Applauding Records

[macca]

I've often wondered about this myself, so when do you think this first started to happen? I mean after practically every record, almost as a knee-jerk response, whether the record was hugely popular or not.

I don't think I saw it in our area (East Anglia, East Midlands) till around 1978. In fact the first time I think I saw it was at Wigan around that time and thinking it all rather odd. Roy Hamilton's Crackin' Up Over You used to get a few ripples perhaps because it was always introduced as 'by the late great' and was for many of us an emotive record... ??

[Guest Matt Male]

I applaud a lot, but i'm not just applauding the record, i'm showing my appreciation for the DJ who played it.

[macca]

Me too, Matt, but I'm just curious to know if anybody else thought it odd back then, simply because people started to do something they hadn't done previously. I could of course be imagining all this.

[KevH]

I applaud a lot, but i'm not just applauding the record, i'm showing my appreciation for the DJ who played it.

 

I danced to a record a couple of weeks ago,walked off the dance floor,applauding the tune,the dj, and having the balls to play it.Problem is i can't remember what it was.

Edited September 15, 2013 by KevH

[Steve S 60]

During the filming of the nighter scenes, I believe the extras for the Northern Soul film were told not to applaud the records.  The film is set in the mid 70s and the practice didn't start until the late 70's, so trying to maintain the authenticity.

[Markw]

A lot of places I go to now they seem to applaud anything they hear, so long as it's totally familiar, including the announcement of last orders at the bar.

[Bazza]

I danced to a record a couple of weeks ago,walked off the dance floor,applauding the tune,the dj, and having the balls to play it.Problem is i can't remember what it was.

 

Don't do much applauding to be honest ,if I do there has to be a good reason such as the bit I highlighted  in your post Kev

 

Bazza  

[KevH]

Don't do much applauding to be honest ,if I do there has to be a good reason such as the bit I highlighted  in your post Kev

 

Bazza  

 

I don't make a habit of it Bazza. If you're "in the moment",why not.?

[Pete S]

It began in late 1976 at Wigan.  It's easy to trace, via tapes.  I'm talking very late 76 or even the start of 77.  I am pretty sure it began after a playing of Looking For You by Garnet Mimms, reason I say this is because I recorded a tape that night but can't remember if it was a 76 one or a 77 one, my earliest surviving 77 tape is from the first week of february and the clapping after the records can be heard, but on a tape from october 76, there is still no clapping after the records.

[spike1]

Roy Harrison twisted wheel regular in the sixties told me that if they likeed a tune at the wheel they would applaud it

If they did not like it they would bang on the cage that surrounded the decks at whitworth street in those days Until the offending tune was taken off

I can remember back in 76 at Wigan clapping after records

Think as someone has stated nit only for the tune but appreciation to th DJ

[Premium Stuff]

I like it - as long as it is used to pick out notable songs due to them being unusual, underplayed, rare etc. - not for well known stuff you can hear day in day out.

 

Richard

[macca]

Brilliant, thanks a lot everybody. Just goes to show you can't always rely on your own memories.

[Guest Matt Male]

I like it - as long as it is used to pick out notable songs due to them being unusual, underplayed, rare etc. - not for well known stuff you can hear day in day out.

 

Richard

 

 

Agreed, should be reserved for a DJ with a unique 45, or the balls to play something inteteresting or new. Definately not for a nomark playing a Frank Wilson boot.

 

On topic. There was certainly clapping after tunes in '78 at my local youthclub, attended by a few Wigan goers, so I'm assuming they also did it at Wigan at that time.

[Bazza]

I`m usually a lone applauder ,every one else is thinking  " what the eck is this " 

 

Bazza  

Edited September 15, 2013 by Bazza

[Pete S]

Agreed, should be reserved for a DJ with a unique 45, or the balls to play something inteteresting or new. Definately not for a nomark playing a Frank Wilson boot.

 

On topic. There was certainly clapping after tunes in '78 at my local youthclub, attended by a few Wigan goers, so I'm assuming they also did it at Wigan at that time.

 

They did, I explained in post 2!

