Are There Any Young Northern Soul Fans ?

[Guest allnightandy]

I was just wondering if when us lot depart this mortal coil, is that it for northern soul and our music , or is there a younger generation of soulies out there , waiting to carry it on into the future ?

i don't go to any gigs now so i can't say , but the last soul nights i went to there was only one or two younger kids in attendance , but not many

[Dave Pinch]

theres a few in the uk callum and azza spring to mind... plenty on the continent long way to go for a night out i spoze tho

[Scotters]

Depends how you define "young"...If being born in the 70's qualifies, then yes, you can count me in

Still not enough from what I can see mind you. If only people knew what they were missing hey.

Cheers, Steve.

[sir cumference]

All of the photos on here are of old fookers-and a bit depressing,really.

Not saying old fookers shouldn`t enjoy themselves-before anyone has a go!

Maybe the youngsters have other priorities,or those that have tried it don`t like it enough to come back for more,in any quantity.

[Ady Croasdell]

We had a 20 year old Tomas McGrath DJing at the 100 Club on Saturday and he impressed everyone hugely so plenty of Northern life in the south!

[Chalky]

There are youngsters but by and large they don't travel and are confined to large cities. Manchester for instance.

There certainly isn't enough to continue the all-nighter scene which is slowly in decline.

[Little-stevie]

I was called young at an event of late :lol:

Can we ask whats classed as young Mr all niter before we go on!

[Little-stevie]

There are youngsters but by and large they don't travel and are confined to large cities. Manchester for instance.

There certainly isn't enough to continue the all-nighter scene which is slowly in decline.

True indeed....

[Guest allnightandy]

I was called young at an event of late :lol:

Can we ask whats classed as young Mr all niter before we go on!

Well the bulk of us are in our 50's even 60's so what i would like to know is are there any in their 20's like the young lad that Ady mentioned ,

and are there enough to keep the scene together when we are gone ?

[paultp]

Hopefully there are .......... and us old idiots will never know it.

Hopefully it will be underground and cool and not involve 40-odd years of baggage and grumpiness.

The current scene will probably find out about it by mistake and turn up and look like tw*ts

[Geeselad]

I have to say, there seems to have been a growing contingent of under thirties at the kings, most of whom have called into change first.

[John Moffatt]

There is a pub here in Sheffield called the Washington which specialises in all kinds of musical styles. One monthly night is all Mod stuff - northern soul, Motown, R&B, ska, 60s beat sounds etc., etc. There is always a large crowd of very enthusiastic young 'uns in, who dance to everything and really get into it. Yet, I don't think the vast majority have too much idea what it is they're actually dancing to, or care particularly. The point may be that there is such an enormous range of music available to younger people now (far more than we ever had a chance to hear) that following any single style, be that rock, soul or whatever, isn't the same issue to them. Did any of us in the 70s go out to hear music from 40 years earlier? Not a chance on earth - our music started about 1960 or so! The fact that any of them appreciate our sounds at all is tremendous. I believe that, in general, musical appreciation has changed to a more eclectic base. Are we to see, therefore, soul music being played as part of a mixed music scene more generally? Possibly, but whatever form it takes in the future, it won't match the way we have seen it over the last 40 years. Hopefully, the tunes will survive and be loved. We'll see.

John Moffatt

[Geeselad]

The scene's a lot like a conveyer belt, when one gets off another gets on, so many forty something's are off now have kids and the like, so we may see these guys returning as the years progress.

[Blunny]

There's a good group of youngsters (mid-late teens, early 20's) developing up and around the Wigan area. They've even managed to get themselves a venue and event sorted out.

Check it out in the events calendar.....

According to their facebook page, there looks to be a good attendance in the offing.

[Guest allnightandy]

There's a good group of youngsters (mid-late teens, early 20's) developing up and around the Wigan area. They've even managed to get themselves a venue and event sorted out.

Check it out in the events calendar.....

According to their facebook page, there looks to be a good attendance in the offing.

That's fantastic , and of course it's part of their heritage

The "God fathers of our scene should help them in every way possible

like sending big name DJ's up there to draw even more kids in !

Edited March 28, 2012 by allnightandy

[Winnie :-)]

Well the bulk of us are in our 50's even 60's so what i would like to know is are there any in their 20's like the young lad that Ady mentioned ,

and are there enough to keep the scene together when we are gone ?

