A Bout Time They Let This Go

[Speedlimit]

Right people I know i'll upset a few people on here , but ha ho that's life. What's getting my goat is this Wigan 40th anniversary thing . yea I attended the casino every week from 74 till it closed there was some great times had and SOME great record played ,but to celebrate a 40th anniversary for a venue which closed it's doors some 32  years a go is taking the p..s, Get over people, venues come and go they always have and they always will , there's no need for this to be rammed down our throats , No wonder the scene's in the state it's in . records that were played after the casino , Stafford ,etc are now only just starting to be accepted by the masses some 20 odd years after first being played. Events like this are only adding to the demise of the scene and the original ethos of the scene ,which was a hunger for new danceable records . Get real folk's these events are just money spinners for said promotors , they don't care about the current scene. I know i'll get slated but this had to be said

 

  :thumbsup:      

[Winnie :-)]

Right people I know i'll upset a few people on here , but ha ho that's life. What's getting my goat is this Wigan 40th anniversary thing . yea I attended the casino every week from 74 till it closed there was some great times had and SOME great record played ,but to celebrate a 40th anniversary for a venue which closed it's doors some 32  years a go is taking the p..s, Get over people, venues come and go they always have and they always will , there's no need for this to be rammed down our throats , No wonder the scene's in the state it's in . records that were played after the casino , Stafford ,etc are now only just starting to be accepted by the masses some 20 odd years after first being played. Events like this are only adding to the demise of the scene and the original ethos of the scene ,which was a hunger for new danceable records . Get real folk's these events are just money spinners for said promotors , they don't care about the current scene. I know i'll get slated but this had to be said

 

  :thumbsup:      

But Steve,

 

If we get rid of the 'Wigan Anniversary' nights where will we all go?       

[Speedlimit]

But Steve,

 

If we get rid of the 'Wigan Anniversary' nights where will we all go?       

Winnie  they could always decided to attend venues that are actually open lol   :lol:        

[Tezza]

But Steve,

 

If we get rid of the 'Wigan Anniversary' nights where will we all go?       

Perhaps we could buy a few records and set up a night of our own !!!

[Gold Band]

Steve,

          It might just be me but I would have thought only people that want to attend, will attend as that is what the said paying punters want who attend the venue. No issue as long as everyone enjoys themselves so I can't see how the scenes demise is going to be effected in anyway or is this just another (I Want It My Way)

Kirsty

[Speedlimit]

Steve,

          It might just be me but I would have thought only people that want to attend, will attend as that is what the said paying punters want who attend the venue. No issue as long as everyone enjoys themselves so I can't see how the scenes demise is going to be effected in anyway or is this just another (I Want It My Way)

Kirsty

Hi Kirsty no its not just a I want it my way, it's the fact that the punters who attend  are under the illusion that said venue which closed 32 years ago is still open heaven forbid . its time to move on the scene will never progress if we don't  

[Back Street Blue]

Not sure that people who attend events aimed at celebrating music from a soul club from the past are under the illusion that the club is still open or that people with an interest in records synonymous with such clubs are actually preventing the emergence of previously undiscovered records or the exposure of underplayed records.

 

Do you apply that logic to focusing on other soul clubs.....e.g. celebrating 50 years since the twisted wheel opened or the spirit of Albrighton? 

 

I totally appreciate and respect the fact that people feel passionate about the ethos of discovering "new" stuff but wouldn't the mission to educate the masses be better served by encouraging and welcoming people with an open mind rather than prejudice and ridicule?

 

I sincerely hope that the "underground" aspect of the scene grows from strength to strength and that the upholding of values like "OVO" and the better recognition of the discoveries and personalities from the post 70's is achieved........but do something about it......go to the existing events.....Lifeline, Kestrel Suite, S.O.A....make them the nights that others get to hear about and want to attend and don't make then feel that they will be alienated there.

 

Everyboy's got to start somewhere so they tend to go for the most accessible and better known places, that means you got to get their attention if you want them, if you don't want them then just bat on.

