Poll: Bbc Culture Show - Northern Soul - Your Take ?

[Pete S]

Who knows Pete, you're the one reading things into posts

 

Fine. Let's carry on.

[Winnie :-)]

In my view that's a ridiculous comparison. By sticking to principles of a scene forged from The 60s, 70s, 80s, 90, and for some in the noughties is reliving ones youth? There's a difference between listening only to records from your youth and dressing as you did for that short period and adhering to a set of principles. It's comparing apples to oranges - no apples and chopped liver.

So I'll take it that's a NO then Byrney

[Sooty]

An excellent example of leading folk to 'the light' is Sean Chapman!x He'd left the scene since it's hey days of the 70's/80#s. He came to a gig of mine around '94ish.....got 'the buzz' on the 'oldies' I was playing and was at our gigs! He went mad for it all again! That was 20 years ago...! He sterted collecting all the '500' again! I actually remember him suggesting some of my tunes...'Cards on The Table'...King Coleman.....Ricjard berry....wasn't 'Northern' to him at the time......as he wos sweating after dancing to some 'pop' a minute ago....!!!x Then...10 years later...or 10 years ago....he announced to me on film as an update that he had got rid of most of those 'obvious' tunes now...and focused on....whatever....!!! So...he would have been at Butlins 20 years ago....and LAPPED it up!x It needed a 'friendship' to make it into more.....which the majority I read are grateful for based on Seans efforts and actions over them 20 years!x We all gotta start somewhere....it's where your 'lead' too that counts....i've found!x

 

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...AND...if I can recall it correctly....I think I was the first to give Sean a DJ spot upon his return to the scene!x Now....how many of you accomodating and considerate Promoters/DJ's would make way for let's say an excited Butlin goer who has re-captured the 'bug'?!!! Perhaps I didn't 'bow' to any of the new influx in the 90's which we as a collective generated.....but....I did say hello...shake hands with...and kiss respectfully EVERY punter that ever came thru any of my doors......it wos me job...I thought...as 'host'. They came back....is all I can report!x

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[Chalky]

The documentaries are showing the scene for what it is, what's obviously annoying the majority on Source is that they focus on the mainstream aspect rather than the pockets of resistance. Whilst I agree there are two separate scenes, it seems ridiculous not to recognise that they are related however distant people think the lineage is. I didn't go to the Butlins weekender, but are we seriously suggesting that they didn't play a single quality record there, are we seriously suggesting that out of the 7000 attendees not one of them will progress to wanting to hear something a little different? 

 

Instead of alienating them by constantly criticising where they go, what they wear, and what they're listening to, how about embracing their love of soul music and making them feel that they'd be welcome at a 'rare' event. Too many rules and regulations will eventually kill any hope of new blood and new music filtering through. Chalky, this reply isn't aimed directly at you buddy, just attached to one of your posts. I realise it's not a popular view, but if we are going to leave some sort of musical legacy, then in my view we have to be a little less up our own arses.

People can go where they want, listen to what they want and dress how they want as far as I am concerned. The point I am making is practically every time the media is involved it focuses on Wigan Casino in 1977 and that the scene today is exactly the same when it isn't. A lot has happened in the 30 to 40 years since then, a lot has happened in the last ten bit that is never portrayed or focused on. The scene must be a laughing stock to those who watch these documentaries.

I really hope Elaine does this documentary of the scene from start to finish, she will do it right that is for sure.

[TOAD]

Anyone who's a retro mod deserves stick lol

[Citizen P]

Can't believe people are inventing problems which don't exist.  Because some people on this thread don't enjoy seeing the scene thought of as retro, tothers try to twist it to look like everyone dislikes the retro people and the newcomers.  What utter b*llocks. Just pack it in, nobody has ever said ANY people aren't welcome.

 

Hi Pete,  I was injecting a little irony.

 

The scene today, such as it is, is far more open than it was when I first started. It could be a very scarey and intimidating place to be, until you had proved yourself.

