Hard House History

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby catches up with one of the scene's most intriguing success stories, Scott Forshaw.Many hard house fans will remember Scott as the teenage producer and DJ who burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, playing Storm, Frantic and the legendary Weekenders before most people his age were even allowed through the door. But while many artists stayed within the boundaries of hard dance, Scott's journey took him in a completely different direction.Now based in Dubai, Scott has built an incredible career that has seen him amass over 40 million streams, play alongside some of the biggest names in dance music, and perform for crowds of over 100,000 people. From opening for Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, and Martin Garrix to an unexpected encounter with Jennifer Lopez, Scott shares how a bad week in the UK led to a life-changing move to the Middle East.Paul and Scott dive deep into the evolution of club culture, the differences between old-school hard house and today's VIP bottle-service scene, the realities of ghost production, songwriting camps, and social media DJs, and why being pigeonholed can be both a blessing and a curse.There are plenty of laughs along the way as the pair reminisce about Storm, Insomniac, Frantic and the golden era of hard house, while discussing ADHD, Metallica, family life, and the challenges of balancing creativity with commercial success.It's an honest, funny and fascinating conversation with a producer who quietly became one of dance music's most successful exports.Join The HistoryEnjoyed this episode? Help keep the stories alive by subscribing to Hard House History, sharing the podcast with your mates, and leaving a review. Every download helps preserve the legacy of hard house for future generations.#HardHouseHistory #ScottForshaw #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #DJLife #MusicProduction #HardDance #ElectronicMusic

This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby continues his deep dive into the story of Sam Townend, picking up where Part One left off and exploring one of the most turbulent and fascinating periods in modern hard house history. From the rise and fall of the Ideal brand to the rebirth of Tidy, Sam takes us behind the scenes of the events, decisions and challenges that shaped the scene throughout the 2010s and beyond. He shares the reality of promoting hard house during a period when the genre had fallen from its commercial peak, the success of the legendary Tidy XX celebrations, and the Tidy Boys' emotional farewell tour. The conversation then turns into a collection of unbelievable promoter war stories. From the infamous "Tiny Boys" disaster at a Tidy Weekender to gang-related chaos at another weekender event, car chases through a holiday park, death threats, lockdowns, and one of the most bizarre stories you'll ever hear involving an urn and a dancefloor, this episode delivers some genuinely jaw-dropping moments. Sam also opens up about the challenges of running large-scale events, dealing with local authorities, navigating licensing requirements, surviving the COVID years, and the devastating impact of losing long-time venues such as Prestatyn. Despite every setback, his passion for music and the community never wavers. More than anything, this episode highlights why hard house has survived for so long. It's not about money, fame or status. It's about creating unforgettable experiences, bringing people together, and giving people a place where they truly belong. As the story reaches 2026, Paul and Sam prepare to welcome a special guest to discuss the next chapter in the continuing story of Tidy and Hard House. Join The HistoryWhat was your favourite Tidy Weekender memory?Were you there for Tidy XX, Tidy Resurrection, Prestatyn, Southport, or one of the legendary reunion events?Drop your memories in the comments and let us know where your Hard House journey began.#HardHouseHistory #PaulGlazby #SamTownend #TidyTrax #TidyWeekender #HardHouse #ClubCulture #DanceMusicHistory #UKClubbing #HardHouseFamily

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most influential names in UK hard dance history, Phil Reynolds. From buying his very first set of decks in the early ‘90s to helping build the legendary Frantic brand from a small birthday party into one of London’s biggest clubbing institutions, Phil shares an honest and detailed look at the golden era of club culture. The conversation dives deep into the rise of Frantic, the impact of Aussie, Kiwi and South African clubbers on London's hard house explosion, and the unforgettable nights at iconic venues like Bagleys and Camden Palace. Phil reflects on the pressure of his first gigs, learning to DJ without YouTube tutorials, hunting for rare vinyl in London record shops, and how mixtapes helped build underground club culture before social media existed. Paul and Phil also unpack the evolution of hard house itself, from the importance of musical progression in clubs to the changing drug culture that shifted dancefloors throughout the 2000s. There's a fascinating discussion about why modern daytime events and reunion parties like Rewind and Frantic have become so popular with an older generation of ravers reconnecting with the music that defined their youth. The episode also explores Phil's production career, including working with legends like Nick Sentience, running Impact Records, and creating crossover trance and hard house tracks that became anthems across the scene. There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about studio sessions, vinyl culture, record-shopping rituals, and the politics of the UK clubbing industry during its peak years. More than anything, this episode captures why hard house meant so much to so many people. It's about community, identity, friendship, and the feeling of walking into a packed club where everyone is there for the same reason: the music.JOIN THE HISTORYWhat was your first Frantic memory?Did you ever rave at Camden Palace, Bagleys, Escape From Samsara or one of the legendary London all-nighters? Let us know your favourite memories, tunes and moments from the golden era of hard house.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help preserve the stories, DJs and dancefloors that shaped a generation.#HardhouseHistory #PhilReynolds #Frantic #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #CamdenPalace #UKClubCulture #HardDance #VinylDJ #RaveHistory

