The History of the World's Greatest Nightclubs

“The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs.” From London Audio, iHeartRadio, and executive producer Paris Hilton.

Hosted by Ultra Naté, this is a 12-part podcast exploring how different clubs around the world revolutionized the way we party. How they ushered in the birth of new genres and became hotspots for political activism. But above all how they created space for people to escape the world around them, to lose themselves in the music and leave it all on the dance floor.

Nightclubs are sanctuaries where people find their chosen family. It's where you experience the joy of dancing in crowded rooms with people open to accepting you for who you are, or whoever you want to become, even if it’s only for the night.

Partying brings us together. Whether that’s under a mirror ball in New York or out in the sun in Lagos, beneath the glare of bright strobe lights in Berlin or while listening to the early sounds of a new genre in Detroit. They influence one another.

Nightclubs do change the way we see the world. Because the pure joy of a good party has the unique ability to transcend language, culture and place. To reach people from different parts of the world and unite them through the magical, unshakable, desire to… dance.

“The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs” is executive produced by Paris Hilton, Bruce Gersh and Bruce Robertson for London Audio, and Jonathan Hirsch for Neon Hum Media.

Special thanks to our host and executive producer, Ultra Naté and the team at Peace Bisquit, Bill Coleman and Angelo “Pepe” Skordos.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Dj Wayne S

I wish it wasn’t so racist

I’m an old school raver who’s been dancing since 1999. Love to hear the history of our scene. BUT it seems like they are a little racist with some of the writing. Only highlighting the influence of people of color and the LGBTQ while excluding all the other races that danced shoulder to shoulder with those folks. I want to like this I really do but please do better.
JAX7581

Excellent

Really enjoyed listening to this podcast and to its host, Ultra Nate, over the summer. Nostalgic and informative. I’d been to Trade and Tunnel, but most of the other clubs I’d only heard about. Hope there is a second season … clubs like Sound Factory, Save the Robots and Limelight/Disco 2000 in NY; Community at 1015, Eyebeam and Tracadero Transfer in SF; Warsaw etc in MIA. So many clubs, stories and eras. Good job.
rachelerin2450

Fantastic

I didn't live in the deep cuts of club life but spent a lot of time in my local clubs in D.C. and overseas in the late 90s. This podcast shares so much history of the music from this time and its genesis. Make a Season 2-please!
discoking66

“The wild night is calling, come on out and dance” - Van Morrison

Fascinating to hear about these legendary nightclubs and the impact they’ve had on club culture. I e been fortunate to dance in a few and wish I could e experienced the others. Well done to Paris and Ultra for an amazing collaboration.
DBVNYC

What a brilliant well-delivered collaboration

I must say how impressed this is a brilliant collaboration between Ultra and Paris. They sync so well. I love the content. Well-researched and curated, with excellent delivery by Ultra. Ultra is taking us on a journey through the history of some of the finest clubs. Being an ex-Trade (London) person, with Ultra's storytelling (by the way, so on point), I was back there. Those wonderful hedonistic nights, all the memories began swirling around in my head all over again. Your heart was racing as you approached the club, feeling like you were about to lose yourself for a few hours until daylight came. Getting passed "Bev," the Bus Driver (during the day) doorperson, stepping down those stairs with that pulsating, bumping, pumping beat, seeing the smiling faces, people sitting on speakers, everyone moving in perfect sync! I look forward to more of the same from Paris
swgazelle37

Brilliance

This is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard. The stories of these nightclubs and the cast of characters who frequented them are fascinating. Makes me remember the magic I’ve felt on the dance floor.
xtian<3

A window into dance music culture

Ultra Nate is the perfect host for this podcast. I have always heard of how powerful Detroit’s Music Institute was but this was the first time storytelling really transported me into the space! Love it!
readyfortherow

Brings back memories…

As a person who was at opening night of Danceteria, this podcast definitely rekindled the feeling of being part of the scene! My clubs were Danceteria, Hurrah, Mudd Clubb and The Nursery. It was truly a magical time, that was tragically cut short by the AIDS crisis.
Zha0Zh0u

