Allanton/Shotts Session @ True Soul Weekender Aug 2013

This Summer, the last weekend in August sees the True Soul Weekender taking place in Scotland.

Part of the events is a 5 hour session set up as a tribute to one of Scotlands top Rare Soul clubs "The Allanton/Shotts Allnighters" aka "The Ruff Cut Soul Club" with an amazing line up of some of THE original trend setting DJs from this Iconic club ......

Saturday afternoon 12 noon until 5pm:

“Hello is that Ruff Cutt? Is Scotland On?”

Once upon a time in the Wild Wild West (Scotland not the US of A that is) there was a bunch of outlaws lead by one Jim O’Hara, a real Desperate Dan type character, together with his outlaws they became known as the Ruff Cutt Gang. Now these scallys have escaped the lock ups and institutions that housed them and they are back for another hoedown, bringing you an afternoon of music and mayhem in tribute to One of the Scotland’s and the UK’s finest Rare Soul Clubs

The promotion team has put together a series of interviews, charts, lists and words to highlight this tribute....

The Allanton A team - That's Jim O'Hara with the full set of the resident DJs from wey back then (added 6th aug)

First off a 30 min interviews with Jim followed by many and i do mean many words from the people

30 minute interview in the West of Scotland July 2013

Interview of Jim O’Hara [Mr Ruff Cut] by Andy Whitmore [that funky kid] in reference to his Allanton/Shotts/Scotland all-nighters, circa 1987 TO 1991.

So Jim, who started The Allanton All-nighters and what, was the background of it all in the beginning?

Allanton was originally started by myself, Barney (Brian Welsh RIP)) and John Nielson, both whom I had known since I got into northern in the late 70's

John bowed out after a couple of months and it continued with myself and Brian until about 8 months in, when Brian also bowed out due to work commitments

So from about the 8th nighter, it was all left to yours truly !!!

The background to the all-nighter was basically that since the YMCA, Glenrothes (and previous to that, the brilliant Crown Hotel) all-nighter ran by Steve and Alan Walls had finished, there was no regular monthly all nighters in Scotland catering to the crowd who were into new 60's and good quality oldies.

So apart from a couple of good regular soul nights, most of us had to travel down south to hear something new and fresh.

In reality, Allanton was only really meant to be a "stop gap" until someone else took up the reigns again and ran a regular all-nighter in Edinburgh or somewhere else more prominent — let’s face it, Allanton is hardly a metropolis!!!!. Colin Law did run a couple of excellent nighters (Bilston Glen was one), but nothing regular, as i think he struggled to get a repeat venue due to the usual council policies etc.

Most people won’t actually remember, but the first Allanton all-nighter was advertised as “The West Of Scotland’s 1st Northern Soul All-Nighter”. This was basically due to the fact that previously, northern in Scotland tended to be more concentrated on the east side rather than the west side

Why Ruff Cut and Desperate Dan logo on flyers

Just a bit of a laugh to be honest Andy, we just thought it would be a bit of fun having something different, and as a couple of us tended not to shave that regular, then Ruff Cut was what we kind of were!!! (we did wash regularly BTW!)

For those that don’t know Desperate Dan was a paper comic character that never shaved!!

When did it all start?

Bloody hell, I think it was about 1988 to 1991/2 or maybe even 1987 to 1990/1 - it may even have been for longer - was it 3 years, or 4 ??? - I can't fuckin honestly remember - LOL!!!

What was the Music Policy?

From the northern side, i initially went along a similar route to the Glenrothes/Bilston Glen all-nighters by having the odd guest oldies DJ's from down south (e.g. Brian Rae), along with popular and more forward thinking DJ’s like Keb , Guy, Colin Law and a roster of Scottish DJs/collectors like jock O’Connor, Alan & Steve Walls, Mark Linton, Andy Dennison, Keith Whitson, Acky Buckan, Jim Tennant, Barney and a few others.

In the beginning however, (1987 i’m sure of it now — it’s all coming back to me???) we did have some Scottish “modern DJ’s” like Tom Jackson and Bob Jeffries etc. to try to capture the ever growing trendy modern crowd. “Modern soul” (as it was known then!) was getting very popular and as we were worried about the size of the venue being too large, we needed to capture this crowd too, to give us the best chance of filling the hall

This music policy worked short term, but as the all-nighter developed over those first few months, word started to spread about the quality of music, and particularly the enthusiasm of the scottish crowd and the atmosphere at Allanton. This resulted in more and more “northern punters”, and they wanted to hear more quality 60's rather than “modern” (although they would accept “proper 70’s/crossover”)

At the same time, the "trendy modern crowd" could not be relied upon to come regularly, meaning that I needed to make some changes with regards to the true Allanton music policy.

So, after about 8 months, I decided to concentrate more on booking quality dj’s and collectors to play a good variation of good quality 60's oldies, combined with newer 60's and "proper 70's"/ crossover - as opposed to the so called "2 step" that attracted the "trendy’s"

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What was your choice of DJs and why?

From the collectors and DJ's in Scotland who I knew well like Jock , Colin, Keith, Jim Tennant, Andy Dennison, Mark Linton, Acky, Alan Walls etc. I felt there were enough brilliant records around without having to regularly bring “big name” English DJ's north.

At the time, like most of us from Scotland, I was doing loads of travelling down south to more forward thinking venues like Blackburn, Chesterfield, Mexborough, 100 Club etc, and there were a lot of great DJs/collectors whom i had either got to know, heard DJ or had just heard good things about.

I found that the people whom i got to know that were attending these venues were a bit like me and the crowd i travelled with - they were keen to hear more new and underplayed 60’s from dj’s like - Guy, Butch, Keb, Colin Law etc.

But this crowd were also keen to hear lesser known collectors like Kitch, Dean Anderson, Graeme Ellis, Gilly, Ady Harley, Andy Whitmore, Gaz Kellet, Dave Molloy, Rob Wigley, Rob Marriot, Jock etc, who weren’t getting as many bookings as they should, due to various promoters tending to stick to the well known “oldies” DJ's.

These dj’s/collectors were “characters” through and through - they had been around, were well respected and knew their stuff. They weren’t playing played out oldies, but were discovering new sounds and people were keen to hear them rather than the usual “play safe” oldies dj’s.

Jim O'Hara and Gilly

So I decided that if I mixed some of these well respected English dj’s/collectors with the Scottish ones, i just knew that this would be a great combination, as the attitude of all these dj’s/collectors seemed to be very similar

(I would say that this policy had previously been done at small local soul nights, but had never really worked successfully at all- nighters before)

However, IT WORKED AT ALLANTON— AND THEN SOME!!!!!

This mixture of respected collectors and DJ's from both north and south created an incredible interest and buzz and attracted more and more people to travel as the months and years went on. The people that attended Allanton ALL seemed to be the same in terms of open mindedness, attitude, enthusiasm, etc.

I don’t remember experiencing this before, where everyone just seemed to be on exactly the same wavelength - well there were some like Ozzy, Woody etc. that may have been on a slightly different planet, never mind wavelength!!!!

It must be said though that apart from the excellent music and peoples attitude, the other overriding factor was enthusiasm of the crowd (initially created by the “scots”, but quickly adopted by all)

Scottish all-nighters were always about dancing and having a great time, and Allanton was no different. The “scots” had always been enthusiastic and were never afraid to really create a buzz at all-nighters, but many of the English people had never experienced this before and still talk about how they loved coming to Allanton, as the atmosphere was nothing like they had ever experienced before

Whilst some all-nighters down south were playing good quality music, a lot of them lacked atmosphere.

So, as far as music, friendliness, enthusiasm and atmosphere were concerned, it seemed the English crowd were getting something that they just couldn’t get down south — and they loved it, and couldn’t wait to come back!!!

From all those mentioned who DJ’d at Allanton (and those who haven’t been mentioned, like Mick Howard, Billy Davidson, Mark George, Peter McKernan, Roger Banks etc. etc.), i would safely say there were definitely no “prima donnas”

There were also never any "trophy DJ's" booked to DJ at Allanton - they simply weren't needed (or wanted for that matter!!)

My policy at Allanton was really to let the guys behind the decks just do what was needed without interfering (the obvious exception to this was obviously trying to stop Colin Law finding a few extra notches on the volume control!!!)

I never asked anyone who dj’d at Allanton to do anything other than what they thought was right — and as i knew that as they all knew their stuff, i could let them get on with it and entertain the enthusiastic (sometimes completely mad for it!) dancefloor

If i could mention one thing about the last hour Andy. This is was always a tricky one for any DJ/promoter and after experimenting for a few months with Kieth Whitson and Jock on alternate months, Jock eventually volunteered to do it every month. For me this was a great relief as it was an important spot and a difficult one to ask someone to do.