[Frankie Crocker]

During the filming of the nighter scenes, I believe the extras for the Northern Soul film were told not to applaud the records.  The film is set in the mid 70s and the practice didn't start until the late 70's, so trying to maintain the authenticity.

So if a round of applause emerged in late '76 or early '77, does this not count as the mid 1970's? Did the film wardrobe people make sure the tailoring was spot on? Are all the sounds from 1975? Synchronised claps on the beat or at a break plus ripples of applause were around before 1975 so could have been factored in to add to the aura of the film regardless of authenticity.

[Steve S 60]

So if a round of applause emerged in late '76 or early '77, does this not count as the mid 1970's? Did the film wardrobe people make sure the tailoring was spot on? Are all the sounds from 1975? Synchronised claps on the beat or at a break plus ripples of applause were around before 1975 so could have been factored in to add to the aura of the film regardless of authenticity.

 

I think the film audience will be the judge of that. I do know that the film makers took advice from people who were part of the scene at the time, Richard Searling being one of those. I for one won't be going to watch the film in order to pick holes in it.

[Tony Smith]

It began in late 1976 at Wigan.  It's easy to trace, via tapes.  I'm talking very late 76 or even the start of 77.  I am pretty sure it began after a playing of Looking For You by Garnet Mimms, reason I say this is because I recorded a tape that night but can't remember if it was a 76 one or a 77 one, my earliest surviving 77 tape is from the first week of february and the clapping after the records can be heard, but on a tape from october 76, there is still no clapping after the records.

Keith Minshull? maybe they were clapping as it was a soul record?

[Pete S]

So if a round of applause emerged in late '76 or early '77, does this not count as the mid 1970's? Did the film wardrobe people make sure the tailoring was spot on? Are all the sounds from 1975? Synchronised claps on the beat or at a break plus ripples of applause were around before 1975 so could have been factored in to add to the aura of the film regardless of authenticity.

 

Absolutely correct.

[Tony Smith]

Why don't you guys make a film then?

[Pete S]

Why don't you guys make a film then?

 

About clapping?

[Pete S]

Keith Minshull? maybe they were clapping as it was a soul record?

 

He had his moments!

[Pete S]

I think the film audience will be the judge of that. I do know that the film makers took advice from people who were part of the scene at the time, Richard Searling being one of those. I for one won't be going to watch the film in order to pick holes in it.

 

 

Anyway if the film is set in 1974, 1975, they are absolutely right that the records/dj's weren't clapped after a record.

If it's after the date in 76 that I mentioned before, then people did clap.  

Ask Richard what year he played 30 different records for the first time and he'll get 20 wrong.

[Pete S]

Why don't you guys make a film then?

 

Is this going to be one of those things where nobody dares criticise this film or book or soundtrack or anyone who had a part in making it?  

Someone asking a simple question getting the old sarcastic treatment for no reason.

Edited September 15, 2013 by Pete S

[Tony Smith]

Come on Pete don't mug me off, that is not what is being talked about here, the original question has moved to commenting on Elaine's film which none of you have seen, pick holes in it (as you will) when you've seen it, not before, whatever you say!  

[Pete S]

 

Come on Pete don't mug me off, that is not what is being talked about here, the original question has moved to commenting on Elaine's film which none of you have seen, pick holes in it (as you will) when you've seen it, not before, whatever you say!  

 

 

Just answering a question (post number 1) and I know that my facts are correct, if anyone wants to challenge those facts of course they're welcome but they can't argue with....THE TAPES 

[Tony Smith]

Pete,

 

I know it's a fact I listened to your tapes I've got others too, maybe Frankie Crocker should'nt have mentioned the "film" in the post sometimes it just seems like everyone on here wants it to fail!

[Pete S]

Pete,

 

I know it's a fact I listened to your tapes I've got others too, maybe Frankie Crocker should'nt have mentioned the "film" in the post sometimes it just seems like everyone on here wants it to fail!

 

No I think we all want it to succeed really...actually get it right for once.

