Hard House History

Paul Glazby
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated weekly

Welcome to Hard House History, formerly known as When I Grow Up, hosted by Hard House icon Paul Glazby. This podcast dives deep into the evolution of the Hard House movement, exploring the music, the culture, and the unforgettable nights that defined an era. Join Paul as he reconnects with the DJs, producers, promoters, and fans who built the scene from the underground up. Whether you lived it or are discovering it for the first time, Hard House History is your front-row seat to the beats, stories, and energy that still move dancefloors today.

  1. 4 days ago

    Choci: Shaping Acid House

    Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of the underground, Choci, a producer, label owner, record shop operator and DJ whose influence helped shape the foundations of acid house, acid techno and the harder sounds that followed. Long before genres were neatly labelled, Choci was making music, running record stores in the heart of London's Soho and releasing groundbreaking records that inspired an entire generation of DJs. In this fascinating episode, he takes us back to the birth of the UK underground, sharing incredible stories from the late 1980s when acid house exploded, the Roland TB-303 changed electronic music forever, and record shops became the beating heart of dance culture.  Paul and Choci dive into everything from early warehouse parties and the discovery of acid house to the evolution of Choci's legendary labels, including Chewns, Public House, and VCF Records. Along the way, they discuss legendary producers, Chris Liberator, Dynamic Intervention, Blue Peter, the acid techno family, the rise and fall of vinyl culture, and how social media and AI are changing DJing forever.  The conversation is packed with hilarious stories, heartfelt memories and plenty of nostalgia, including tales from the Summer of Love, London's record shop scene, learning to produce with nothing more than a 303 and a drum machine, and why Choci still believes community is at the heart of underground music. Paul also reveals the personal impact Choci's iconic remix of Beyond Motion had on his own DJ career, making for one of the most genuine and emotional moments ever featured on Hardhouse History. If you love the history of rave culture, acid house, hard house, vinyl collecting and the stories behind the people who built the scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join the History If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your mates. Every share helps preserve the stories of the DJs, producers and pioneers who built the underground scene we all love. #HardHouseHistory #Choci #PaulGlazby #AcidHouse #AcidTechno #HardHouse #RaveCulture #VinylCommunity #DanceMusicHistory #ElectronicMusic

  2. 13 Jul

    Kirk Field: The Untold Story of UK Rave Culture

    Hard House History welcomes one of the true storytellers of UK dance music, Kirk Field, and what unfolds is one of the most fascinating journeys ever told on the podcast. Long before he became the bestselling author of Rave New World and Planes, Trains and Amphetamines, Kirk was a struggling musician who found himself homeless, broke and searching for direction. Then one phone call changed everything. Working behind the bar at the very first illegal acid house raves, he witnessed the birth of a movement that would reshape music, culture and an entire generation. In this episode, Kirk takes Paul Glazby behind the scenes of the legendary warehouse parties, explaining how underground events were organised, why hydration trucks were just as important as the DJs, and what it was really like travelling in convoy to secret rave locations around the M25 during the legendary Summer of Love. The conversation also explores how Kirk accidentally became Mixmag's first rave reporter, documenting a scene that mainstream newspapers completely misunderstood. From travelling across Europe covering dance music history to creating Radical Escapes and pioneering clubbing holidays with Fever & Frantic, Kirk shares stories that only someone who truly lived the era could tell. Paul and Kirk also dive into the success of the recent Tidy Weekender, why the hard house community remains one of dance music's strongest families, and why authenticity will always beat fashion. Along the way, you'll hear incredible tales involving Ibiza, Hamburg, 9/11, Saddam Hussein's family, Blue Marlin, Lisa Lashes and the many twists that have made Kirk one of dance music's greatest storytellers. If you love rave history, hard house, trance, club culture and hearing the stories behind the stories, this is an episode you simply cannot miss. Join the History If you've enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Hard House History, leave a five-star review and share it with your rave family. Every download helps preserve the stories, memories and people that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #KirkField #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #RaveHistory #AcidHouse #Mixmag #ClubCulture #DanceMusic #Tidy