Jock must have had a premonition or bribed everyone to stay until the end, as nobody in their right mind would volunteer to do the last hour every bloody month — lol!!!

As we all know now though, this became Jock’s forte and i doubt if anyone’s last hour will ever match his. Thanks Jock, i owe you big time!!

You never DJ’d at Allanton youself Jim, any reason why?

To be honest Andy, although i was buying alot of records at the time, there were people with much better stuff than i had, so i felt it wouldn’t be fair for me to do someone more deserving out of a slot behind the decks

Apart from that i had enough on my plate trying to keep you lot under control and tabs on everything else like the door, coffee bar, the increasing volume, unwelcome guests, dj timings, flooded toilets, faulty heating (who can ever forget those Calor Gas heaters), fit in the odd dance (mainly to Jocks spot at the end when i could then relax — a bit!!!)

Why was it so good and an essential rare soul all-nighter to attend?

Good question Andy!

I think there were many factors that helped make Allanton what it was, so here goes!!!

The people, the atmosphere, the music, the venue, the time in peoples lives...........

I think bringing the right people together at the right time with the right attitude just seemed to work amazingly well

The music policy was right and the dj’s and collectors all had fuckin “balls”

Nobody cared if the record was worth £5 or £500, it really just didn’t matter at all, as long as it was good!!!!

It was all about brilliant people, brilliant records and having a brilliant time

People talk about “chin strokers” these days — well i would say there was none of that at Allanton — it just wasn’t allowed — lol.

The music played at Allanton was always quality, as was the atmosphere, and it was all about people who were there to have a great time and bloody hell they did!!!!

I don't ever remember being at any all-nighter where the dance floor was as busy at 3am as it was at 8am

Colin’s spot with Martha Starr or Doni Burdick (candle) seemed to raise the atmosphere from electric to just crazy with not a spot on the floor to be found. Then, from 7am onwards, Jock would have everyone on the floor again to stuff like Four Tops (ask the lonely) or the Fantastic Four (live up....) — just 2 of the many Jock played which i think brought a lump to many people’s throat as they knew their night was coming to an end

But every dj played their part, from 11pm through till 8am — they all had the place buzzin’

The atmosphere that these records and those dj’s created will be remembered by many people for a long, long time — thanks to all of them and i hope i haven’t missed any names!!!!

Bloody incredible!!!!

Can you give me a top 5 jim?

You mean apart from The people, The venue, The atmosphere, The records, The DJ’s

I honestly couldn’t even attempt that Andy, there are just too many

Some that remind me of those times though would be

Doni Burdick — Candle

Four Tops — Ask The Lonely

Lee McKinney — I’ll keep Holding On

Magnetics — I Have A Girl

Magnetics — When I’m With My Baby

O’Jays — I’ll Never Forget You

I could literally go on for days .........(as we did back then, but too old now!!!!!)

What is your summary Jim of the Allanton/Shotts Allnighters?

Fuckin brilliant

An amazing crowd and atmosphere, full of real characters and the records that were played were just quality and so appreciated

Fantastic times and I don't think it will ever be matched!!!

I am really proud of what Allanton became and the legacy it seems to have left

It meant so much to so many at the time and i never once thought that it would still be talked about 25 years later - bloody hell!!!!!

There are too many people to thank, including those who helped behind the scenes, John, Linda, JG, Davy, Graham, Pauline etc. — sorry if i have missed anyone

Finally, as most will know (being the shy retiring person that i am!!), I never once took to the microphone at Allanton, so i would really like to take this chance to say a HUGE HUGE thanks to everyone who ever attended, helped or DJ'd and made Allanton what it was — something very special!!!

THANK YOU

Really looking forward to seeing some old friends in Peebles — can’t wait!!!!

By the way, Andy & Colin have asked me to kick off proceedings on the Saturday Afternoon Allanton session at 12 o’clock, and i fell really privileged to do so — in fact they might have a hard job getting me off those decks!!!!!!!!!!!

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Words and such from many....

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Acky at Allnighter

Acky Buchan Hardcore Rare soul fan, collector, DJ - Aberdeen

Paulette - Love you babe

Hayes cotton...Black wings have my angel

Ruby Andrews Just loving you

Bettye Lavette - What condition is my condition

Frank Foster- Harlem rumble

Andy Dennison and Colin Law

Andy Dennison Rare soul music collector, DJ - Edinburgh

Out of Sites- For the rest of my life-Saru

Temptations - Angel Doll

Paris - Sleepless nights-Doc

Emmanuel Laskey - I've got to run for my life

Ted Taylor - Somebody's always Trying-Okeh

Allanton / Shotts success was down to the fact it just worked perfectly-

Every ingredient equally as important as the other, those being, the right

promoter, the right people, the right music and the right time.....didn't

matter on value or rarity of the records if it was good it was jumped on by

the punters, instantly.... friendships that have lasted to this day became

so strong over the period that it ran, that if someone couldn't make it to

a night there they were missed by their absence....

To be included not only as a punter but to be asked to spin some tunes

there is without a doubt and without exception the best time of my life, I'm

forever grateful.

Lenny Harkins - Hardcore Rare soul music fan, collector and DJ -Clydebank, Glasgow

Trying to sum up what this meant to myself and our crowd in a couple

sentences would be impossible. For me the best years of my life and a musical

education second to none.

from the very first nighter where me and my mate seen the Desperate Dan

poster beside the till in Mickey Oats Scooter shop in Glasgow, ( where we

took the last train to Shotts but then found the Miners Welfare still about 3

miles away, we walked the rest in pitch blackness along the country roads!)

………..right to the end of the very last nighter were I’m walking across the

road to the car park, turns to one of the boys and blurts, “What we gonna

do now?”….everything up till that moment was all about the Shotts

allnighters….is the van booked for Shotts? getting new clothes for Shotts? saving

money for records at Shotts? Tef’s bringing me September Jones at the next

Shotts! …Whats that tune they play at Shotts?…..the whole shooting match at

the time was about Shotts.

It was a Kaleidoscope of brilliant people, brilliant atmosphere and

brilliant tunes, everything was new to us then, we didn’t care oldie or newie, £5

or £500, if it was good it got played if it was sh*te it got snapped!…

..like most of the teams that went, it was for the dancing and having a good

time and for the strange camaraderie that existed been friends you never seen

for weeks at a time from all over Scotland and the UK.

As to how to how it worked? F@*K knows,…a miners welfare in middle of

nowhere Allanton (sorry Jim)?.........No drink!…….It just worked and worked

every time, more than likely the great mix of music and brilliant people

that went….the crowds that travelled from all over England and Scotland are

testimony to that.

Thinking back, I still get the shiver on the back of my neck and a bit of

a lump in the throat thinking how good it was.

Five of my faves from back then would be;

Mary Saxton — Losing Control.

Doni Burdick — Candle In the Window.

Herb Ward — Honest to Goodness.

The Parliaments — Heart Trouble.

The Changing Scene — When The City Sleeps.

I knew I couldn’t do it in a couple sentences.

Lenny.

Just a wee session in the A

Million Dollar Disco - Ewan Kelly, Record label owner and Promoter. DJ - Glasgow

Allanton (Shotts as we knew it) very quickly became the highlight of

my month. I was out dancing every weekend, but the first Saturday was

what we lived for! I don't think there was anywhere in the country

that had the quality of music and the atmosphere of Shotts. Nowhere

near.

1. Fred & The Turbins - Bernadine (played as a cover up by Kitch I

believe, still in my all time top five!)

2. The Masqueraders - How (not a regular spin but I have a fond memory

of Mark Linton playing this at least once. Goose bumps.)

3. The O Jays - I'll Never Forget You (Surely in everybody's Shott's

top 5 list? 8 am with the sun coming through the curtains!!)

4. Rotations - Put a Dime on D9 (I think Colin Law played this every

month for four years!)

5. Jack Montgomery - Don't Turn Your back On Me (I could fill a page

with favourites Jock played in that last hour)

Keith Whitson and soul crew

Keith Whitson Rare soul and soul DJ - Edinburgh

Here's my 5 " Hot Shotts" from Allanton

1. Margie Joseph-One More Chance-Volt.

2. Clarence Hill-A Lot Of Loving Going Around-Mainstream.

3. Bonnie Brisker-So Much Loving-Magic City.

4. The Ice Men-It's Time You Knew-Ole 9.

5. Bobby Bland-I Ain't Myself Anymore-Duke.

Gilbert Denny - Hardcore soul music fan and DJ co promoter of The Pineapple Soul club - Greenock, Scotland

1- Slave Girl - Johnny Burton - Broadway

2 - In Other Words -Fascinators - Bombay

3- Pat & The Blenders - Just Because - Fast Eddie

4- Fantastic Four - Live Up To What She Thinks - Ric Tic

5.Tony Colton & The Big Boss Band - I Stand Accused - Abc-Paramount

It was our allnighter, it was top drawer and for once the buses where

heading north and plenty of them .

