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Drugs. Overdoses. Murder. A coroner’s inquest. Showdowns with the police, media, and government. Long before EDM, raves were the illicit dance parties of myth and legend. They happened mostly in secret, beneath the surface of society while everyone else was sleeping. Requiem for My Rave tells the story of best-selling DJ and world-class promoter Anabolic Frolic, who found himself at the leading edge of 1990s rave culture.
While Anabolic Frolic fought to build a force for good for his many dedicated fans, he found himself at the centre of controversies he never could have imagined. Requiem for My Rave is an explosive memoir where Frolic shines a light on this generally misunderstood subculture. His powerful personal story is about the one person that found himself at the heart of everything, the steep price he paid, and the lessons that endured.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Frolic, better known to fans around the world as Anabolic Frolic, was the DJ behind the ground breaking electronic music series Happy2bHardcore. It was the biggest selling electronic music compilation of the 1990s (Nielsen SoundScan). He was the promoter of one of the most celebrated and revered rave promotions of its time, Hullabaloo! He was also the host of the #1 dance streaming show of 2000, Happy Hour. Chris lives in Toronto, Canada.
Size: 492 pages
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Have you read it? Leave your comments/thoughts/reviews below!
From: MC STORM
Got the book this morning at half nine as it’s my day off I’ve spent all day reading it and it’s awesome I can’t put it down!
It feels in some parts like I’m reading a movie script because I was either there or we have spoke about it, it feels so real.
Thank you very much for the book, Brilliant stuff!
Posted on Amazon:
Epic.
November 19, 2019
Format: Paperback
If you were lucky enough to experience Hullabaloo, say the words PLUR or Happy Hulla you are in LUCK. Honestly I haven’t read the book yet, but I experienced many Hullas and listened to all the Happy2bhardcore CDs over and over again … and most recently in the last couple months. For me it’s been close to 16-17 years since I’ve been to a Hulla and the release of the book is a bit of icing on the cake.
I reconnected with a very best friend from back then and she solidified that it wasn’t all a dream and the timely release of this book makes it all so more real. Those were the best of times and they were my Woodstock. How we came out alive I will never know.
The best experience ever. I cannot wait to read this book and I am kind of petrified to. So grateful to have been part of the experience and that Anabolic Frolic wrote this book.
Happy Hullabaloo! #boots
What a journey
November 20, 2019
Format: Paperback
Such an amazing reflection of all the rave scene has had to endure from one of the most iconic people of its time. Drift on a Dream was my first rave all those years ago, and it ignited a sense of community, and belonging. I never felt more at home than i did at a rave, and more specifically at a Hulla. it was a vibe like no other. I found my family there. <3 Thank you Anabolic Frolic <3
Fascinating read
November 21, 2019
Format: Paperback
This was such a great read. Such an eye opening look behind the scenes of one of the preeminent figures of the North American rave scene of the late 90s and early 2000s, how he came to prominence, and what it took to help grow a scene and genre of music, and how he made it through a lot of controversy that plagued the rave scene through this period.
I definitely recommend this book
Fantastic Nostalgia blast
November 28, 2019
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Bought this as soon as it came to my attention! And it was easily read in a week.
This was the first real glimpse I’ve ever had at a look behind the curtain of the Toronto scene when it was in it’s prime. Even though I only went to my first Hullabaloo in 2000, this book made me feel like I finally got to live the more massive events, even if they were just artificially implanted in my memories.
Chris sounds genuine through this whole book and moves at a reasonable speed.
The only drawback I see is the cover and title. The book isn’t as dark as the cover conveys though there are some tough times included (BTW I was at that party and remember the whole thing as described).
Highly recommend this read to anyone who was a Toronto Raver or Hardcore enthusiast.
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Microdot Laboratory
Never have ai had a book that has touched me on such a deep personal level. Fan-fucking-tastic so far, man! Brought me to tears of joy and reminisence more than once so far. Thanks again so much for everything, us ravers owe you such a debt we can never repay. I still and always will live by PLUR. The launch was a spiritual re-awakening for me, really made me realize the magnitude of everything. And it seems im far from the only one that feels this way. <3
Posted on Amazon:
Sars
Heartwarming and inspirational.
Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
Wow. This is an incredible recount of an immensely significant part of the Toronto rave era. Through reading this book, I relived some of my most cherished memories, and gained new insights on what was going on behind the scenes. I can’t say this enough: THANK YOU, Chris Frolic.
Story of a subculture luminary
Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
This is an excellent book about how Toronto’s already-successful mid-90s rave scene was made much better by Chris Frolic and his Hullabaloo raves. He identified a gap and poured his life into serving his fellow under-represented happy hardcore fanbase. I appreciate his detailed and personal tales of optimism, naivete, stubborn gumption, and luck that culminated in his international DJ fame and world-renowned parties.
Having attended several Hullabaloo raves I can attest to the authenticity of many of his descriptions. He accurately describes the tactile and subjective pleasures of this time and place, but also the cultural and political pressures that would eventually come to a head. Chris Frolic was worshiped, reviled, admired, and demonized all at the same time, and the author does a great job of conveying the complexities of his fame.
Don’t make the mistake of dismissing the topic of rave parties as frivolous; this book is a rare story of a culture, a time, a place, and a man who would be the catalyst for unity among strangers. Frolic took significant (sometimes foolhardy) risks to establish these elaborate gatherings, earning plaudits and headaches seemingly in equal measure, but there was no stopping him; he would persevere and succeed. This makes for an exciting story and I’m grateful that he’s taken such care in its telling.
It’s also a good book about technology. Frolic capitalized early on the burgeoning Internet and World Wide Web to connect, advertise, and sell to like-minded people. Between vinyl records, e-commerce, FM radio, and online streaming, the author has direct experience bridging several generations of technologies.
This is a slice of Toronto’s history that’s been told the way it deserves. It’s subjective but fair. Frolic names names and doles out his appreciation and ire where they’re warranted. Just when the situation seems hopeless Frolic finds unlikely allies in colleagues, lawyers, and politicians who agree with his cause and want him to succeed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary culture. This autobiographical account is supremely entertaining, emotionally engaging, and significantly relevant.
Outstanding read about Raves, Music, Community and Anabolic Frolic
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2020
Format: Paperback
This book is about the early rave scene and the musician and promoter Anabolic Frolic. Anabolic had one of the biggest selling electronic album series in the 90s; Happy2bHardcore.
I read a lot of musician biography’s and this is the most unique one I have ever read. Anabolic Frolic starts from the beginning of his career, talks a lot getting started, rising to success and promoting sell out raves.
All those are to be expected but what was not that he also speaks to his responsibility to the community, to the kids buying the product and to his struggles in dealing with the many challenges that came with success.
I’m not talking about the typical struggles of most musician biographies (sex and drugs) I’m talking about his challenges to fight the battle for the generation that were his fanbase. A generation that were out to change the world. To make it a better place.
While that story plays out, another is as well, that involves rave attendee overdoses, a murder and police and government battles.
Anabolic Frolic completely opens his heart and soul in this book and shares intimate details of his personal struggles and professional challenges. It is a well written, entertaining, fascinating book that is a must read for anyone that is interested in Raves, Anabolic Frolic and Musician Biographies.
Being human in the act of creating history through music, art and devotion.
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020
Format: Paperback
Thank you Chris for sharing your story of devoted love, peace and human belonging as a promoter/DJ of the RAVE scene, for bringing it into the light of day and contributing to music history. Seeing through your experience what it means to be driving the sports car of sound, with eyes closed and trusting life had me walking past my own inner city-scape of warehouses, parking garages and beneficial malfunctions and seeing them again as the birthing beds of life’s music. Someone turn this book into a Amazon documentary! Amy
Amazing to hear Chris’s side of the Hullabaloo
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
Format: Paperback
The 90’s rave scene changed the course of my life and greatly influenced who I am today. Hullabaloo was a big part of this. I knew back then about many of the challenges Chris was facing in keeping the Hullabaloo alive. It was fascinating to read the full story, and go in depth with Chris and Robin’s back story and also the parts of the Hulla struggle I didn’t fully know.
