Unique memoir

Reviewed in Australia on 21 December 2025

A unique perspective from someone who was there from the start. Probably the most thorough memoir of those times around.

Ming D

A Witness to the Real Sydney Underground !

Reviewed in Australia on 30 January 2026

A Witness to the Real Sydney Underground !

As someone featured in the pages of CRAZE, I can validate that Stephan has captured the truth of an era that is almost impossible to explain today. We were operating without any outside reference points—no phones, no internet, and no "normal" societal roadmap. We were building a vision that translated directly into a physical reality: massive sound systems, thousands of people, and a parallel world that existed in total defiance of the everyday.

It was a movement of a generation. We were the architects and the guinea pigs of a new cultural paradigm where the music was the only compass, the research drugs were clean, and the community was forged in the absolute "now." Stephan nails the grit and the purity of that experience—it was lightning in a bottle, a specific moment in time that can never be replicated.

Nearly 40 years later, corporations and commercial interests are still trying to market this spirit, but they are chasing a ghost they never understood. Deep down, this book explains where it all truly began—the raw, unpolluted source.

The book is a magnificent roller coaster; it starts with the heady rush of excess but settles into a poignant, human story of self-awareness. It’s an honest, unsentimental retelling of how we built something massive and beautiful in the shadows before the authorities even realized we were having that much fun. If you want the definitive witness to the halcyon days of Sydney’s underground, this is it.

Camilla

A Sharp and Surprisingly Philosophical Ride

Reviewed in Australia on 3 February 2026

A deeply personal and unexpectedly philosophical look at Sydney’s rave culture. Győry’s dry humour and self‑awareness make the book both insightful and disarmingly funny. Much more than a scene history, it becomes a thoughtful journey through meaning, community, and growing up.

Stuart Ridley - STUN MAGAZINE REVIEW

Oh we were naïve.

I can’t remember when I met Stephan Győry aka pH in the early 1990s, maybe in a field, maybe a warehouse, jumping around to manic music, sometimes chattering at hypersonic speed, scattering hyperbole to the wind … life was louder, looser and less-plot-driven then. We thought T-shirts with ‘Has anyone seen my plot?’ on them were cute and funny. Oh we were naïve.

And yet, while he loves regaling people with his chemical romance stories (CRAZE is a sort-of-chronological history laced with what pH calls his ‘musical, chemical and ratbagical memories)…

…he’s also recalled, researched and collected a whole lot of important memories from Sydney’s 90s rave/doof/club/record store scene and packed them into a book that is physically, emotionally, psychically HEAVY. Because he could. And rightly. pH was properly in the thick of it as a punter, DJ, record store owner, promoter and… other things … and in some instances, the last person still standing.

And unlike other accounts, he’s frequently eschewed the safety of rose-tinted glasses when looking back. Sure, he’s recorded some fabulous stories of amazing parties from DJs and promoters who made them happen. But he’s also thrashed away beneath the surface madly to uncover stories about people, things and events that went sideways. It’s uncomfortable reading sometimes. And necessary.

Will Johncock

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, incredibly well researched, and entertaining account

Comprehensive, incredibly well researched, and entertaining account of more than one early era of Sydney's electronic music scenes. If you participated in any of them, this book will bring back a lot of memories. If you didn't, you can rely on this work as being a reliable resource of information about what went on "back in the day". One of those books that is capable of bringing the music to life through words.

Sam F

This is the true T, from someone who was there.

Wow Steph!
What a tome!!
This is the ENCYCLOPEDIA of Sydney's rave scene at its absolute peak.
I was there, I raved with Stephan on a weekly basis, and he's brought the full truth on the most wondrous of times - Sydney's rave scene in the early 1990's.
524 pages of the wildest, friendliest and most inclusive subculture to ever grace the streets of Sydney.
Well done, old friend.

candicenovak

You won’t be able to put it down!

Exhilarating account of the early 90s Sydney dance parties, taking you on a fantastic Trip down memory lane or providing incredible insight to behind the scenes including promoters DJs and the music of the times
Plus much more love every page and so will you!

Caley Rhodes

A First-Hand Account of the Birth of Rave Culture in Australia

Such a great read, and an amazing insight into the very beginnings of rave culture in Sydney, Australia. This autobiographical account comes from ground zero, taking you through the parties, clubs, and record stores that shaped the scene. I truly couldn’t put this book down. The author’s insights into the birth of electronic dance music—both in Australia and around the world—paired with the life lessons and wisdom gained along the way, make for a deeply enjoyable and compelling read.

ogun yusuf aka Oggi

Warehouses, Horden parties, bush doofs

As someone who lived through Sydney’s rave, doof and clubscene of the ’90s, Craze took me right back to the moments. Stephan captures the energy, freedom, and community of that wild, creative era perfectly. Every page brought back memories of warehouses, Horden parties, bush doofs and still there is plenty that will never be recovered and lost forever. It’s honest, nostalgic, and deeply authentic — not just a history book, but a time machine for anyone who was there. StepH nails the spirit of a generation that built something beautiful before it went to flip or should I say before the authorities had any idea of how much fun we were having. An absolute must-read for old ravers, clubheads and newcomers alike.

Monica Monkitsune

The book everyones been waiting for

I just assumed it would be a short history of the Sydney electronic music scene & I was so very wrong.
Craze has depth, anyone who has ever been to an electronic music event in Australia, or has ever performed at an event in Australia, this is a must read.
You’re probably in it.
Written by a man who has not denied himself any pleasure, sometimes paid the price & is still here to tell an amazing account with no caution or self consciousness.
Only someone with a deep love & respect of music & its culture could write this.
It’s wild, authentic, hilarious & surprisingly touching, it takes you back with a smile & with an appreciation for a time that feels like it could never happen like that again.