Gilberto Pineapple.

just like that

Steve Walls Rare soul music fan, DJ - Scotland

The Devotions - Do Do De Dop - Nation

Jimmy Robins - I Just Can't Please You - Jerhart

Jesse Johnson - Left Out - Old Town

Jackie Milton - Little By Little - De-Vel

Matthew Barnet - If Your Love Is Real - Puff

Mick Howard - Hardcore Rare soul music fan - Erskine Bridge Scotland

Shotts how about this:

I got to know a few of the Scottish lads at Staffords TOTW all nighters

through the record collecting thing - people like Jock O'Connor, Colin Law,

Jim O'Hara, Mark Linton, Jim Tennant, Keith Whitson, Steve & Alan Walls and

the like - and so when I found out that Guy Hennigan was organising a

coach up to Steve & Alans all nighters in Glenrothes I jumped at the chance as

I got on so well with them. Of course the Glenrothes all nighters folded

pretty much as quickly as they started for whatever reason but if my memory

serves me right, Jim's Miners Welfare all nighters in Allanton (Shotts)

started up fairly soon afterwards so it was just natural to alternate between

the better all nighters in England and Allanton. Two of the main reasons,

apart from the wide and varied styles of Soul music played, were the

downright friendliness and ameniability of the Scottish crowd (chemicals may have

been involved) - dancing on the tables with a can of Tennants did not

feature in any all nighters that I'd been to South of the border - and the people

I travelled up and down there with - Guy Hennigan, Dean Anderson, Alan

'Kitch'ener, the late Pete Lawson, the Brennan clan Dave/Kate/Annette to name

but a few. The jewel in the crown, however, has to be Jim's invitation to

spin some tunes alongside the likes of some of those people I've already

mentioned, experts every one. Picture a very nervous me, smoking loads trying

to calm my nerves and then before I knew it I was on, only it was after Tom

Jackson who unbeknownst to me had played a 12' or an LP beforehand - cue

Ron Baxter at 33rpm! Not a great start but it soon picked up and getting

applause at the end was the icing on the cake. What I played is a bit of blur

but pretty sure that these featured somewhere through the set:

Ron Baxter - This Is It - Ole9

Phonetics - Pretty Girl - Trudel

Troy Dodds - Try My Love - El Camino

Ali Bongo & The Magicians of Soul - Hitch Hike - C/U (a version of the

Marvin Gaye tune by Rocky Roberts on a French EP)

Freddie Houston - If I Had Known - Old Town

Walter Jackson - After You There Can Be Nothing - Okeh (my last record,

certainly)

Mark Linton - Rare Soul and soul DJ - Fife

Bernard Williams- Focused on you

Cashmeres - Let the door hit your back

Lovelites - My conscience

John Bowie- Your gonna miss a good thing

Lovemasters- Pushing and pulling

Colin Denham - Rare soul music fan - Newton Aycliffe

Shotts or Allanton was the place to be back then,the travelling did not

bother us as we had to travel every place as nothing was on in our area at

all. Everyone played there part in making the Allanton allniters great,the

punters the promoters and the collector /DJs,

Records that remind me of back then not all played there first but just

remind me are:-

Deceived Ruby, Candle in the window , Geater Davis My love is so strong

for you,I just cant speak,Jimmy Bo Horne aka Little Beaver at the time, The

Devotions on Nation !!

Tons of classy stuff that only gets played in back rooms these days,

Allanton played a big part in the promoting of underplayed obscure tunes which

sadly now have been left behind in the current popular events.

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Duce - Hardcore Rare soul music fan and in demand DJ and co promoter of The Pineapple Soul club - Greenock Scotland

Have fantastic memories of Shotts allnighters it was the atmosphere,

the standard of DJs ,the buzz all came together to make Shotts such a great

place to go .For me Shotts was Scotlands Stafford only better !!!

Trends (thanks for a little lovin),

Stewart Ames (Angelina)

Clarence Hill (A lotta lovin going around),

Dottie and Millie(talking about ma baby

Michael Higgins - Hardcore Soul and Rare soul music fan - Glasgow

It's curious why Allanton is remembered so fondly and why — looking back —

it was something special.

I think part of it was to do with the timing. Most of the regulars had

been around allnighters for a good number of years by the time Allanton had

come along, and a good few of them had even been away and come back. It

feels strange saying this over two decades later, but it felt, to me at least,

like something of an Indian Summer. A number of the big venues were in

the process of closing, and Allanton arrived like an unexpected bonus.

Everyone was also slightly older, and maybe a little more relaxed.

And “relaxed” takes me to the vibe of Allanton. All those involved in

the initial set-up were highly-regarded participants in the scene — I

specifically remember Jim O’Hara, John Neilson and the great Brian Welsh. (Maybe

we were lucky in Scotland, because the previous Fife allnighters were also

run by the respected and liked Walls brothers, who were also key DJs at

Allanton. No Chris Kings, Kev Roberts and their like up here.) It was

professional, but authentic and welcoming. I remember the organisers, wives,

partners, and even paying punters vaulting the counter and taking turns

selling the Irn Bru and Mars Bars. I also remember the giant stars and stripes

behind the decks. The record room was one of the best ones around — with

Pete Lawson usually holding court and dishing out put-downs and tips. There

was no twattery, and it felt a nice place to be.

Maybe helped by the time it came along and the good vibe of the place,

Allanton also wasn’t afraid to innovate. The Fife allnighters of the 1980s

really drove forward the “60s newies” in Scotland, and Allanton had to form

an identity of its own. No doubt other, better informed, regulars will

remember it differently, but I remember Allanton as being much more prominent

in championing the rarer alternative oldies, alongside the new discoveries

(the sets of Colin Law and Jim Tennant, in particular). DJs like Andy

Dennison were also brought on, alongside established names like Keb and Guy,

Alan Walls and Mark Linton. Also, it was an inspired idea to introduce Tom

Jackson, who was then at the top of his game, to play the incredible new 70s

discoveries that were turning up around that time.

A top five is next to impossible to pin down, but this is a random quintet

I still associate with Allanton:

1. Jimmy Bo Horn (Little Beaver c/u) “I can’t speak” (Dade)

2. Ralph Graham (Johnny Caswell c/u) “She just sits there” (Upfront)

3. Flowers “For real” (La Xpressio)

4. Tony Clarke “(They call me) a wrong man” (MS)

5. The Chandlers “Your love makes me lonely (Col Soul)

Fraser Dunn- Glasgow legendary soul music specialist, Radio/club DJ and promoter

My recollections are few but very vivid in my mind. It was a purple patch

in the scheme of things on the soul scene. The Shotts/ Allanton allnighters

have a special place in my heart for many reasons. Why do I think it

worked?. The organisers for one Jim O'Hara and the team. Worked tirelessly to

have the best allnighter that Scotland has ever had bar none. Secondly and

the reason it had people coming from all over the country were the DJs. They

never thought to copy anyone playing elsewhere and always were given their

own thoughts to play what they thought should be and worthy of being spun.

Cheap records alongside rare items. As long as they were quality tunes then

they got played. There was a healthy rivalry among them but never a

oneupmanship atmosphere. I travelled to Allanton with Peter McKernan. We played

in a bar in Glasgows Hope Street called The Liquor Bar and it became a

meeting place before setting off to the allnighter after it had closed.

Several car loads with Lenny Harkins and others all left from there. I must

confess to not being in the main hall for any length of time as I spent 95% of

my time in the record bar. I picked up some brilliant records from there.

Dealers such as Roger Banks, Pete Lawson were regularly in attendance. I

particularly liked a stall that was situated immediately right as you walked in

the room. It was ran by a lad from Bradford and he sported a great big Afro

style hairdo. His name was Ivor. His favourite was "All me records are

brand new" he was a right character. The DJs deserved a big accolade for

making the night what it was. A time of my life I will always cherish.

The music:

Brothers Guiding Light played by Tom Jackson

Carlena played by Colin Law

Bobby Kline played by Acky Buchan

and hundreds more that my memory escapes me.

No doubt they will come flooding back when we all get together for the

day at Peebles HotelI am particularly looking forward to the Peebles Hydro

reunion as this is the first time I will have ever heard Jock O'Connor play

a spot as Peter and always went away around 6.30 a.m. and Jock was still to

go on.