This book gave me an even greater appreciation for Chris, Robin, and everyone else involved in making Hullabaloos happen. You have hearts of gold. I have to admit, parts of this book brought me to tears. I’m forever grateful to have experienced these amazing events and the community that surrounded them.
I wasn’t planning on spending my Sunday reading all day, but I’m glad I did.
Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2020
Format: Paperback
While I was there to get a copy the day the book was released at the event, the truth of the matter is it took me a few months to pick it up and start in. A few pages here and there on my subway ride to work each day, and today I just couldn’t put it down. Before I knew it, I’d breezed through 100 pages, and I just didn’t see the need to stop.
Maybe that was because I was reliving moments of my late teens, with memories long stashed away in the back of my mind, being recanted as if they were only last week. Even though I wasn’t technically “there” for most of the first parts of the book, I knew most of the story already. Reading the chapters written by the person who created those moments only made me feel as if I had actually lived them in person, not just read about them online as I transitioned from some kid reading about it online, to becaming an actual patron of the events, and ultimately one of the DJs by the end of it all.
I look back on those years of my life with amazement as do many of us. For an outsider looking in, someone who many never have experienced one of the events, surely some of these stories, or at least parts of them may seem a little exaggerated. They weren’t. This is the story thousands of us lived in our late teens, and early 20’s. It’s what shaped us to who we are today, and just as this is the story of Chris, Robin, & Hullabaloo, it’s very much a story of all of us too.
The constant thought of “who would I be today, if it was not for being there then” cross my mind, and with no uncertainty I say I wouldn’t be sitting in the chair I am, with the job I hold, with the passions I have, and the life I’ve enjoyed, if it were not for my nights dancing carefree, meeting the people I have (some of which I now call my closest friends), at Hullabaloo.
I’d happily recommend this book to everyone who ever stepped foot into the Toronto rave scene of the 90’s and early 2000’s, or anyone who wished they could have been there. It’s a story of our youth, how we chose to live, and how that’s shaped us into the people we are today. Thanks for the throwback, Chris. I smiled throughout.
A legend
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2020
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I can’t put into words how much this book made me feel. You can feel the emotions he put into it. It’s absolutely amazing and well written.
Happy Hullabaloo!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent account of the rave scene in the late 90s. I attended many of these parties and appreciate the insider info about so many of my favorite events.
A must have for any raver
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
My first Hullabaloo was For Those Who Know in December of 1999 and it has indeed forever changed me, positively, as a human being. Hullabaloo was a significant part of my life during the ensuing years. This book is well written, highly informative and gives an outstanding perspective of what it was like from behind the scenes. I value it both as a personal keepsake of my memories during those times and also as an important historical document of the rave scene. If you know, you know.
Very nostalgic
Reviewed in Canada on September 13, 2020
This is 5 stars for me because of the memories. Anybody who partied in Toronto in the late 90s and or early 2000s will appreciate the history. I think most Hulla ravers knew they were part of something special, but this account really frames that whole era very well. Thanks Chris
Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2020
Verified Purchase
Is a really good read this. Probably the only book ever written entirely about the happy hardcore scene. And the only book written from a promoter/dj/ravers perspective.
A very honest account throughout, from the good times to the bad times.
From the humble beginnings of a small Toronto record store importing UK Hardcore Vinyl, to the days of sellout raves and a flourishing scene.
To how the happy2bhardcore cd series began.
Is actually interesting to read how different the Canadian scene was to other countries too, but similar in other ways.
For example candy was never very popular in Sydney Australia, even though hardcore was. People wore more street & sportswear. Was like a crossover between the UK & Netherlands here.
But there were still the same problems Frolic had with governments and law enforcement always wanting to shut down parties.
Is plenty more in this book, but I don’t want to give too much away.
Nice trip down memory lane
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
Verified Purchase
I never attended a hullabaloo, but I did attend raves in 2000 in another major Canadian citizen. Faced similar issues there as they did in Toronto.
As someone who remembers that time very fondly and is still a fan of happy hardcore, this book was a great read.