[Reg]

Anyone who's a retro mod deserves stick lol

Ah I bet it was you giving me evils wasn't it? 

[Pete S]

Hi Pete,  I was injecting a little irony.

 

The scene today, such as it is, is far more open than it was when I first started. It could be a very scarey and intimidating place to be, until you had proved yourself.

 

Wasn't referring to you mate sorry, just people in general suggesting that suddenly people are being made to feel unwelcome.  

[Steve L]

What I don't understand is demands to maintain exclusivity for what is claimed to be an exclusive, cool underground scene........but complaints from those who profess to be on that scene of a lack of exposure of their music at the big "Divvy"events, which in the next breath get slagged for being populated by "the great unwashed", "divs" and "returnees"?

 

Why would you want exposure of the underground scene on prime time TV if you want to keep it cool and exclusive?

 

Bit of a contradiction really, as is levelling a tirade of insults at people from other parts of the scene and then complaining when those under attack retort with the label "chin strokers".

 

End of the day, there are several different aspects of the scene all doing their own thing and evolving in different directions, regardless of how you try to dictate how any of them should develop.

 

I dont

[Pete S]

Then again, I haven't been out for a couple of years now, maybe things have changed, maybe after paying their admittance fee, non-regulars have to run a gauntlet of baggy-trousered nighter goers chasing them round the room with inflatable bananas and they can't advance onto the dancefloor until they have been bonked on the head 15 times.

I just don't know anymore.

[manus]

Must admit I was a tad disappointed in the show , I really had high expectations that it would take a broader outlook , not just portraying those that like to dress in a tradional way but also portray people that dress in what you would see as the norm in 2013 . I think in making a certain fashion statement program may have detracted what it really is all about , the MUSIC ? 

 

I also think it should have been made clear that you can dance in whatever way you like in 2013 ...express the music in your own way. 

 

As usual too many rules come across in these types of programs ....when really there arn't any rules today, because we are all grown up with our own MINDS an opinions.

 

But having said all that this is just my view of what I would have liked to have seen is a show that portrays more about a soul culture that is happening NOW rather than acting out today what happened THEN ... but then I am not what most are , I never went to Wigan and don't have the passion that others have in remembering it I am afraid.

 

My post is not wishing to offend or question other peoples beliefs ... its just my opinion , the oppertunity could have been better spent to encourgae new blood in my humble opinion.

Great post and I agree it would have been good to see a little bit about “Now” rather than just about “Then”  But regarding the rules thing I do think there are people that are stifling the scene these days with rules. It would seem to be the biggest insult possible to say to someone is " You're not a propa Soulie" , personally I'm not a propa “Soulie” , I'm not even a “Soulie” , I'm a Soul fan plain and simple, I like to listen too and dance too Soul music. So if someone said to me "You're not a propa Soulie" I would nod my head in agreement but for many this accusation is the equivalent of throwing a shoe at an Iraqi - it's a big insult and many ” Soulies” live in fear of being denounced this way ( So many “Soulies “ are quick to point the finger and say Handbagger/Pisshead  as it proves their loyalty to the” Soulie” ethos — it’s like BITD when it it was quite often the biggest Divs that pointed a finger at someone else and cried Div)

 

And there is a fairly comprehensive set of rules that defines the " propa Soulie" and woe betide you if you don't live up to them - so I'm fairly pleased I'm not a “Soulie” - but I do find it's getting a bit silly and I'm not talking about dress sense or dance style as I couldn't care less about what people wear or how they dance or how long they have been on the scene as long as they are enjoying themselves I'm talking about the self styled etiquette police and their puritanical rules of behaviour and the current handbagger witchunt ( beware you lasses heel checks will be taking place at your nearest Soul night so dump the stiletoes)- people need to lighten up and have a laugh and enjoy the music.

 

Cheers

Manus

Edited October 2, 2013 by manus

[TheBigO]

People can go where they want, listen to what they want and dress how they want as far as I am concerned. The point I am making is practically every time the media is involved it focuses on Wigan Casino in 1977 and that the scene today is exactly the same when it isn't. A lot has happened in the 30 to 40 years since then, a lot has happened in the last ten bit that is never portrayed or focused on. The scene must be a laughing stock to those who watch these documentaries.

