Venues Too `sterile`?

[Orotava]

Following on from the recent thread about Mr M`s - it brought back so many memories.  Wigan was the only Allnighter I ever attended from 1976 to 1981, and somehow a crumbling, rabbit warren, wreck of a place with nicotine condensation dripping off the ceilings & walls somehow added to the `magic` of the place.  I attend soul nights again now but they tend to be in social clubs etc. and I just wonder whether holding them in such `sterile` places detracts from the atmosphere we all enjoyed back in the day.

 

There could well be venues around today that match WC (though I think the Health & Safety bods would probably take a dim view of such places).

 

Are the new breed of Soulies happy with what`s out there?  I guess if they have nothing to compare it to then they`ll never know?

 

 

Edited June 22, 2013 by Orotava

[Zed1]

Following on from the recent thread about Mr M`s - it brought back so many memories.  Wigan was the only Allnighter I ever attended from 1976 to 1981, and somehow a crumbling, rabbit warren, wreck of a place with nicotine condensation dripping off the ceilings & walls somehow added to the `magic` of the place.  I attend soul nights again now but they tend to be in social clubs etc. and I just wonder whether holding them in such `sterile` places detracts from the atmosphere we all enjoyed back in the day.

 

There could well be venues around today that match WC (though I think the Health & Safety bods would probably take a dim view of such places).

 

Are the new breed of Soulies happy with what`s out there?  I guess if they have nothing to compare it to then they`ll never know?

 

 

Most people frankly couldn't  give a flying fook about the atmosphere in a venue. As long as their mates are there, it's got a late bar, and all the DJ's have a copy of Ruby Andrews then they'll have a good night.

[Spacehopper]

never went to wigan but plenty of venues still like it in my time (80s)...agree a venue does add something and social clubs/sports hall can be great nites but do have something missing IMO...still some great venues out there being used though...went to a new one last weekend..in the forest of dean glos. a miners hall with a dancefloor paid for by U.S GI's ..real retro brilliant!

 

dean

[Spacehopper]

Most people frankly couldn't  give a flying fook about the atmosphere in a venue. As long as their mates are there, it's got a late bar, and all the DJ's have a copy of Ruby Andrews then they'll have a good night.

sad but true...I f+++++ hate that song!

 

dean

[Louise]

Following on from the recent thread about Mr M`s - it brought back so many memories.  Wigan was the only Allnighter I ever attended from 1976 to 1981, and somehow a crumbling, rabbit warren, wreck of a place with nicotine condensation dripping off the ceilings & walls somehow added to the `magic` of the place.  I attend soul nights again now but they tend to be in social clubs etc. and I just wonder whether holding them in such `sterile` places detracts from the atmosphere we all enjoyed back in the day.

 

There could well be venues around today that match WC (though I think the Health & Safety bods would probably take a dim view of such places).

 

Are the new breed of Soulies happy with what`s out there?  I guess if they have nothing to compare it to then they`ll never know?

If it's a old school unhygienic allnighter your after try Bidds!!! Edited June 22, 2013 by Louise

[TOAD]

The magic was the atmosphere of huge attendance nothing to do with the building. A real shame about today's situation of a few hundred at each venue

[hullsoul]

Following on from the recent thread about Mr M`s - it brought back so many memories.  Wigan was the only Allnighter I ever attended from 1976 to 1981, and somehow a crumbling, rabbit warren, wreck of a place with nicotine condensation dripping off the ceilings & walls somehow added to the `magic` of the place.  I attend soul nights again now but they tend to be in social clubs etc. and I just wonder whether holding them in such `sterile` places detracts from the atmosphere we all enjoyed back in the day.

 

There could well be venues around today that match WC (though I think the Health & Safety bods would probably take a dim view of such places).

 

Are the new breed of Soulies happy with what`s out there?  I guess if they have nothing to compare it to then they`ll never know?

Get yourself to Empty Bottles in Leeds,seedy,tatty,grotty toilets,hot hell in summer,hot as hell in winter but music & atmosphere to die for.

A close second is Bradford rare & underplayed at mill lane,it's a great side room of a pub that's like "Shameless",again a night full with atmosphere & great music.

Just behind them is the new room for Driving Beat in Leeds,a great room with a small raised dancefloor but most were dancing on the stone floor but who cared as there was such a buzz & music to match.

So yes still some interesting room to be found.

