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Happy2bHardcore on TV

Thanks to Mark for alerting me to this playing on Hulu (and Disney+), I was able to get a screengrab. A set decorator thought the poster of Happy2bHardcore would fit well!

This is from the 2000s show “My Wife and Kids”.

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Requiem for My Rave: 2 Years Later

I just noticed we past the 2 year anniversary of the release of my memoir, Requiem for My Rave.

I thought I’d reflect a bit on it with some distance.

First, the feedback on the book has been tremendous. It’s been really touching to me to see how many people have enjoyed it, whether that’s through revisiting that time in their lives or living vicariously through an era they were not a part of.

Second, I’m super proud of the book and what is in it. It feels complete and I don’t have desires to add to it or update it. It’s a complete work. What’s amazing to me is I’ve had people say “you didn’t write about X, or Y” and there are definitely some stories I forgot about, but in the end I feel I accomplished my main objective and as a complete piece I am very proud of it and the legacy is stands for.

Third, I didn’t realize at the time of writing it how much it would affect ME. That this story I had been running away from for a long time can now be re-integrated into my current self. Even though I’ll never spin records again, I will always be Anabolic Frolic. I can still be that guy on stage electrifying a crowd and creating connection. To be told nowadays how much “energy” people can feel while watching me speak on Zoom really shows how I can translate those old instincts to a new medium.

I’m tremendously proud of the book and of telling my story. If you’re reading this it’s because you looked me up (I’m not on social media so you have to specifically look for me) and I thank you for your interest in doing that.

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My greatest accomplishment

This was originally posted at chrisfrolic.com. I am reposting it here because I most of these statements applied to me over 20 years ago as well, when you knew me as Anabolic Frolic. I’m curious through that lens how this video affects you, seeing how these statements were true then, as well as now.

I was recently asked what my greatest accomplishment of the last 10 years is. I’ve done some great things over the past 10 years. I launched a multi-million dollar business. I also had the courage to leave it. I completed and published my memoir after it being incomplete for 14 years. I bought a home. Reached financial independence. My life has had huge changes.

However, one accomplishment stood out. It was the writing of a document I titled “Chris’ Statement of Being”.

Through my work over the last few years, I’ve gotten to know myself in a very deep and clear way. This “sense of self” has given me great power. Because I know myself, I am able to share it with others and have them know who I am in a very deep way in a very short amount of time.

As I’ve begun to share this document, it moves both me and my audience powerfully. I gain in power every time I share it, and the audience is always moved to witness it.

Even better, like a chain reaction, once this is seen, it cannot be unseen.

Until today I have only shared this in intimate settings with people. I’m now sharing it with the world. This is not about what I do, this is who I am.

Give yourself a quiet moment and full attention before watching this video. How does it affect you?

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MC E-by-gum gets his copy of Requiem for My Rave

For those of you that know the history, or have read the book, one of the early main characters is MC E-by-gum.

We’ve floated in and out of touch over the years. I was able to tell him he was going to be in the book, but he recently contacted me again and I was able to get his current mailing address and his copy is today’s mail.

He’s married with children and now lives on the west coast of Canada with his family.

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Guess who read about themselves in Requiem for My Rave?

Readers of Requiem for My Rave will recognize the reference to “AMC hot dog kid”. A fan that had an encounter with me. The story had it’s ups and downs (ultimately up), but I’m glad that they got to see that I thought it important enough to include in the book.

I haven’t seen or heard from this person for over 15 years but received an email from them that they were glad they got to make it back for the final Hullabaloo and be included in the book.

It was a pleasure for me to hear from them, and I’m glad the book is making its way out in the world.

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“You saved my life”

A recurring theme through the raver letters in Requiem for My Rave, and even now in the reviews for my book, are a very similar message: You saved my life.

I never shirked from this responsibility. I always knew the stakes were high. That was why I did what I did.

Looking back, I admire that young-self version of me. All that responsibility thrust onto the shoulders of an early 20-something. In many ways seen as a father figure, even though just a young kid myself.

I did the best I could with what I had, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.

I’m proud to share those memories today.

I’m extremely proud to hear your stories.

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I could use your help

My time was before social media, so I don’t have any. My book is now out in the world and it can use all the help it can get spreading the word. Please share information about the release, post your own reviews (especially at Amazon), and help the book find its audience. My hope is the book will find fans outside of old ravers, but anyone interested in a human story and a topic rarely written about.

Have you read it? Please leave your comments at the bottom of the official Requiem for My Rave page.

Thanks.

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How the cover for Requiem for My Rave was designed

I’m really happy with how the cover turned out. This is the story of the process.

Initially I had found a very well-known cover designer. He has designed many famous book covers. I wanted something that I could put on my wall, that I could be proud of. I spared no expense in producing this book and was ready to pay whatever it took to make it happen. I contacted him and we had a phone conversation that lasted an hour. I talked about the themes of the book, of service, sacrifice, triumph through adversity, of creation.

“Wow, that’s a lot to fit into a cover”, he responded.

Continue reading “How the cover for Requiem for My Rave was designed”

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Requiem for My Rave Excerpt

The following is an excerpt from Requiem for My Rave: The Story of Anabolic Frolic, Happy Hardcore, and Hullabaloo!

The noise was deafening, unlike any noise you might hear anywhere else. Nothing was like this. Thousands of young partiers, around 3000 of them, blowing their whistles and screaming simultaneously. It pierced into your brain, but it was also the sound of pure joy. It was also almost six in the morning.

This particular morning was a cold Canadian one at the Docks Entertainment Complex in the Toronto Port Lands—really the middle of nowhere, but with a beautiful view across a slice of Lake Ontario to the tall modern buildings of downtown Toronto. The lake was frozen over, with the wind blowing snow across its glass surface. Inside the venue the windows were steamy with condensation from the humidity of thousands of dancers, creating running tears on the inside glass. The city was sleeping, as the ear-piercing noise filled the club.

There was a rave happening here, one of the illicit all-night events of myth and legend. This wasn’t any old rave, however; this was a “Hullabaloo!”, affectionately referred to as “Hulla,” one of history’s most celebrated and revered rave promotions. The members of the crowd weren’t just ravers but were the most colorful collection of “Hulla Ravers” you would ever come across.

The noise was meant in appreciation for me, Chris, better known to a generation of ravers as Anabolic Frolic, their DJ of the past hour. And also, the promoter of Hullabaloo, this very event that they so appreciated. Continue reading “Requiem for My Rave Excerpt”