I really hope Elaine does this documentary of the scene from start to finish, she will do it right that is for sure.

And theres the point - the media are the ones who usually portray the scene in an incorrect light (no change there then) and if the scene is to be represented fairly, with all its diverse factions and history, maybe it has to come from within, like from Elaine as i pointed out earlier, and a documentary being made and placed on YouTube like the Funk one I linked above. Whilst we about it lets give Ady,Taff, Randy, Clarkie et all and the whole 6Ts scene a big up as without them the scene down South around here would never have taken off again in the late 70's. 

Edited October 2, 2013 by TheBigO

[Steve S 60]

Then again, I haven't been out for a couple of years now, maybe things have changed, maybe after paying their admittance fee, non-regulars have to run a gauntlet of baggy-trousered nighter goers chasing them round the room with inflatable bananas and they can't advance onto the dancefloor until they have been bonked on the head 15 times.

I just don't know anymore.

 

I think it's at least 9 times out of 10, Pete.

[Pete S]

So if someone said to me "You're not a propa Soulie" I would nod my head in agreement but for many this accusation is the equivalent of throwing a shoe at an Iraqi - it's a big insult and many ” Soulies” live in fear of being denounced this way 

 

Manus I get this all the time, often on here, simply because I don't devote myself exclusively to Soul music and admit to liking pop music from the 50's to the 70's, including many 'pop' Northern records, this means I can't possibly like 'real' soul music.  And you should have seen the ridicule I got from the age of 13 for liking Reggae until it suddenly became fashionable a few years ago 

[Pete S]

I think it's at least 9 times out of 10, Pete.

 

Might just be One In A Million, I don't know.

[Guest BAKUNIN]

THE SCENE HAS LOST ITS IDENTITY....Not a cultural divide any more more a musical divide...has become divisive and factionalized even narcissistic with

politics between DJs and clubs ..all vieing for supremacy in one viewpoint or the other.

At one time you could walk into a club and feel a certain belonging..to a group of people that you did not necessarily have to know or even speak to for the whole evening..all "soul" fans identifying and subconsciously adhering to the same code and etiquette if you like. Clubs that just got on with it and played club sounds,RnB reggae northern and rare soul.....well I reckon the term "northern soul" has become become an anachronism and no longer conjures up in my mind what it used to...."keep the faith" my a***!

Retain the term if you like but rare soul and northern soul are no longer analagous...in fact I cannot help thinking the phrase "northern soul" is or has become a bit naff.

Or maybe I just dreamt it all...ask yourself what does the term "northern soul" conjure up in your mind as of TODAY?

I have said it before.."Less is more"

Less naff publicity and "bigging-up" "Northern Soul" and more mystery

[Winnie :-)]

People can go where they want, listen to what they want and dress how they want as far as I am concerned. The point I am making is practically every time the media is involved it focuses on Wigan Casino in 1977 and that the scene today is exactly the same when it isn't. A lot has happened in the 30 to 40 years since then, a lot has happened in the last ten bit that is never portrayed or focused on. The scene must be a laughing stock to those who watch these documentaries.

I really hope Elaine does this documentary of the scene from start to finish, she will do it right that is for sure.

If the media did a documentary on the England football team, where do you think they'd start, what do you think they'd focus on? 66 because ultimately something has to be in the programme to connect us, otherwise we won't watch it. So yeah Wigan is generally the focal point, in the seventies northern (when it broke) was a phenomenon, if similar happened now, then the current scene would have it's day and be recognised. I would say that from a media point of view, the scene is the same now as it was then, purely on the numbers going to oldies events. If Elaine or anybody else made a 10 episode documentary (for example) the majority of the footage would almost certainly be made up from the thriving oldies scene because thats where 90% of the people go. 

