Notre Dame Hall Leicester Sq

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Love to hear from anyone that went there in the early '80's....was there every (if I remember right) Friday night. Awesome ballroom hidden underneath Leicester Square, with a magical dance floor..music was amazing. Have managed to find out about other clubs from my Mod days but this little gem seems hard to track down

[binsy]

Great venue mate, i used to go there as well. Wonderful dance floor, remember seeing Keb Darge there and seeing his flambouyant dance style for the first time. There was also the Cass Club in Leicester Square which was great too.

[Markw]

Brilliant venue and brilliant location. Is it still being used for the Boy George story?

[Guest uroffal]

Yes great venue (is the building still there?), was a regular for me on a Fiday night too for some time. Remember Keb's spots there very well - in particular I remember first hearing him play Gordon Keith - Look Ahead (covered as Maurice Williams at the time I think?) - sure he said he's paid £500 for it! Pretty sure he introduced by saying "Dance You B%stards" too - LOL

Other memorable stuff from Kebs' playlist then included Jan Jones, Nicky Newarkers, Cheryl Berdell and of course the Vondells, Naturals on Path, Chryslers and the Monarches Band, Little Ron and The Esquires etc ... great days.

P.S. Hope you are well Binsy mate?

Edited May 18, 2011 by uroffal

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Yes ! like I said amazing!!! but what happend to it..dose any one know if its used anymore....and yes Cass Club rings a bell! Blimey sucha long time a go and so many clubs, used to be out almost every night

[Guest uroffal]

There was also the Cass Club in Leicester Square which was great too.

Wasn't this the one - in stark contrast to the Notre Dame - with a tiny concrete(?) dance floor and military netting on the ceiling? I know Keb was involved but wasn't also something to so with Simon Cento (can't remember now if that's the right surname or spelling, but you'll know who I mean I'm sure)?

[Ady Croasdell]

6TS was the first to use the gaff in 1980 but the bar shut at 11 which was no good for the alkies so we moved. Great night though.

Ady

[Ion T]

Hi,

I think quite a few of us made the transition from mod/scootering clubs to the full northern scene via the Notre Dame and other similar venues at that time (81/82), that were serving up northern soul to a mix of London mods and northern exiles. I remember Keb playing and possibly Dick Coombs with a mix of old oldies, late Wigan biggies and newer stuff as mentioned in earlier posts.

I remember Mark Taylor, Matthew Simpson, Bob from Streatham, Gary Pluck, Annabel and a lot from West London used to go there and we all graduated to 100 Club, Peterborough, Stafford etc. We were all 16 to 18 at the time and just being out in Soho seemed exciting at the time.

It has been recently used as a comedy venue and I went to see Stuart Lee perform a year or so ago. I am pleased to report that the venue is pretty much intact.

All best

Ion

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Yes agree Northern soul totally captivated me and happy to say still does!

Have rediscovered my faith and am getting back into the Mod scene (thriving in London I'm happy to say and going to fantastic soul nites that I thought I'd never see again (back to 100 Club on sat ) Im from West London (Fulham) and hung out at the Bush hotel with the Immediate and Wasp SC and have to say Mark Taylor rings a bell! mind you its like saying I knew a Mod called Dave (who wasn't called Dave! )

But yes great days... fantastic clubs.. Le Beat Route...Jean Pierres...Camden Palace... and great people!

Glad to know the venue is still there

Thanks

Kim

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Its 30 years ago so memory not as good as it could be ..but yes that does stir up memories but think i just went there the once ?

God there were so many clubs in the back streets of Soho and the west end its hard to remember them all and only DJ i remember was Alex from Le Beat Route, all the rest I was just too busy dancing and being happy in my own world than to care who was up on stage...so long as they played my fave tunes!

[binsy]

Hi All,

Great memories, Kim I used to go to all of those clubs including Jon Pierres in aThursday night until 3am and Le Beat Route. Who did you hag around with?

