime and hardcore, showing just how interconnected the culture truly was.There is also a fascinating deep dive into the origins of the term "Hard Dance," the creation of Bunter's "Future of Hard Dance" album, and how pivotal tracks like "Music Is Moving" and "KY Jelly Baby" helped define a sound that exploded in the late 90s. Bunter speaks candidly about success, ego, scene politics and why hard house both soared and fractured, offering a rare perspective only time can provide.This episode is not just history; it is context. A reminder that hard house did not appear overnight, it was built on years of experimentation, community and fearless DJs pushing boundaries without rules. If you love hard house and the culture behind it, subscribe to Hard House History, leave a review and share this episode with someone who lived the rave years with you.#HardHouseHistory, #BillyDanielBunter, #HardHouse, #HardDance, #RaveHistory, #UKDanceMusic, #DJCulture, #ElectronicMusicHistory, #ClubCulture, #OldSchoolRave #PaulGlazbyPodcast

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul reconnects with long-time friend and hard house pioneer Ben Stevens, marking their first face-to-face catch-up in more than a decade. Fresh off a long-haul flight from the UK to Brisbane for a special gig with Lucy Fur, Ben joins Paul for an honest, hilarious and insight-packed conversation about the scene they helped shape.The pair dive straight into the state of hard house in 2025, from the resurgence of events in the UK to the evolution of Vicious Circle, Tidy and the wider label landscape. Ben unpacks the realities of modern releasing, streaming-focused distribution, and whether iconic imprints like 999 and Neonate could make a meaningful comeback. Together, they explore their most profound shared passion: production, remixing, and the strange magic that made the early era impossible to replicate.From stories of chaotic flights, jet-lagged gigs, missed connections, mental nights at The Arches and The Emporium, to heartfelt reflections on collaborations with Maddox, Frank Farrell, Tim Ribbens and the late Tony De Vit, this episode is packed with decades of history, humour and heart.Ben also opens up about his new full-time role with Pure Energy, what is next for Tidy, why Tidy Weekenders in the UK are gone for good, and what the future of global hard house events could look like. Paul shares new updates on Glasby Time, fresh studio work, long-awaited collaborations, the upcoming remix project, and exciting news about future guests, including Fergie and Tony De Vit's sister.This is a deep dive into friendship, legacy, creativity and longevity in a genre that refuses to fade. A must-listen for old-school ravers and new fans discovering the true roots of hard house.Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a rating and share Hard House History with a mate who lived through the glory days. Your support keeps the music and the memories alive. #HardHouseHistory, #BenStevens, #PaulGlazby, #ViciousCircle, #TidyTrax, #HardHousePodcast, #UKHardHouse, #RaveCulture, #MusicDocumentary, #DJStories

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul sits down with filmmaker Phill Smith, the man behind the acclaimed documentary Don't Ever Stop. A lifelong clubber turned BBC documentarian, Phill has spent years piecing together the legacy of one of hard house's most loved and most mysterious figures, Tony De Vit, while also capturing the wild, chaotic and pioneering world of late 90s and early 2000s club culture.Phill takes us back to his underage clubbing days in Leicester, sneaking into Flaming Colossus at 16 to watch Boy George, discovering Passion, Storm and Insomniacs, and collecting flyers that still sit in his archive today. His journey from clubber to filmmaker is equally fascinating, revealing how his time running the Tidy Weekender Diary Room eventually led him to connect with Fergie, Andy, Amadeus, and Tony's sister, Jane, to create one of the most important hard house documentaries ever made.Paul and Phill dive deep into Tony's impact, his unmatched technical skills behind the decks, the genre-defining production work, and the heartbreaking reality that so little footage of Tony exists. Phill shares how the team uncovered rare tapes, long lost radio recordings, and a priceless studio tour filmed by Amadeus, all of which helped shape the documentary's emotional core.The conversation also explores the early days of Tidy, the madness of Sun Essential and Gatecrasher, the legacy of LGBTQ+ influence on club culture, the near-mythical presence of Madders, and the challenges of telling a story where so much history lives only in memory.This is a beautiful, nostalgic and insightful look at the people who shaped a movement, the scenes that shaped a generation, and the stories still being uncovered today.#HardHouseHistory #TonyDeVit #DontEverStop #PaulGlazby #UKClubbing #HardHouse #TidyWeekender #90sRaveCulture #HardDanceLegacy #DanceMusicDocumentary

In this special UK-recorded edition of Hard House History, host Paul Glazby sits down in the studio with two legends who helped shape the sound of a generation, Lisa Lashes and Paul Maddox, both back for a second honest, hilarious and beautifully nostalgic catch-up. With all three already midway through a studio session, the mics go on and the stories flow instantly.Lisa reflects on her huge year, including the return of Lashed at The Emporium, the event preparation, the buzz of reconnecting with a superclub environment, and the surprise success that has carried into her 2026 calendar. From cleaning cobwebs to repositioning the DJ booth, she talks about reviving the connection and energy that made hard house what it was. She also shares details on her upcoming release on Vicious Circle, the 25-year Orange Euphoria revival, and her growing list of bookings across the UK and Europe.Paul Maddox speaks openly about his move into full-time production and engineering, stepping back from heavy touring and rediscovering his true passion, the studio. He explains why the DJ treadmill no longer inspires him, how working across techno, trance, hard house and beyond keeps his creativity fresh, and why the new wave of hard producers excites him.Together, the three explore how the scene has split and evolved, from the traditional 150-160 BPM style to the new tech and TikTok-influenced hard sound. They discuss the rise of young talent like Pulsar, the genre-blending happening on big UK stages, and whether both generations are slowly merging again.The episode ends with a preview of the brand-new Glazby, Lashes, and Maddox collaboration, created in the same room only moments before recording, offering listeners a first taste of something powerful, melodic, and built for modern dancefloors. Enjoy this episode recorded live in the UK. Hit LIKE, tap SUBSCRIBE and drop a comment if you want the full new track released.#HardHouseHistory #LisaLashes #PaulMaddox #PaulGlazby #UKHardHouse #HardDanceLegends #OrangeEuphoria #ViciousCircleRecords #HardHouseRevival #StudioSession