Andy Dennison's reflects on Jock O'Connors Allanton DJ sets

I've come up with at least 25 titles that fit the bill....but after much

deliberation for me these shout Jocks name at Allanton every time I hear

them....it had to be a top 6 for Jock as every one is essential as the other.

OJays- I'll never forget you

Fantastic Four- I'm gonna live up to what she thinks

The Magnetics - I have a girl

Larry Laster - That's just what you did

Jack Montgomery- Dont turn your back on Me

Esther Phillips - Just say goodbye

Jocks last hour was not only an integral part of Allanton but an education

....every one of these 6 will forever be synonymous with Jock and Allanton

just ask anyone who went...I could have added another 15/20 easily of his

plays but for me these 6 especially bring the memories back of what Jock

and Allanton was about...if you didn't get it you were in the wrong place.

Andy D

Pepsi [ian Sheppard] Hardcore soul music fan - Aberdeen.

Don't think I was at the first niter but was certainly a regular. Headed

along to my first one as it was a bit of a rarity to have a local niter (80

miles away)Looking back now I can say that I met some characters ! Many of

have become very dear friends to this day . Don't think I'm well enough

informed to comment on why it worked but Jim had a vision to make it work and

that he did big style

Here's five from me which hit the spot then and still do now , maybe a bit

safe ,and listed by others already but I'm not really bothered as its

quality that counts

Four Tracks - Charade

Don Gardner . We're Gonna Make It Big

Bobby Hutton - Come See what's left of me

Sebastian Williams - Get Your Point Over

Jack Montgomery - Don't Turn Your Back On Me

Just a few that came into my mind immediately but as I'm typing this I'm

thinking of loads more and could go on and on! Ian

Nicky Peacock - Hardcore Soul and funk music fan, Legendary DJ and club promoter - Based Clynder Argyll and Bute.

I usually DJ ed on a Saturday night so had to rely on someone taking me

through at 3 am so everything was usually in full flow by the time that I

arrived.

If I was there for the night I loved the way that you could catch up with

friends that you only saw at the nighter, you seemed to come together with

certain people at the same times.

On one occasion I had to tell Gilbert enough, he was telling me about

going to Italy for the world cup, after two hours of stories he still had not

left the UK !

I always felt that things moved into top gear when Colin Law came on, that

response on the floor was amazing.

The inability of people to speak as the night progressed was always

memorable.

I was intimidated by the record room, my knowledge was fairly minimal,

although Alan Walls used to swap tapes with me frequently, so I would get

Peter Mc Kernan to look out for tunes for me. Take me back to that room now eh ?

Memories of going back into Glasgow and killing time at a record fair at

the McLelland Galleries, before going home and trying to force down a Sunday

dinner. My Mother always wondered why my brother was so grumpy after being

at ' that place'.

Rodge Martin ' They Say '

Soul Communicators ' These Lonely Nights '

Ted Taylor ' Somebody's always Trying '

The Ringleaders ' Baby what has Happened '

Ruby Andrews ' Just Loving You ' Procured for me by Big Chris RIP

Chuddy - Hardcore Rare soul music fan and of everything to do with the scene - West Yorkshire

A journey to 'enlightenment '

First trip to Allanton was and still is one of the journeys I'll never

forget. I was in a 'deep & meaningful ' conversation with Billy Mercer at some

allniter, down south.. he asked me if I'd been to the Shotts 'do' in

Scotland, I said I hadn't but was planning to go. He told me how good it was and

it would blow me away with the quality of the music,the brilliant

atmosphere and the friendliness of the guys who ran it.

So plans where made, the motley crew consisted of, Swish,Bri Walker &

Steve Flynn from York, Dennis Billingham from Rothenstall? and my good self.

Steve supplied the wheels as he worked for Vauxhall motors so it was top of

the range all the way.

We set off nice and early as we didn't have a clue where it was, no sat

navs back then,god it was only 1990. We made the obligatory stop for

'refreshments' somewhere in Lancashire, nicely 'refreshed' we hit the road. About

90mins into the journey Dennis piped up that he'd put together a tape that

would be suitable for our journey 'over the border'. So into the tape deck

it went, everyone was anticipating a booming northern track,when out of the

speaker came...........Sailing by Rod Stewart, typical Dennis. In fact the

whole tape was Rod Stewart tracks but on that particular day it just seemed

right!!!

As darkness fell, we arrived at a tiny little village,'somewhere in

Scotland' still don't know we're it was to this day,totally lost. We pulled up

under the only street light in this village which happened to be outside the

only pub, decided to go in and ask for directions. Well it was like been in

a Wild West saloon, the place was heaving, but as soon as we stepped foot

into the place it went completely silent.....we looked at each other and

the same thought was written across all our faces......we're going to die.

So me being the youngest was shoved unceremoniously to the front..'ask the

landlord where we are, and get ready to run for it'. So the question was

asked, the reply was far from what we expected....'you're only about 15min

away, straight down the road you can't miss it, you may as well stop and

have a drink'....

Well we preceded to have a fantastic couple of hours, brilliant,

hospitable people, we even managed an England v Scotland pool match, which if my

memory serves me well we managed to win.

So we reached our desired destination bang on time, a rarity in itself me

thinks. There then proceeded one of the best nights I personally have ever

had. Everything Billy said was true,absolutely fantastic music, atmosphere

and the crowd well words cannot describe. When we left the venue for the

return home, new friends had been made, sounds listened too, everything in

the world was good,very good. I've got to say,not all the team enjoyed

it,Steve hated it...'didn't know any of the tunes', Bri and Swish thought it was

okay, me and Dennis absolutely loved it. I'd just been to a venue where I'd

danced for 7 hours yet I'd not heard 75% of the tunes before so for me it

truly was a 'Journey of enlightenment' still in the top 3 allniters of ALL

time, needless to say I never missed another one after that 'first night'.

5 favourite tunes from Allanton

Magnetic's- Count the days

Mary Sexton-Losing control

Martin Gaye-So long

E Rodney Jones-Peace of mind

Our ladies of soul-Lets groove together

Hope you enjoy my little memory , kept it as short as possible, could have

wrote pages I just loved the place.

Chuddy

Chesterfield crew

Chalky - Hardcore soul music fan and specialist, collector, promoter, journalist and lover of all things to do with the scene.

It usually started with a steady drive on one of Guy's coaches...and a

steady drive it was!!! We spent that long on the coach it was like a mini

holiday. Other times it was Dean's mini-bus or driving up. The coach was the

best though, rollicking fun with a couple of stops along the way to pick

up more waifs and strays. Allanton, who'd have thought a little miners

welfare in the middle of back and beyond would be such a focal point for the

scene at the time. The music not always exclusive to the DJ's, in fact much

played before at places like Stafford but the attitude was what made it

special. No politics, no two faced w*nkers trying to spoil the fun of others,

just a room full of like minded loons from all over the UK out for a good

night with good friends and good music...and a good night was had by all.

Great venue, great music, special people, characters at ever turn, many

still friends today, the venue has left a mark on the scene that puts it up

there with the major venues that have contributed to the history of the

Northern Soul scene since the late 60's.

Not necessarily my top sounds of the time although Ralph Graham is

probably in my top 20, here's five I remember from Allanton.

1. Ralph Graham - She Just Sits There - UpFront (James Conwell cover up,

other side Gene McDaniels I think, ask Colin. I swear though he played

this as c Tommy Navarro at Winding Wheel in Chesterfield)

2. Kim Katrell - Did You See Her Last night - Tyson (Valerie Simpson c/u)

3. Troy Marrs - Rhythm Message - Sureshot

(Ask Colin for the cover up name, I can't remember)

4. Tony Colton - I Stand Accused - Pye test Press?

5. Out-A-Sights - For The Rest Of My Life - Saru

Chalky

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Neil Hodgson - Hardcore Soul and Funk music fan and collector - Nottingham

Attached is taken word for word from scribbles done at the time. Bit rough

maybe but feel free to use it if its of any help in your Shotts research

etc..

Next full one I have I think is June 1990

This scrip is taken word for word from scribbles done at the time. Bit

rough maybe but feel free to use it etc. I will send up more as I can put

them together.

There are venues which hold special places in ‘allnighter’ history,

usually for a unique feature it held. Take your pick they've been mentioned

every weekend since the year dot. I cant comment on the venues closer to the

dot, most obvious example of recent times is rather predictably Stafford. I

must admit that at the time I never understood why such a seemingly hostile

place could be that special-I still can't to some extent but I'll take the

regulars words for it. Sure, there’s no doubt the music was totally

phenomenal and gave everything that was to follow a better chance of success.

So, Stafford, yes I'm sure a crucial and legendary venue but not a

tremendously welcoming one. This, again a little predictably is where ‘Shotts’ comes

in.