[Tony Smith]

Well I really hope when you see the final product, judge it then, Elaine is not an outsider cashing in, she still attends, and has put her heart and soul and everything she owns on this, sure you'll find something you dont think is right, everyone I know said that about "Once Upon A Time In Wigan", Me, I think Elaine has got the balance right, Just Wait & See!

[Steve S 60]

Pete,

 

I know it's a fact I listened to your tapes I've got others too, maybe Frankie Crocker should'nt have mentioned the "film" in the post sometimes it just seems like everyone on here wants it to fail!

 

 

I was the first to mention the "film" (post 5) in response to Macca's original post.  I was recalling what the extras were told during filming at KGH in August last year, so was hoping to add something to the discussion.  I certainly don't want the film to fail and hope it's as well received by SS members as the book appears to be (did I just mention the "book"?).

[Premium Stuff]

I was the first to mention the "film" (post 5) in response to Macca's original post.  I was recalling what the extras were told during filming at KGH in August last year, so was hoping to add something to the discussion.  I certainly don't want the film to fail and hope it's as well received by SS members as the book appears to be (did I just mention the "book"?).

 

Don't mention the comfy chair   Or is is don't mention the war?

 

I'm getting all my Python stuff mixed up!

Edited September 15, 2013 by Premium Stuff

[Steve S 60]

Don't mention the comfy chair   Or is is don't mention the war?

 

I'm getting all my Python stuff mixed up!

 

Luckily I didn't mention the war, because I wouldn't have got away with it.

[Frankie Crocker]

Pete,

 

I know it's a fact I listened to your tapes I've got others too, maybe Frankie Crocker should'nt have mentioned the "film" in the post sometimes it just seems like everyone on here wants it to fail!

During the filming of the nighter scenes, I believe the extras for the Northern Soul film were told not to applaud the records.  The film is set in the mid 70s and the practice didn't start until the late 70's, so trying to maintain the authenticity.

The question about rounds of applause was prompted by the forthcoming film aiming to achieve authenticity. Everyone who is looking forward to the film probably wants it to succeed - who goes to films to pick holes in them? Inevitably, viewers of the film will make comparisons between c1975 and the film representation; as it's a film, there is plenty of wriggle room for the production time to be true to the era portrayed and release a really good movie that works on the big screen as well as on DVD. A detail like hand clapping would not out of place to any die-hards like myself who were there '74-'79: details like the records played, dance moves, shirts worn and hair styles will definitely be under scrutiny though by Casino regulars.

[Steve S 60]

Butch is the Music Supervisor, according to the original brochure that was put together as part of the prospectus.  I witnessed some of the filming at KGH last year and it looked good from where I was standing.  The post production has taken some time, as Elaine Constantine wants the film to look and sound right.  Whether it looks and sounds right to those who were there will be very much down to individual memories.  I attended the Casino from '78 until it closed, and I can remember certain aspects, but not others.  Everybody will have their own memories and recollections from that era.

[macca]

Sorry, but my question in post #1 had bugger all to do with the coming film. I thought the applause after every record came in around 1978, based on trips I'd made to Wigan that year. I had witnessed what I called 'ripples' to Roy Hamilton prior to that, but that was different. Pete told us it was earlier, perhaps starting late 76 at Wigan with Garnett Mimms, an applause triggerer if ever there was one. His theory is supported by his tapes. Good enough for me. Post #5 is helpful in that it says that consultants on the coming film instructed dancers/actors not to applaud in between records, for authenticity's sake, as people didn't applaud till the late 70s. Late 76 or early 77 I think we can call post mid 70s, though not quite late 70s. I would call 1978 late 70s, of course. Not wishing to split hairs or discuss the film till I've seen it, though if the accompanying book is anything to go by, I think most of us will give it the thumbs up. Buenas noches amigos.

[pogo paul]

Keith Minshull? maybe they were clapping as it was a soul record?

Poor Comment, always rated him as a top dj. i've had great pleasure with his sets in the past.