  3. 6 Jul

    Barry Goodgreef: The Story Behind the Goodgreef Empire

    Goodgreef wasn't just another club brand; it became one of the defining names of the UK hard house movement. In this episode of Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with Barry Goodgreef to relive the incredible story behind one of the scene's most influential promoters, event organisers and talent managers. From sneaking into clubs as a teenager to launching Goodgreef in Manchester at just 18 years old, Barry shares how a passion for music evolved into one of the biggest hard dance brands of the 2000s. He takes us behind the scenes of those unforgettable nights, the famous collaborations with Sundissential, the rise of the agency business, and the challenges of navigating the changing music industry. The conversation explores the golden era of hard house, why Goodgreef succeeded by doing things differently, and how iconic venues, legendary DJs and passionate clubbers created memories that still resonate today. Barry also reflects on working alongside names like Eddie Halliwell, Alex Kidd, Kutski and Andy Whitby, while discussing how today's DJs face a completely different landscape driven by social media, branding and constant online engagement. Paul and Barry also look back on unforgettable moments, including the Tuxedo Princess boat parties, the Goodgreef Extra Hard cruises, the agency's birth, and the incredible resurgence of hard music that has brought many legendary artists back into the spotlight. If you lived through the early 2000s rave scene, or you're discovering hard house for the first time, this episode is packed with stories, nostalgia and honest insight into one of dance music's most important eras. Join the History If Goodgreef was part of your clubbing journey, or you've got memories from those legendary nights, we'd love to hear them. Subscribe to Hard House History, leave us a review, and share this episode with the friends you stood beside on the dance floor. Every story helps preserve the history of our scene. #HardHouseHistory #BarryGoodgreef #GoodGrief #PaulGlazby #HardHouse #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #RaveHistory #UKClubbing #ElectronicMusic

  4. 29 Jun

    Blu Peter: Before Hard House Had A Name

    This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the true pioneers of the UK dance scene, Blu Peter. Long before hard house had a name, before the superclubs, and before packed festival stages, Blu Peter was helping shape the sound from the DJ booth at some of London's most iconic venues. From starting behind the bar at Heaven to becoming the resident DJ at Garage and the legendary Final Frontier (FF), this episode uncovers the story of a man whose influence reached far beyond the records he played. Blu Peter reflects on the early days of London's club culture, discovering his unique musical identity, and why emotion has always been at the heart of every set he's ever played. He explains how warm-up sets became the perfect training ground, why energy is more important than flawless mixing, and how simply being yourself is the key to becoming a great DJ. Paul and Blu Peter also dive into the birth of the Reactivate series, the evolution of New Energy, shopping for vinyl in London's legendary record stores, and the unforgettable atmosphere that made FF one of the most important clubs of the 1990s. Along the way, they share stories about Tony De Vit, Mrs Wood, Sister Bliss, Judge Jules, E&M, Leftfield, Sven Väth, React Records, and the incredible people who helped shape an era that continues to influence dance music today. The conversation also explores why Blu Peter walked away from chasing commercial success, his philosophy on creativity, and the exciting announcement of brand-new music being released decades after his pioneering work first inspired a generation of DJs. Whether you discovered him through Reactivate 10, Final Frontier, or you're only just learning about one of dance music's true innovators, this is an episode packed with history, nostalgia and genuine insight from one of the architects of the underground. Join The History If you loved this episode, make sure you subscribe to Hard House History, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who remembers the golden era of UK clubbing. Every listen helps preserve the stories that built our scene. #HardHouseHistory #BluPeter #FinalFrontier #Reactivate #HardHouse #DanceMusic #ClubCulture #PaulGlazby #DJHistory #ElectronicMusic

  5. 22 Jun

    Scott Forshaw: From Hard House Kid To Dubai Superstar

    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 History Enjoyed 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