[dedji1955]

Because of the focus on the 40 years out of date clothes and the 40 years out of date style of dancing, it was supposed to be about NOW but it looked just like THEN.

Joe Public really must think we haven't moved on since the mid 70's.  Carmen is right, as are all of the other people who've commented on it, why was the focus on the tiny percentage of people who dress and dance retro compared to the thousands and thousands of others who don't walk into Mr Benn's changing room before a night out.

I am confused about the quote on dancing..I was always under the impression that we could dance however we chose to dance and wanted to express your personal feelings

Would someone please direct me to some video evidence of how I should be dancing as my particular style of dancing hasn't changed much since 1970

I suspect this thread on SS has put more folks of visiting a Soul event than anything they saw or heard on The Culture Show

Fred 

Edited October 2, 2013 by dedji1955

[Ady Croasdell]

Nearly recovered from the stag weekend that started on Wed night so here comes my six pen'orth.

 

I thought it was an excellent show, 4 outta 5. I was worried when he was sat on a fire escape outside a derelict building that it was going to be all cliches but it wasn't too bad throughout in that respect. I enjoyed the juxtaposition with the straight life of the times and thought the music choices excellent though I found Turley Richards to be a poorer copy of Bettye Lavette's earlier I Feel Good All Over. There were a few repeated falacies like it being very working class, I always found it an eclectic class mix though not too many toffs certainly. Also I don't think the majority of sounds would be cut in small cheap studios, think of all the major label monsters and even the smaller labels used to use good studios, there weren't many ghetto studios.

 

The baggies were overdone but it doesn't bother me too much, I'm mainly interested in music from a certain era so if somebody's thing is fashion from a certain era I can't knock them. The US/UK comparison was good, it would have been great to get an act or two on but hopefully that will be in Part 2, if there is one. Bruce Lee was unfortunate but Fran's description of her experiences were excellent and would be an eye-opener for a lot of people; something to be proud of. The dancing lesson was a bit boring but maybe neccessary for the personalisation of the show and its reason for being made. The Black & Whites in the film looked on the large side, a couple would have seen me through the weekend- I always was a gear lightweight. I think I spotted the Teapot dance move which was fun.

 

So for Part 2; what happened after Wigan-Northern goes back under the ground. How the US artists, writers and producers relationships with collectors and dancers have developed over the years. The internationalisation of the scene. Collecting goes bonkers. Tape vaults get raided and waistcoasts and mug production booms!

[Pete S]

I am confused about the quote on dancing..I was always under the impression that we could dance however we chose to dance and express your paersonal feelings

Would someone please direct me to some video evidence of how I should be dancing as my particular style of dancing hasn't changed much since 1970

I suspect this thread on SS has put more folks of visiting a Soul event than anything they saw or heard on The Culture Show

Fred 

 

I did explain this in one of the first postings.  The acrobatic dance style.  Hand on heart by 1976 barely anyone was doing this at all, apart from spins and the very occasional splits.  Seriously.  It reapearred when the cameras were let into Wigan and it reappears magically whenever a TV documentary is being made.  Acrobatic dancers were an absolutely minority since 1976 but the impression that TV slots like this give, is that not only does everyone do it, and the ones that don't are on the perifery of the scene, but they all dress in 40 year old fashions to do it!

I have absolutely nothing against anyone dancing like this, or dressing like this, nothing, it's their choice and if it makes them happy then I am happy for them, all my complaints are about how NS is ALWAYS portrayed in the media like this.  Nothing to do with any individuals or groups of people at all.

[Back Street Blue]

THE SCENE HAS LOST ITS IDENTITY....Not a cultural divide any more more a musical divide...has become divisive and factionalized even narcissistic with

politics between DJs and clubs ..all vieing for supremacy in one viewpoint or the other.

At one time you could walk into a club and feel a certain belonging..to a group of people that you did not necessarily have to know or even speak to for the whole evening..all "soul" fans identifying and subconsciously adhering to the same code and etiquette if you like. Clubs that just got on with it and played club sounds,RnB reggae northern and rare soul.....well I reckon the term "northern soul" has become become an anachronism and no longer conjures up in my mind what it used to...."keep the faith" my a***!