A great and fascinating story
Reviewed in Canada on February 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
I wasn’t part of the rave scene, but this was a great book to read. It sounds like this was an important time for a lot of people, and it probably shaped the rest of their lives. Not only do you get a fascinating peak behind the scenes of the whole operation, it’s also a great story that I think anybody would enjoy.
Wonderful history of Hullabaloo!
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
As someone who lived through much of these events, I have to say this book is amazing. Chris put on the best raves and the people who attended them were remarkable. Thanks for the memories Chris!
Awesome book for anyone who lived the rave era or for anyone interested about it
Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
I don’t often comment or review, but this is worth it. Anabolic Frolic was a pillar of the rave era and the main reason happy hardcore came to North America. Getting a behind the scene sneak peak is something special. I went down memory lane reading this. True page turner that’s worth every penny. Well done.
Wow.
Literally could not put the book down.
Just finished it.
I never attended a rave. Or a Hulla Event. Not my style. But it was amazing to hear your experiences and tribulations.
I literally SCREAMED at the point you mentioned “You weren’t making a lot of money, and decided to give the coat check to a friend so THEY could make money”. (And then Gordon screwed THEM out of it.)
A heartfelt book and one you had to write. I’m sure it was therapeutic to write, re read and edit…
Congrats to Robin and everyone who helped you, as well.
LOVED IT. Every damn page!
This is Phil, who wrote the above comment.
If anything, I undersold the book. If you have Kindle, you know the moment you finish reading a book and delete it from your kindle? Don’t need that anymore!
Not this book. It’s staying on my kindle with a few other inspirational books for me to “dip” into every so often.
Thanks for sharing an amazingly true experience, Chris.
A must read for the Happy Hardcore fan
Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
The masterfully told story of the most prolific Happy Harcore promoter in North America. Trials (literally) and tribulations, ups and downs. If you’ve ever heard the word Rave, this book is for you.
Great trip down memory lane
Reviewed in Canada on June 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a great book to read and bring you back to the good old days. So many forgotten memories are being brought back to the surface after reading this book. Thank you for sharing your story.
Happy Hullabaloo!!!!
Reviewed in Canada on June 22, 2021
Chris, as someone who was there for a small part of this journey, I thank you. It was a beautiful, yet crazy thing -the community on the hullaboard – in those pre social media days, it was an essential part of my life.
I am forever thankful to you and Will
Plur,
TraNceAhoLic
If you raved in Toronto a must read
Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great book
Fun nostalgic ride from the early rave scene
Reviewed in Canada on July 8, 2021
I was a raver in the 90’s, and a promoter/dj in the early 00’s. This story perfectly encapsulates the struggles and realities of working in the industry during that time.
It was fascinating to read the story behind Hullabaloo and Anabolic Frolic. I never had the honor of attending a Hulla event but Chris does a great job describing the feelings and energy of each party.
Great historical recount of the Canadian rave scene from the perspective of a one of a kind promoter
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this. Frolic’s work ethic towards living his life to further his passions of music and raves provides a great deal of insight and inspiration. Just like happy hardcore is known for its sentimental, deeply emotional lyrics, Frolic’s book similarly accomplishes the same effect through the author’s own impactful experiences.
The book gives a very detailed recount of how Anabolic Frolic, originally equipped with a superhuman amount of conscientiousness along with his set of “beneficial malfunctions,” as he calls them, manages to near single-handedly bring UK Happy Hardcore music overseas to Canada, sell hundreds of thousands if not millions of CDs, and in the process manages to develop and nurture his own Hullabaloo rave community, sculpting in a place for the electronic music that he loves to persist forever on.
Like a Shooting Star
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
This guy almost single-handedly brought the happy hardcore genre to North America. Here you find the story of how he did it. With a thoroughly DIY approach, Chris Frolic leveraged the burgeoning power of the internet to start a business, create a fan base, and establish a thriving musical subculture in North America.