Gary, Ion good to see you're both still about be great to catch up again

[Guest uroffal]

Gary Pluck

Hello mate! Long time no see/speak. I hope you are well? What have you been up to the last 20 odd years - LOL? (As Mark says be good to meet up some time soon and catch up).

It certainly was one of a few London nights around at the time that had an exclusive (at least it was from memory) northern playlist, but were mainly Mod/Scooterists in attendance and as you say many of those attendees graduated to 100 Club, Stafford etc. I don't think I knew Mark or Matt to speak to at the time (think we first spoke at Stafford).

Being central helped as the punters tended to be from north, west, east and south London and I'm sure it was partly - if not wholly - responsible for the popularity (at least with London Mods) of things like Greg Perry and (the awful) 'Interplay' (amongst others) - they were even booted back to back due to demand around the same time.

I seem to recall the Friday night events partly backed/promoted by London based record dealer Terry Stokes, who had the stall in the Flea Market, Carnaby St, and later a shop around the corner. He was also responsible for a fair few of Keb's early Stafford discoveries I think (albeit unknowingly).

Edited May 19, 2011 by uroffal

[Guest uroffal]

Gary, Ion good to see you're both still about be great to catch up again

I'm definitely up for a meet/re-union sometime soon if you both fancy it.

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Hi ya Binsey!

yes we most probably rubbed shoulders lol Hung out with lots of people really, as objective was to go to as many clubs and dance ! Anne Marie Cunningham (who iv just got back in touch with) Janet Miller (wasps SC) and faces from Immediate SC plus mates along the way!

Was '60's 24/7 and had a beehive and always wore gloves! lol My idol is Audrey Hepburn

[Ion T]

Hi Gary and Mark,

A capital idea - a meet up in the capital...Sounds good to me, would be great to catch up. Any ideas?

All best

Ion

[Alan J Graham]

I enjoyed Friday night sessions at the Notre Dame Hall during the first half of 1983 - sadly it was raided during July (IIRC), and that was the end of that!

[Guest uroffal]

Hi Gary and Mark,

A capital idea - a meet up in the capital...Sounds good to me, would be great to catch up. Any ideas?

All best

Ion

Hi Ion/Mark,

I'm easy really, equally happy doing a quiet drink and chat/catch up and/or an event of some kind (you both are probably better placed to make suggestions for this as I'm out of the loop as reagrds what's going on). Can do weekday after work (can be central by 5/5:30 most days) or weekends day or evening.

Often think it'd be nice to do the 100 Club after all these years too (I haven't been since late '80s)? Not sure how long I'd last these days though. Also think it would be good to try to have a more major re-union and get in touch with as many of the London regulars from those days like, (Dodgy) Paul, Chris (Spinning Vinyl on here, but not posted as far as I know for sometime), Tony (Smith), Ivor, etc, etc

Edited May 20, 2011 by uroffal

[Guest CapitolSC]

Notra dame hall fabulous venue

And lets not forget that that was where Nick and Dawn Browns Scenesville started with Andy Rix and Chris Dale.

The cass club was interesting

there was a us army truck or something similar when you walked in covered in army webbing

Didnt realise it was a gay club

Some of the bar staff should have gave it away lol

Al H

[Ian Parker]

Debbie will be along soon, ref the 'Scenesville' era at the notre dame. i've just spotted this and let her know

[Gene-r]

I remember the Notre Dame Hall in the early '80s with fond memories. I played a few spots there around 1983 - even once stood in for Toski while he was on holiday, and also played at the final night which was interrupted by a police raid. I believe the abundance of under-age drinkers caused its closure.

Like most people here, this was the first club I met people like Ion, Gary, Mark, Bob from Streatham (hi guys....hope you're all well!), and quite a few more whose names escape me. Sadly, the place did attract a few arseholes (mainly nazi scooter club rejects and wanna-be National Front members from the White Lion in Centrepoint), but they only showed their faces once or twice there.

As well as Toski, Keb and Simon Cento, other DJs were Gary (who used to play the first hour) and Sean. I can remember Simon Cento's cover-up obsession, and him playing "Your Love It Won Me Over" by Cookie Scott as "Love Won Me Over" by Peggy Rogers.....aww, bless him! As if we wouldn't have noticed!