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with true scene pioneer Rachel Auburn, and what follows is a fascinating journey through the birth of hard house culture in London.Long before hard house had a name, Rachel was immersed in the underground club scene through fashion, art and nightlife. Starting in iconic London clubs like Taboo and Delirium during the mid-80s, she found herself surrounded by legendary figures including Afrika Bambaataa, Judge Jules, Sister Bliss and the infamous Trade crowd. Rachel opens up about how she accidentally fell into DJing while working in fashion design, eventually becoming one of the earliest female DJs to break into the London club circuit. From Heaven and Garage through to Trade, she explains how those clubs shaped her sound and inspired her to start producing records that would eventually become hard house classics.The episode dives deep into tracks like Fee Fi Fo Fum, Machine Man and her collaborations with producers including Paul Masterson and Amo. There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about sampling, remix culture, and the early studio process, including how one random vinyl thrown into a crowd became the vocal that launched one of her biggest records. Rachel also reflects on the rise of women in dance music, though she makes it clear she never saw herself as “a female DJ”, just a DJ trying to make the best music possible. It's a refreshing perspective from someone who helped shape an entire era without ever chasing the spotlight.Packed with stories about Trade, Tony De Vit, Tidy Girls, club culture and the evolution of hard house, this is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves the roots of the scene.JOIN THE HISTORYWhat’s your favourite Rachel Auburn track or remix?Were you there for the Trade era, Heaven, Garage or the early Tidy years?Drop your memories, favourite tracks and stories in the comments.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help keep the scene's legacy alive.#HardhouseHistory #RachelAuburn #TradeClub #UKHardHouse #TonyDeVit #TidyGirls #RaveCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #ClubCulture #HardHouse

In this latest episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with his old friend Rich Wakley, better known to many as Filthy Rich, for a deep, honest, and at times emotional conversation spanning decades of club culture.From the early days of handing out trance tapes at university in Leeds, Rich takes us right back to where it all began, cutting his teeth playing five nights a week at Heaven & Hell while immersed in the exploding UK club scene. What starts as a passion quickly evolves into a career, moving from trance into hard house, and eventually into the global electronic scene through his Filthy Rich alias. The episode dives into his evolution as an artist, from those early residencies to producing alongside some of the biggest names in the industry and forming the Spectre project with Paul Maddox. It's a story of growth, reinvention, and constantly adapting to the shifting sounds of electronic music.But this isn't just a highlight reel. Rich opens up about the realities behind the scenes, the pressure to produce, the stigma around working with engineers, and the ever-changing landscape of DJ culture. He speaks candidly about how COVID hit at the worst possible time for Spectre, halting momentum just as things were peaking, and the difficult transition into full-time work outside of music.What follows is one of the most raw parts of the conversation, as Rich reflects on loss, identity and the challenge of rediscovering passion after stepping away from something that defined his life. It’s honest, relatable and something many in the industry will connect with.This is Hardhouse History at its best: real stories, real people, and the reality behind the music.JOIN THE HISTORYWere you part of the Leeds club scene, Kiss Da Funk, or those early 2000s hard house nights?What's your memory of that era, the music, the people or the moments?Drop your stories in the comments and tag someone you were on the dancefloor with.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help keep the legacy alive.#HardhouseHistory #FilthyRich #RichWakley #UKClubScene #HardHouse #RaveCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #LeedsNightlife #ClubHistory #ElectronicMusic

In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul sits down with one of the scene's most respected figures, Johnny Dangerous, to unpack a journey that runs deep through the foundations of hard house culture. From record shops in the heart of Doncaster Warehouse to the pages of M8 Magazine and eventually into the inner workings of Tidy, this is a story packed with history, influence and perspective.Johnny takes us back to the mid-90s, when the Doncaster Warehouse was in full flight, running all-night licences and acting as a hub for ravers, DJs and vinyl culture. Operating out of a small cupboard turned record shop, he was at the centre of a movement, supplying tracks to DJs across the UK, including the legendary Tony De Vit. It's a proper reminder of how grassroots the scene really was, built on passion, hustle and community. The conversation dives into Johnny's early influences, from 80s synth pop and hip hop through to the harder European sounds that would eventually shape hard house. There's a fascinating look at how multiple genres collided to create the sound we now know, proving there was never just one path into the scene.We also get insights into his time as a journalist, interviewing some of the biggest names in dance music and documenting the culture as it evolved. Plus, stories from inside Tidy during its peak years, giving a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important labels in the genre.This episode isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about understanding where hard house came from, how it evolved, and where it might be heading next.Join the History Love the stories? Make sure you subscribe, share this episode, and tag your crew. Keep the legacy alive and be part of the next chapter of hard house.#HardHouseHistory #JohnnyDangerous #TidyTrax #UKHardHouse #RaveCulture #DanceMusicPodcast #90sRave #ClubCulture #DJLife #ElectronicMusic

This week on Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most unique and unforgettable personalities to ever cross over into the hard dance scene, Pete Bennett.For many, Pete first burst onto the radar through Big Brother in 2006, but this episode goes far beyond reality TV fame. It's a deep dive into the life behind the headlines, including Pete's experience living with Tourette's and the complicated reality of public perception. From moments of acceptance to frustration over misunderstandings, Pete speaks openly about what it's like to navigate life in the spotlight with a condition that is often misrepresented.From there, the conversation shifts into music, creativity and Pete's ongoing connection to the scene. Whether it's new tracks, upcoming releases or gigs tied to labels like Tidy Trax, Pete brings his signature chaotic energy and humour to everything he does. There's also insight into his creative world beyond music, including documentaries, acting work and his latest project, giving fans a closer look at "This is Pete", a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life.What makes this episode stand out is Pete himself. Unpredictable, hilarious and brutally honest, he moves between topics at lightning speed, from serious reflections to completely off-the-wall moments that only he could deliver. It’s a reminder that hard house has always been about characters as much as it has about music.This is not your typical DJ interview; it's something far more human.Join the HistoryWhat's your favourite Pete Bennett moment, on TV or in the scene?Have you seen him live or followed his journey since Big Brother?Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s celebrate one of the most unique personalities in the culture.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help us keep these stories alive.#HardhouseHistory #PeteBennett #BigBrotherUK #HardHouse #RaveCulture #TidyTrax #HardDance #UKRave #PaulGlazby #DanceMusicPodcast

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

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

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

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 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 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