Retain the term if you like but rare soul and northern soul are no longer analagous...in fact I cannot help thinking the phrase "northern soul" is or has become a bit naff.

Or maybe I just dreamt it all...ask yourself what does the term "northern soul" conjure up in your mind as of TODAY?

I have said it before.."Less is more"

Less naff publicity and "bigging-up" "Northern Soul" and more mystery

 

My recollection is that people on the scene never adopted the the term "northern soul" when it was originally coined, choosing to distance themselves from the mainstream perception depicted in the media when it originally popped up on the radar.

 

"Rare or obscure Soul" were more acceptable terms.

[Spacehopper]

i agree with sootys post about sean and i think it probably happened to a lot of us...i personally had a gap of about 20 years while out djing reggae...got back into it and for the first few years was into all those oldies id completely forgot about..another 7 years down the line and while i like underplayed oldies im bored shitless with the same old 100...wish it was 500!!...and im loving hearing new tunes every week when im out and at home..missed all the rnb and funky stuff first time around

 

thing is most of those who dress up are still into those 100..they seem to be the ones who dont move on and thats upto them at the end of the day i suppose

 

but..as far as being welcome i do still got to nights where the majority are into oldies and if a dj tries to be different i HAVE heard and seen BAD attitudes towards him

 

but the rarer crowd tend to just stand around and chat to themselves when a dj is boring TO THEM...ive never seen them make baggies feel unwelcome despite the posts on soulsource

 

its odd how the rare crowd seem to be thought of as soul snobs when i think its the obvious oldies crowd who tend to be more snobbish as to what can be played and whats traditional northern soul

 

had a guy just returned on the scene at a do..used to go to the cat..doesnt dance,doesnt go anywhere but seems to think he can have a go at djs on fb who try something different...i even played half a dozen cats tunes at the last one but he still said there wasnt enough tradtional northern soul ?...plenty of rare lovers too but none had a go at the same old tunes that were played?

 

dean

[Ady Croasdell]

Great post and I agree it would have been good to see a little bit about “Now” rather than just about “Then”  But regarding the rules thing I do think there are people that are stifling the scene these days with rules. It would seem to be the biggest insult possible to say to someone is " You're not a propa Soulie" , personally I'm not a propa “Soulie” , I'm not even a “Soulie” , I'm Soul fan plain and simple, I like to listen too and dance too Soul music. So if someone said to me "You're not a propa Soulie" I would nod my head in agreement but for many this accusation is the equivalent of throwing a shoe at an Iraqi - it's a big insult and many ” Soulies” live in fear of being denounced this way ( So many “Soulies “ are quick to point the finger and say Handbagger/Pisshead  as it proves their loyalty to the” Soulie” ethos — it’s like BITD when it it was quite often the biggest Divs that pointed a finger at someone else and cried Div)

 

And there is a fairly comprehensive set of rules that defines the " propa Soulie" and woe betide you if you don't live up to them - so I'm fairly pleased I'm not a “Soulie” - but I do find it's getting a bit silly and I'm not talking about dress sense or dance style as I couldn't care less about what people wear or how they dance or how long they have been on the scene as long as they are enjoying themselves I'm talking about the self styled etiquette police and their puritanical rules of behaviour and the current handbagger witchunt ( beware you lasses heel checks will be taking place at your nearest Soul night so dump the stiletoes)- people need to lighten up and have a laugh and enjoy the music.

 

Cheers

Manus

You're not a soulie Manus, but you're the type of chap I'd have at my dances any time.

 

I think the scene got so weak in the early 80s, especialy up North, that the Stafford crusading was neccessary and revitalised it. However some may have then seen this as a blueprint for how it should always be. When the scene started out it was only underground because it needed to be, you couldn't get licenses for nighters and the drugs made it taboo to society. These days things are more relaxed and if you don't affect others you can get on with enjoying the music in relative peace, underground or overground. In the Northern Soul book a point is made about it being a scene for disenchanted youth. I was a youth but wasn't remotely disenchanted, we were living through exciting times with loads going on and I went to the dos for love of the music and to have a whale of a time. In the 80s Stafford definitely lead the way with the music but I don't think you could beat the 100 Club (or Leicester for a closer geographical example) in terms of a brilliant night out.