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul sits down with one of the genre's true originators, Jon the Dentist, for a raw and reflective deep dive into the foundations of the sound that shaped a generation. From the early rave days, to the birth of Baby Doc and the Dentist, to the breakthrough of Global Phases, Jon shares the stories behind the music, the culture, and the chaos that made Hard House what it is.Jon opens up about his early influences, his love of eighties electronica, and how European trance and techno inspired him to experiment with synths long before the term "Hard House" was coined. The pair unpack Jon's creative process, including his legendary sound-categorising system, his unexpected comparison to Depeche Mode, and the spontaneous late-night studio sessions that led to scene-defining releases.There are emotional moments too, as Jon reflects on his friendship with HMS, the origins of his DJ name, and the realities of losing friends and collaborators far too young. His honesty brings a heartfelt layer to an episode that captures the full arc of a career built on passion, experimentation, and a deep respect for the music.Jon also reveals his rebirth as an electronic composer under In Space We Dance and the creation of his new album, The Frontier, inspired by modern progressive house, Vangelis, and cinematic soundscapes. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how an innovator evolves.JOIN THE DENTIST'S CHAIRWhat is your favourite Jon the Dentist or Baby Doc and the Dentist track?Did Global Phases change your dance floor days?Do you miss the raw experimentation of the early studio era?Were you a Trade regular, or did you discover the sound somewhere else? Which synth defined your early rave years?Follow the show, leave a review, and help keep the history of the scene alive.#HardHouseHistory #JonTheDentist #BabyDocAndTheDentist #GlobalPhases #HardHouse #TranceClassics #90sClubCulture #UKRaveScene #ElectronicMusicPioneers #InSpaceWeDance

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of the genre, the legendary Andy Farley. This chat goes deep into the roots of the sound, the clubs that shaped a generation, and the wild ride that took Hard House from the underground to global recognition.Andy looks back at his early days at Tintin's in Birmingham, where he unknowingly played the blueprint for what the world would later call Hard House. From the gritty mid-'90s basements to the explosion of Sundissential, he breaks down how the sound evolved, how trade defined a culture, and how a scene grew before the name even existed. The stories are raw and honest, from marathon closing sets at 7 am to the chaos, colour and unpredictability that made those clubs unforgettable.The conversation turns to the late 1990s and early 2000s as Paul and Andy unpack the rise, fall, and resurgence of Hard House. They discuss the impact of Tony De Vit, the role of Gatecrasher and the festivals, and how a global shift in club culture reshaped the entire scene. Andy shares the highs and lows of the DJ life, from six-gig weekends to nine-set Easter runs, plus the moment he got accidentally locked in a bathroom moments before a headline set.They also dive into the new era of Hard House, where modern artists like Hannah Laing, Tasia and Carl Starke are bringing fresh energy to the sound. Andy reveals what today's producers are doing differently, how tempos have shifted, and why old and new styles might finally merge.This is a proper history lesson with no fluff, just honesty, great stories and big laughs. If you love Hard House, this episode is essential listening.#HardHouseHistory #AndyFarley #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #UKClubbing #HardDance #TidyTrax #TradeLondon #SundayCentral #HardHouseRevival

In this episode of Hard House History, Paul sits down with Grammy Award–winning engineer and producer Dom Morley, a man whose fingerprints are on some of the most iconic records of the modern era. From the raw energy of UB40 and Ocean Colour Scene to working alongside Amy Winehouse, Sting, and Adele, Dom shares the extraordinary story of how a kid from the UK, armed with a four-track recorder, ended up in the studio with legends.Dom talks about his humble beginnings recording his teenage band on cassette, the persistence that landed him his first unpaid studio job, and how his “I'll work for nothing and make good tea" attitude led to a career spanning decades. He reflects on those early days assisting at Metropolis Studios in London, including surreal moments engineering sessions for Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger.The episode dives deep into the creation of Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, where Dom's engineering earned him a Grammy. He reveals what it was like capturing Amy's once-in-a-generation voice, the chaos and brilliance of those sessions, and the life-changing luck that comes from "putting yourself in a position to score.”Paul and Dom also explore stories from working with Sting and The Police in Tuscany, the enduring impact of "Valerie," and why creativity is a muscle that must be constantly exercised. Dom shares details about his latest projects, including his mixing consultancy, his new app MultiBand, and his upcoming book on creativity.It's an inspiring conversation about talent, timing, and tenacity, and how hard work behind the glass can change the course of music history.#HardHouseHistory #DomMorley #AmyWinehouse #MusicPodcast #BackToBlack #StudioStories #MusicProduction #GrammyWinner #MarkRonson #BehindTheMix