[Tony Smith]

Poor comment ? Keith was playing loads of pop stompers and plenty I know stopped going to Wigan on the back of that in 78

 

Muriel Day

 

Tony Blackburn

 

come on

Edited September 15, 2013 by Tony Smith

[Geeselad]

It began in late 1976 at Wigan.  It's easy to trace, via tapes.  I'm talking very late 76 or even the start of 77.  I am pretty sure it began after a playing of Looking For You by Garnet Mimms, reason I say this is because I recorded a tape that night but can't remember if it was a 76 one or a 77 one, my earliest surviving 77 tape is from the first week of february and the clapping after the records can be heard, but on a tape from october 76, there is still no clapping after the records.

 

It began in late 1976 at Wigan.  It's easy to trace, via tapes.  I'm talking very late 76 or even the start of 77.  I am pretty sure it began after a playing of Looking For You by Garnet Mimms, reason I say this is because I recorded a tape that night but can't remember if it was a 76 one or a 77 one, my earliest surviving 77 tape is from the first week of february and the clapping after the records can be heard, but on a tape from october 76, there is still no clapping after the records.

off topic i know but when are the earliest wigan tapes from? do they go right back to the start?

[pogo paul]

Poor comment ? Keith was playing loads of pop stompers and plenty I know stopped going to Wigan on the back of that in 78

 

Muriel Day

 

Tony Blackburn

 

come on

Were they not Russ discoveries? big sounds at the time

Another time, another place, all i can say, he played many of my faves during the 80s and often got me applauding his sets.

[Mark S]

Dont recall clapping after a record back in the day but as Pete has pointed out it happend , Dont get the clapping thing now all the DJ has done is play a record he,s not performed it has he .

 

As for the film who cares .

[Pete S]

off topic i know but when are the earliest wigan tapes from? do they go right back to the start?

 

I put one up not so long ago which I had labelled as October 73, some said it was slightly later but it's still the earliest I know of.  You can find it in the audio video section if interested.

[Pete S]

Dont recall clapping after a record back in the day but as Pete has pointed out it happend , Dont get the clapping thing now all the DJ has done is play a record he,s not performed it has he .

 

As for the film who cares .

 

Just my opinion - it was never about clapping the dj, it was about acknowledging how great the record was, as if it had just been performed live by the artist.  The DJ sometimes got applauded at the end of the set.

[Tony Smith]

Were they not Russ discoveries? big sounds at the time

Another time, another place, all i can say, he played many of my faves during the 80s and often got me applauding his sets.

I quite agree with that Keith, once he dropped the pop stuff was brilliant, at Stafford for example he rounded the niters off nicely.

[Pete S]

Were they not Russ discoveries? big sounds at the time

Another time, another place, all i can say, he played many of my faves during the 80s and often got me applauding his sets.

 

I agree with both points. I have a typical Keith set from 78 (March) and it's a shocker, Gene Latter, Blue Chips, Barry Benson, Tim Tam (1st ever play).  Compared to his 77 spots, which were usually really good.  he just decided to go 90% UK labels.

[MrsWoodsrules]

Anyway if the film is set in 1974, 1975, they are absolutely right that the records/dj's weren't clapped after a record.

If it's after the date in 76 that I mentioned before, then people did clap.  

Ask Richard what year he played 30 different records for the first time and he'll get 20 wrong.

The film is set in specifically 1975, they went to great lengths on this, we went up on the filming day and they even checked our watches, told to turn them inside, no nike swooshes etc, although Adidas would have been ok okay i presume in 75? not sure, anyways they are trying to nail it bang on, I think they will do a graet job, looking at the dancers hairstyles etc.

Elaine was consulting Richard all day bout different things.

Dont think its worth being pedantic and geeky, but it should be right on the money for 75 (which was before my time)

[Steve S 60]

The film is set in specifically 1975, they went to great lengths on this, we went up on the filming day and they even checked our watches, told to turn them inside, no nike swooshes etc, although Adidas would have been ok okay i presume in 75? not sure, anyways they are trying to nail it bang on, I think they will do a graet job, looking at the dancers hairstyles etc.

Elaine was consulting Richard all day bout different things.