Edited September 25, 2013 by back street blue

[Winnie :-)]

Winnie  they could always decided to attend venues that are actually open lol   :lol:        

Steve,

 

Isn't the bottom line:

 

Some good records were played at Wigan or anywhere else for that matter. Current venues are still playing records from old haunts, nobody is playing entirely new stuff all night (in the 'northern' sense of new stuff) so the myth/celebration will forever continue. Whether the 'venue' is calling their night 'A Wigan Revival' is besides the point to me, because everyone is still playing records blooded at said venue. I realise that's looking at it a bit matter of factly, but we're never going to get away from our history are we? 

[Citizen P]

Right people I know i'll upset a few people on here , but ha ho that's life. What's getting my goat is this Wigan 40th anniversary thing . yea I attended the casino every week from 74 till it closed there was some great times had and SOME great record played ,but to celebrate a 40th anniversary for a venue which closed it's doors some 32  years a go is taking the p..s, Get over people, venues come and go they always have and they always will , there's no need for this to be rammed down our throats , No wonder the scene's in the state it's in . records that were played after the casino , Stafford ,etc are now only just starting to be accepted by the masses some 20 odd years after first being played. Events like this are only adding to the demise of the scene and the original ethos of the scene ,which was a hunger for new danceable records . Get real folk's these events are just money spinners for said promotors , they don't care about the current scene. I know i'll get slated but this had to be said

 

  :thumbsup:      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The very same promoters, who, " I suspect" declared that Northern Soul was dead, moved on until they realised that there was still money to be made and returned to save us all..

Edited September 25, 2013 by Citizen P

[Spacehopper]

to be honest when ive been seeing this wigans 40th blah blah on nites ive often thought how is that anything different to what they normally do anyway as most have been largely oldies nites playing tunes from that era already...exept maybe playing tunes they would normally be too embarressed to play nowadays?

 

dean

[Speedlimit]

Not sure that people who attend events aimed at celebrating music from a soul club from the past are under the illusion that the club is still open or that people with an interest in records synonymous with such clubs are actually preventing the emergence of previously undiscovered records or the exposure of underplayed records.

 

Do you apply that logic to focusing on other soul clubs.....e.g. celebrating 50 years since the twisted wheel opened or the spirit of Albrighton? 

 

I totally appreciate and respect the fact that people feel passionate about the ethos of discovering "new" stuff but wouldn't the mission to educate the masses be better served by encouraging and welcoming people with an open mind rather than prejudice and ridicule?

 

I sincerely hope that the "underground" aspect of the scene grows from strength to strength and that the upholding of values like "OVO" and the better recognition of the discoveries and personalities from the post 70's is achieved........but do something about it......go to the existing events.....Lifeline, Kestrel Suite, S.O.A....make them the nights that others get to hear about and want to attend and don't make then feel that they will be alienated there.

 

Everyboy's got to start somewhere so they tend to go for the most accessible and better known places, that means you got to get their attention if you want them, if you don't want them then just bat on.

there is no logic  its the ethos and principle of celebrating an anniversary of a venue long closed , im very passionate about our music but events like this are a mockery of the scene  the media etc get involved and before you know it you end up with a clown show like the one on paul o'grady show. then the rest of us are tarnished with the same brush, I don't know about you but at times im ashamed to admit im part of this scene .

[Speedlimit]

 

I agree these same said people  the soul scene  is dead , low and behold a decade later their back  along with the rest that couldn't be arsed to stay and see what was in store. then they wonder why those of us that did get agitated  about things like this  

[Back Street Blue]

there is no logic  its the ethos and principle of celebrating an anniversary of a venue long closed , im very passionate about our music but events like this are a mockery of the scene  the media etc get involved and before you know it you end up with a clown show like the one on paul o'grady show. then the rest of us are tarnished with the same brush, I don't know about you but at times im ashamed to admit im part of this scene .

 

Take your point mate....also on the cashing in on the commercial scale.....but still think that people should be able to celebrate one club as much as any other.

[Steve G]

I have as much in common with these Wigan revivalists as I do with the Druids on Salisbury Plain celebrating the equinox or the Flat earth society meeting to consider a new report suggsting that the earth may be round....

 

Well that's not quite true, we do share a love of some of the music and I did visit The Casino as a youngster. But that's it, I honestly wouldn't know if these "Wigan anniversary" nights are on in my town or not. Nor would I care, I am sure I could find a wall that needs painting....or failing that a neighbours wall.... 