There's undoubtedly a growing realization that this IS a special place and

has secured a place in the ‘soul hall of fame’. Have others gained this

status when realization is a result of absence. Shotts provides the two

things which people go to ‘niters’ for, f**king good music and great people

and friends. The feeling that everyone who attends is a part of

something----something happening now.

Having attended the last 5 Shotts, Oct 89-March 90 there’s no doubt at

all that the lion go’s from strength to strength. I hasten to add these are

not the only 5 I’ve been to, they are the most recent and consecutive and

the most recent. I can't see any reason why this trend should change.

Music; the beats are probably more traditional than those of Stafford, a

fact which stems I think from a purely geographical preference. But check

Jock O’Connors last hour spots for slower material–which at 8:25am fills the

floor. Adey Harleys great spot recently also demonstrates that the demand

for the slower paced material is latently as large as the demand for any

other form or genre. Particularly considering Guy Hennnigan’s spot last

night- a nice blend of Hennigan stormers and mid paced items. And if Tom

Jackson can follow Joshie Joe Armstead with Rhetta Hughes to a full floor of 60’

s/70’s/80’/90’S soul fans, well it speaks volumes. Tom does I think

underestimate the crowd, I don’t think Charles Johnson, The Dells or Philip

Mitchell is necessary anymore, another fact which is developing, albeit slowly:

Brotherly Love, brand new went down well and will continue to grow in

popularity. Sam Dees- ‘Rumour’ released only last October is now a firm

floorfavourite.

I could write for hours; I wont. People are witnessing something special.

Ruff Cut deserve immense congratulations, Its well worth the 650 miles

round trip.Its worth running out of petrol for. A few personal faves which I

heard last night ?

I Stand Accused (last record), Brotherly Love, Robert Owens, The Ceasars,

Tobi Larke- Challenge My Love, OC Smith, Jock O'Connors epic spin which may

be Jimmy Burns, Kenny Sheppard and lots of others.

Shotts June 1990:

Undoubtedly the best ‘Shotts’ this year and quite possibly THE best.

Tom had a break and allowed Andy Whitmore offer up the 70’s/80’s spot —

he also indulged in a couple ofchoice carefully selected 60’s. A sound move,

particularly as it made way for Spyder Turner- I Cant Wait To See My Baby’

s Face and The Exits-Under The Street Lamp. I have’nt danced so much to

one spot for ages, also the first all-nighter spin for RICHARD CAITON-I’D

LIKE TO GET NEAR YOU–especially for Lord Marriott. One fucking hell of a

sound-whichwas well appreciated and needs playing more at Shotts. Ireckon it’s

the only venue which allows other DJ’s to pick up on sounds and push them

properly. Andy also played Richard Rogers, TSU Tornados, BB Brad,

Constellations, Candy and the Sweets. All Brilliant.

Jock did his usual superb last hour- a spot which he truly made all his

own playing slow, mid tempo sounds such as Soulful Twins-I Cant Let You Go on

Sable, Big Dee Irwin (Rotate) also OC Smith and Harry Starr. AdeyHarley,

Keith Whitson both excelled, Marc Linton warmed things up brilliantly with

two of my faves Bill Lucas-Cos I Know Your Mine and Kelly and the Soul

Explosions —Talkin Bout My Baby’s Love (Dynamite). I managed to pick up the

latter off Guy for a mere £7–a bargain I reckon. Also got Electrons on Date

for £6, Whispers on Soul Clock £3. Good nights collecting considering Jim

also sold me Kim Tolliver Where Were You (Tayster 12) at £4.

More ramblings from Neil:-

I think Susanne summed it up one night at Shotts when she said'I've been

looking for this for a long long time"I always remember that. Also relevant

was the link up with The Kilt at Newmains which we went to a few times

,quite a mixed crowd and mixed music. I went in some brand new loafers one

night and my feet were killing me aftrer dancing all night .

Neil

Colin Law - Hardore soul music fan, DJ and promoter - Edinburgh

Dean and Colin

My take on Allanton/Shotts Allnighters:

A few words about Allanton Shotts Allnighters and as I put pen to paper it

already brings a large smile to my face and fond memories along with the

hair on the back of my neck stand up on end, for me, one word sums up

Allanton “MECCA”. It was a Mecca for the Northern rare soul scene — anybody

that was anyone wanted a taste of Allanton, it’s where the cool club promoters

from Glasgow & Edinburgh came to listen to the best records the Soul Scene

at that time had to offer and was a privilege to be headlined resident DJ

along with the best of a very cool bunch of switched on Scottish DJ’s.

These guys have their story to tell but this is my take on Allanton……….

It was fresh and cool, the crowd for me were the most responsive crowd I

had the pleasure to DJ too, they came from all over Scotland and in their

numbers from England. Buses from every corner — everyone buzzed with the

anticipation of what are we going to hear next at that period of time on the

Northern scene. I was personally turning my set by at least 10 records a

set that accumulated to a lot of records over that small period of years

Allanton was running it caught me at a time that my hunger for new records were

a complete obsession and I was on fire! Some people regarded it arrogant

but I can assure you I was not arrogant — I was driven! I had to have the

best and I would stop at nothing to have them. I was on it day and night

digging deep all over America and playing in my next. At Allanton the

atmosphere was electric, the people that went to Allanton are still a big part

of my life to this day

I would like to finish this blog off with a special thanks to all the

people that have been a massive influence on my years of record collecting.

Utopia first and foremost to a very dear friend who is always in my thoughts

when digging for records and always reminds me of some great times at

Allanton who is sadly no longer with us but will always be held up in great

regard is Peter Lawson. Richard Searling; Soul Sam; Gary Rushbrock; Dean

Anderson; Guy Hennigan; Butch; Gaz Kellet; Barry Waddington & Brad; Dave Malloy;

Jock; Martin Koppell; Tim Brown; John Manship; Keystone Record Club York

Pennsylvania USA and a few other guys in America but you’re not getting to

know them!!! Without them none of this would have happened for me and all I

can say is that I am blessed to be part of this brilliant scene.

My Allanton top 10

Marvin Gaye — So long (Un-issued acetate)

Ch Changing Scene — When the City Sleeps

RR Ralph Graham — My Gene McDaniels C/U

Joj Johnny Moore — Lonely Heart in the City on Blue Rock

HH Hank Hodges on Eye

Kim Katrell — My Valerie Simpson C/U on Tyson

Kell Osbourne — Quicksand

Freddie Houlston — If I Had Known

Jessie Davies — Hang on in there

James Latley — Love Friends — Money

S**t hot ……..

Guy and Colin

Scott, Soul music specialist and Rare soul fan - Falkirk,Scotland

Many thanks for the opportunity , here goes :

The late 80's and early 90's soul scene in Scotland was a very

unfashionable place to be at that time , following on from the fallout closures of

Wigan , Stafford and Morecambe to name but a few the scene was left to a few

hundred hardcore DJ's , collectors and punters to carry on .The beauty of

this group was that they were a " community " in every sense of the word ,

travelling regularly week in and out to venues both North and South of the

border , like Tony's at Blackburn and Guy's coach returning the favour to

Allanton.

It was inevitable that this community would eventually have their own

regular venue and so the idea of Allanton was born under the leadership of Jim

O'Hara and The Ruff Cut Club . The venue itself was no more than a miners

welfare hall , with terrible toilets and paraffin heaters blasting out in

the winter !!! BUT it was a sanctuary for the DJs / collector and dancer

alike . This was truly the age of the £10.00 record being purchased in the

record bar and spun five minutes later to the ears of a welcoming dance floor .

That is unique in itself because the DJ's were dancers also. The records

played were top quality for their time and a cheap record would stand side

by side a big hitter because the DJ's rated and championed them , ( Keith

Whitson / Ruby Andrews for example which went on to national acclaim )

It was a pleasure to be part of it and it's so funny how certain records

will transport me back there and I can still hear the handclaps !! ,

I could pick hundreds of tunes but here's my five :

Ralph Graham - She Just Sit's There

Doni Burdick - Candle

Martha Star - No Part Time Love For Me

Tony Clarke - Wrong Man

Emanuel Laskey - Peace Loving Man

Cheers mate, see you at the reunion

Scott

Steve Riddell - Soul music fan - Aberdeen now Dundee

I couldn't wait to get on that mini bus from Aberdeen to attend

Shotts,Acky was always the driver .picking up the Dundee guys & girls on the

way.always straight to the record room for me to find that record,or a bargain.then

the main reason for being there,on to the dance floor to dance to the

cheap,the expensive,but mostly the new tunes I hadn't heard,which was a lot & a

few not so new tunes.you would never hear,I don't like this or I don't

like that.to me there was never a bad tune.was such a great atmosphere & to

sum it up,it was just an amazing nighter

.