There's a few in their twenties floating about, but don't expect a massive influx onto a scene that is currently fixated by it's own unwritten rules, because it just won't happen. For me, for a younger element to get truly involved then the music has to be able to stand alone, as we can't rely on the ''coolness'' element because as PTP and others have pointed out, we're all very old so not cool. For the music to stand alone it has to be accessible, because of the chosen format of the current scene, it isn't, and yes I know there's lots of good 10 and 20 pound records available, but it's still a fair bit of wedge for someone on a low income (due to age) when all the other elements are taken into consideration, beer, women/men clothes etc etc, I suspect that these sorts of things will not create the dedication seen on todays scene. What might happen is a mirror of our own scene amongst youngsters but with the rules and regulations much more relaxed, which is probably the best we can hope for as a legacy?

[Jumpinjoan]

This always makes me chuckle. When I first started going to nighters as a fresh faced 16 year old no one gave a back drop about whether us young uns would keep the scene going. As for welcoming us with open arms? Forget it! If anything they made it harder, especially when it came to buying records.

I liked it though and wouldn't have had it any other way so what does that say about me

[Simsy]

so what does that say about me

That you think the same as me.

We were so fresh faced, but no one made it easy for us as you say...

Buzzard 85 - Joan, Simsy & 'Weasil' in the crowd..

Photo by Jon Buck.

[Jumpinjoan]

That you think the same as me.

We were so fresh faced, but no one made it easy for us as you say...

Buzzard 85 - Joan, Simsy & 'Weasil' in the crowd..

Photo by Jon Buck.

That's such a great photo!

[KevH]

I'm 53 you know.And always the youngest where i go.

[KevH]

I was called young at an event of late :lol:

Can we ask whats classed as young Mr all niter before we go on!

I meant Carl Jung.Did i mention i'm 53.?

[Dylan]

^{its just the odd few no where near enough to keep a scene going.}

[Guest BAKUNIN]

Been off the scene for the last 12 months or so for personal reasons

but having been to a couple off all nighters again lately this layoff has allowed me to sit back and look objectively at the scene.

Afraid to say it has seemed a bit flat and dare I say it dated

Not too many youngsters and by that I mean under 40!

Everybody it seems is over that age so yes a few more years

and I think thats it as far as allnighters "just for the music" is concerned.

ROB

[Spacehopper]

there will never be masses of teens as in the days of the casino or even the mod revival days but i believe as those in their 50s+ give it up for doing the garden on a sunday instead of the recovery position..the next generttion of 'youngsters' will carry it on.....probably more like late 20s/30s and 40s,whether getting back into it or discovering it first time round...go go children in bristol (big-ish city) is evidence of this average age would be early 40s i reckon....

i dont think you can expect youngsters to travel to sports halls out of town and be surrounded by oldies...but some of em might in 10 years time...but then maybe the typical soul nite will change as it has over the years..who knows....none of us,no matter how many times we talk about it!! ;-)

dean

[Guest Dave Turner]

I think that most UK kids today see it as old hat populated by a load of old f**kers. Let's face it when we were 18 or so did we want to hang around folks of around 50. I know I didn't. A comparison I can make is when Iwas 16 did I want to wear drainpipes, have a ducks arse haircut and backdrop to Bill Haley .. did I fook.

Interesting that historically Japan has always had more of a following for non-dancefloor friendly soul such as deep soul for instance. Old guys over there in bars and cafe's etc enjoying deep emotional soul whilst downing a few beers and some scoff. Personally I'd like to see more of that over here myself. When it comes to deep soul and such they really know there stuff with some collections to kill for. While UK collectors/dealers were pulling Northern out of the States they were pulling out the deep stuff but I digress.

I feel the majority of kids don't want to be like their parents, they want their own identity that's a million miles from what mum & dad do. So the deeper stuff appealing to the old 'uns in Japan the kids over there are thinking fook that I want some excitement. They're out there doing what their parents didn't do. Not sure how big the following is in Japan but it seems to me there's more kids into it over there than here.

Anyone understand what I'm trying to say 'cause I don't

Anyway, good on 'em

Edited March 28, 2012 by Dave Turner

[Stevie T]

there are a quite a few mainly down south male & female , they do travel , good crowd as well , nice , friendly and very sharp Dressers

seen the numbers grow, not great numbers but a start . last kings hall , was a group of very young people , all in bags vests etc

but each to their own .

being bothered about it ? nah! not really ! ...ill be dead

[Len]

This always makes me chuckle. When I first started going to nighters as a fresh faced 16 year old no one gave a back drop about whether us young uns would keep the scene going. As for welcoming us with open arms? Forget it! If anything they made it harder, especially when it came to buying records.