 

Let em get on with it. On balance I'd probably rather they were in an 'enclosed place' enjoying themselves, than out and about pestering the rest of us with requests for Lorraine Silver and Judy Street! 

Edited September 25, 2013 by Steve G

[Lovemusic]

I have never been to a Wigan Casino anniversary. The first anniversary (1974)-my mate got food poisoning and I had to take him home. The second, my forged ticket didn't cut the mustard (no watermark). After that I decided anniversaries were not for me and avoided them all. And still do.

[Barry]

It's a night out for some folk - let 'em have a bit a fun.

[Chalky]

It's all about money and nothing to do with Wigan.

[purist]

I think folk will do what they will do, and many of the replies have merit, but I feel the need to raise on point.

 

With events like Spirit of Stafford & Spirit of Albrighton they were/are not purely nostalgia based events, like these anniversarys.

They aimed at playing a percentage of era & venue specific memories, but also keeping the " play something new" spirit alive by also including new music that was appropriate ( i.e. tunes that had we found them in that era, we would have played them, but they've been discovered since the original venues closed so we couldn't play them back then, so we will now ;-)

 

Imagine if they did a " Spirit of Wigan" themed nite, it would also be exactly the same because Wigan played a fair proportion of new music, so presumably they'd play a mix of Wigan memories and newies - if they had the desire to be accurate, they would, wouldn't they ?

[Speedlimit]

It's all about money and nothing to do with Wigan.

that's oh so true  yes ,let those that attened these venues celebrate if they want, but as reunions not anniversary's  there for venue's which are still open  100 club prime example .  it makes a mockery of every other venue past or present . unfortunately chalky's right it's all about  money ,many of those attending probably never went to wigan but they have the badges that say they did. I personally know a few of these type of people and one even appeared on the paul o'grady show proclaiming how great the casino was even though they would have been 11 at the time lol  

[Julie Moore]

Don`t like it don`t go .......................Simples 

 

Regards 

 

Julie 

[Speedlimit]

I think folk will do what they will do, and many of the replies have merit, but I feel the need to raise on point.

 

With events like Spirit of Stafford & Spirit of Albrighton they were/are not purely nostalgia based events, like these anniversarys.

They aimed at playing a percentage of era & venue specific memories, but also keeping the " play something new" spirit alive by also including new music that was appropriate ( i.e. tunes that had we found them in that era, we would have played them, but they've been discovered since the original venues closed so we couldn't play them back then, so we will now ;-)

 

Imagine if they did a " Spirit of Wigan" themed nite, it would also be exactly the same because Wigan played a fair proportion of new music, so presumably they'd play a mix of Wigan memories and newies - if they had the desire to be accurate, they would, wouldn't they ?

I don't think theirs much chance of new discoveries being play  at the butlins run casino anniversary   

[Back Street Blue]

that's oh so true  yes ,let those that attened these venues celebrate if they want, but as reunions not anniversary's  there for venue's which are still open  100 club prime example .  it makes a mockery of every other venue past or present . unfortunately chalky's right it's all about  money ,many of those attending probably never went to wigan but they have the badges that say they did. I personally know a few of these type of people and one even appeared on the paul o'grady show proclaiming how great the casino was even though they would have been 11 at the time lol  

 

People commemorate the anniversary of peoples' deaths so not sure the promoters need to adopt another name for celebrating a passed event.

 

As to the motive for advertising any event, cash has got to be a factor surely?

 

Not saying there aren't bullsh*tters in attendance.......but that's not exclusive to the oldies circuit is it?

 

I suspect that there are also a fair number of people at the WC Celebrations who were around first time around but they just get lumped in with the other unworthies and that's what I object to.....more fool me. 

[Citizen P]

Can we have a reunion for people that actually went (more than once or twice) and stayed awake ALL NIGHT...  .

 

Stuff the music can we have OSO-original substances only ??

[Bazza]

Can we have a reunion for people that actually went (more than once or twice) and stayed awake ALL NIGHT...  .

 

Stuff the music can we have OSO-original substances only ??

But some of the substances were bootlegged as well   

 

Bazza  

 

PS.usually pitched down as well lol

Edited September 25, 2013 by Bazza

[Citizen P]

But some of the substances were bootlegged as well   

 

Bazza  

 

PS.usually pitched down as well lol

 

 

Yep, pitched a fair bit down, after checking the stamps 

[Sooty]

.....awww jeeeez....IanD is gonna love this....hehe!!!x

@@
~
 

Dis-claimer....!

