Stuart Reid

Stuart Reid spent 10 harrowing years as a Category A High Risk prisoner in some of the UK's most secure and infamous prisons. As one of the most closely monitored inmates, Reid endured the relentless scrutiny and strict controls that come with being labeled a High-Risk prisoner. His time behind bars was marked by the constant threat of violence, the claustrophobic monotony of life, sometimes in isolation, and the psychological challenges of navigating a world where survival often depended on understanding the unspoken rules and dynamics of prison life. Despite the harsh realities of his confinement, Reid's decade in these high-security facilities offered him a rare and profound insight into the complexities of the penal system, the fractured lives of those within it, and the often-overlooked humanity of prisoners.

Reid chose to write a book about his experiences to shed light on the hidden world of high-security prisons, a reality few outside of it truly understand. He felt a compelling need to share his story, not just as a personal catharsis, but as a way to give voice to those who are often silenced by the system. Through his writing, Reid aims to reveal the brutal and dehumanising conditions faced by inmates, challenge the perceptions of what it means to be a "dangerous" individual, and spark a conversation about the effectiveness and ethics of the UK's most secure prisons. His book is not just a memoir but a call for greater transparency, understanding, and reform within the criminal justice system.

Reid, a former Coventry nightclub owner, was the mastermind behind The Eclipse, a legendary venue that made history when it opened in 1990 as the UK's first legal all-night rave club. The Eclipse transformed the rave scene, renowned for its gritty, underground vibe, intense laser and light shows, powerful sound system, and electrifying atmosphere. It quickly became a haven for hardcore ravers, drawing top DJs and live performances from across the country. The club became a focal point for the rising electronic dance music culture, providing a space for people to dance freely until sunrise. Its success marked a turning point, legitimising the rave movement and paving the way for the rise of the UK’s ‘super club’ culture in the 1990s. The Eclipse remains an iconic part of dance music history, fondly remembered by ageing ravers and DJs alike. Stay tuned for more!

The resident DJs were Mick Park and Mick Wilson (aka Parks & Wilson). Visiting DJs and MC’s included, in no particular order: Sasha, Carl Cox, Fabio & Grooverider, Mickey Finn, Mr C, Jumping Jack Frost, Moby, Evil Eddie Richards, Phantasy, Dobbo, John DaSilva, Slipmatt, Ratty, SS, SY, Donovan Bad Boy Smith, Swann ‘e’, Simon Bassline Smith, Rap, Ross, Brian Gee, Keith Suckling, Top Buzz, Mr Lazy, Tango, Hornet, Laurent Garnier, Frank De Wolf, Beamish, Frankie Valentine, Mastersafe, Face, Man Paris, E-ze-Vibe, Stu Allan, Alex Patterson, Shot 1, Robbie D, J Holder, Gemini, Ray Keith, Daz the Tourchman, Rat Pack, Fallout, Ronnie Biggs, Storm, Hardcore General, Neil Trix, Daz Wilot, Shock C, Luke, Pilgrim, Terry Wogan, Easy Groove, Hardcore Massive, Colin Favor, Distortion Cru, Loud ’n’ Nasty, Axion G, Hi-Fi, Rob May, Dean, Logic, Tony Ross, Ellis Dee, Seduction, Doc Scott, Kenny Ken, Tin Tin …

Live PAs from the likes of: The Prodigy, Altern 8, Orbital, L.F.O, Nexus 21, Autoplex, Rosala, Dream Frequency, Baby D, MC Tunes, Ragga Twins, P.K.A, Rythmatic, Awesome 3, Richie Malone, Sub Sub, Charvoni, Ability 2, Shades of Rhythm, Quadraphonia, Man-Machine, T99, SL II, Global Method, Bizarre Inc, Vibe Tribe, Unique 3, A Guy Called Gerald, Static, Bassheads, The Scientist, Acen … and many, many more

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Stuart Reid ex-Category A High Risk prisoner. Now a reformed author in his own right. He was also the owner of arguably the best rave club of the 1990s – The Eclipse in Coventry.