5 tunes that remind me of those good times

BOBBY BLAND / YUM YUM TREE / DUKE

REO LANE / GIVE ME YOUR LOVE / BRENT

BOBBY WOMACK / SOMETHING FOR MY HEAD / COLUMBIA LP

DONNA COLMAN / YOUR LOVES TO STRONG / AVIN

PAULETTE / LOVE YOU BABE / CONTACT

Byrney - Soul music fan and lover of all things associated with the rare soul scene - Nottingham

What would attract a bunch of seasoned, degenerate Nottingham soul hounds

to travel to a nighter in shabby welfare type building in a wet mining town

in Scotland?

The music for one: underplayed, new discoveries with a smattering of

quality oldies. As Northern Soul should be. DJ’s included Colin Law, Alan and

Stevie Walls, Andy Dennison, Jim Tennant, Keith Whitson, Tam Jackson —

alongside big hitter guests like Guy Hennigan, Butch, Kitch, Rob Marriot, Dean

Anderson, Acky and that Whitmore lad who amongst other always ripped the gaff

up.

But for me the main pull was the people — “Shotts”, “Allanton”, “Ruff

Cut” “Scotland” or whatever it was called attracted the hard-core; from

Big Harry and his mob in Aberdeen; that mad bird Jo Brock’s gang congering up

from that there London; the wide eyed Preston cybermen led by the infamous

Gaz Kellet through to the more sophisticated, debonair Bon Viveurs from

the East Midlands renowned for sporting tweed, sipping mojitos and discussing

the finer points of fine wine on Dean Anderson’s luxury coaches.

It was this mix of mad loon Scotts with a hunger for music and

disorientated English stompers types who were prepared to travel to hear the real deal

that made this place special. Lots of us went to Stafford, Blackburn,

Oddfellows etc. and knew each other from these nighters, but Shotts somehow

brought us closer together and forged a bond which endures to this day.

Here’s 5 records from Shotts:

1.Jimmy Bo Horne. I just Can't Speak. Played C/U by Dean and Kitch as

Little Beaver to an empty dance floor (everyone was running to the decks). Went

onto become a legend

2. Martha Starr Love is the Only Solution. Of course played elsewhere

years before Shotts but this to

ok on a life of its own on this dance floor.

3.Doni Burdick — Candle. This would pack any dance floor, any era.

4.Esther Phillips. Just Say Goodbye. Jock O'Connor last thing putting a

smile on our faces before we headed back to his flat for capers.

5.Joyce Kennedy. I'm a Good Girl. Off the wall I know but I can't recall

hearing this played much since and that Violin drum break never sounded so

good.

Kitch- Hardcore soul music fan and record collector, DJ - Nottingham

What is there to say about the Allanton “Shotts” Allnighters.

Wether is was the mental journeys by car, mini bus or coach (especially

the Guy Hennigan express). The race to the Tickled Trout at Preston or the

sometimes hilarious and very long journeys back this event made a lasting

impression on not just me, but friends and the scene as a whole. The people

there were welcoming, friendly and most of all full of enthusiasm for the

music. The crowd just let you play your spot however you wanted to and were

always keen to congratulate you on your taste but always respectful about

any criticism (can't remember getting any so liked it all the more).

People who had never been before had heard about it but would say “that

sounds too far to travel for me” but once they finally went they had booked

their seat for the next one before the night had ended. Now if that’s not a

powerful statement of how good it was then nothing else I can tell you

will. Some great names played there as well as the Scottish crowd Guy, Keb

(Adopted Londoner), Butch (who nearly didn’t again when he played Cleveland

Robinson — “Loch Lomond” and got a few Scottish punters come up saying “ya

think ya f****n funny da ya!!!). but soon forgave him when he played

Lancaster Johnson C/U, Andy Whitmore, Rob Marriott, Dean Anderson, Graham Ellis to

name but a few which gave a wide spectrum of soul genres being played with

the accent on dancing and just having a good time which we all did. One of

the most memorable record bars and the bar that always sold out of date

IRN BRU.

It is safe to say I cut my DJ teeth at Shotts and it was a pleasure to do

so and I will always have fond memories of a place that wasn't trying to be

anything other than it was, A F**KING GREAT ALLNIGHTER….

Top Ten Shotts Plays:-

Ray & Blue Satin “She Doesn’t Love Me”

(ARV International) C/U as Carl Hall

Jimmy Bo Horne “I Can’t Speak”

(Dade) C/U as Little Beaver

The Blendells “You need Love”

(Dontee)

The Other Brothers “I’m Gonna Find A Love” (Pet)

King George “I Need You” (Audio Arts)

Jimmy Elledge “Sad Town” (Sound Town) C/U as Lou Roberts

Paulette “Love You Baby” (Contact) C/U as Patti j & Contacts

Eddie Ray “I've Got Something Of value” (True Soul)

Geater Davis “My Love Is So Strong” (House Of Orange)

The Dreamettes “That’s Not Love” (Dream Makers)

Gilly, Rare soul music guru, fan, specialist, collector and part time DJ - Derby

Fond fond memories of the Scottish nighters

was unfair that since I can remember the Scottish guys had travelled in

quantity for so many years,it was time for us to go north.Guy H set about

running a coach for our enjoyment.left from Derby having a good amount of London

boys transferring from train to coach.On with the Leicester and Nuneaton

lads topped up with Derby soul boys.Off up via Stoke another pick-up point and

again stopping in Lancashire area,coach full .Great reception on arrival

fantastic up for-it locals place buzzing.

When I DJ I think I had Little Ann,Buddy Smith, inspirations x 2 some

Melvin Davis songs Larry Wright etc Good times!!

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Chris Brennan and Joan

Jumpin Joan - Hardcore Rare soul music fan,The worlds finest female Rare soul DJ - Preston

It was the right mix of absolutely everything - the music, the place, the

people and looking back on it now, the sheer madness of it all! A line up

so good it didn't need mere mortals from England but they let them have a go

anyway.was all over the place back then (in every sense)

Top 5 - now that's a toughie! So many fantastic tunes played and whenever

I hear them played (even now) I always think of Shotts and the reaction of

everyone in the place. Never experienced the like since, anywhere!

Lillian Dupree - Hide and Seek - D Town

Les Chansonettes - Don't Let Him Hurt You - Shrine

Magnetics - When I'm With My Baby / Count The Days- Sable

Magnetics - I Have A Girl - Ra-Sel

Martha Starr - Love Is The Only Solution - Thelma

Best all-nighter ever for me, without doubt!

Melv - Hardcore Rare soul music fan- Prestonpans East Lothian Scotland

Hi Andy i was only there first 2 years

The main reason I went was to here new tunes and there was just something

special about the place

Top 5 of what I can remember

1 Johnny Groom full of tears

2 Ray Pollard This Time

3 Magnetics I have a girl

4 Jjimmy Elledge sad town

5 Larry Wedgewood No more games

Colin Law use 2 play a track called "house on the hill" cant remember who

it was

Alan Walls - Rare soul music fan ,DJ Scotland

The Utopias - Girls Are Against Me (La Salle

Karmello Brooks - Tell Me Baby (Milestone)

September Jones - I'm Coming Home (Kapp)

The Magnetics - When I'm With My Baby (Sable)

The Masqueraders - How (La Beat)

Andy Whitmore Soul music fan - Scotland

Having been active and a regular on the nighter/club and weekender circuit

from about 1976/77 onwards - and was quite use to and always prepared to

go that extra mile or to the ends of the earth to make things happen

both musically and out in club land...

Back then it was all word and mouth, circulars/flyers or a wee peak at The

Echoes in WH Smiths/Menzies just to ensure all was cool and the validity

of what was taking place...

So if you wind the soul clock back to 1987 - out in some old club down

south -chewing the fat over what was hot musically and what clubs to go to

next, word on the street was of a new Allnighter happening up in

Scotland !!! At Allanton ?? Right that's Allanton in Scotland,so out with the

atlas to get our bearings were on planet earth Allanton was ....nae bother

and into our diary was The Allanton allnighter.... Back in those early

days of Allanton we would have never guess that it would become the main

string of how you would plan your month out and about - but Allanton became

religiously always the first date in our diary ...

The Journey/weekend/Allanton/Shotts experience would always start late

Friday night or first light on a Saturday morning and probably finish late

Sunday night/Monday morning..back then it was no place for the faint

hearted....

So what made Allanton so special and a not to be missed event ? I would

say that the people,the music ,.the venue ,the enthusiasm,the energy, that

drive for wanting only the best, the attitude,the buzz,the excitement of

hearing different records on a regular basis at a regular Allnighter and not

forgetting the promoter Jim O'Hara who certainly had his finger well and

truly on the pulse with his great ear for music and a very sharp resident

DJ line up .... with some of the best guest DJs around to boot.