Repetitive to the point of nausea

The editor of this podcast should be prosecuted for malicious nausea inducing assault. It’s maddening. Not only are the same sound bites repeated over and over and over again in the episodes, but the host of the show reintroduces the topic and then reintroduces the topic and then reintroduces the topic and then does it again and does it again and does it again and again and again and again and again again again again. Good god just make it stop! AND! You’re gonna have a show about breakout music scenes and NOT include the actual music in the show?! Seriously?! You’re gonna have the same 2 or 3 voices in an episode describe the music in the same way over and over and over again WITHOUT EVEN PLAYING THE MUSIC?! Get alllllllllllll the way outta here. (The only reason I didn’t rate it 1 star is because I reserve a 1 star rating for podcasts that spread hate and misinformation.)
mspassell

5675456 stars!!!

This podcast realllllly makes me want to go to Danceteria in the 80s.
Balla5005

The bomb!

Totally insightful and has given me a new perspective on this element of social history. Enjoyed all the episodes so far. Looking forward to finishing.
Uzzijtc

Here for it

Love a podcast that mixes culture, history, and music all in one place! Really fascinating look at nightclubs at specific time periods that paint an amazing picture of what it was like to be at this club at this time in life. GO LISTEN!!! LOVE it.
Parenting Properly

BRING BACK NIGHTCLUBS - Someone please!!

What a great idea for a podcast! Truly….. we need this again. Calling all investment groups - bring back the dancefloor!
Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?

Great Show

Pre surveillance freedom!!! So much fun back then.
ifuseekae

Yes!

Do a Hacienda House episode!
Celetra

Nightclub History Slivng

This is the podcast all of us club kids needed but never thought we would get. Of course, leave it to Paris Hilton - she’ll know what we need and absolutely slay it. This has been such an interesting & enjoyable podcast. Can’t wait to hear about places in New Orleans, Houston that I went to back in the 90s & early 2000s and other iconic nightclubs we all grew up hearing about.
Consultant in Need

Every episode takes you to a time and place

It’s the Quantum Leap of nightlife vibes. Tremendous!
gershb

Bruce G

Incredible journey and I am obsessed!! A must listen!!
ccoco123!$@$&

A masterclass! So good!!!!

This podcast is such a fun deep dive and celebration of culture. Absolutely love it and excited for more episodes!
minouclark

Best show ever!!!!!

CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH!!! Such an incredibly well produced and thoughtful show. Ultra is such an insightful host and learning about nightclub culture back in the day and how much it has shaped pop culture as we know it is so sick.
CarterR1999

Absolutely Amazing!!

I found myself feeling like I was actually in these nightclubs dancing away as I listened. Hearing Ultra Nate narrate this series was so amazing as she’s the perfect host! I can’t wait to listen for more episodes as this is a new favorite podcast and can’t recommend it enough 🎉🕺
Destiales

Baltimore

I know the house scene from charm city one of these has make this list 💯💯 from O’dells to Cignal’s to Club Fantasy to Paradox being from the area “ you know if you belong” 🤣🤣
NOLA e

Excellent

This is fantastic and even better with Ultra Nate as the host.
AdrianDana1670

AdrianDana

I’m just beyond excited for my guuuuuurrrl ULTRA NATE!!!!!! This is INKREDIBLE!!!!
Joesephene

Love Matthew decker

You make me happy to be me free and alive gold gold gold you touch my heart and will never leave it. God bless you and thank you and I hope we can do one about the chateau in La (marmont) together ⚡️. You ROCK!
Machine vs. Man

The importance of nightclub history

I think the most overlooked aspect of nightclubs is the ideas for art, fashion, design, music, partnerships that were made on those nights where people came together.
Terry Thompson (CodeRed - Baltimore)

Awesomeness

OMG. Love this. Great job Paris and my sister Ultra❤️❤️❤️❤️sending much love
TeamGamer4

OMG! We Ready…

I’m beyond excited for this podcast. As an OG club kid and dancer, just hearing the few bars of FREE and Ultra Naté’s voice in the teaser took me back to a time when we were in these clubs LIVING night after night. Can’t wait!!!
BAGELGONEWILD

WOW

I am so excited for this podcast! This is going to be amazing!