After doing the 'Togetherness' film independently on me own nowt to do wiv anybody...several months later.I was asked by Kev to do the same kind of thing for the 30th Wigan Anniversary doo at Kings Hall....10 years ago! It was on the strength of the success of the first film of which 1,000 video copies went out there. However....the day fell on the morning I arrived back from abroad with a 'tropical' bug of some kind....horrific! Not man flu Ladies....proper this wos!!x  I didn't want to go...couldn't hear meself speak....supposed to have interviewed Lorraine Silver....Tommy Hunt...and Ediwn Starrs Saxophonist as part of the film.....and couldn't hear meself talk! I was a mess...and didn't want to be there. I went....did what I could.....got all the footage/interviews.....looked ill throughout.....edited it....and gave the copy's to Kev. I got paid for the production and really didn't want to take anything for it.....as it wos cr*p...by my standards! The lighting was horrific too...red red red everywhere...and killed it big time. Anyway...I haven't spoken about it really on SS because I ain't happy with it...so don't! That was my previous involvement with Wigan Anniversary's at Kings Hall...and with the venue and promoters in question. In fact it was the last time Kev and I spoke 10 years ago until a few months back. So...i'll now say me bit on the current topic in this thread!x

 

Anniversary's are 'Party's'. The bigger...the better. Kings Halls 'it' at present...isn't it? Could it be done better....more focused to Soulies of today with genuine reflection on the scene??? I'm sure. I remember the 30th....given the 30th anni...the crowd....then yep......things could have been better all round from a Promoters perspective. Same can be said of most large venues tho' I found. Is it a money generator...of course. Is that the intentions of the Promoters? I'm sure...business is business whilst your all enjoying yourselves!!....and it is there to do. This is why...

 

My first big doo...or proper Northern Dooo was Keele xmas party '92. I danced to Bobby Goldsboro's Too Many People....3 TIMES.....and LOVED IT!!! I had never heard the tune in me life...or had the experience of a Nighter.....and to underpin it...never taken speed until that night.......! Point is...I left there that night chewing me friends heads off as I would have saying 'i'm gonna do a do like that and DJ at Keele one day!'....! 4 months later....I organised my first ever Soul Night. That was April 1993. From other threads now closed...Keb apparently said.the scene was at a lethargic stage early 90's. A transition was occurring from oldies to newies and a bit of R&B and Doo Wop thrown in...! When I travelled the UK for the next year lapping up the music and knowledge whilst making friends....I realised Keele was probably it...the modern Wigan Casino of the day....! It was great....every time...and I loved it. That 'experience' will be had by those attending this 40th. Rightly so....a night out init...like my first Keele was. It inspired me to host over 70 Soul Nights...9 A/Ns...re-launching a dead St Ives to success....and entertaining THOUSANDS Nationwide. Indeed I was part of the resurgence that swept the Country from '93/-98. Yes...on that wave...Chris King..Ian Levine and others came back. They admit such on the original 'Togetherness' film I made....out soon!!x So what? I quit...Shifty found his niche....others who came on that journey carried on...Len's still here and kicking well....and yes......if it wasn't for Keele....'party'...and an innocent fella walking in.....most of that would never have happened...END OF! So I find it difficult to 'rubbish' the occasion or indeed berate the Promoters.

 

The 'chat' goes around about those who line their pockets on the night. We all know that! What's true...or bollo* is irrelevant.....in the grand scale! Let them have their party I say! I'd enjoy it for the craic as I do!

Otherwise........put summink of use to the people en masse together yourselves....! Easy done.....yawn!x I'd help,,,,if there was a demand for co-soulies whose hearts in it to get it done!x

 

Can't offer more than that except I wos really really ill Ladies....honest!x....look at how me face wos bloated.....arghhh!!x

@@
~

 

 

...and no...I ai';t got a copy only the master.......and no I ain't copying it...it's cr*p...!x I will tho's salvage the interview with Lorraine...which was good...direct...and eye opening tbf!x I'll whack it on Utube and put a link in here for those interested...X

 

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X

 

