Book On The 1980S Scene

[Guest Byrney]

Love reading about venues and the scene before I got involved late 70s. But when it comes to the 80s there always seems to be very wide gaps in all the books on the subject - touching on Stafford / 100 club and that's about it.

Got me wondering - would a book covering the 80s scene sell / be of interest? I know a good chunk of the scene missed this period so would there be enough interest in what they missed to create a market?

If a goer anyone fancy writing one

I've got £3 burning a hole in my pocket here;)

Edited October 31, 2010 by Byrney

[Guest Dan]

From a publishing point of view, it wouldn't be financially viable Byrney. It would only work as a labour of love. But I'd buy it

[grant]

Love reading about venues and the scene before I got involved late 70s. But when it comes to the 80s there always seems to be very wide gaps in all the books on the subject - touching on Stafford / 100 club and that's about it.

Got me wondering - would a book covering the 80s scene sell / be of interest? I know a good chunk of the scene missed this period so would there be enough interest in what they missed to create a market?

If a goer anyone fancy writing one

I've got £3 burning a hole in my pocket here;)

yeah got to agree with you would make fascinating reading, the wigan , wheel etc years have been done now, an 80s one to date would be nice

[Dylan]

When I first got into it I read a lot of the books available.

they make a good read. I'd certainly read a book on the 80s scene.

But on the other hand i'm not exactly rushing to the cinema to see soul buy as it just doesn't appeal. I'll wait for the DVD.

[Neil Rushton]

Would definitely be viable...it's a real pity there has been never been a Volume 2 to "The In Crowd" by Mike Ritson & Stuart Rusell.

Volume 1 finishes at the demise of Wigan and a second Volume from then up till now would have been fascinating.

Edited November 1, 2010 by NeilRushton1

[Geeselad]

also thought the scene lost a lot of young devotees to the upcoming house/rave scene

[Jumpinjoan]

Love reading about venues and the scene before I got involved late 70s. But when it comes to the 80s there always seems to be very wide gaps in all the books on the subject - touching on Stafford / 100 club and that's about it.

Got me wondering - would a book covering the 80s scene sell / be of interest? I know a good chunk of the scene missed this period so would there be enough interest in what they missed to create a market?

If a goer anyone fancy writing one

I've got £3 burning a hole in my pocket here;)

I think it would be great.

Like you , I have read books about Wigan etc but it would be great to read about a time that you were actually a part of. Plus there are enough people on here that were around at that time who could contribute.

Go for it

[pikeys dog]

You could have a whole chapter devoted to the card games that proliferated.

[Mick Howard]

Would definitely be viable...it's a real pity there has been never been a Volume 2 to "The In Crowd" by Mike Ritson & Stuart Rusell.

Volume 1 finishes at the demise of Wigan and a second Volume from then up till now would have been fascinating.

Neil

At the time that volume 1 of The In Crowd was published I was reliably informed (if that's possible on the NS scene...) that a 2nd volume was in the pipeline, however, Mike & Stuarts' expenditure was not re-couped for volume 1 and it therefore proved impossible for them.

Mick

[Stuart Russell]

Neil

At the time that volume 1 of The In Crowd was published I was reliably informed (if that's possible on the NS scene...) that a 2nd volume was in the pipeline, however, Mike & Stuarts' expenditure was not re-couped for volume 1 and it therefore proved impossible for them.

Mick

Hi Mick,

The original intention was to write the 'whole story' but it soon became obvious that would never happen - it was simply too big a story to cover in the depth that we wanted to. We were up for doing it but we didn't have the time, The In Crowd took eighteen months pretty much full-time to research and write.

Once the first volume had gone off to the printers I started to put together a timeline of events, clubs, records etc that would bring the story up to the present day. I've got transcripts of interviews somewhere. But then we started publishing other authors' books (Keith Rylatt's Central 1179, Dave Shaw's Casino and Dave Rimmer's Soul Bible) and then took over Manifesto magazine from Ian... So that was that.

We were approached by a very good writer who wanted to continue the story but that didn't happen. Perhaps I should ask them if they're interested?