Actually, Simon was a great guy, and we used to spend ages on the phone around this time. Would be good to hear how he's doing these days. I can remember a story about someone requesting "Condition Red" during a spot he played. His response was "you want to hear Condition Red? Here.....". The next thing I know, he got the record out of his box, held it up to the kid's ear and snapped it in half!

During the 90s, I went to a couple of Nick & Dawn's Scenesville nites, and one that Nick did with ex-Record Collector editor John Reed. It would have been an excellent venue for a niter, but I think it was owned by the local church who forbade them.

And as a final memory jerker, the Notre Dame was the first place I heard Keb's cover-ups of the day, such as:

Take It From Me - Trade Martin (Take It From Me Girl - The Buck Rogers Movement)

I'm Leaving You Now - Vernon Garrett (This Is It - Ron Baxter)

You're On Top Girl - Johnny Cole (You're On Top Girl - The Empires)

Look Ahead - Maurice Williams (Look Ahead - Gordon Keith)

Baby You Know It - The Chandlers (You Got What I Want - The Ebonies)

I Wanna Know - Lou Pride (Why - Willie Mason & All The Kings Men)

OK: after 3 - 1, 2, 3........"can't get over these memories"!!!

Edited May 21, 2011 by Gene-R

[Guest Mrs Williams]

Scenesville was one of my all time favorite nights, the venue was tops & the music was superb

I was on the Mod scene in the 80s, listening to Northern, 60s RnB & Ska, but Scenesville was one of my first proper Northern nights i looked a bit like a Twiggy style Mod back then, in the 60s mini skirts with those white crochet tights but i then moved on to wearing wide leg trousers & long full skirts which seemed more comfy to dance in

One night, i remember getting a free tape at the door with a red inner sleeve & Scenesville sounds written in black lettering..........does anyone else remember getting one?

And did anyone else use that secure car park (i can't remember what road it was on, but it was a short walk), it cost about £25 for the evening , but it was worth it for a cracking night like that!

Debbie x

[Guest uroffal]

I remember the Notre Dame Hall in the early '80s with fond memories. I played a few spots there around 1983 - even once stood in for Toski while he was on holiday, and also played at the final night which was interrupted by a police raid. I believe the abundance of under-age drinkers caused its closure.

Like most people here, this was the first club I met people like Ion, Gary, Mark, Bob from Streatham (hi guys....hope you're all well!), and quite a few more whose names escape me. Sadly, the place did attract a few arseholes (mainly nazi scooter club rejects and wanna-be National Front members from the White Lion in Centrepoint), but they only showed their faces once or twice there.

As well as Toski, Keb and Simon Cento, other DJs were Gary (who used to play the first hour) and Sean. I can remember Simon Cento's cover-up obsession, and him playing "Your Love It Won Me Over" by Cookie Scott as "Love Won Me Over" by Peggy Rogers.....aww, bless him! As if we wouldn't have noticed!

Actually, Simon was a great guy, and we used to spend ages on the phone around this time. Would be good to hear how he's doing these days. I can remember a story about someone requesting "Condition Red" during a spot he played. His response was "you want to hear Condition Red? Here.....". The next thing I know, he got the record out of his box, held it up to the kid's ear and snapped it in half!

Hi Gene,

Hope you are well mate? It's amazing how some things slip your mind names and even events, but remember you well covering for Toski (had forgotten that name completely).

Simon Cento was indeed a decent and often very funny bloke and I've always wondered what happened to him as he seemed to disappear shortly after we started going to Stafford (one my first visits was in his car with Keb, Paul F, Lenny, Keiron).

I mentioned him earlier as was sure he had something to do with the Cass Club Mark mentioned?

Despite the odd faux pass with his cover ups (like the one you mention!), he did have a very upfront playbox (although his friendship with Keb doubtlessly helped), I can remember him having, even back then ('82): Tony Middleton - Spanish Maiden (covered as God knows what, but it had a porno picture on it - ), Monroe Taylor - Proud Guy (covered as George Burton from the writing credits) and lot's of others, even his sales (most of which were bought from Terry Stokes) had some gems that have subsequently become expensive or indemand records.

