Dance Or Die - the new book that will explore the history of hardcore

Described as “the first critical and expansive study of hardcore”, journalist Holly Dicker dives into the genre’s 30+ years of history, speaking with artists and fans.

Date published: 12th May 2025

A new book titled Dance Or Die: A History of Hardcore is coming out on the 6th of June. 

Written by Holly Dicker, who has written for Mixmag and DJ Mag, the book will feature interviews with fans and artists to explore over three decades of the genre's history. It claims to be the "first critical and expansive study of hardcore as a music, a subculture and an enduring 'phuture' rave movement".

The book will track "the outsiders and outcasts who banded together to party, in protest, over more than 30 years of obnoxious rebellion, in ecstasy and escape, as a nighttime community more family than family, who need this hard, loud, fast/slow, aggressive, noisy, occasionally silly, kick drum or breakbeat-driven dance music, to connect with people, to survive the world, and to get through the week.”

Exploring some of the lesser-documented areas of rave culture, Dance Or Die will touch on scenes and genres including Rotterdam gabber, Scottish tartan techno, industrial Brooklyn beats, and the UK’s hedonistic hardcore mayhem. 

Ebooks and paperback versions will be released on 6th June. You can preorder the book via Velocity Press here. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Dance Or Die: A History of Hardcore