I liked it though and wouldn't have had it any other way so what does that say about me

He he, me to - As discussed aye Joan?!

Len.

[pikeys dog]

That's fantastic , and of course it's part of their heritage

The "God fathers of our scene should help them in every way possible

like sending big name DJ's up there to draw even more kids in !

The best thing the "God Fathers of the scene" could do is keep well clear, and let them get on with it without outside influence - especially any DJ above 30.

Controversial to some, I know.

[John Reed]

I've always wondered why people worry so much about the lack of young people on the current scene(s). Maybe it's the realisation that people are getting old, or the worry that the scene they know and love won't carry on in the same way that it currently is.

I'm also not convinced that youth in the UK with enter the current scene in abundance and carry the torch that people keep hoping. There will always be youngsters entering the scene, but I think those are the exceptions rather than the rule.

I do think that club nights outside the UK don't have the baggage there is here and are evolving in their own way even though there's cross pollination with DJ's and punters.

Alternative dance scenes are primarily youth driven, where people look for an alternative to the current mainstream club culture and it's the success and longevity of the Northern scene that I think leads its many issues.

Most alternative dance scenes get popular for a while and then lose favour and generally disappear from the mainstream (Rock & Roll/Mod/Rare Groove/(Acid) Jazz/2-Step/Jazz-Funk), only to rise again with a different set of people at the helm with fresh ideas and this hasn't happened to Northern Soul. It's carried on albeit fractured and fragmented, but with essentially the same people who were around in the 70's/80's with all the baggage that's built up over the last 40 years. Also, probably the biggest factor is that young people don't like clubbing with their Mum and Dad let alone their Nan or Granddad, it's just un-cool. Today's good club DJ's are slick showmen who have honed their craft, and young people wont put up with bad-cuing and mumbling over the microphone which the Northern scene does suffer from. Venues also have to sharpen-up to attract youth, going to a working mans club in the middle of nowhere is not going to attract people, whereas a slick and trendy club in a city centre is where any growth will be.

I think the scene will come to a natural end in about 10-15 years time, when people do die or become too old travel miles to attend venues, with the general Niter scene being one the first things to go. One or two corner-stone niters will remain, leaving soul nights and weekenders to carry on and then for them to eventually cease. Record prices will crash as no-one wants them, but that's the general rule of supply and demand with any commodity.

The appreciation of Soul will never completely die and maybe it will morph in a similar scene to the blues scene where old men periodically meet in a room above a pub showing off their rare 78's to each other. Scene wise it will rise again, maybe when future club DJ's look to gain an edge over their rivals and maybe play something different to get them noticed and turn heads and so the cycle begins again.

So I don't think we should worry about a lack of youth attendance and just enjoy it for what its, (hopefully) a good night out.

[Guest Gazfunk]

I'm probably one of the young 'uns but I'm not such a huge fan of Northern Soul. I run and dj at various mod nights, as well as funk nights both in Belfast and throughout the world.

I've been doing this since I was about 21 and I'm now 32. I do like & have some Northern in my collection and have occassionally dj'd at Northern nights, but a lot of people I know of my age (and younger) aren't particularly into the Northern sound.

It seems (in Belfast anyway) that the younger guys are more into "mod" sounds, and quite a few are now into the garage/psych stuff. I can hardly think of anyone in Belfast of my age or younger into it, though I'm sure it's different in other towns/cities. From what they've said to me, they think it's mainly for older folk and find the music a bit "lame" and they get embarrassed watching people of their parent's age squeezing into polo shirts and "soul steppin'"

Not my view by the way, just what some of my mates have said to me.

[Dave Pinch]

Interesting that historically Japan has always had more of a following for non-dancefloor friendly soul such as deep soul for instance. Old guys over there in bars and cafe's etc enjoying deep emotional soul whilst downing a few beers and some scoff. Personally I'd like to see more of that over here myself. When it comes to deep soul and such they really know there stuff with some collections to kill for. While UK collectors/dealers were pulling Northern out of the States they were pulling out the deep stuff but I digress.

a good point that dave and i think its the way forward.. but ommitting the deep soul for somethin a little faster. we try to do this at the H & G chillout. which was set up for folk to come have a drink and a bite to eat on a sunday afternoon and listen to some music.. yes maybe later on when theyve had a beer there is dancing but thats not what we do it for

Edited March 28, 2012 by dave pinch

[paultp]

The best thing the "God Fathers of the scene" could do is keep well clear, and let them get on with it without outside influence - especially any DJ above 30.