Cheers

Martyn

Edited June 22, 2013 by hullsoul

[Ted Massey]

Bidds is a shit ole lol

[Derek Pearson]

Get yourself to Empty Bottles in Leeds,

A close second is Bradford rare & underplayed at mill lane,

Just behind them is the new room for Driving Beat in Leeds,

Cheers  Martyn

 

Blimey Martyn are you're looking to move and buy a new house somewhere in west yorkshire hahaha.

 

You know you'd be made most welcome.

 

derek x

[Louise]

Bidds is a shit ole lol

Even when the pattern on the new wall paper matches your shirt !

You middle-class poser Ted.

Seriously when and why did the northern scene become snobs, people used to go out for the music not the feckin' decor.

Dave

Edited June 22, 2013 by Louise

[Ted Massey]

They asked me specially Dave young business man of the year you

[Hornet]

Most people frankly couldn't  give a flying fook about the atmosphere in a venue. As long as their mates are there, it's got a late bar, and all the DJ's have a copy of Ruby Andrews then they'll have a good night.

totall bollox

[hullsoul]

Blimey Martyn are you're looking to move and buy a new house somewhere in west yorkshire hahaha.

 

You know you'd be made most welcome.

 

derek x

Derek

No way..............I like the hour drive to keep away from you lot,I don't mind coming over as a missionary now & then  

Cheers

Martyn

[Zed1]

totall bollox

 

The general idea (for the purpose of debate) is when you post comments like this is to say exactly 'why' you think it's "total bollox"?.....

[Wilxy]

I don't think "sterility", venue wise comes into it , when you consider for example the likes of the Stirling Suite, (later Stars and stripes) in Yate, or the St Ivo recreation centre  in comparison to Wigan Casino, the music and the people attending were probably the reason for their popularity, rather than the decor etc.......However I understand the sentiment attached to the older venues.   

Edited June 22, 2013 by wilxy

[Derek Pearson]

Hate to be the one to mention it again but as many of us on here have well passed the 50 mark that 3 letter word begins with A and ends in E has a bearing on everything we do.

 

The nights of WC were over 30 years ago when most of us had 20 inch waists and lorry loads of enthusiasm.

 

If we could go back in time to Station Road I bet the top 3 most overheard comments would be - I were buggered after climbing all those stairs to get in - Ooh it were too warm - Ooh and there weren't enough seats. And most decent folk were simply too frightened to even talk about the T word (To, Toi, Toil....)

 

For me anyway the days of going radio rental at venues have long gone. I've been round the block so many times I've got parking tickets.

 

Things change and we all bend and sway like a willow in the wind.

 

We can't always have a great time when we go out.

 

Derek x

[Guest nsoulxx]

Music is the main thing but the venue is mega important. Not how posh or shit the decor is but I just think soul sounds so more right when it's dark and in an older venue. Some places are quite fresh and new but lack any atmosphere and have terrible acoustics, for example Radcliffe civic hall is terrible which is a shame because the music is great but the main room is weird, it's hard to make out lyrics.

Parr hall brilliant, kings hall brilliant, Bury town hall brilliant, sheridans brilliant. If you want old and smelly but good atmosphere then try Mr catos do at the old nags head in Manchester upstairs, it's like the land that cleaning products forgot but just right too in that soul venue way.

Wooden dance floor dim lights and chairs and it's posh enough for me, throw in a mix of dj's with the power to make your spirits lift with a sprinkle of memories and what a night it will be.

Loads of my friends at work just don't get it but are fascinated enough to ask me questions all the time about the music, the venues and the people because they can see what it means to me. Anyway I'm rambling sorry folks

[Steve G]

There was a do once under London bridge station at a sh*t hole. Allegedly someone got a rare infection from the wall and nearly died.....Clean armchairs please  

[NEV]

There was a do once under London bridge station at a sh*t hole. Allegedly someone got a rare infection from the wall and nearly died.....Clean armchairs please

Preferably those fancy massage chairs inbetween dances ,and maybe throw in a foot massage for those aching feet

[KevH]

Bidds is a shit ole lol

 

Nice bit of PR Ted.!!!  .

Was'nt there a venue in Manchester called "At Your convenience"? Held in a former toilet block.George M had some input.?

[Rotherham Soul]

 

Was'nt there a venue in Manchester called "At Your convenience"? Held in a former toilet block.George M had some input.

Yup! just up the road from the Ritz round the corner "on Bridgewater Street"?

[Guest Krissii]

The danceoor is important i think . WC (main room) had a great dancefloor , so did Rotherham Clifton Hall and Brighouse Ritz is great to dance on If a dancefloor is say concrete , it is tiring physically and then that wears you out emotionally too, without even realising it . Also some dancefloors are intimadating , especially smaller ones or if the lighting is too bright (WC was very dark and big ) or if it is raised . Things like that matter i think .

