Rave lifers tell us why it's acceptable to go raving aged 37 (and beyond)

Yesterday we woke up to the news that if you had the audacity to go to a club at the age of 37 (or older) then you could officially be considered "tragic". It turned out Brit brand Currys had carried out a 'study' 'researching' the nightlife habits of 'the nation' and the outcome was that people liked to stay home stalking people on Facebook instead of reaching for the strobes on a weekend evening.

We reported on it with a feeling of rage burning in our bellies knowing that such short-sighted bullshit needed to be called out. When we posted it to Facebook, you came in your droves to stick a middle finger up at the corporate electronics authority (and also us, because some people can't read beyond a headline – don't shoot the messenger, OK?!)

So with such a passionate response to the issue, we came looking for your perspective on why clubbers are still going well into their 40s and beyond.

What would you say to someone who told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

I'd laugh at them and tell them that the music that they dance to is our inheritance. We invented it, danced to it when they were mere glints in the milkman's eyes. It's totally laughable that dance music belongs to just a certain age group - anyone can enjoy it.

Why haven't you stopped clubbing?

I took a break to have a family, then as soon as my kids were old enough to be left alone I got back into it with even more vigour. I don't feel the same insecurities about myself as I did when I was younger, I'm more confident in my own skin and I'm no longer on the pull. I like hanging out and dancing with like-minded people and have made so many dance/crowd friends - ranging from all ages. It's the best way to make new friends.

What clubs/parties do you go to now?

Oh god, where to start? I live in Bristol which is such a hot bed for music. We are literally spoilt for choice (one of the reasons why I moved to Bristol). I go to all the local Bristol festivals (Love Saves The Day, Tokyo World etc) then love going to Lakota, Motion and the smaller artier events that you get at The Island or at Crofters Rights. I head to London sometimes to The Steelyard, Printworks and Tobacco Dock if there's something really special going on there (i.e. Avant Garde or Anjunadeep). I still can't get enough so I have also created my own Bristol club night, that's how enthused I am.

That's really awesome! When and what was the last gig you went to?

I attended Wonka Vision's Garage night at The Plough in Bristol last Saturday and prior to that I went to Love Saves The Night afterparty to see My Nu Leng. I also went to Alfresco Disco boat party – can't forget that one!

So who's your favourite DJ?

Maceo Plex, Black Madonna and Kölsch.

And they're all over 37 I think?

They are actually aged 38 and 39 (Black Madonna and Kölsch are both 39). I just Googled that!

Boom. Knew it.

What would you say to someone who told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

You're never too old. Why stop doing something that you love doing. Age is just a number.

What is it you love about clubbing?

The excitement leading up to the night (as we don't get out as often). Buying new clothes for it. The fact that there is always such a large group of us that go out. Generally we go out of town, to Glasgow or something, so even the journey there and back is part of the experience. It's also generally the only time we all get a chance to meet up together.

Is it a similar crew you used to rave with back in the day?

Yeah pretty much. We have had a few additions along the way.

So how bad are the hangovers these days?

Haha... It's not that they are any worse, it's just that they last longer. The lack of sleep alongside the vast volume of alcohol has a worse effect on an older body. Before, I could easily go out, work the next day then go out that same evening. Now I need to be off for at least the following day and I would say I don't feel normal again for three or four days.

I already feel like that and I'm 26, is that bad?

Maybe not enough practice in when you were younger?

So who's your favourite DJ?

I'm quite eclectic when it comes to dance music. I love techno, I love trance, I love house. I could happily go to any event and dance all night to any genre. My favourite at the moment, as it does change frequently, is Nina Kraviz. Right now she is on her A game and delivers consistently.

What would you say to someone who told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

I would say you are never too old to go clubbing... You just have to be selective of the clubs or nights you like.

What clubs do you go to?

I prefer arranged venue nights, gigs, old-skool nights, all different age ranges. The Classic Grand in Glasgow, SWG3, nights like that.

When and what was the last gig you went to?

SWG3 Back To The Future in April.

What is it you love about clubbing?

The music, the same people you see and meeting up with them. The great atmosphere... The buzz on rave week when you know its happening at the weekend, the countdown after stressful days at work. You can just have a great night.

Who's your favourite DJ?

Pendle and DJ Faydz.

What would you say to someone that told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

Rubbish, you are never too old.

What is it that you love about clubbing?

Getting out, meeting up with friends, planning your night and make the most of it. Music, recreational drugs, drink, party.

How often do you get buckled these days?

I'd say once to twice a month. Depends what's on and who's playing were and when.

I think I already know the answer to this question but who is your favourite DJ?

Carl Cox, three-deck wizard.

Did he give you ecstasy?

God, no... I went to see him live when i was 19 in a barn just on the outskirts of Arbroath and I took my first pill there, called Dennis The Menace. It was a red and black capsule. I danced for hours and listened to his hardcore music mixes. They were amazing.

Ah, I see, so his music compelled you to take it. I see that you're a Birmingham fan, if you had to choose between Birmingham and your raving shoes, which would you give up?

Aw, man, jeezo. Ermmmm... I guess if they didn't do raves at St Andrews then keep dancing.

What would you say to someone that told you 37 is too old for clubbing?

That, originally, house music had no boundaries. It was a dancefloor filled with people from all walks of life, of all ages, all backgrounds as everyone was there for one sole purpose - the music. In the hedonistic days of acid house, no one ever asked your age. No one cared other than your name and what pills you had taken. If we saw someone older then we praised them, not put them down. And that is how we would like it to stay, with that attitude. Sadly the VIP culture has ruined the ethos but that's a whole other story as we know.

Is that togetherness what you love most about clubbing?

