
Paul Elstak
Paul Elstak, the Dutch pioneer of Happy Hardcore, has been shaping the global dance scene for over three decades. His career began in the late ’80s as a hip-hop DJ in Rotterdam. Soon after, he gained attention with the act Holy Noise and, in 1992, launched Rotterdam Records. The label quickly became a cornerstone of hardcore and rave culture.
In the mid-’90s, Paul Elstak rose to international fame with a series of hits that defined a generation. Tracks such as Life Is Like a Dance, Luv U More, and Don’t Leave Me Alone climbed the Dutch Top 40. Most iconic of all was Rainbow in the Sky, a festival anthem that still echoes worldwide. Its impact was celebrated with a 25th-anniversary show at the Gelredome, drawing over 25,000 fans.
Since then, Paul Elstak has continued to electrify audiences. Thanks to the Happy Hardcore revival and countless nineties and freestyle parties, his tour calendar stays full. He performs everywhere from Amsterdam to Sydney, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. As a result, his fan base stretches across continents and proves that his sound is timeless.
His career highlights did not end in the ’90s. In 2017, he scored major success again with Kind van de Duivel and Engeltje, created with Jebroer and Dr Phunk. These tracks went viral, earning triple Platinum in the Netherlands and Gold in Belgium. They also introduced his music to a new generation of fans.
Today, Paul Elstak still delivers shows filled with euphoric energy and pounding beats. Whether at a festival, nightclub, or private event, his performances are unforgettable. For organizers and fans alike, booking Paul Elstak means bringing in a true Happy Hardcore legend who continues to define the soundtrack of global dance culture.