....I did find it booted about 4 years later when popping into a doo up t'norf! Originally it was on VHS...I asked the dealer how much this plain DVD in a photocopied case was...he said £10 mate.......obviously hadn't watched it...hehe.....I bought one anyway...! Got it home....re...EEEEEEeed....everywhere....binned it!x So yes...there are some out to take the pi**.....and I can't be having it...where it is 'out of order'!x

@@
~

 

..Edit.....I achieved everything and more....except me personal goal....to DJ at Keele.....nice 1 Neil!!x I'm over it tho'......got a new pi** off...The STAAAAAAARTOOOOONES.....waaaahhhhh....X

@@
~

Edited September 25, 2013 by SOOTY

[Harry Crosby]

If people want to do it, that's up to them and I`m sure they enjoy themselves and surely that's what its all about. To me it shut 32 years ago I walked outta that door and have never been to an anniversary. Other doors opened once those closed and my soul life moved on. As has been said..................ITS ABOUT THE ALMIGHTY POUND!!!!

Edited September 25, 2013 by HARRY CROSBY

[Zed1]

Does this mean we'll get a similar thread on the Next Stafford/Mecca/Torch/Wheel Anniversary?, or is it just reserved for venues where people wore comedy trousers?.

Edited September 25, 2013 by Zed1

[Biggordy]

Here in Barnsley the local soul nights are all Wigan/oldies based.

 

I tend to go for the social side of things rather than the music, lovely friendly people and it's a good night out don't get me wrong but the same Wigan oldies month in, month out.  Quite a few younger people go along and they probably think that Northern soul is ONLY about Wigan and oldies.  No disrespect to anyone, just saying my bit.

[Davetay]

Can we have a reunion for people that actually went (more than once or twice) and stayed awake ALL NIGHT...  .

 

Stuff the music can we have OSO-original substances only ??

Funny you should say this, at the Tower on Saturday, certain people that went there on a mini-bus left for home.

Wait for it............. 1.00am. lol.

No, I was not there, before anyone asks!!!

 

I was out at a Modern Soul Night, left when it finished just after 3.00am.

[Spacehopper]

Does this mean we'll get a similar thread on the Next Stafford/Mecca/Torch/Wheel Anniversary?, or is it just reserved for venues where people wore comedy trousers?.

 

am I right in thinking its the 50th of the first wheel alnighter this weekend?  thing is with wigan it seems to be  done so much by so many people with numerous films,dox and books

 

I never went,way too young being 14 when it closed and 250 miles away!...don't get me wrong,wish I had.. I know I would have loved it BUT oddly theres a part of me that is also glad I didn't cos I probably wont shut the f+++ up about it!!

 

dean

Edited September 25, 2013 by spacehopper

[Quinvy]

A couple of years ago I tried running an oldies night. I was out of work and bored so I was hoping to make a bit of money out of it and get some enjoyment out of playing some of the classics from the Wheel, Cats, Torch and the Mecca. Rather than the same old Wigan biggies.

However, I struggled to get the numbers required, and the only way to get the punters to dance was to get the big Wigan tunes out. I was amazed that people that I thought had been on the scene a long time, we're coming up to the decks to ask what records were. I'm talking about massive Mecca records from the seventies, not obscurities.

Makes you think just how many people on the scene today actually went anywhere back in the day.

[Zed1]

Makes you think just how many people on the scene today actually went anywhere back in the day.

 

They didn't!....

 

Why on earth would they wan't to travel on public transport late on a saturday night to some strange Northern town, just to listen to obscure black American music?. Much easier just to go to the pub on the corner and get pissed listening to Status Quo on the Jukebox.....

[Len]

Love the thread, but kn*ckered from the last one  .....I'll have a good 're-read' in a couple of days.

 

......One thought though - Steve, how come you did all the Wigan stuff, yet your attitude hasn't changed, and that's what it's all about (to me at least) - So where (dare I say it?) Did it all go wrong, attitude wise?

 

Maybe I'm concentrating  on those that 'popped' in to Wigan - There I think I've answered my own question.

 

......I can see it in ya eyes mate  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited September 25, 2013 by LEN

[Guest drewid]

I have as much in common with these Wigan revivalists as I do with the Druids on Salisbury Plain celebrating the equinox or the Flat earth society meeting to consider a new report suggsting that the earth may be round....