[binsy]

I'm sure Cento had something to do with Boogaloo investigator aka Mike vickers -on the brink

[Guest uroffal]

I'm sure Cento had something to do with Boogaloo investigator aka Mike vickers -on the brink

I remember knowing this was from a UK play and probably who it was by when being played covered so it's more than likely it was something to do with him as he went away once and left Lenny, Kieron, Paul F and me 'in charge' of his little record stall in Robot ( ) - think we uncovered everything he had covered

[binsy]

Matt Parsons Orc

[Guest uroffal]

Matt Parsons Orc

What with that and the aforementioned George Burton it's wonder he didn't cover something up as Norman Vaughan (thinking about he had a couple of things that sounded like they were actually by Norman Vaughan

[Gene-r]

Hi Gene,

Hope you are well mate? It's amazing how some things slip your mind names and even events, but remember you well covering for Toski (had forgotten that name completely).

Hi Gary,

Great to hear from you! I'm keeping well thanks - hope you are too.

Both the Notre Dame Hall and the Cass Club nites were run by Terry Stokes, the Notre Dame being on the Friday, and the Cass Club on the Saturday immediately after. The Cass Club, from what I can remember, was a near condemned building on the inside - was filthy dirty and dust everywhere! DJs there were Spike, Brian Murray, and a new guest DJ every week - this included Simon himself, Keb, Pete Robinson, Cockney Mick (Mick Webb), and I can also remember Mark Bicknell playing what I think was his first London spot there in March 1983. From time to time, Ian Stewart used to bring a sales box down there.

I can remember one occasion, during one of Spike's turns on the decks, when two mod girls came in and plonked something under Spike's nose. Before the next record, Spike came on to the mike to say "will the girl who brought the Style Council record in, please come and collect it"!

You're right about Simon playing Spanish Maiden by Tony Middleton covered up - but do you remember that he covered it up as "Holiday Dreams" by Sun Tan & the Lotions? Yes......it's bloody true mate! I'm sure Paul Franklin and Kieran Kirk will also remember it.

As far as I know, Simon Cento's real name was Simon Gunning. His dad was Colonel Gunning, and quite a high ranking officer in the forces from years gone by. The family lived in Belgravia - Simon was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth! He was a really good, laid-back type of guy.

Can remember about the same time Terry Stokes got a large job lot of US 45s which he was knocking out at 75p each. Amongst them were things like the 5 Wagers on Salem, Neal Brown on Chart Sound, James Carr (Talk Talk) on Goldwax, The Village Callers on Rampart, and tons more which, as you say, are now probably today's rarities!

Gene

PS: Do you remember our first shared DJ spot at a Sunday all-dayer at the Whisky A Go Go (later known as the WAG Club), in February 1983?

Edited May 21, 2011 by Gene-R

[Guest uroffal]

Hi Gene,

I am very well mate thanks.

You have an astonishing memory - this post has brought so many things back to me, but I'm amazed that you can remember it with such accuracy!

'Both the Notre Dame Hall and the Cass Club nites were run by Terry Stokes, the Notre Dame being on the Friday, and the Cass Club on the Saturday immediately after. The Cass Club, from what I can remember, was a near condemned building on the inside - was filthy dirty and dust everywhere! DJs there were Spike, Brian Murray, and a new guest DJ every week - this included Simon himself, Keb, Pete Robinson, Cockney Mick (Mick Webb), and I can also remember Mark Bicknell playing what I think was his first London spot there in March 1983. From time to time, Ian Stewart used to bring a sales box down there.'

Of course Terry run these alongside the very successful stall in the Flea Market - wasn't this in partnership with a guy from Ilford who was friendly with Dick Coombes - can't remember his name but might have been Brian Murray as that name rings a bell? I remember Cockney Mick (what was the other London do he was running around the same time - near Centrepoint?) but can't recall theother DJs from the Cass Club at all was it Spike who used to DJ the Mildmay Tavern (played a lot off acetate, like Hurt by The Victors and David & Rubin)?