Yes. Definitely. It's like a family. My best mate of 27 years I met on a podium. House music never leaves you. It's in your blood. Unless you've experienced a dancefloor community it's hard to explain to others who don't like house.

Are there any obstacles you can see getting in the way of your clubbing lifestyle? Because a lot of people might say age is the first thing that gets in the way.

Kids! A Sunday with small children is not fun after a night out. Mine are older so not so bad. I think we older ones are pretty sensible to be honest. So work still happens on a Monday albeit it with a fuzzy head. We just go out less. Could not do it every week like we used to!

What were you in Mixmag for in the 90s?

I was in an article in Sept '96, I think, about working in Ibiza. I had a few pics in the front section from nights out. I got to know Daniel Newman who was the photographer at the time and had some crazy Ibiza moments with him and Alexis Petridis [former Mixmag Features Editor, now chief Rock & Pop critic at the Guardian], including having a bump driving their hire car in front of two police men in Ibiza town after Manumission.

So how often would you say you go out these days?

I'm trying to calm down so stick to festivals mainly and the odd night. My mates are club promoters or DJs so I go out to their nights or with them. Probably once every two months. When I was running my night though, I was at something every month. It contributed to my relationship breaking down as he thought I was out too much.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Ah it's fine. He wanted to rein me in. Life is for living.

So who's your favourite DJ?

Well I mainly go to old-skool nights. I love Brandon and Alex. And then I was at Glasto the other week watching Jackmaster just playing old stuff. I love Norman Jay. I have to say Rob Tissera as he is a good friend of mine. Carl Cox is always superb. Saw Spen and Karizma in Feb at Hard Times and they were great. Love Greg Wilson. There are too many to mention really. More bothered about the tunes and who is there than who is playing.

Any younger DJs?

I'll have to say Josh Butler as he's local to me. Andrea Oliva is good too. I actually take less notice of who is playing these days. Went to Ushuaïa closing last year and can't tell you who played.

What would you say to someone who told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

Honestly I'd tell them to fuck off and mind their own business. Going to ikea on a Saturday might be their idea of fun. But it's not mine.

What is it that you like about clubbing?

The freedom and the escape from the day-to-day drudgery of life.

Do trips to Currys/PC World fit into that drudgery?

Yes, anyone worth their salt knows not to go to PC World, you get better quality stuff and cheaper elsewhere. For my computer needs I go to small independent shops run by geeks, real people, instead of corporate drones on minimum wage that don't know what they are talking about.

What clubs do you normally go to?

It depends really. I don't have a specific club I go to. I pick and choose my nights these days and avoid the crowds that are just out to get pissed. A good night in Edinburgh is Anagram, playing banging acid techno etc. The stay up forever lads and the Welsh connection lot come up to play now and again. Always a good time in there and full of good people.

How often do you get to go out these days?

Not as often as I would like to, I work most weekends now. I'm only off one in every three so I'd say about once a month. If I wasn't working weekends it would be two to three times a month.

Who's your favourite DJ?

Graeme Park. Absolute legend and a really nice guy.

I'm just going to ask you a couple one or the other questions. Blu-rays or the rave?

Rave.

Power nap or stay cunted?

Hahaha you did read my comment then. These days, power nap.

Currys or Maplin?

Neither. Go to Maplin to check out the product then order it online for half the price. The spare cash can fund a night out.

Smart.

What would you say to someone who told you 37 is too old to go clubbing?

What would I say? After I stop laughing you mean? Hahaha. I'd say age is just a number and as long as you have the energy and the vibe is right then being 20 or 50 makes no difference. I'm also a skateboarder. We have a saying: "You don't quit skateboarding because you get old, you get old because you quit skateboarding". My thoughts are the same for clubs.

So is any age too old to go clubbing? I mean, like, what if you're 90.

I've raved with 80-year-old travellers in forests and quarries, they can still have it... And we're generally fitter and live longer these days as we get older (not like our grandparents). I was with four generations of travellers on a dancefloor at Castle Morton in the 90s, was ace.

What clubs do you normally hit up and how often do you get to go out?

Not many these days but I go to every Cream Birmingham event (my pal runs it, I get VIP), the annual Cream Ibiza Party, Heroes of House, and a few odd nights at The Rainbow or Hare And Hounds in Kings Heath for some old-skool jungle and d'n'b.

I also like to do New Year at my friend's amazing club in the jungle in Goa. You guys should do a feature on it.

Sounds like a lot. What do you love about clubbing?

The vibe. It brings everyone together. Used to never see black/white/Asian/gay/straight/rich/poor folk together partying until the raves. I'm more into the atmos than the tunes.

Do you have a favourite DJ?

Live: Mickey Finn or Carl Cox. To make the day go by at work: Sasha/Digweed.

Do you share similar tastes in music with your daughter and her mates or is it just the clubs?

Yes, she grew up listening to jungle/d'n'b in my car so I'm glad she likes that now. Still, we go together now and again for d'n'b (mainly so I can let her meet my contacts like doorstaff, promoters etc and to school her up to the dangers of clubbing. She is very pretty and gets a lot of idiots after her), and we are looking at Croatia for Defected festival together next summer. Also introducing them to deep tech house. They like it so far!

Is it true you've never seen an under-35 year old on the dancefloor after 3am?

Well maybe one or two but they don't look under 35 by that time, they're wasted and look aged! Generally during the last sets I see only 35-50 year olds at classic/old-skool house events, but a younger bracket at d'n'b. I find my daughters generation get to the club for opening (I get there when it's jumping and don't queue), and they're spannered by 2am and leaving before the best sets.

Louis Anderson-Rich is Mixmag's Digital Intern. He's gonna rave until he dies and then probably figure out a way to periscope his own funeral on Twitter