So once you arrived at Allanton what occurred ?

It was always a toss up were the best place was to spend your night at

this iconic allnighter , the atmosphere was electric so wether you was in the

car park/ record bar /dance floor /behind the decks or in the chill out

room ? that being the secret room behind the decks , rest assured you were

defiantly " going to the happening ".

From a punters point of view you had one hell of an up for a good time

crowd of brothers and sisters who were passionate for the music in a great

for a Allnighter type of venue with a music policy second to non !! job

done.....well nearly.

From a DJs point of view- you were booked and graced to play what ever

you felt was right at the time - no restrictions from the punters or Jim and

an amazing crowd that would pack the dance floor wether you were spinning

known/semi known or nearly unknown records from all eras -they all went

down a storm!!!! A great venue to DJ at.

From a record collectors point of view - Phew we're do you start ... I

wish I had a pound for every time I spent the whole night sifting

through/buying or talking records in this world famous record bar- i picked up some

fantastic stuff from the hardcore record dealers that frequented this

venue!!! 45s/albums /12s coming out your ears.....always targeting Guy

Hennigan/Pete Lawson /Roger Banks and " Ivor" the guy who used to have loads of

boxes of fantastic albums ? Ivor being very famous for his mint condition

records and cool afro haircut ? I can remember one night being in full

flight with some record chit chat blasting his ears out and ended up getting

a mouth full of his afro hair in ma mush- Ivor was not amused especially

when I said well it will save you going to your hairdressers next week !,

great fun and great times .... as well as the hardcore record dealers you

always had to have one eye scanning around the room for some of the soul

crowd or DJs walking in with a pile of records for sale.....

From a part time record dealers point of view- it was a great place for

wheeling and dealing in vinyl of all shapes and sizes and from all

eras!!!! you would have some of the hardcore collectors pouncing on you in the

car park before you had even got the record boxes out of the boot of the

car, it was defiantly a case of first up got the best of the best records.

Have got to say over the years I have been to some great great clubs and

that is no mean statement :- But for all the right reasons Allanton/Shotts

was the one for me !!

The Allanton experience was unbelievable and ruled the waves on the

scene for near on 4 years !!!!

Great times loads of tales to tell and very fond memories

Top 5 Allanton moovers and groovers:-

Take a Stand -Voices of East Harlem- Just Sunshine

Get away from me girl- Willie and West -All Platinum

Sunshine,Roses and Rainbows-Blacksmoke-Chocolate City

Don't take your love-Newsounds -Turbo [ Allanton monster for Mark Linton]

Silly Kind of Love-Billy Byrd and Black Cloud -Scream records.

Jock O'Connor Hardcore soul music fan,journalist and DJ - Edinburgh

There is always something dangerous about unbridled nostalgia for me,

purely focusing on the pleasure of the past often impacts on the progression of

the future. That’s certainly true of today's Northern scene from what I

read, although assuming anything about a scene purely from reading is also

dangerous, so how do you capture a moment in words. Difficult, but I am a

great beliver that looking back and reflecting can really help to also look

forward. So what can we learn from looking back at Allanton.

A they were the best times of my life

B. They were the maddest times of my life.

C. We were the dogs bollocks when it comes to considering the music we

pushed.

D. Thank f**k we survived, although I did lose a few neighbours in my

tenament stairs over its lifetime for some strange reason.

Grand statements, but I think all can be backed up by evidence if we need

to, but the purest evidence for me is, like Stafford, although it was only

around for a relatively short period of time it is still held in the

highest regard with little dissent from anyone, or anyone that was there anyway…

.. And that’s the rub, it’s a cliché, but you had to be there, mere words

cannot describe, although I will try.

I think first thing to say about it, and to provide balance, it wasn't the

first Scottish allnighter to attract travellers or be known for playing

top music, it was actually an evolution through Edinburgh Clouds, the Walls

Bros Fife venues and some of the one off Edinburgh venues, and even the

early Allanton variatons should be counted, and sure main man Jim O'Hara would

tip his hat to these for their inspiration and influence. However where

Allanton was different was it was probably the No 1 all nighter in the UK at

that point, with it being the only non missable night on the scene for the

small but hardy bunch of regular all nighter goers in that period.

Previously our Scottish dos were supplementary to the main English niters, but now

Allanton was king of the Castle, the Jacobite revolution had one last

uprising.

And I think on mentioning the main man, we need to say that this was very

much Jim O'Hara's vision and determination to provide this top of the game

venue that made it happen. In many ways it was never a one man show, Jim

had some great help, particularly from the Bellshill boys in early days to

set up, girls behind the tea bar (it was before the equality act, and it was

the West of Scotland before I get any complaints) that became almost as

famous and crowded as the record bar, with many wrongs being verbally righted,

and moving things around with people arriving hours before the start and

helping, although I suspect the chance of a free entry was keeping some of

the spirit of Wigan alive. But it was definitely Jim's baby, and we need to

take our hats of to Jim for this time of our lives.

So what made it special,

* Atmosphere, 100%, and most of the night, at points during Colin

Laws spots the roof and the hairs on the back of your neck were racing each

other to the sky.

* Music, 150%, a combination of top Jocks of the day playing all

over with the top all-nighter sounds and a bundle of us collectors around

them, supporting them, but also pushing the barriers in concept of what was

being played, no same old for 95% of the night, turning our back on the apathy

that was spreading down South and each DJ putting their balls on the decks

(metaphorically rather than literally just to be clear, there was some bad

behaviour there behind the decks, normally involving Woody and/or Ozzie

and some chairs and/or hoovers, but we had limits) saying okay this is my

taste and you are going to get it, and they did, time after time. Much of that

was down to the freedom that Jim gave us, and he very rarely interfered,

except when Colin somehow managed to turn the volume up beyond the mixers

physical possible maximum (10 times a set)

* And that leads on nicely to people, 200% proper all nighter

people. No superstars, all equal in that place, especially the record room, well

except Mr Hennigan, he was always deserved royalty in those days. Lots were

complete collectors but try calling them chinstrokers, you would soon be

stroking the bruise on your chin. Most mad as f**k, all bang into the music

and the party, having fun at a nighter was expected not optional. The

dancefloor and the legendary record room proved that, and the occupants of the

two sometimes met in the middle, as there was a Buffalo like stampede to the

dancefloor, often led by Pete Lawson clip clopping to the dance floor in

his highly tacked brogues, to the latest sound that was recognised as a

clarrion call to the converted, passing those slowly sidling into the record

room from dance floor, a breather needed, people peeking through those doors

pensively to see who was around, like the doors to Narnia, before entering,

looking round for a like minded soul to discuss music or the world, and to

avoid the record room ribbing that some fell victim to. Normally when Pete

had herded the grumpier grazers over to his corner for a bit of male

posturing! It wasn't always easy, but the best things in life never are.

* Jim O'Hara. He has to take most of the credit. He controlled the

most unruly mfkers you could think, mostly with a smile, although

occasionally with a shout, like when Ozzie tried to have chair races across the dance

floor, or take the hoover into car park which had the caretakers house

right next to it! Who thankfully, until the end, thought Jim and his pals were

nice lads and didn't need to check up on what was happening. But he drove

it forward incessantly, in some ways at cost to himself personally as

friendships faltered due to disagreements, but he knew what he wanted and it was

101% right. And he must have made a fortune on that tea bar, well he would

have if we didn't all help herself. Had to make up the shortfall in wages

somehow Jim!

My personal experience of it was that it was the only place I trully loved

Djing, like absolutely revelled in it, it was our time and place. Our

Stafford. Our two fingers up to the rest of scene saying catch us if you can.

And they couldn't. I was allowed to wear my heart on my sleeve for my last

60 minutes (it was often nearer 86 minutes, much to Jims monthly disgust and

shouts of "right Jock, that is definitely the last f**king one") and each

one got harder to play but also bizarrely easier once you started. I felt

honoured to dj but also challenged and allowed to answer the challenge in my

own way. It was often emotional and afterwards I replayed it all for days.

Nothing equalled that hour for me, and nothing will. I like to think I

pushed barriers in style and genre, and buttons in making people think. And

for John Neilsen and Steve Walls who tried to push my buttons every all

nighter by saying play something faster, normally when I was playing my fastest

record, I sussed you boys, admittedly the second last all nighter but I got

there. I was often dazed and confused, if euphoric. I still get feedback

now, and that’s humbling. What I like to think I brought to Allanton, as did

Jim in spades and most of the DJ's was an ethos, a F**k you I can do it my

way ethos, in many ways that was the spirit of the 80's, the spirit of

Stafford and definitely the spirit of Allanton. And I suppose that’s what we

can take from looking back from Allanton, that ethos and the spirit made it

what it is.