Cheers

Stuart

[Manfromsoul45s]

Love reading about venues and the scene before I got involved late 70s. But when it comes to the 80s there always seems to be very wide gaps in all the books on the subject - touching on Stafford / 100 club and that's about it.

Got me wondering - would a book covering the 80s scene sell / be of interest? I know a good chunk of the scene missed this period so would there be enough interest in what they missed to create a market?

If a goer anyone fancy writing one

I've got £3 burning a hole in my pocket here;)

I will start the first chapter for you Byrney - "for most of the eighties anthony byrne had a tom selleck tash"....

[Guest BIG H]

I will start the first chapter for you Byrney - "for most of the eighties anthony byrne had a tom selleck tash"....

NEVER!

[Geeselad]

You could have a whole chapter devoted to the card games that proliferated.

Bigtime, cardschools were everywhere"

[Alan Walls]

The particular appeal of reading about an era you have personnally experienced is a really good point and one I'd not thought of. Food for thought, that is.

There really is an interesting story to be told, from the exodus of Old Timers after the Casino closed, to the jockeying of various clubs trying to fill the void; the rise of the 60's Newies Mafia (!) and the drive to re-establish the scene's original ethos of promoting new discoveries; the effects of rave culture - another exodus of bodies, youths suddenly having a more exciting, alternative scene to dive into, legislative changes making it harder for promoters to gain niter licences; the scene in Scotland transforming from localised events to producing clubs with UK-wide appeal and importance. Hell, even the gear changed - bath tub sulphate taking over from clean pharmaceuticals ( I never heard of anyone successfully screwing a chemist as the 80's progressed. The rogues would come back to the niter with tails between their legs, brandishing nothing more potent than a crate of milk and a dozen rolls), the appearance of E...and that's just off the top of my head.

[Quinvy]

Hi Mick,

The original intention was to write the 'whole story' but it soon became obvious that would never happen - it was simply too big a story to cover in the depth that we wanted to. We were up for doing it but we didn't have the time, The In Crowd took eighteen months pretty much full-time to research and write.

Once the first volume had gone off to the printers I started to put together a timeline of events, clubs, records etc that would bring the story up to the present day. I've got transcripts of interviews somewhere. But then we started publishing other authors' books (Keith Rylatt's Central 1179, Dave Shaw's Casino and Dave Rimmer's Soul Bible) and then took over Manifesto magazine from Ian... So that was that.

We were approached by a very good writer who wanted to continue the story but that didn't happen. Perhaps I should ask them if they're interested?

Cheers

Stuart

Bloody shame you didn't do part 2 first Stuart, I'd love to have read that as I missed it all.........sick of reading about Wigan.......thought Keith Rylatt's book was excellent and very evocative of the period...........

[Cheapsiderecords]

Maybe not a book but definately scope for a one off fanzine type production? Something in the There's That Beat vein but more pages. Pictures, reviews, charts, memorablila etc etc

We could then maybe have venue specific one's - Yate, Morecambe, Stafford etc etc?

Would save quite a bit on production costs I would have thought and also a lot cheaper on shipping for non-UK buyers.

Just thinking out loud.

Kevin in Canada

[Guest dave nowell]

for those of you with good memories.....

my book Too Darn Soulful covered the post-Wigan period right up to the time of writing (1999)

and guess what - it's being reprinted in the near future!

with updates

watch this space!

[Chalky]

Hi Mick,

The original intention was to write the 'whole story' but it soon became obvious that would never happen - it was simply too big a story to cover in the depth that we wanted to. We were up for doing it but we didn't have the time, The In Crowd took eighteen months pretty much full-time to research and write.

Once the first volume had gone off to the printers I started to put together a timeline of events, clubs, records etc that would bring the story up to the present day. I've got transcripts of interviews somewhere. But then we started publishing other authors' books (Keith Rylatt's Central 1179, Dave Shaw's Casino and Dave Rimmer's Soul Bible) and then took over Manifesto magazine from Ian... So that was that.

We were approached by a very good writer who wanted to continue the story but that didn't happen. Perhaps I should ask them if they're interested?

Cheers

Stuart

Stuart, what was the timeline etc you came up with? Maybe I can start some topics on each and the info and memories can be gathered in the topics. Then if someone wishes to take on the project there should be plenty to go at?