[Ady Croasdell]

My recollection is that people on the scene never adopted the the term "northern soul" when it was originally coined, choosing to distance themselves from the mainstream perception depicted in the media when it originally popped up on the radar.

 

"Rare or obscure Soul" were more acceptable terms.

I don't agree with that and I was doing it before the term was coined. "Northern" was the description of the music and "Nighters" the description of where we went.

[Back Street Blue]

I don't agree with that and I was doing it before the term was coined. "Northern" was the description of the music and "Nighters" the description of where we went.

 

we didn't and I am only speaking from my personal recollection

[Ady Croasdell]

we didn't and I am only speaking from my personal recollection

Vive la difference!

[TheBigO]

Vive la difference!

Careful Ady, you'll be upsetting the Eurosceptics next

[Winnie :-)]

Careful Ady, you'll be upsetting the Eurosceptics next

Have you ever seen Ady Croasdell and Nigel Farage in the same room together? No I didn't think so :)

[Steve Foran]

Make it Revilot or we'll sue

Funny thing is I have a colostomy bag. I was gonna ask for it to be decorated with Arsenal badges being a Spurs fan. Ha ha!

[Anais nin Carms]

To me the roots of Northern were far earlier for example the Flamingo Club , and the Brazenoze street wheel along with many others , based on what I have read I would love to see a documentary that starts from these roots rather than pin points Wigan as being the main soul explosion.

 

Handled in the correct way this would make interesting viewing to all in my view ...in fact I would snip Wigan down to 10 minutes and then focus on the youth of today ..how they follow their own favorite clubs and how they have their own fashion sence in taking a bit of the old and enhancing it with their own sence of style. Plus how the word has spread to Europe and the World beyond.

 

Thankfully its all been documented in books !

 

Books still to be written .... The 100 club story  , Chris Burtons Memories of the Torch  , The record Hunters Guide

[TOAD]

And i would rather there was no more books and worthless media coverage!

[Sooty]

" I found Turley Richards to be a poorer copy of Bettye Lavette's earlier I Feel Good All Over. " Just listened to it Ady....both would make me collection...X

I hadn't heard either before this thread....nice 1!x 'Northern Soul' is the term I first heard in 1975....and have never winced or shyed away from it since!x

The working class element espoused in the documentary I hadn't considered.....but if I think about it....none of my mates went....or family's wouldn't have afforded it...those that had one!x Instead I travelled in car boots and was smuggled on to coaches for football matches after doing a runner from me kids home!! No expense required...!hehe!x

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[Steve G]

...AND...if I can recall it correctly....I think I was the first to give Sean a DJ spot upon his return to the scene!x Now....how many of you accomodating and considerate Promoters/DJ's would make way for let's say an excited Butlin goer who has re-captured the 'bug'?!!! Perhaps I didn't 'bow' to any of the new influx in the 90's which we as a collective generated.....but....I did say hello...shake hands with...and kiss respectfully EVERY punter that ever came thru any of my doors......it wos me job...I thought...as 'host'. They came back....is all I can report!x

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OMG Sooty - the first sign of madness! - replying to your own posts!!

[Sooty]

And i would rather there was no more books and worthless media coverage!

 

.....those wordy fings Toad??? Bit looong ain't they....!x

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[Northernjordan]

For all the guys who are concernded about the scenes "coolness", IMO when you really think about it how can a scene with the majority of people now 50+ be cool? Yes, the baggies and circle skirts are vile, especially so on any one not in their teens (not sure why anyone my age would want to wear them myself, anyway), but the point I am trying to make is that even if the programe had interviewed normally dressed guys on the scene it wouldnt have been massively different. Yes, the comedy element wouldn't have been there, but people who are 50+ dont really ooze coolness do they?