'I can remember one occasion, during one of Spike's turns on the decks, when two mod girls came in and plonked something under Spike's nose. Before the next record, Spike came on to the mike to say "will the girl who brought the Style Council record in, please come and collect it"!'

'You're right about Simon playing Spanish Maiden by Tony Middleton covered up - but do you remember that he covered it up as "Holiday Dreams" by Sun Tan & the Lotions? Yes......it's bloody true mate! I'm sure Paul Franklin and Kieran Kirk will also remember it.'

I'd never have remembered this but now you say it, yes it really was covered as that I can remember it scrawled on the aforementioned image from Razzle - perhaps that's waht inspired the name, I think she had a tan

See Mark, told you he had a talent for cover up names!

'As far as I know, Simon Cento's real name was Simon Gunning. His dad was Colonel Gunning, and quite a high ranking officer in the forces from years gone by. The family lived in Belgravia - Simon was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth! He was a really good, laid-back type of guy'

I recall now that he was from a money background, but either didn't know or completely forgot this.

'Can remember about the same time Terry Stokes got a large job lot of US 45s which he was knocking out at 75p each. Amongst them were things like the 5 Wagers on Salem, Neal Brown on Chart Sound, James Carr (Talk Talk) on Goldwax, The Village Callers on Rampart, and tons more which, as you say, are now probably today's rarities!'

Terry kept getting them 1,000s of them over a period of a couple of years, we would go through them unually after Keb and Simon had been through, we even went to Terry's flat once to go through stuff. I dread to think of the value of them now and what was in there that we overlooked, as it is there were things that we all had out of there some of which have only more recently gained the recognition they deserve and loads of the stuff that got played covered at Stafford (there were multiples of most things and amongst the stuff I/we had out of there were: Gene Middleton on Funk Factory, Stratoliners on Federal, Nate Evans on DPR, Sonny Chile (Love is in the Air, covered as Jaywalkers), Monroe Taylor, World's Funkiest Band, 5 Wagers (which you mentioned), Sincers on Pzazz, Dealers (You Got It - hasn't this recently been revived?) and tonnes of others ... there must have been a fair few big rarities in there too that Keb must have snapped up.

Great days, thanks for bringing a lot of memories back and yes I do just about remember the shared DJ spot although I'd never have remembered where it was or the month and year , wasn't this a 'Mod' alldayer run by Tony Class? And wasn't the other DJ 'Alex from Le Beat Route' mentioned in KB65's post - two false front teeth (Alex not KB65 )

I also remember a party round your flat (Mile End way) - do you remember that?

Edited May 21, 2011 by uroffal

[Gene-r]

Gary - you've certainly reminded me of some more memories, and I can't believe it's been nearly 30 years (it will be in March next year since we met)!

Erm....yes, that party at my mum's flat in Sep 1982 - still remember it! Took a good day or two to get it back in order before my mum returned from holiday! Suffice is to say that I've not held any house parties since then!

That Dealers single that you've got - isn't that the one on Big Bunny (gold label with black lettering)? If so, yes - it has been reactivated and I think now sells for around the £50 mark.

Brian Murray was indeed a mate of Dick Coombes. I kept in touch with Brian until 1986, when he sold off his collection to pay for a motoring offence. He gave me first dibs before selling the rest to Pete Widdison, and I had some nice bits from Brian - Ty Karim on Car-A-Mel for £15, The Orlons (Envy) for £5, Frank Dell on Valise for £2, and quite a few more for what seems like pennies by today's standards! Haven't heard from Brian since then - would be great to see how he's doing. Dick moved to Ireland and got married there - still there as far as I know.

The other nite which Cockney Mick held was during August 1982, and was at the White Lion under Centrepoint (not to be confused with the National Front meetings mod and scooterist nites run by Tony Class on a Friday night at the same venue). It lasted for just two Saturdays, as only a few of us turned up! I used to go down there with Sean Arnold and Cathy Challoner (now Cathy Kenny).