Me, I have trouble remembering breakfast at times

[Guest Byrney]

always thought good clubs like morecombe pier /carlton and bradford queens hall,tonys at blackburn are hardly ever covered even though really important at keeping things going , lot of style change in the eighties music wise also thought the scene lost a lot of young devotees to the upcoming house/rave scene due to a lot of reluctance towards new uptempo releases from the states on the scene at the time , scootering was a big part in 80s so i assume could incorparate some of that and the clothing

might be worth a go regards doog

Add clubs like Shotts and Glenrothes to that list, as well as the thriving soul nights like Thorne, Bradford Bier Keller, Rock City etc.

A lot of us did move onto the House scene deffo - more because we've been at it for years and were getting a bit bored and drawn to the bright lights of a great roller coaster ride of house.

Also a key bit to be incorporated if someone has the appetite to do it would be the Djs - young aggressive bucks like that quiet lad with a tash from Notts (Kitch), his mate Dean from Newark, Colin Law, Rob Marriot, Butch etc etc as well as the terrible two Keb and Guy.

And the sounds - the rich change in direction (IMO) the music policy took. I love reading about how before my time say Graham Warr played this at the Catacombs... would others like to hear how butch discovered his Bobby Angelle C/U and how it went down when first played

C'mon get it written:)

[Guest Byrney]

We were approached by a very good writer who wanted to continue the story but that didn't happen. Perhaps I should ask them if they're interested?

Cheers

Stuart

Worth exploring Stuart. There's also a few on this thread and site who could help with it re timeline and recollections, music, sounds, DJs, venues, drama's charecters etc

I will start the first chapter for you Byrney - "for most of the eighties anthony byrne had a tom selleck tash"....

Your key point is most of the 80s Hooty, unlike yourself for most of the 80s, 90s to mid noughties Anyway Julia liked mine anyway, she said 'it tickled'.

The particular appeal of reading about an era you have personally experienced is a really good point and one I'd not thought of. Food for thought, that is.

There really is an interesting story to be told, from the exodus of Old Timers after the Casino closed, to the jockeying of various clubs trying to fill the void; the rise of the 60's Newies Mafia (!) and the drive to re-establish the scene's original ethos of promoting new discoveries; the effects of rave culture - another exodus of bodies, youths suddenly having a more exciting, alternative scene to dive into, legislative changes making it harder for promoters to gain niter licences; the scene in Scotland transforming from localised events to producing clubs with UK-wide appeal and importance. Hell, even the gear changed - bath tub sulphate taking over from clean pharmaceuticals ( I never heard of anyone successfully screwing a chemist as the 80's progressed. The rogues would come back to the niter with tails between their legs, brandishing nothing more potent than a crate of milk and a dozen rolls), the appearance of E...and that's just off the top of my head.

and the emergence of Fez's as head ware of choice and Colin Law driving the anti polyveldt movement by the introduction of 'the Stafford Kung Fu Slipper'

Can we have a section on my favorite soul fruit machines? Woody from Loughborough has archive material (rare).

Seriously though I'd hope this would wider appeal and be of interest to those who missed out of those mad cap capers a plenty.. or something

Edited November 5, 2010 by Byrney

[Stuart Russell]

Hi Chalky, I'll have a hunt through the loft... it's up there somewhere. Although going by the comments so far there's a lot of places I'd never even heard of.

Cheers

Stuart

[Chalky]

Hi Chalky, I'll have a hunt through the loft... it's up there somewhere. Although going by the comments so far there's a lot of places I'd never even heard of.

Cheers

Stuart

Nice one Stuart. We can utilise your timeline with others. Plenty on here that look interested in the project and could and can contribute. Dave T is on here for the Stafford era, Alan and Steve Walls and others can cover the Scottish influence, the rest everything in-between and whats already mentioned.

[Dennisoul]

Great idea....80s was my era...84 onwards

The birth of so many great times and tunes....the turnover of new sounds was staggering.

An honour to be part of it all...the right people , tunes, DJs and venues all happened at once....perfect timing I say.

A book that tells the story from 80s would be just fabulous.