 

This is a problem faced by most other "youth cultures", be it mod, scooterist, skinheads etc etc... It's hard to look cool on the TV, with the wrinkles showing and the teeth decaing. Yes, theres cool pockets on the scene like the Black Bee guys and a lot of younger people who like the music.But, lets be honest, they are in the minority and the norm is more likely to be the baggy trouser brigade. So, It's a shame the TV shows dont capture these "cool" pockets, but in all fairness they do capture what is closer to the "norm" in most peoples eyes.

 

Most of this doesnt really bother me, I like what I like and get on with it.

[Sooty]

OMG Sooty - the first sign of madness! - replying to your own posts!!

 

...it wos an addenmdum to the comment which may have been lost if added as an 'edit' I felt!!! However...that defense does not detract from the fact that yes i'm mad. Point taken Steve....neeenup...X

@~

@

 

LUV

SOOTY

X

 

Winnie did it last week....quoted his own post instead of mine he was responding too......he's leading me down that path to prescribed pills again.......wooonderful.....hehe!x

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[Pete S]

To me the roots of Northern were far earlier for example the Flamingo Club , and the Brazenoze street wheel along with many others , based on what I have read I would love to see a documentary that starts from these roots rather than pin points Wigan as being the main soul explosion.

 

Handled in the correct way this would make interesting viewing to all in my view ...in fact I would snip Wigan down to 10 minutes and then focus on the youth of today ..how they follow their own favorite clubs and how they have their own fashion sence in taking a bit of the old and enhancing it with their own sence of style. Plus how the word has spread to Europe and the World beyond.

 

Thankfully its all been documented in books !

 

Books still to be written .... The 100 club story  , Chris Burtons Memories of the Torch  , The record Hunters Guide

 

This is what I was saying about the Levine documentary Carms. He interviews people who were regulars at the Wheel, in fact I think he interviewed Ivor Abaldi (sp.), they spoke to Roger Eagle the original dj just before he passed away, several of the movers and shakers of the time like Rob Bellars.  They moved on to places like the Torch where they got Chris Burton, they had the guy who ran The Mecca at the time, and so on and so on.  And it was also nice to see them interviewing people who were just regular patrons of those clubs to tell it how it really was.

Edited October 2, 2013 by Pete S

[Steve Ss]

Finally watched this....along with the last 2 weeks of the Almighty Johnsons....now there is real telly!

 

I gave it 4.

 

Well made.

Bit obvious.

Better than i expected.

 

It's not the end of the world as we know it.

 

 

[Steve L]

For all the guys who are concernded about the scenes "coolness", IMO when you really think about it how can a scene with the majority of people now 50+ be cool? Yes, the baggies and circle skirts are vile, especially so on any one not in their teens (not sure why anyone my age would want to wear them myself, anyway), but the point I am trying to make is that even if the programe had interviewed normally dressed guys on the scene it wouldnt have been massively different. Yes, the comedy element wouldn't have been there, but people who are 50+ dont really ooze coolness do they?

 

This is a problem faced by most other "youth cultures", be it mod, scooterist, skinheads etc etc... It's hard to look cool on the TV, with the wrinkles showing and the teeth decaing. Yes, theres cool pockets on the scene like the Black Bee guys and a lot of younger people who like the music.But, lets be honest, they are in the minority and the norm is more likely to be the baggy trouser brigade. So, It's a shame the TV shows dont capture these "cool" pockets, but in all fairness they do capture what is closer to the "norm" in most peoples eyes.

 

Most of this doesnt really bother me, I like what I like and get on with it.

 

I think you're slightly missing the point, I dont think any of us over 50s would claim to be cool anymore - its more a case of not appearing to be a div which is the antithesis of what we were about when we were 18.

Having said that you can still have a bit of self respect about you what ever age you are

[Northernjordan]

I think you're slightly missing the point, I dont think any of us over 50s would claim to be cool anymore - its more a case of not appearing to be a div which is the antithesis of what we were about when we were 18.