Controversial to some, I know.

+1

[Stevie T]

I'm probably one of the young 'uns but I'm not such a huge fan of Northern Soul. I run and dj at various mod nights, as well as funk nights both in Belfast and throughout the world.

I've been doing this since I was about 21 and I'm now 32. I do like & have some Northern in my collection and have occassionally dj'd at Northern nights, but a lot of people I know of my age (and younger) aren't particularly into the Northern sound.

It seems (in Belfast anyway) that the younger guys are more into "mod" sounds, and quite a few are now into the garage/psych stuff. I can hardly think of anyone in Belfast of my age or younger into it, though I'm sure it's different in other towns/cities. From what they've said to me, they think it's mainly for older folk and find the music a bit "lame" and they get embarrassed watching people of their parent's age squeezing into polo shirts and "soul steppin'"

Not my view by the way, just what some of my mates have said to me.

I kind of agree , i am one of the old ones , if you bitten by the music , nothing and no one will stop you , if not bitten straight away

turning up at a N.S do can be quite frightening , ie us old folk dressed in vest and baggies

But most of the Mod side tends to lend itself better to younger crowds , ie first impression and all that , just my view of course

[Guest Gazfunk]

I think as well that younger guys want to go to nights where there are girls and in a lot of the NS dos I've been at, it's mainly older people so for younger guys, there's no "eye candy" for them to look at (though I'm sure there are some very pretty "older" ladies!!)

That seems to be a pretty big factor for the younger group, so a lot of them don't bother going to the nights. I'm sure for a lot of people who are into the NS thing, it's not about going to a do "on the pull" and it's mainly about the music but realistically, for young 'uns nowadays, it's pretty important to them.

[John Moffatt]

Interesting that historically Japan has always had more of a following for non-dancefloor friendly soul such as deep soul for instance. Old guys over there in bars and cafe's etc enjoying deep emotional soul whilst downing a few beers and some scoff. Personally I'd like to see more of that over here myself. When it comes to deep soul and such they really know there stuff with some collections to kill for. While UK collectors/dealers were pulling Northern out of the States they were pulling out the deep stuff but I digress.

a good point that dave and i think its the way forward.. but ommitting the deep soul for somethin a little faster. we try to do this at the H & G chillout. which was set up for folk to come have a drink and a bite to eat on a sunday afternoon and listen to some music.. yes maybe later on when theyve had a beer there is dancing but thats not what we do it for

Excellent point Dave. There are more and more of these chill-out sessions starting up, mainly, but not always, on Sunday afternoons. The H&G in Donnie was the first locally (for me at any rate), before I started the Washington in Sheffield. Then there's The Kingstone in Barnsley, The Castle Bar in Conisborough and others. I can see it now - the scene in another 20 years where they run northern soul tea afternoons at the Happy Valley Retirement Home, where you'll be able to try the Zimmer backdrop or wheelchair spins . Hey Ho! Bet they won't let us use talc though. Time for a nap nurse.

[Chalky]

But most of the Mod side tends to lend itself better to younger crowds , ie first impression and all that , just my view of course

That will probably be where the direction of the scene goes in the future when the old un's have disappeared, more mod, R&B and other genres that many kids today enjoy. It will be mostly in pockets rather than nationwide IMO, City Centre venues especially those with a large Student population.

Who knows though there might be a full Northern Soul revival/re-discovery in 20 years time when there is no one left from the original scene to tell them all what they are doing wrong, what they can collect and what format and how to dance and behave at a venue!!

[Ceejay]

The best thing the "God Fathers of the scene" could do is keep well clear, and let them get on with it without outside influence - especially any DJ above 30.

Controversial to some, I know.

Totally agree..................let them do their own thing..............make their own scene............let it evolve even further!!!

[Guest Sujka]

Finally it feels like I need to write this time. I have loved soul music since I was 15 years old which is not a long time ago.. I'm turning 20 years old this summer. But I'm indeed a truly soul-fan. Collecting, playing records and attending to soul-nighter. And I actually moved today to UK from Sweden.. Simply because the scene is bigger here and yeah soul music is happiness for me.

[Little-stevie]

Finally it feels like I need to write this time. I have loved soul music since I was 15 years old which is not a long time ago.. I'm turning 20 years old this summer. But I'm indeed a truly soul-fan. Collecting, playing records and attending to soul-nighter. And I actually moved today to UK from Sweden.. Simply because the scene is bigger here and yeah soul music is happiness for me.