Edited November 5, 2010 by Dennisoul

[Guest Byrney]

Hi Chalky, I'll have a hunt through the loft... it's up there somewhere. Although going by the comments so far there's a lot of places I'd never even heard of.

Cheers

Stuart

There's a thread on here somewhere Stuart that covers mosts venues in the 'dead 80s'. Think it ran on for a quite a few pages. Does any of you boffins know how to dig it up?

[Chalky]

There's a thread on here somewhere Stuart that covers mosts venues in the 'dead 80s'. Think it ran on for a quite a few pages. Does any of you boffins know how to dig it up?

I think that just covered the venue names Byrney, might be wrong. Once get Stuarts time line, we can add to it etc decide on the final time line and set the topics up and gather the ramblings of the reprobates involved at the time I was going to do a DJ/promoter/provider of records of the week along with label and artist so can tie that in with the 80's DJ's, get the stories and records they played.

Anyone who then wishes to have a go at the book will have a handy reference guide.

[Manfromsoul45s]

Worth exploring Stuart. There's also a few on this thread and site who could help with it re timeline and recollections, music, sounds, DJs, venues, drama's charecters etc

Your key point is most of the 80s Hooty, unlike yourself for most of the 80s, 90s to mid noughties Anyway Julia liked mine anyway, she said 'it tickled'.

and the emergence of Fez's as head ware of choice and Colin Law driving the anti polyveldt movement by the introduction of 'the Stafford Kung Fu Slipper'

Can we have a section on my favorite soul fruit machines? Woody from Loughborough has archive material (rare).

Seriously though I'd hope this would wider appeal and be of interest to those who missed out of those mad cap capers a plenty.. or something

Yes but Byrney, Don't mention the headband and wristbands:lol:

[Eddie Hubbard]

I've decided to write a book on the 80's / 90's Rare Soul scene , the clubs big and small , the influential characters , who discovered the records , cover ups , drugs ,New 60's/ 70's discoveries , new and recent releases of the time , crossover Soul , and want it to be a tribute to the largely unsung Heroes who kept the Rare Soul flame burning after Wigan closed etc .I want to interview all the major players on the scene , record dealers ,DJ's , characters , so any information ,stories , flyers etc would be very welcome . I'm going to write the book in 5 year blocks , so the first section will be 1981 - 1986 and cover Maxims Wigan , Clifton Hall Rotherham , Rebels Sheffield , Stafford , 100 Club , Morecombe, Yate [ 2nd time around ] and the clubs North of the border , plus any I've forgotten or unaware of . As someone who's never left the scene since joining it in 1972 , I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

[Sean Hampsey]

I've decided to write a book on the 80's / 90's Rare Soul scene , the clubs big and small , the influential characters , who discovered the records , cover ups , drugs ,New 60's/ 70's discoveries , new and recent releases of the time , crossover Soul , and want it to be a tribute to the largely unsung Heroes who kept the Rare Soul flame burning after Wigan closed etc .I want to interview all the major players on the scene , record dealers ,DJ's , characters , so any information ,stories , flyers etc would be very welcome . I'm going to write the book in 5 year blocks , so the first section will be 1981 - 1986 and cover Maxims Wigan , Clifton Hall Rotherham , Rebels Sheffield , Stafford , 100 Club , Morecombe, Yate [ 2nd time around ] and the clubs North of the border , plus any I've forgotten or unaware of . As someone who's never left the scene since joining it in 1972 , I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

Good stuff Eddie, you'd be just the man for the job!

I'd be glad to help (Clifton, Cleethorpes, Warrington, Bradford, Pitches etc.).

Top man!

Sean

[Eddie Hubbard]

Good stuff Eddie, you'd be just the man for the job!

I'd be glad to help (Clifton, Cleethorpes, Warrington, Bradford, Pitches etc.).

Top man!

Sean

Thank you very much Sean , you were one of the first people I was thinking of to interview ,so I will be in touch very soon . Many thanks again ,Eddie

[Guest in town Mikey]

Eddie

Leicester Oddfellows. Downsatirs for the 60s newies and the grand piano.

Hinckley was also at that time. Alldayers in Nuneaton I think (Chris King), and Cheltenham/Gloucester used to attract crowds.