Spike was the same guy who DJ'd at the Mildmay on Monday and Wednesday nites.

The all-dayer we did our joint spot at was run by Andy Ruw. I don't actually remember Alex though - his other DJs were Mick Hedley (now living near Heathrow and working as a chef), and Lee Madden.

Have a look at the pic below - taken at the Flowerpot in Tottenham in March 1984. This was a Sunday club run by Steve Kennedy and Spike. Left to right are Brian Murray, Martin Jenkins (Geordie Martin), myself, and Andy Whybrow.

I'm sure more memories will surface over the next couple of days - I'll see if I've got any more pics from around that time and, if so, will post them up here.

Edited May 22, 2011 by Gene-R

[Ady Croasdell]

Brian Murray lived in Russia for a long while and resurfaced at the 100 Club about 18 months ago on good form and came to about 4 nighters in a row and then disappeared again.

Ady

[Guest Kent Soul Girl]

Guys!

Im soo pleased I started this! Its been great reading all this stuff and remembering the great nights that were held!

Remember the WAG club all dayer's /niters (a mate called Tapper DJ'd a few times) and when Alex (Le Beat Route) started his Thursday nights at Jean Pierrres he asked me to be the cloak room girl, cos I had the 'Look' beehive et all ! I think I lasted at the job 3 weeks as every time Alex played something I liked I'd be off on the dance floor lol so the two HUGE doormen got miffed with me ha ha.....aww absolutely brilliant brilliant days!!

And Im soo glad that you all have good memories lol

Kim

[Guest uroffal]

Gene,

30 years and despite my poor memory since reading this thread it actually seems like it was only a few years ago!

I still say you're memory is amazing! Having the month and year for that party really helps me place things in terms of a timeline for things (Sept '82 would have been a few months since my first 100 Club - was it really that long ago!).

The Dealers record is the one on Big Bunny (or should say was as was sold many moons ago).

Yes, Brian Murray is exactly who I was thinking of (thanks the pic confirms it). Brain was a really nice bloke (as was Cockney Mick) and I knew them both quite well for that fairly brief period, they both used to attend the Cambridge on a Sunday night: a big pub really but with a very large dance floor in north London - exactly where the Cambridge roundabout is now (A406 juntion with A10) - I'm sure you used to go there as well (or did one or twice)? I bet there'll be a few people on here who remember that too!

Yes, the White Lion - I do remember it was a fairly brief event and with very few in attendance. Sean Arnold, now this name rings a massive bell, but am not sure - was he from Enfield? If it's who I think it is then he introduced me to the 100 Club!

Tony Smith would remember Spike as he and I were both regulars at the Mildmay (doubt he'll look at this thread though as don't remember him ever going to the Notre Dame).

I must be thining of either Mick Hedley or Lee Madden then as they were the two DJs I remember being involved in that event and yeah Andy Ruw so many things coming back to me now!

If you have any more pics then please dig them out and post as I'd love to see them.

[Guest uroffal]

Brian Murray lived in Russia for a long while and resurfaced at the 100 Club about 18 months ago on good form and came to about 4 nighters in a row and then disappeared again.

Ady

Good to know he's still knocking about - Russia that's a strange choice.

[Tony Smith]

Matt Parsons Orch. Boogaloo Investigator was one of Guy Hennigans inventions for sure.

Edited May 22, 2011 by Tony Smith

[Tony Smith]

Tony Smith would remember Spike as he and I were both regulars at the Mildmay (doubt he'll look at this thread though as don't remember him ever going to the Notre Dame).

If you have any more pics then please dig them out and post as I'd love to see them.

Yes guys I've been lurking reading this post at work, Gene your memory is astounding! When did the Carved Red Lion start? (you did the flyer!)

I remember Spike well,he went from wearing paisley shirts to army greens in the blink of an eye!

I went once to Notre Dame then, I have memories of skinheads bowling ashtrays across the floor and also fights on the tube going there.