This book really surpassed my expectations. It’s quite detailed and well-written. Frolic comes across as genuine and likable. Some cool facts I learned from this book:
-Frolic actually lived in the studio where he recorded the legendary Happy 2B Hardcore mixes
-he made his debut in Buffalo, NY, not Toronto as one might expect
-At a time when you couldn’t find happy hardcore records in North America, the man was wiring money to strangers in the UK on the promise of them buying and sending back records (yes, he got ripped off)
-he has saved damn near every email he ever received, going back to the early nineties
-he barely broke even on many of the early Hullabaloo events because it didn’t seem right to raise the ticket prices (even though demand was such that people were actually scalping tickets for hundreds of dollars)
Happy hardcore is such a unique style of music. It’s so incredibly sappy and sometimes downright obnoxious. It’s a sub-genre of electronic music that people love to hate. This was true even back in the mid-late nineties when the music reached its peak. There were always naysayers in the rave scene who loved to put it down; but not so much in places like Toronto, Buffalo, and Minneapolis, where the music was generally quite well received. (Can you believe we’re coming up on the 25th anniversary of the first Hulla?)
Something unique about happy hardcore is that it didn’t survive rave music’s transition from the underground to the mainstream. You won’t hear it at the multimillion dollar corporate extravaganzas masquerading as raves today. You’re not going to hear “Rainbow to the Stars” in ads for televisions or sports cars. You won’t find tickets to see Brisk & Trixxy on Ticketmaster any time soon. It’s rave music that hasn’t lost its innocence, which is so fitting when you consider its themes and lyrical content.
I’m really grateful for this book. The history of HHC is on the brink of becoming lost history. I hope it will receive more coverage in the future. Better yet, I hope more people who were involved will write books about their experience. There have been some great books written about the rave scene of the mid-late nineties (see Rave America by Mireille Silcott, Energy Flash by Simon Reynolds, The Underground is Massive by Michaelangelo Matos), but HHC doesn’t get the coverage it deserves.
It makes a lot of sense that Anabolic Frolic would be the first one to sit down and write about happy hardcore. No one left their stamp on a particular genre of music like he did. He wanted us in the US and Canada to know about it back in the day, and now he’s the one making sure we don’t forget about it. There were many others involved, sure, and it still exists to some extent today, but by and large this music is a thing of the past. Here and gone in a span of less than ten years! Let’s take comfort in knowing the music will always be there for us to enjoy and sing along to.
Brings me back!
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
I keep meaning to leave this review and I keep getting busy and pushing it aside! I’m sorry it took me a bit, Chris!
I was so excited when I found out this book was written. As a teenager I was very immersed in rave culture, and happy hardcore was my beat of choice. So it goes without saying Anabolic Frolic was one of my favorite DJ’s. Unfortunately the story of happy hardcore has for the most part, been lost to history. Often times it feels like the only people who know were the ones who were there and I hate that. So I’m so appreciative Chris took the time to tell his story. Though it doesn’t encompass happy hardcore/raving as a whole experience (how could it?)- it is a great glimpse into just a part of it, through the story of one man. It however, was an important part of it, as Chris was heavily influential to many people. I loved to read his story in more detail- learn things I didn’t know, and just feel the nostalgia. Being an American, it was fun and interesting to me to see how many cultural things outside of raving but overlapping with raving (like the public attitude and dance safety efforts for example) were very similar. Reading more about the struggles Chris went through to improve and maintain this scene was wonderful. Thank you so much for everything you did for it! I was a sober raver and often times that was isolating, so I appreciated a glimpse into your thoughts on that as well…
Over all, whether you were a raver, or just interested in this scene as a whole- or even just the history of music… this a fantastic book worth checking out! 10/10
Much love,
Kristin and Ferrari the pink bunny 🙂
A book that shows the real human and that not all heroes wear capes
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 March 2022
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This book is a journey through emotions, It’s not just about Happy Hardcore it’s about a man’s life and struggles and how he came from nothing to be one of the most respected men in history. I love how he talks about mental health his family and the death of young ravers and how he felt it was up to him to take the burden when he didn’t have to but Chris has such a kind heart he takes that pain to protect everyone else.