Were the Nottingham allnighters before or after 86?

[Jerry Hipkiss]

Were the Nottingham allnighters before or after 86?

Pretty sure I went to one at the Palais in 85 Mikey...

[Eddie Hubbard]

Eddie

Leicester Oddfellows. Downsatirs for the 60s newies and the grand piano.

Hinckley was also at that time. Alldayers in Nuneaton I think (Chris King), and Cheltenham/Gloucester used to attract crowds.

Were the Nottingham allnighters before or after 86?

Of course ...many thanks for reminding me mate ...who said Rare Soul had died back then ......so many venues ...

[Nicola]

Of course ...many thanks for reminding me mate ...who said Rare Soul had died back then ......so many venues ...

Eddie, Gilly has got loads of flyers and mags and if you need anything just shout.

[Eddie Hubbard]

Eddie, Gilly has got loads of flyers and mags and if you need anything just shout.

Brilliant , many thanks Nicola , Gilly is exactly the " unsung Hero " that I was thinking of ...who could ever forget him getting me out of bed after a night shift to play me new discoveries ans show me " Popcorn Cartons " from Richard Wylie .....I'll be in touch , Eddie x

[Geeselad]

I've decided to write a book on the 80's / 90's Rare Soul scene , the clubs big and small , the influential characters , who discovered the records , cover ups , drugs ,New 60's/ 70's discoveries , new and recent releases of the time , crossover Soul , and want it to be a tribute to the largely unsung Heroes who kept the Rare Soul flame burning after Wigan closed etc .I want to interview all the major players on the scene , record dealers ,DJ's , characters , so any information ,stories , flyers etc would be very welcome . I'm going to write the book in 5 year blocks , so the first section will be 1981 - 1986 and cover Maxims Wigan , Clifton Hall Rotherham , Rebels Sheffield , Stafford , 100 Club , Morecombe, Yate [ 2nd time around ] and the clubs North of the border , plus any I've forgotten or unaware of . As someone who's never left the scene since joining it in 1972 , I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

I've got quite a few bits of old flyers memberships ect fron 87- till 1990 if you need anything from this era, give me a shout. Oh and put me down to purchase a copy when complete.

[Ady Croasdell]

Great stuff Eddie, I'll contribute where I can

Ady

[Guest soulmaguk]

I've decided to write a book on the 80's / 90's Rare Soul scene , the clubs big and small , the influential characters , who discovered the records , cover ups , drugs ,New 60's/ 70's discoveries , new and recent releases of the time , crossover Soul , and want it to be a tribute to the largely unsung Heroes who kept the Rare Soul flame burning after Wigan closed etc .I want to interview all the major players on the scene , record dealers ,DJ's , characters , so any information ,stories , flyers etc would be very welcome . I'm going to write the book in 5 year blocks , so the first section will be 1981 - 1986 and cover Maxims Wigan , Clifton Hall Rotherham , Rebels Sheffield , Stafford , 100 Club , Morecombe, Yate [ 2nd time around ] and the clubs North of the border , plus any I've forgotten or unaware of . As someone who's never left the scene since joining it in 1972 , I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

I like this, I am a third year degree student at present, and have been thinking of a long study that involves in some way the 80s Rare/Northern Soul scene and my nostalgic lookback including scooter rallies of the 80s also. With the final work being 7000 words and a new 2011 7" soul release, or I may look at a brand new scooter design. Eddie, you can look back and reference my findings that interest you, I will post on here.

Regards

Jock.

[Eddie Hubbard]

I like this, I am a third year degree student at present, and have been thinking of a long study that involves in some way the 80s Rare/Northern Soul scene and my nostalgic lookback including scooter rallies of the 80s also. With the final work being 7000 words and a new 2011 7" soul release, or I may look at a brand new scooter design. Eddie, you can look back and reference my findings that interest you, I will post on here.

Regards

Jock.

Many thanks Jock , will be in touch ...cheers ,Eddie

[Eddie Hubbard]

Great stuff Eddie, I'll contribute where I can

Ady

Many thanks Ady , you are a major part of this story , so will need to talk at length about this period ...cheers ,Eddie

[Eddie Hubbard]

I've got quite a few bits of old flyers memberships ect fron 87- till 1990 if you need anything from this era, give me a shout. Oh and put me down to purchase a copy when complete.