[Dekka]

What a stupid thread

 

People don't go to places because of how clean or unclean they are,

 

they go because it suits their musical preference.

[Jo Law]

What a stupid thread

 

People don't go to places because of how clean or unclean they are,

 

they go because it suits their musical preference.

SPOT ON---

[Steve G]

The danceoor is important i think . WC (main room) had a great dancefloor , so did Rotherham Clifton Hall and Brighouse Ritz is great to dance on If a dancefloor is say concrete , it is tiring physically and then that wears you out emotionally too, without even realising it . Also some dancefloors are intimadating , especially smaller ones or if the lighting is too bright (WC was very dark and big ) or if it is raised . Things like that matter i think .

 

Yes I have seen a venue with a concrete dance floor. And lino is pretty awful too..... 

[Derek Pearson]

Nice bit of PR Ted.!!!  .

Was'nt there a venue in Manchester called "At Your convenience"? Held in a former toilet block.George M had some input.?

 

 

Yup! just up the road from the Ritz round the corner "on Bridgewater Street"?

 

Used to absolutely love going The Temple Of Convenience before The Ritz all-nighters in Manchester circa late 1990's.

Good old vinyl rascals like Dean Johnson, Alan Darker & Phil Wainwright spring to mind.

DJ'd there a few times as well.

The dance floor was shit and the one cubicle toilet was no better. Infact the toilet was bigger than the dancefloor; come to think of it there was no dancefloor.

Now they were happy days.

derek x

 

I'm laughing as I'm typing this as I just remembered getting myself locked in the / that toilet cubicle once? I'd somehow closed / locked the door behind me or whatever (toilets like that were expressly forbidden by law not to have locks on....) and somehow the door / cubicle frame shifted and I couldn't pull the door open from the inside. Don't forget toilets like that were expressly forbidden by law not to have any sort of handle on....Had to ask a girl that was stood outside the cubicle to push on the door.

 

You just can't make these things up.

 

And they say good comedy writes itself..........

[Guest BAKUNIN]

CATACOMBS.......SWEAT ON THE WALLS AND DARK AND DINGY.......SOUL HEAVEN

[Micksmix]

Used to absolutely love going The Temple Of Convenience before The Ritz all-nighters in Manchester circa late 1990's.

Good old vinyl rascals like Dean Johnson, Alan Darker & Phil Wainwright spring to mind.

DJ'd there a few times as well.

The dance floor was shit and the one cubicle toilet was no better. Infact the toilet was bigger than the dancefloor; come to think of it there was no dancefloor.

Now they were happy days.

derek x

 

I'm laughing as I'm typing this as I just remembered getting myself locked in the / that toilet cubicle once? I'd somehow closed / locked the door behind me or whatever (toilets like that were expressly forbidden by law not to have locks on....) and somehow the door / cubicle frame shifted and I couldn't pull the door open from the inside. Don't forget toilets like that were expressly forbidden by law not to have any sort of handle on....Had to ask a girl that was stood outside the cubicle to push on the door.

 

You just can't make these things up.

 

And they say good comedy writes itself..........

Yep,happy days Derek,the toilets were also uni-sex hmmm 

[Guest gordon russell]

Nice bit of PR Ted.!!!  .

Was'nt there a venue in Manchester called "At Your convenience"? Held in a former toilet block.George M had some input.?

george micheal?

[Orotava]

What a stupid thread

 

People don't go to places because of how clean or unclean they are,

 

they go because it suits their musical preference.

 

 

I wasn`t suggesting that people do and sorry you think it`s a stupid thread. 

 

I recently went to a soul night held in a spotless social club, brightly lit, tables and chairs everywhere, small concrete dance floor, pristine facilities, clean and tidy bar etc. but despite some great records being played there it just had no atmosphere and I might as well have listened to a load of records at home is all I`m saying

Edited June 23, 2013 by Orotava

[Guest gordon russell]

What a stupid thread

 

People don't go to places because of how clean or unclean they are,

 

they go because it suits their musical preference.

That is absolutely correct mate........but somehow l do prefer the seedier places (if what l like is on offer) sheridens was a goodun for that.

Does make me smile as well when you see some do's advertised......ie  "newly refurbished!,lovely carpet,hand polished maple floor"ect ect.......as you say what does that matter lol.............one other thing that makes me smile inwardly  is  do's  where people rush to get a table   TO SIT AT!!!  bit like me mum at the railway club on a dinner,dance night.......get a table and stand up  that's usually a sign of good nighter crowd.