This book will tell his story it shows that Rave promoters/Djs are human too and have the same struggles in their life as we all have. I have been a UK raver who knew of Chris since 99 and respected him for his work and courage. This book will open your eyes to the truth that life will either break you or make you. On this journey as you read the book, it will remind you of terrible things that have happened to you in your life but will give hope if Chris can overcome it so can you.
Reading this book I smiled I also cried I got angry I got happy and fist-pumped the air when reading about his victory over the dark forces plaguing him. But most important is you get to know the man telling his story he opens up and holds nothing back. A man who brought so much happiness to others you will feel you know Chris and will wish you could have him in your life as a friend
Read this book and experience the journey with me if you love happy hardcore and rave or just want to know about Chris you will be transported on an emotional voyage but don’t worry it has a happy ending for Chris Frolic has a heart of gold…
Happy Hullabaloo!
Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
Well written and a good read. I was lucky enough to attend 14 Hullas from 1999 to 2002. This book brings back some great memories. It’s great to read what happened behind the scenes.
I was there. It’s all true
Reviewed in Canada on May 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
Okay, I was only there at the very beginning, and a return visit in 2001 but i’ve been to a lot of raves and clubs and there were NO parties like Hulla parties and there was no DJ or promoter like Anabolic Frolic. Its hard to look back now, when EDM is a billion-dollar industry with wealthy superstar DJs riding on private jets, back 20+ years to when raving consisted of humble events run on a shoestring in old warehouses and parking garages, and the only thing that mattered was the Music and the Vibe. Those parties changed my life and are unforgettable. We had something magical, and it faded, as all magic does, but for a brief time it was the greatest thing in the world. This book is essential reading to anyone who wants to know of this time and place.
Brings you right back!
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
It was an amazing read, it captured the magic of a once in a lifetime moment in time. Highly recommended.
A journey from start to finish
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was an amazing book to read from start to finish. I am so glad I was able to learn even more about a DJ I still listen to today, as well as the world famous event he threw in Toronto. The Author truly has a way with words that makes you feel like you’re experiencing everything going on that he’s writing about in this book.
I miss the early days of Hulla before I changed my nickname to SoJu. Well not the earliest parties. I missed those while staying at home bitter because my older boyfriend wouldn’t let me come. Then one night I got out from under him and after a year and a half of wishing I could go to Hulla I said fuck you Aaron Drever and drove down to the Bingo Hall with some friends and had the best night of my life. Also the first time I got to see Frolic play in person was at DOPE at Sunshine Wayne’s January 1999 and boy was I excited to see the man I’d loved for so long. That David Copperfield shirt.
I was 3/4 of the way through this book when my emotions got the better of me. I bought copies for 2 of my ex-scener friends, insisting that this story is about US. Having just now read the final pages I am so touched by Chris’s words about him being “in service to the scene.” That’s the crux; the heart of gold. It’s in this spirit that I shared the book with my friends that I recommend this book to you, reading this comment right now.
Wow, why am I tearing up as I write this?
So many of us are indebted to Chris, Robin, and their compatriots. I always appreciated that Chris listed all DJs – the superstars and the locals – using the same typeface and text size, but having read this book I see how his humility masked his burden and risk and hardship. I’m a little ashamed of how I took this privilege for granted back then; I was young and entitled. This was Chris’s gift to us, and even though I attended my first Hulla more than half my life ago my gratitude for these carefree oases he founded radiates as intensely as ever.
Chris and Robin really were the parents of Hulla. They worked so hard so that we, their children, could be completely free of worries for just a little while.
I’ve read a few books about rave culture, and some of them mention Toronto’s history, but this book is more in-the-trenches than any of them. Chris writes with justified pride and accomplishment, but also humility and honesty. It’s a story of Toronto, its balance of power, and the significant gap between its establishment and populace. Hard-won success and barely-averted ruin. It’s the story of a passionate insider anticipating a local need and succeeding so hardily that he’d earn global renown.
I could go on but nobody’s going to tell this story better than Chris. So what are you waiting for? Buy the book, read it, and leave a review on Amazon. Let’s reward Chris’s courage for sharing this book – it’s his narrative, but it’s also ours.