Many thanks Geese , thanks for any help mate ...best wishes ,Eddie

[Philly]

I've decided to write a book on the 80's / 90's Rare Soul scene , the clubs big and small , the influential characters , who discovered the records , cover ups , drugs ,New 60's/ 70's discoveries , new and recent releases of the time , crossover Soul , and want it to be a tribute to the largely unsung Heroes who kept the Rare Soul flame burning after Wigan closed etc .I want to interview all the major players on the scene , record dealers ,DJ's , characters , so any information ,stories , flyers etc would be very welcome . I'm going to write the book in 5 year blocks , so the first section will be 1981 - 1986 and cover Maxims Wigan , Clifton Hall Rotherham , Rebels Sheffield , Stafford , 100 Club , Morecombe, Yate [ 2nd time around ] and the clubs North of the border , plus any I've forgotten or unaware of . As someone who's never left the scene since joining it in 1972 , I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

Great news Eddie... really pleased that you have decided to go ahead with this... am sure you will do it justice

Phyllis

[Guest Andy Kempster]

always thought good clubs like morecombe pier /carlton and bradford queens hall,tonys at blackburn are hardly ever covered even though really important at keeping things going , lot of style change in the eighties music wise also thought the scene lost a lot of young devotees to the upcoming house/rave scene due to a lot of reluctance towards new uptempo releases from the states on the scene at the time , scootering was a big part in 80s so i assume could incorparate some of that and the clothing

might be worth a go regards doog

thats certainly what happened to me, went to my first nighter in 86 and continued for 2 years with the unicorn, bradford, burnley all dayer and various local soul nights, mine being the basingstoke original soul syndicate at viables until i discovered acid house in late 88 returning to the scene about 2002

[Shsdave]

Nice one Eddie, can't contribute anything as I dropped off the scene mid 80s & can't remember too much before but good luck with this mate & put me down for a copy.

All best

Dave

[Tony Smith]

....and Colin Law driving the anti polyveldt movement by the introduction of 'the Stafford Kung Fu Slipper' DON'T FORGET HIS HEADBAND!!!!

Can we have a section on my favorite soul fruit machines? Woody from Loughborough has archive material (rare).

Seriously though I'd hope this would wider appeal and be of interest to those who missed out of those mad cap capers a plenty.. or something

[Mark Bicknell]

anks Geese , thanks for any help mate ...best wishes ,Eddie

80's/90's my major time on the scene Eddie as a DJ certainly, resident at Unicorn Club Leighton Buzzard for Jon Buck, resident at Queens Hall, Bradford for Steve Croft and Phil Dick, resident at Hinkley for Chris King and numerous other venues, any help I can give just give me a shout.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Guest Byrney]

, I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into this project .Don't know how long it will take , but want to do the subject justice and get it right . Many thanks for any help ....Eddie

Here's a bit of bed time reading Eddie as an aide memoire. Get stuck in mate.

[Eddie Hubbard]

80's/90's my major time on the scene Eddie as a DJ certainly, resident at Unicorn Club Leighton Buzzard for Jon Buck, resident at Queens Hall, Bradford for Steve Croft and Phil Dick, resident at Hinkley for Chris King and numerous other venues, any help I can give just give me a shout.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Many thanks Mark , you are yet another guy I must talk to .I'll be in touch mate , you've DJ'd at some essential venues .Best ,Eddie

[Eddie Hubbard]

Great news Eddie... really pleased that you have decided to go ahead with this... am sure you will do it justice

Phyllis

Thanks for having the faith in me Phyllis , it's a tough job , but someone's gotta do it .......Best wishes ,Eddie

[Eddie Hubbard]

Here's a bit of bed time reading Eddie as an aide memoire. Get stuck in mate.

Plenty to digest there Byrney , I'll study at length over my bed time ovaltine mate lol....Best ,Eddie

[Bento]

Sounds good Eddie I still have membership cards for most of the 8ts clubs and lots of fliers, no truck this time though.

Dave Bentley