Welcome to the uk Sara, look forward to catching up sometime..

[Geeselad]

When I and many others got into it in the 8t's there wasnt all that many kids on the scene that were my own age. It doesnt have to about a massive influx of teeners onto the scene over say a couple of years, people drift into it in their late 2o's and early 30's, lets face it mainstream entertainment seems to cater primarly for the under 25's, a safe environment with its own culture can seem quiet appealing. A guy recently said to me that his busy, town centre, oldies night's biggest attraction wasnt the music it was not seeing anyone fighting or pucking, just people being civilised, there'll always be a market for that.

[Mark Bicknell]

The best thing the "God Fathers of the scene" could do is keep well clear, and let them get on with it without outside influence - especially any DJ above 30.

Controversial to some, I know.

Here, here totally with you on that mate.

Mark Bicknell.

[Col Wolfe]

There's a good group of youngsters (mid-late teens, early 20's) developing up and around the Wigan area. They've even managed to get themselves a venue and event sorted out.

Check it out in the events calendar.....

According to their facebook page, there looks to be a good attendance in the offing.

this is great! as long as loads of old farts don't turn up and spoil it!

[Ben Summers]

We had a 20 year old Tomas McGrath DJing at the 100 Club on Saturday and he impressed everyone hugely so plenty of Northern life in the south!

Fantastic. Great records. And Tomas jointly runs his own little do in London, 'Pork and Beans', which is full of enthusiastic young people his age. (I was grateful they let me in!)

[Guest giant]

iam 56 years old feel young hope to around for another 56 years :lol:

[Guest smudgesmith]

I meant Carl Jung.Did i mention i'm 53.?

You whipper snapper!!!!

[Tabs]

Probably one of the most refreshing statements I've read in a long time.

Finally it feels like I need to write this time. I have loved soul music since I was 15 years old which is not a long time ago.. I'm turning 20 years old this summer. But I'm indeed a truly soul-fan. Collecting, playing records and attending to soul-nighter. And I actually moved today to UK from Sweden.. Simply because the scene is bigger here and yeah soul music is happiness for me.

[dedji1955]

There's a good group of youngsters (mid-late teens, early 20's) developing up and around the Wigan area. They've even managed to get themselves a venue and event sorted out.

Check it out in the events calendar.....

According to their facebook page, there looks to be a good attendance in the offing.

Having just got back n the scene I was surprised at the amount of youngsters who attend some of the events around wigan, some as young as 17 and some even tag along with their parents.

I even met the daughter of Harry Green who was one of the main casino bouncers

However at 56 I was one of the young uns when I attended the Twisted Wheel, but after all I was only 16 when it closed in 1971

[Guest DeeJay]

Interesting read, and sadly, very insular view. Northern soul, is world -wide .Strange to believe the scene will die in 10-15 years!!!! I DJ regularly at the Seattle weekender. It's very well attended, with a super enthusiastic audience, and a very high quality in music.No one cares of age, or rarity (having said that, theres a strictly original vinyl policy in place).

Here's a few sample photos to give you an idea of the scene outside of the UK. I wouldsay the average age is 24!!!

DJ

[Casper]

there is a large and growing movement in younger people ... stoke all nighter , bolton all nighter , blackhearts all nighter nottingham, dome london all dayers , all attract a healthy and growing following , as do the many Mod culture nights and soul nights around the country ... these people love to mix with the older crowd too , they are eager to ask how it was and then make it their own in thier own way .and thats fine and it works well ... and if you show them respect they will respect you in return , we always have a great time with them, lovely people all of em !

check this out

https://www.nytimes.c...thern-soul.html

pictures and a film in the right hand corner ..

pete n' susan ktf

Edited March 29, 2012 by casper

[Dylan]

When I and many others got into it in the 8t's there wasnt all that many kids on the scene that were my own age. It doesnt have to about a massive influx of teeners onto the scene over say a couple of years, people drift into it in their late 2o's and early 30's, lets face it mainstream entertainment seems to cater primarly for the under 25's, a safe environment with its own culture can seem quiet appealing. A guy recently said to me that his busy, town centre, oldies night's biggest attraction wasnt the music it was not seeing anyone fighting or pucking, just people being civilised, there'll always be a market for that.

I think thats a good point a lot of people do find or drift into this scene as tyhery get a bit older.

As for dress sense on the northewrn scene you don't see too many sharply dressed folk. Just the odd one here and there.