And I suspect that’s what Colin and Andy are trying to recreate with

Peebles, two nights about progression and evolution and fun, just like these

days used to be. And for me personally I think that’s even what the reunion

bit should be, celebrating the Sounds of Allanton but also the spirit. That’s

what Allanton deserves and demands.

I suspect my glasses are unusually rose spectred here, as sure there would

be bad nights, but I genuinely cannot remember any, towards end when

hassle from locals and plod were raising their ugly head, it impacted but for

the however many hours in there, it was business as usual. 100% Northern Soul

as only the greatest all-nighters can be, with people I hope I can call

lifetime friends. Euphoric and free. That’s what Allanton needs to be known

as for me.

Some of my faves from Allanton:-

Magnetics on Ra Sel

Ray Pollard on Shrine[ to prove I didn't just play cheap record ]

Tears on Smash [Good Luck ]

Fantastic Four Live Up To What She Thinks [Ric-Tic]

OC Smith Color Me Father [Columbia LP]

Bill Brandon Streets Got My Lady [Piedmount]

Carla Thomas Never Stop Loving You [un issued Kent Records]

Major IV This little Girl of mine [Venture]

Esther Phillips Just say Goodbye-[Atlantic]

OJays Ill never forget you-[imperial ]

Four Tops Ask The Lonely-[ Motown] -Still the greatest record i played

anywhere.

site note below added 3rd Aug 2013

Something To Look Forward To...Something To Be Proud Of

Being a wee bit late to party with my submission has allowed me the benefit of enjoying and absorbing the other contributors' thoughts and memories of the phenomenon that was the Allanton All Nighter. On the downside, it also means everyone has it pretty much covered, but let's not allow that get in the way of another old timer's reminiscing!

The Allanton All Nighter - and it was in Allanton, by the way, a town so 'one horse' that Jim felt it might help people find it better by referencing nearby Shotts, a town slightly larger (ie, two horses) - really was something of a phenomenon, for a few reasons. As Jim has already pointed out, it was the West of Scotland's first Northern nighter, an area traditionally rooted in the jazzy, funky traditions; also, it was virtually unique in that the promoter wasn't a DJ or a wannabe, starting his own club in order to get a gig. But for me, the main reason this club made such an enduring impression and still generates so much affection was *ahem* the integrity of it's promoter and fact that it came along just at the right time, a time so right that for the first and surely the only occasion, Scotland - for a period - was to host the scene's most influential, 'must attend', regular nighter.

Post-Stafford, the 60's Newies/Forward Thinkers (yes, that's meant to come across as elitist) found ourselves drifting from various clubs that sought to fill the void: some were excellent - Guy & Ion's 'Soul Town' ventures in Blackburn, and Rob Marriott & Jim Wensiora's 'Soul Power' shindig in Mansfield spring to mind, and the venerable 100 Club continued to fight the good fight - but, 100 Club aside, there was never really a feeling of permanence, they tended to feel like stop gaps to me. They came, blazed brightly for so many months then fizzled out, for whatever reason. By the time Allanton started, Steve and I had played The Last Post for our nighter at Glenrothes YMCA and there was precious little to excite us down south. It felt the scene was dying on it's arse and we feared we'd never again see a club that ticked all the right boxes. Then BANG, the roof fell in as this barnstormer of an all nighter in the most unlikely of settings took off.

And take off it did! It wasn't the first all nighter up here to have punters dancing on tables, or to see coachloads arrive from England, but the magic, for me, was that this was achieved by the ticking of those 'right boxes' I was on about, i.e the right music; decent crowds, both in terms of quality and quantity; a well laid out venue and 'finger-on-the-pulse' promotion. It wasn't very often you would get all that for yer £3.50 admission! English pals and acquaintances would tell me how they loved the atmosphere but couldn't understand how it came to be - "why isn't it like this down south?" they would muse, as if contemplating Zen or the mysteries of Solomon, yet it was all so simple: we just knew how to get right in about having a good time and whacking it with a big stick! I once heard one chap - arsehole is another description - snootily talk of the distinction between 'the fodder on the dance floor' and the 'the top men in the record bar' (I kid you not) and therein lay the answer: while that pompous knobhead felt his mission on the scene was to be a be a ponderer of early 60's R&B honkers with a like minded bores, we were dancers who knew our shit. We set about our business with enthusiasm; whether that be collecting, DJ'ing, dancing, capering and just being off our heads; sweating like buffalos and grinning like demented beavers, reared on a hearty stew of oomph, with added gusto and vigour. Oh yes indeedy! As with my friend The Top Twat In The Record Bar, the following is another example of someone just not getting the bleedin' obvioius, a more-or-less, word-for-word account of a conversation I once had at Allanton:

Her - "Why don't you support our nighters, when we go to all the bother of coming up here"?

Me - "It's a bother to you? You're always at Allanton, I thought you came up because you enjoy it"?

Her - "Oh we do, it's brilliant, we love it. The music, the atmosphere, the crowd...it's great"

Me - "Isn't that enough"?

Her - Well...yeah...it's just that it doesn't seem right, us coming all this way and you guys not supporting us"

Me - "See that nighter you think I should support? It's boring! It's always half empty, and the 2 or maybe 3 dj's worth listening to are playing to a handful of punters while the rest have barricaded themselves in the record bar, talking the same old shite to the same old faces as they did the last time. It's everything that Allanton's not, that's why I don't go".

What the lady seemed to fail to grasp, although she really 'got it' without realising it, was that we regarded Allanton as an event to look forward to, something worth getting excited about. We didn't have umpteen nighters within a couple of hours drive available to us up here, so we were largely immune from the complacency which affected so many of our southern contemporaries, who could give the impression they attended nighters as if on auto pilot, regardless of who was DJ'ing. They would mump and moan, yet dutifully return the following month to a nighter that simply didn't deserve their support . It isn't really that hard to understand why, then, the Allanton experience would hit those folks like a handful of bombers! Another couple of guys suggested to Jim and I what they described as - and I quote - "a cultural exchange", whereby Jim would give these two collectors-with-DJ'ing-aspirations a spot at Allanton, while they would use their apparent influence with Ady Croasdell to get a couple of our boys on at the 100 Club (this despite Colin, Jock and I making the odd appearance there purely at Ady's behest, without those would-be movers and shakers pulling the strings). Again, those fellas spectacularly missed the point that the key which made Allanton was the integrity of it's promotion: DJ's were their on merit, not for their ability to fill a coach or as a 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' maneuver, and those DJ's turned it on accordingly; likewise, the crowd were treated with respect and they, in turn responded accordingly. It's not too highfalutin to sum up Allanton at it's peak as a perfect synergy between the promoter and his team, the DJ's and the punters. I played the first one, the last one and damn-near everyone in between, and even after so much time has passed, I still happy to declare my contribution as something to be proud of.

As I write this I keep getting flashbacks of the sheer fun of it: Pete Lawson storming up to the decks as I was playing The Magictones 'Together We Shall Overcome' and me thinking "oh aye, here we go", expecting a tirade for playing such a cheapie but receiving praise,(in Pete's fashion)...Guy bellowing up at Jock from the front of the stage "Oop the tempo, oop the tempo. In the the name of God man, oop the tempo" after a particularly mellow selection during the last hour...Jock - that man again - delivering a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela by dedicating James Barnes and the Fabulous Agents 'Free at Last' (he was still on Robben Island at the time) with the immortal line "if you're listening Nelson, this one's for you"...first time DJ'ing on E, oh crikey! "Concentrate, for f*ck's sake, concentrate"!...doing the last hour on one working deck with with Mark Linton, me frantically waffling on the mic as Mark toiled to cue in the next track "coming up next, The Two Fellows with 'Stop Don't Give Up Your Loving' . Fred and Skeets were the Two Fellows - what an unusual name, Skeets - on that great little Detroit label, Mutt. Well, it's actually from Inkster, Michigan, but that's near Detroit, er, sort of. I think". And so on...

Half-thoughts of urging Jim to stage an Allanton tribute nighter have occurred to Steve and I over the years, but without ever really thinking it would happen. God knows, it's legacy deserves such a fitting event, so it's nice that the upcoming True Soul Weekender is offering a wee opportunity to remind folks of this truly legendary nighter. Who knows, it maybe stir a reinvigorated Jim into getting his promoter's hat on again?

See you in Peebles, hitting it with a big stick on the dancefloor!

Alan Walls

July 2013

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Link to True Soul Scottish Website

http://www.truesoul.co.uk/