Photo by Maria Cristina Galimberti

With the Italo-disco revival still in full swing, it was only a matter of time before one of the scene’s most colourful characters resurfaced to bask in all the acclaim. We’re talking about Nick Glider, the playboy DJ who basically ruled Rimini disco palaces like Paradiso in the early-80s and produced summertime smashes such as “Cruisin’ (For Your Love)” and “Daddy’s Girl” for the Delirium label in 1986—cult tracks that now go for silly money on eBay.

These were high times for Nick, whose real name is Flavio Notari but whose smooth mixing skills earned him the “Glider” sobriquet. He was romantically linked to the pop star Sabrina, of “Boys Boys Boys” fame, and it’s no secret that his rise was “enhanced” by his close Mafia ties. As his music fell from fashion in the late-80s, Nick relied more and more on drugs for thrills and, eventually, income. He became a renowned dealer. In 1989 he was arrested for drug trafficking in Brindisi and sentenced to 12 years in prison, of which he served seven. “My world collapsed,” he says.

Today Glider’s world is slowly being rebuilt thanks to London producer and superfan Jonathan Burnip—AKA acid house renegade Capracara—who spent months tracking him down, ending up in Naples. Now you can hear the 47-year-old Glider singing on Capracara’s amazing “Flashback 86” track, so called because 1986 was Glider’s golden year.

Vice: How does it feel to be in the limelight again?

Nick: It feels okay. But you know there is no money in having so much hype this second time. When my records sell on the internet for these high prices I am not seeing any of the money, so it’s hard. Still I cannot complain and it’s nice Jonathan gets in touch.

Did you ever think the good times would end?

Heh. No, of course not. At the time when “Daddy’s Girl” is being played everywhere, I am living like a prince with beautiful girlfriends and a nice car, going to so many cool parties. I was 26, 27, having the best time. It was like a dream.

Mistakes, you’ve made a few, right?

Yes, sure, but tell me who hasn’t? I paid the price for my stupidity. All I can say is: stay away from drugs. Life is for living and there is too much to live for.

PIERO MARTINETTI
Capracara featuring Nick Glider’s “Opal Rush / Flashback 86” single is out now on Soul Jazz Records.