The White Lion had porno films playing upstairs is all I can remember about that place, we kind of hung outside.

[binsy]

Brilliant recall Gary and Gene, I know Spike,Brian Murray and Dick Coombes are all on facebook and there are some original flyers hanging aound on there.

I'll try and dig some out

[binsy]

[Tony Smith]

I really regret not hanging on to those flyers, but over the years they've gone.

Mark do you remember the one I had on my wall with the tagline "Soul as deep as you like" and a Beverly Ann "You've Got Your Mind.." scan on it!?

T

[binsy]

I thought I'd add a photo from The Red Carved Lion and one of the allnighters in the early 80s

Includes The late Lenny, Tony Smith, Paul Frankin, me and Matt Simpson

Edited May 22, 2011 by binsy

[Tony Smith]

I'll have to try to find whats left of my Beat Route membership card (Tuesday nights) but it is also July '82! Alex Gerry & James Hamilton, who was the most unfriendly DJ I'd come across at that point!

[binsy]

I don't remember the flyer Tony but I do remember going up to James Hamilton upon hearing Darrell Banks -Open the door, for the first time to ask what it was and he said 'It's not for sale' and I just said I just want to know what it was as I think it's brillant

[binsy]

[Tony Smith]

I see the Soultown membership card, I can remember creating them, pre-mac days, photographing the label, making the plates......smokes mystical cigarette and drifts off to the past.....

[Gene-r]

Yes guys I've been lurking reading this post at work, Gene your memory is astounding! When did the Carved Red Lion start? (you did the flyer!)

Blimey Tony, you're right mate! I even forgot about the flyers until now!

I started going to the Carved Red Lion in July 1984, though I guess you'd probably been doing it a couple of months by then already. As far as I can remember, it lasted well into the following year, didn't it?

[Guest uroffal]

Yes guys I've been lurking reading this post at work, Gene your memory is astounding! When did the Carved Red Lion start? (you did the flyer!)

I remember Spike well,he went from wearing paisley shirts to army greens in the blink of an eye!

Ahhh there you are ... (hope you're well mate)

I think the expression at the time was "He's turned 'northen'" (beer towels were still optional accessories at this time but would later become mandatory)

Edited May 22, 2011 by uroffal

[binsy]

All I remember of some of the Red Carved Lion was there were more djs than punters but it was a great laugh

[Guest uroffal]

I thought I'd add a photo from The Red Carved Lion and one of the allnighters in the early 80s

Includes The late Lenny, Tony Smith, Paul Frankin, me and Matt Simpson

Superb pictures, thanks for posting those and the membership cards - I've lost all of mine except one (Twisted Wheel Allnighter 1987 - remember that, Ivor hid his 4 pack of Red Stripe in the waste ground next door and was guttted to find it was missing the next morning )

[Guest uroffal]

Yes guys I've been lurking reading this post at work, Gene your memory is astounding! When did the Carved Red Lion start? (you did the flyer!)

Was this the one on the corner of Farringdon Road near Kings Cross? I have a vague memory of helping you set up one night - cab from yours in Islington and then dragging speakers and flight cases up the stairs.

[Tony Smith]

Was this the one on the corner of Farringdon Road near Kings Cross? I have a vague memory of helping you set up one night - cab from yours in Islington and then dragging speakers and flight cases up the stairs.

No that would've been the Penny Black that Ion and myself ran under the Soultown banner in 85 or/ 86, we used to hire Ady's gear and pick it up from his old flat in Langham St., which also involved carting the gear up 5 floors of very narrow staircase!

[Guest CapitolSC]

Le Beat Route was the first place i djed at

Alex Gerry was off on his hols and asked me if id like to do his set.

I was well nervious but got through playin me motown and a few northern bits.

I got the bug and not long after started me own nights

Sols arms on hampstead rd was the first,Mod nights but playing black music from the 50/60s

Still got the flyers i made up at work somewhere.

Tonys nights at the penny black were great we got the venue and started the reggae shack there in 86

Great days to be a teenager

Al H

Edited May 23, 2011 by CapitolSC