Ben Stevens: Flights, Festivals and Flashbacks
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.
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