  6. 15 Jun

    James Lawson: From Rock Bands to Hard House Royalty

    This week on Hard House History, Paul Glazby sits down with one of the most respected names in the hard house scene, James Lawson. From learning classical guitar as a child and dreaming of becoming a rock star, to helping shape the sound of hard house during its golden era, James takes us on a fascinating journey through his musical life. The conversation explores his early influences, from Metallica and Guns N' Roses through to the underground rave scenes of Leeds, Manchester and London. James shares how a chance win in a DJ competition helped launch his career, the move to London that changed everything, and the formation of Edison Factor with studio partner Matt Williams. Together, they would go on to create some of the scene's most memorable productions, secure releases on influential labels, and perform live at major events, including Creamfields and Global Gathering. Along the way, James reflects on working with legendary figures such as Andy Farley, Lisa Lashes, Steve Hill, BK, Nick Sentience and Justin Bourne. He also reveals how a career opportunity at Ministry of Sound unexpectedly helped him take the leap into full-time DJing and production. Beyond the records and club nights, this episode dives into the friendships, opportunities and moments that helped define an era of hard house culture. From London after-parties and Ibiza adventures to festival stages and studio collaborations, James offers an honest and insightful look at the highs, challenges and lessons learned throughout a remarkable career. The conversation finishes with a thoughtful discussion about success, mindset, creativity and why being ready to embrace opportunity can make all the difference. Whether you followed James Lawson and Edison Factor from the beginning or are discovering his story for the first time, this is a fascinating chapter in the history of hard house. Join the History Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, follow and leave a review wherever you listen. Every download helps preserve the stories, music and memories that built our scene. Share this episode with a fellow raver and help keep Hard House History alive for future generations. #HardHouseHistory #JamesLawson #PaulGlazby #EdisonFactor #HardHouse #HardTrance #Frantic #Twisted #Creamfields #ClubCulture

  7. 8 Jun

    Sam Townend Part 2: How Tidy Refused To Die

    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 History What 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

  8. 1 Jun

    Baby Doc: Trade, Vinyl and the Golden Era

    In this episode of Hardhouse History, Paul Glazby welcomes back one of the true pioneers of the hard house movement, Baby Doc, for an honest, hilarious and deeply nostalgic conversation about the evolution of underground dance music. From the early North London rave scene through to producing some of the most iconic hard house records of the ‘90s and 2000s, Baby Doc reflects on the creative chaos that helped shape an entire generation of club culture. The episode dives into legendary clubs like Trade, Heaven and Camden Palace, stories from the studio with names like John the Dentist, Sister Bliss, Tall Paul and React Records, plus behind-the-scenes memories of working in iconic studios alongside acts like Oasis and The Chemical Brothers. Baby Doc also opens up about his production process, explaining how classic tracks like Bangers and Mash, Ploughman's Lunch and Yum Yum came together during an era where sampling technology was limited, creativity mattered more than plugins, and producers fiercely protected their sounds. There's a fascinating discussion about old-school hardware, Zip disks, remix culture, and how modern technology has completely changed music production. The conversation also touches on his latest music with Mike Van Dyke, upcoming releases on Perfecto Fluoro, and why he's currently enjoying making faster, melodic dance music again. Along the way, there are plenty of funny stories, classic clubbing memories and raw insights into what made the golden era of hard house so special. JOIN THE HISTORY Were you there for the golden era of hard house?Did you dance at Trade, Heaven or one of the legendary London all-nighters? Let us know your favourite Baby Doc tracks, club memories and stories from the underground scene.Subscribe to Hardhouse History and help preserve the DJs, clubs and music that built a movement. #HardhouseHistory #BabyDoc #HardHouse #PaulGlazby #Trade #ClubCulture #90sRave #DanceMusic #UKRave #ElectronicMusic

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hard House History, formerly known as When I Grow Up, hosted by Hard House icon Paul Glazby. This podcast dives deep into the evolution of the Hard House movement, exploring the music, the culture, and the unforgettable nights that defined an era. Join Paul as he reconnects with the DJs, producers, promoters, and fans who built the scene from the underground up. Whether you lived it or are discovering it for the first time, Hard House History is your front-row seat to the beats, stories, and energy that still move dancefloors today.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Glazby
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paul Glazby

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