[Linky]

Get yourself to Empty Bottles in Leeds,seedy,tatty,grotty toilets,hot hell in summer,hot as hell in winter but music & atmosphere to die for.

A close second is Bradford rare & underplayed at mill lane,it's a great side room of a pub that's like "Shameless",again a night full with atmosphere & great music.

Just behind them is the new room for Driving Beat in Leeds,a great room with a small raised dancefloor but most were dancing on the stone floor but who cared as there was such a buzz & music to match.

So yes still some interesting room to be found.

Cheers

Martyn

Been to both Empty Bottles and the new Driving Beat in the last couple of months and fully agree. A little bit shabby but a fabulous atmosphere and great music - which is what it's all about isn't it?

Also, Different Strokes at the Nags Head - love the toilet upstairs with the shower!!! Once again though, great atmosphere and music more than makes up for the decor.

Linky

 

[Dekka]

That is absolutely correct mate........but somehow l do prefer the seedier places (if what l like is on offer) sheridens was a goodun for that.

Does make me smile as well when you see some do's advertised......ie  "newly refurbished!,lovely carpet,hand polished maple floor"ect ect.......as you say what does that matter lol.............one other thing that makes me smile inwardly  is  do's  where people rush to get a table   TO SIT AT!!!  bit like me mum at the railway club on a dinner,dance night.......get a table and stand up  that's usually a sign of good nighter crowd.

 

Aye up Terry, how ya doing mate

 

yep agree, especially sheridans, bleeding freezing in the winter.

 

The music took us there, as all the places you and I frequented.

 

The music is the driver, fook what the place looks like.

 

As for the places the grockles go to, wouldn't be seen dead not because of the venue but because of them.

[Sceneman]

its indefinable what makes the ambiance and atmosphere in a dive ,back then they were shiteholes but everyone was on narcotics so didnt notice the paint on the walls or the grimey ceiling and no air vents 

[Phild]

Derek

No way..............I like the hour drive to keep away from you lot,I don't mind coming over as a missionary now & then  

Cheers

Martyn

 

You know you really wish you were from (real) Yorkshire.

 

You even support a West Yorkshire footy team. Even though its the wrong one

[hullsoul]

You know you really wish you were from (real) Yorkshire.

 

You even support a West Yorkshire footy team. Even though its the wrong one

Phil

:lol:.........no I don't HONEST........I happy in the East Riding.......gods own country.

I may support the premier Yorkshire football team (The Mighty Leeds) but really I support a proper team from a proper sport...........Hull Kingston Rovers,come the Robins

Cheers

Martyn

[Guest manusf3a]

Atmoshere,its a combination of many variables coming together and hitting it just right of course the venue will matter but if its only half full and the floor sparse of dancers most of the night it can be either the seediest or plushest place out and it wont matter with of course the wrong sort of music being played a big ee variable,what does a mass crowd or type of building  matter if certain dj s kill the floor for long periods of time.Also atmospheres can fade over a venues lifetime?

Edited June 23, 2013 by manusf3a

[Guest manusf3a]

That is absolutely correct mate........but somehow l do prefer the seedier places (if what l like is on offer) sheridens was a goodun for that.

Does make me smile as well when you see some do's advertised......ie  "newly refurbished!,lovely carpet,hand polished maple floor"ect ect.......as you say what does that matter lol.............one other thing that makes me smile inwardly  is  do's  where people rush to get a table   TO SIT AT!!!  bit like me mum at the railway club on a dinner,dance night.......get a table and stand up  that's usually a sign of good nighter crowd.

Not to forget booking a hotel to phooket off to at four when the bar shuts.

[Agentsmith]

catacombs, spiritual home for me and the best learning curve that the west midlands had to offer, finger on the pulse tunes, courtesy of max, pep etc, just the greatest dancers wigan ever witnessed, great camaraderie, dark, twisty-turny, alcoved, renowned for a pressure cooker atmosphere, sweat riddled and a minescule dancefloor plus, lurking hidden dangers called concrete beams hanging over the tiny stage....( ooh, me 'ead!! )      

[Guest gordon russell]

Aye up Terry, how ya doing mate

 

yep agree, especially sheridans, bleeding freezing in the winter.

 

The music took us there, as all the places you and I frequented.

 

The music is the driver, fook what the place looks like.

 

As for the places the grockles go to, wouldn't be seen dead not because of the venue but because of them.

HA! HA!.......grockles  love it!!