This book is about the early rave scene and the history (and behind the scene) of Hullabaloo!(an event I had only heard of but never had the honor to attend). This is an absolute must read for anyone that ever enjoyed any of the Happy2bHardcore CD’s, Hullabaloo! parties, or anything else surrounding the one and only Anabolic Frolic. It’s also a good read if you were involved in the rave scene between the mid to late 90’s up to about 2005 as it will invoke a sense of nostalgia. This book transported me back to that time in my life when the rave scene was slowly building to it’s peak. It prompted me to get my old Happy2bHardcore CD’s out of storage, brush the dust off of some Happy Hardcore vinyl that I happened to be able to collect 20 years ago, and set up my turntables and mixer once again. My wife (who was never involved in this scene) was “thrilled” and quite confused.
The online component to this book (the various mentioned URL’s) really lend to a “complete experience” as you were able to see live video footage (if you were unable to attend) of the events Chris describes in the book. As someone who was involved in the “Candy” scene at it’s inception and who went to dozens of raves in his late teens this book was a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you love Happy Hardcore, ever went to raves during this time period, or just want to know more about one of the most prominent Happy Hardcore DJ’s from the Golden Age of this scene, then this is the book for you.
A trip down memory lane for anyone touched by Hullabaloo!, Happy2bHardcore, or the late 90s rave scene in Toronto in general. Much like the events themselves, this book kept me up through the early morning hours. Entrepreneurs talk a lot about having a genuine brand, and Frolic’s story is as genuine as they come – with several valuable business lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Thanks for the memories, Frolic.
-MCED
I recently got all my old CDs onto a digital source, and haven’t stopped playing them all every day. Every day between 1999-2005 this was MY life. I lived a pretty rough life as a kid. I didn’t have parents or a roof over my head most days. I was on my own by age 14. I didn’t exactly take the best road in life (and at parties) but I am positive I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. The scene, the candy, the colors, the friends, the memories, and most of all, the happiness I felt from deep inside from first hearing Chapter 3 and attending my first rave. Sadly, i never got to see a live set or attend a Hulla being in Ohio.
I hope he knows how much he has impacted all of our lives. His burden and constant troubles, he overcame to keep US happy and entertained. Your music saved my life.
Forever a legend in my heart.
Wow.
Literally could not put the book down.
Just finished it.
I never attended a rave. Or a Hulla Event. Not my style. But it was amazing to hear your experiences and tribulations.
I literally SCREAMED at the point you mentioned “You weren’t making a lot of money, and decided to give the coat check to a friend so THEY could make money”. (And then Gordon screwed THEM out of it.)
A heartfelt book and one you had to write. I’m sure it was therapeutic to write, re read and edit…
Congrats to Robin and everyone who helped you, as well.
LOVED IT. Every damn page!
I read this book last summer and have been wanting to write a review since I finished it, but I really loved it so much that I was finding myself at a loss for words until now while I was recommending it to a friend 🙂
I feel like I got to have a fairly uncommon perspective compared to the typical audience of this book as someone who was born less than 3 weeks before the first Happy 2b Hardcore mix was released. I discovered happy hardcore in a pretty shallow way in 2011 (really it was mostly commercial UK hardcore), but rediscovered it at the start of 2020 and to say the least it has taken over my life since then. I was months into lockdown boredom when I found out that the city I lived in had such a rich history with hardcore and I immediately bought a copy of Requiem for my Rave and binged the Happy 2b Hardcore mixes (which I have managed to acquire physical copies of the first 7, the 8th remains elusive). Getting to read about the nightlife of the past in the city I live in, references to places that I go frequently, seeing my favourite songs mentioned, and reading about so many people’s thoughts and feelings about hardcore that mirror my own over 20 years later was truly such an immersive experience.
Chris’s recounting of Toronto’s happy hardcore scene managed to not leave me feelings sad for an era that I missed out on, but instead left me feeling warmly nostalgic about someone else’s memories. I highly, highly recommend this to any hardcore fan or anyone with an interest in rave history!