In this milestone episode of When I Grow Up, Paul Glazby sits down with Tom, the visionary behind Insomniacz, one of the most legendary after-hours club brands in UK dance history.
Tom opens up about how a simple afterparty at his house grew into a clubbing institution that shaped the careers of DJs, changed lives, and built a culture that still thrives decades later. From the packed dancefloors of Europa and Corporation to licensing battles, police pressure, and the GHB crisis, Tom shares the wild highs and dark lows of running massive underground events in the early 2000s.
He and Paul revisit the days of queuing punters at 4 AM, how Sunday mornings in Sheffield became sacred, and why the music policy was always about pushing boundaries. Tom also talks about stepping away from nightlife to build a million-pound tech business, only to get pulled back into events with festivals, boat parties, and a new wave of daytime dance culture.
This is a raw and honest look at Insomniacz's legacy and the man who made it happen.
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What is Hard House History?
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.