[Guest gordon russell]

catacombs, spiritual home for me and the best learning curve that the west midlands had to offer, finger on the pulse tunes, courtesy of max, pep etc, just the greatest dancers wigan ever witnessed, great camaraderie, dark, twisty-turny, alcoved, renowned for a pressure cooker atmosphere, sweat riddled and a minescule dancefloor plus, lurking hidden dangers called concrete beams hanging over the tiny stage....( ooh, me 'ead!! )      

Was there on the last night.........you could scrape the paint off the wall with your fingernail....

[Guest gordon russell]

Not to forget booking a hotel to phooket off to at four when the bar shuts.

Ain,t that the truth..........whats that about    it,s called an  allnighter.....the clues in the title  lol

[Soulsider]

^{Small venue in Blackpool described as having "a 70s feel about it."}

 

^{Nothing spent on it for the past 40 years - old furniture, dance floor talced to death, toilets  urgh.}

 

^{Sterile?  Nah. Useful or acceptable to anyone else but the soul fraternity?  Not a chance.} 

[Hornet]

I wasn`t suggesting that people do and sorry you think it`s a stupid thread. 

 

I recently went to a soul night held in a spotless social club, brightly lit, tables and chairs everywhere, small concrete dance floor, pristine facilities, clean and tidy bar etc. but despite some great records being played there it just had no atmosphere and I might as well have listened to a load of records at home is all I`m

saying

i had similar thoughts about the TOTW revival niter ,despite catching up with friends & enjoying the late bar !

[Guest manusf3a]

catacombs, spiritual home for me and the best learning curve that the west midlands had to offer, finger on the pulse tunes, courtesy of max, pep etc, just the greatest dancers wigan ever witnessed, great camaraderie, dark, twisty-turny, alcoved, renowned for a pressure cooker atmosphere, sweat riddled and a minescule dancefloor plus, lurking hidden dangers called concrete beams hanging over the tiny stage....( ooh, me 'ead!! )      

Love those four smileys especially the two at the end,those two are a fine advert for an all nighter or top of the mob soul club!!!

[Little-stevie]

Regarding your comments above on our venue..  I will look into cleaning products and maybe a lock on the door of that upstairs toilet

 

Regards

 

Steve Cato....

[charliew]

Reckon a good night can be judged as you walk in the door before you even see or take in the decor etc , these nights are few and far between now a days but they carry there own magic due to dj lineup and numbers, dont get me wrong ive had many a great night with 50 folk or less but then it was as much for the social side alongside the music, i think the most important ingredients for a good night are friendships (old & new) Quality Music, & Numbers, get them right and you wont go far wrong wether its in a barn or the Hilton hotel

[charliew]

Regarding your comments above on our venue..  I will look into cleaning products and maybe a lock on the door of that upstairs toilet

 

Regards

 

Steve Cato....

Dont go F&=@ING the natural ambience of the place Steve lol

[Guest manusf3a]

Reckon a good night can be judged as you walk in the door before you even see or take in the decor etc , these nights are few and far between now a days but they carry there own magic due to dj lineup and numbers, dont get me wrong ive had many a great night with 50 folk or less but then it was as much for the social side alongside the music, i think the most important ingredients for a good night are friendships (old & new) Quality Music, & Numbers, get them right and you wont go far wrong wether its in a barn or the Hilton hotel

Didn't Bletsoe prove this correct(going on what Ive heard as didn't go there myself),the nighter was held on a farmers land in old pig sheds with rigged up generaters and a caravan pushed up against the sheds that acted as an entrance,in the caravan door and through into the nighter via a hole cut in the wall(may be slightly different as I said I am passing on what I heard from folks I knew who went).My old mate Mick Gavin r.i.p bless him,used to tell me he loved it there,swallowing loads of dex spansules,script blues and whatever else then was relatively freely available to get well blocked and dance to top tunes then in the morning come out with your clothes all dirty but still buzzing like phook in the middle of the bedfordfordshire countryside.Sounded like a top nighter,couldnt get more seedy and dingy than that for a venue.All this many,many years before the era of the underground raves kept secret and held in old or not so old warehouses,naw ,naw,na,na na, soul all nighters were first and best!As for Gav he was one of the people who made them so good. Edited June 23, 2013 by manusf3a

[manus]

Paddy Shevlin recently ran an event underneath Brighton station - the dancefloor was cobblestones and concrete and the place was wet with condensation but it was a great event. Bit heavy on the old knees but people just got on with it and had a good dance and the atmosphere was buzzing and a good laugh.

 

Cheers

Manus