Dont think its worth being pedantic and geeky, but it should be right on the money for 75 (which was before my time)

 

One thing they definitely got right was the temperature.  It was redders in there.

[Sooty]

Personally I look forward to anything relating to the scene...and this film i've read about is one of them!x I have no foundation to reflect upon as my only involvement in 1975 was to attend a local school Youth Club on a Friday night aged 14 1/2 and heard Northern played which was all new to me! The Champion...The Snake...Pain in My Heart.....James Fountain/Bounty....all vivid memories still...but that's it! I didn't go to a proper Northern doo until 1992 my first Kelle A/N which was xmas....and a fantastic memory in which I recall Keith Minshull having an influence on that night from my perspective!!x So...he has been 'entertaining' successfully to that point for 20+ years...and did the job for my next 7 or 8 being full on whenever our paths met behind the decks!x Well done Keith...time served...!x

 

As for authenticity....I have read the discussions about the film since joining SS. I can only say this and agree with the post above that we all have different memories of the past! I saw the new Lady Di film recently. Watched it twice in my privacy. I was there at Southport when she broke down in tears at a Charity function. I know the truth of that day....from my perspective. Does the film reflect my truth? Nope...it reflects another truth....those who were onlookers and not participants to events. From that recollection...everything is as was perceived and reported Globally. So...we all have different 'truths' about an event....and we all can be right!x

 

A recent re-acquaintance with an old school friend going back to '75-77 has enlightened me more as to how 'selective' we are with our memory's too! He has recounted numerous events to me latley about our happy days together....that I have completely forgot....and wouldn't have remembered the occasions as he has! Indeed it made me feel sad that some of my friends happiest moments for him....were forgotten completely by me...yet he beleived we had 'shared' them! Perhaps if we'd have gone to Wigan during our friendship....I may have clapped because of the 'euphoria' I was in irrelevant of the crowd or song....and he wouldn't have clapped because he'd be off outside before the tune finished for anuver smoke......or summink! He said he'd been at that since those days....which i never knew....until 35 years later!x

 

So chill with 'the detail' as such I would suggest!x However....'factual' comment as offered by Pete S is also valid....and of interest to me as I know how things can be forgotten......and it is good to have a record of sorts to refer too....and not rely on others interpretations as 'fact'...be they film makers or punters who where there....yet possibly non compus mentis at the time???!!!hehehex

 

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X

 

P.S....when thinking about it....I have always clapped a DJ after I have danced to a tune! Besides dancing to show my respects to his choice of music I automatically feel like thanking them for it too! Yeah....always done it and would have done in 1975! Not many people have that impact on my life to take control of it and make me do things that go against my better judgement! I am the one who has had to deal with the collateral such 'control' brings on the Monday....and nobody is around to put deep heat or owt on my aches and pains!!! Self flagellation...and I applaud the folk encouraging me.....!....mad mefinks....but true!x

@@
~

Edited September 16, 2013 by SOOTY

[Bazza]

Personally I couldn't give a monkeys about any of these films ,none of em compare to my memories 

 

Bazza  

[Carty]

Minshull did used to play Garnett Mimms  every week without fail , almost a signature record for him aroud 4.30 5 a.m ish ,in 76, loved the rec ord like  no other at that time , picked up a uk demo in the record bar for thirteen  qiud and within the hour swapped it for a u.k issue and fifteen qiud , so a garnett mimms frree and two pounds profit !  would i have applauded the playing of it ? most definately, yes ( heard it so many times over the years that it does not have the effect on me that it used to but well worth its top twenty place in the top 500 )

[Chalky]

The film is set in specifically 1975, they went to great lengths on this, we went up on the filming day and they even checked our watches, told to turn them inside, no nike swooshes etc, although Adidas would have been ok okay i presume in 75? not sure, anyways they are trying to nail it bang on, I think they will do a graet job, looking at the dancers hairstyles etc.Elaine was consulting Richard all day bout different things.Dont think its worth being pedantic and geeky, but it should be right on the money for 75 (which was before my time)

There was more than Richard consulted on the day of filming and throughout filming, especially about the clapping.