Well that's not quite true, we do share a love of some of the music and I did visit The Casino as a youngster. But that's it, I honestly wouldn't know if these "Wigan anniversary" nights are on in my town or not. Nor would I care, I am sure I could find a wall that needs painting....or failing that a neighbours wall....

Let em get on with it. On balance I'd probably rather they were in an 'enclosed place' enjoying themselves, than out and about pestering the rest of us with requests for Lorraine Silver and Judy Street! [/quote. Couldnt put it better mate, at least we can keep an eye on the b#ggers whilst they're at these events gives those that have moved on a bit of peace lol

[Steve G]

Love the thread, but kn*ckered from the last one  .....I'll have a good 're-read' in a couple of days.

 

......One thought though - Steve, how come you did all the Wigan stuff, yet your attitude hasn't changed, and that's what it's all about (to me at least) - So where (dare I say it?) Did it all go wrong, attitude wise?

 

Maybe I'm concentrating  on those that 'popped' in to Wigan - There I think I've answered my own question.

 

......I can see it in ya eyes mate  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

Because when I went to Wigan nearly 40 years ago it was a cutting edge venue, playing a lot of new music to me. I've never changed my desire to hear new music. Simples....

Edited September 25, 2013 by Steve G

[Russoul1]

never went to wigan . never bothered me that I didn't eventhough I was attending dayers etc from 76, so for me personaly im not bothered about anything wigan

reunion related, but for some its there lives and the the place they can hear and dance to there favourite oldies such as mercy - duffy .......................

[Epic]

Does this mean we'll get a similar thread on the Next Stafford/Mecca/Torch/Wheel Anniversary?, or is it just reserved for venues where people wore comedy trousers?.

 

Do any of these venues have anniversaries ?

[Frankie Crocker]

Nowt wrong with nostalgia events like this. It was a pivotal era after all. 'Bout time the council rebuilt the Casino, opened up a museum and provided a top class venue for us. Good to see the Empress Ballroom in the media so let's hope for some objective coverage. In decades to come, will the last few who attended the Casino make the news like the last survivors of World War One? I certainly hope so. My feelings were hurt when the invitation to the reunion failed to land on the mat. Is it too late to dust down my beret, polish the trench coat and pop down to Boots for a bottle of Johnson's Baby Powder? Just bought myself a pair of Terry's brogues - brilliant for doing bum- drops but useless for taking penalties in. See you there Out On The Floor...

[Chalky]

Does this mean we'll get a similar thread on the Next Stafford/Mecca/Torch/Wheel Anniversary?, or is it just reserved for venues where people wore comedy trousers?.

People aren't milking the above venues for what they can get out of it.

[Agentsmith]

remembrance is a great thing.......in the right context..such as november 11th. where anniversaries of long departed venues, is concerned, the music and the enjoyment of youthful abandon is, or should be the foremost reason for respective "attendees" to celebrate. it's inconsequential that the hub of those rebellious activities is not the same place that now holds these annual festivals. whilst it may be considered nothing less than blinkered, that an excuse for intense hammering of previously hammered oldies is in order,...the inescapable fact is....these records ( in the main ) are to be associated with the said venue...and if the latest generation of inductees to the cause, feel it is a duty to pay respect to their parents ideology by also liking the same tunes ( which in overwhelming cases, they do ) and dancing to them, applauding them and calling them brilliant ( though we've all heard them a million times over ) then so be it. the scene has always been about the masses and their undying love common bond for the music...without people to head up the promotion of this style, the catalysts who we call dj's and who through their own vocation, saw a niche in the market to put on a good "do" and make a living out of it ( no shame in that ) exactly where would we stand now?...perhaps a different shape & form?....no scene of any significance?, that hasn't left the indelible footprint, we acknowledge universally?

we haven't, after 40 years, actually surrendered to the burden of commercial exploitation, though we have come uncomfortably close, as to stiffen our resolution, that weather above or below ground, our scene and it's music, it's ethic of genuine originality of style simply cannot have a candle held to it. no genre before or after, has had such a deft ability to open people's minds to the reality that  great music dosn't have to be formulaic and beholden to the fancy of the media. 40-50 year old grooves resonate with a freshness and vitality that has outlasted warhole's 15 minute theory...our mantra is famed for it's survival where other musical tastes are quickly forgotten...washed away by the tide of change.....northern soul is still holding back that tide, because people accept it's relevance in this day & age, lyrically these forgotten gems display the true artistry of folk trying to eek out a living, simple to sing but displaying unerring truth in their statements and backed by sublimnal orchestration.

