Having evolved out of the handbag house scene[1][2][3] in 1993–1994, the genre enjoyed massive, albeit brief, popularity, with several hardbag releases achieving positions in the upper echelons of the UK chart.
Produced by Rollo Armstrong of Faithless, Red Jerry and Felix, "Don't You Want Me" was released in 1992, scoring a Top 10 placing on the UK singles chart.
The popularity of the hardbag genre reached its zenith in 1995 with releases by Commander Tom, Candy Girls, Rollo & Sister Bliss and Mrs Wood all crossing over into the mainstream.
The two most influential exponents of the sound were Dutch producer Patrick Prins (who, recording a variety of aliases, scored several large UK club and chart hits such as "Bits & Pieces" – Artemesia) and the late Tony De Vit, whose hardbag composition "Hooked" is still considered one of the definitive examples of the genre.
These included Matt Darey (as Bi-Boy Action Squad, Orgasmatron and Space Baby), Sister Bliss (as a solo artist and co-producer with Rollo and Jon of the Pleased Wimmin), and John Graham whose Quivver alias had a hardbag hit with "Saxy Lady" (1994).