so....no, we can't, in the spirit of things, celebrate the anniversary of the venue, it's music, it's atmophere, it's camaraderie ( it's solvent abuse..to please the minority! ) within the bricks & mortar...and yes, naturally it's earning somebody a few bob....well, when you pay for avenue, you invariably are going to want to get your overheads back, aren't you??

as i said in my first line....remembrance is important...like the soldier who passes on his memories to his grandchildren, so the spirit of what they did & saw is kept alive, so should it be for the scene we created...be thankful a good many youngsters see it the same way....the spirit of northern soul will endure and the anniversary will always be an integral part of it's appeal.

[Pete S]

Do any of these venues have anniversaries ?

 

They have 'reunion's.  What's the difference?

[Staceys Dad]

I have as much in common with these Wigan revivalists as I do with the Druids on Salisbury Plain celebrating the equinox or the Flat earth society meeting to consider a new report suggsting that the earth may be round....

 

Well that's not quite true, we do share a love of some of the music and I did visit The Casino as a youngster. But that's it, I honestly wouldn't know if these "Wigan anniversary" nights are on in my town or not. Nor would I care, I am sure I could find a wall that needs painting....or failing that a neighbours wall.... 

 

Let em get on with it. On balance I'd probably rather they were in an 'enclosed place' enjoying themselves, than out and about pestering the rest of us with requests for Lorraine Silver and Judy Street! 

 

i have a garden wall that will need painting in 10yrs time  the 50th wigan casino  anniversary ...see you about 9am on any saturday in september 2023......thanks

[Wiganer1]

steve know what ure saying mate ...but you cant beat a full packed dancefloor like tower ,the atmopshere was brilliant....would have gone even if i wasnt playing records....it was a great night...

[Len]

Because when I went to Wigan nearly 40 years ago it was a cutting edge venue, playing a lot of new music to me. I've never changed my desire to hear new music. Simples....

 

Nice one Steve - Lovely name that (lot's of thought there) Steve Philis - Same question mate.....

 

....Thereafter, any Steve - I'd be interested in your answer....except for Steve Davis, Steve Irwin, Steve Gerrard, or Steve Steve (If there is one)

 

Hey, joking lads - I'm just bitter that I had to go through School 'carrying' my Grandad's name    (and my Uncle's) ((True, and true))

 

Seriously though ref your answer - I think it's a crying shame something changed....Can you imagine what it would be like now if the last ten years hadn't been void?

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited September 25, 2013 by LEN

[Len]

It's a night out for some folk - let 'em have a bit a fun.

 

What?!!!   Now that's just ridiculous and not what it's about    ..........It can't be that simple......surely...........after all these years of 'thought'...........  

 

Len  

Edited September 25, 2013 by LEN

[Len]

Anniversary's are 'Party's'.

 

That's the thing - Anniversary's are great!.....but somewhere down the line loads of events became 'as anniversary's'. In actual fact, they have put me off from going to anniversary's - 'what's to celebrate? (If so similar to the last event)

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - 100 Club excluded.

[Len]

Here in Barnsley the local soul nights are all Wigan/oldies based.

 

I tend to go for the social side of things rather than the music, lovely friendly people and it's a good night out don't get me wrong but the same Wigan oldies month in, month out.  Quite a few younger people go along and they probably think that Northern soul is ONLY about Wigan and oldies.  No disrespect to anyone, just saying my bit.

 

Good for you mate - There are more important things in life  .......SH*T! - Like getting thekkids to bed! (Don't anyone tell Nina I was on here again)....seriously, don't......

 

Len   - Gone!  

[Wiganer1]

anyway how was the st ives reunion??

[Russoul1]

anyway how was the st ives reunion??

good question mark, as this is where it started for me, I attend to hopefully catch up with a few old friends, people I don't see anywhere else or have seen anywhere over the

years, the venue is still very much like it was back in the day but that's where it all stops................I suppose the only difference between this event and the wigan event is

the fact that its still in the original venue to which it is advertised and promoted.