Having said that you can still have a bit of self respect about you what ever age you are

 

Well, there was a lot of talk about overground/underground, cool/not cool and how the programme captured this. That was my response, I'm not trying to dig at everyone older than me on the scene as that would mean I wont have many friends quite quickly! I fully agree with dressing with some taste and self respect, and in a convoluted way that was part of my point.

 

I was just saying, these programmes suffer with interviewees as the average is so old now!

[Derek Pearson]

I'd been poorly for a few days and was in bed when I woke up bang on 9.59pm.

 

Was trying to figure out if it was Wednesday as there was something on the tele I wanted to watch.

 

Jumped out of bed, put mi dressing gown on and shot downstairs.

 

It was half hour, it was on the tele and it was entertainment nothing more nothing less.

 

It was a very brief visual snapshot to appeal to the masses of bewildered people across the land who've probably never stopped out after midnight and/or have never been part of any music related scene.

 

On hardcore forums like this we could debate the rights and wrongs of the programme till the cows come home and we probably will.

 

Years ago watching a programme like this would have made get my balaclava back on and start filling up empty milk bottles with inflammable liquids.

 

But now I'm of that age where I like to wear pyjamas in bed I have learnt to accept the scene for what it is, even though it might not be what I want it to be.

 

And was I glad to get out of bed to watch it?

 

Yes I was.

 

Derek x

[hullsoul]

I'd been poorly for a few days and was in bed when I woke up bang on 9.59pm.

 

Was trying to figure out if it was Wednesday as there was something on the tele I wanted to watch.

 

Jumped out of bed, put mi dressing gown on and shot downstairs.

 

It was half hour, it was on the tele and it was entertainment nothing more nothing less.

 

It was a very brief visual snapshot to appeal to the masses of bewildered people across the land who've probably never stopped out after midnight and/or have never been part of any music related scene.

 

On hardcore forums like this we could debate the rights and wrongs of the programme till the cows come home and we probably will.

 

Years ago watching a programme like this would have made get my balaclava back on and start filling up empty milk bottles with inflammable liquids.

 

But now I'm of that age where I like to wear pyjamas in bed I have learnt to accept the scene for what it is, even though it might not be what I want it to be.

 

And was I glad to get out of bed to watch it?

 

Yes I was.

 

Derek x

Derek

As always the voice of reason......& quite a prompt post by your playlist standards

Cheers

Martyn

[Guest drewid]

Exactly, what used to be such an exciting scene has now mainly been taken over the normals. 7200 people at a weekender doesn't say "alternative" anymore. I didn't and still don't want to be like anybody else. They can keep their "faith" and stick it where the sun doesn't shine as far as I'm concerned. I'll stay at home and listen to my new Curtis Mayfield lp.

. Right on sweetly put, too many sheep not enough people

[Alison H]

I'd been poorly for a few days and was in bed when I woke up bang on 9.59pm.

 

Was trying to figure out if it was Wednesday as there was something on the tele I wanted to watch.

 

Jumped out of bed, put mi dressing gown on and shot downstairs.

 

It was half hour, it was on the tele and it was entertainment nothing more nothing less.

 

It was a very brief visual snapshot to appeal to the masses of bewildered people across the land who've probably never stopped out after midnight and/or have never been part of any music related scene.

 

On hardcore forums like this we could debate the rights and wrongs of the programme till the cows come home and we probably will.

 

Years ago watching a programme like this would have made get my balaclava back on and start filling up empty milk bottles with inflammable liquids.

 

But now I'm of that age where I like to wear pyjamas in bed I have learnt to accept the scene for what it is, even though it might not be what I want it to be.

 

And was I glad to get out of bed to watch it?

 

Yes I was.

 

Derek x

 

 

Hey DP

 

Sorry to hear you've been poorly, glad you're feeling better 

 

What a great & straight to the point post 

 

Hopefully see you soon, without your pyjamas (but I don't mean naked!) I mean in your daytime/night-time clothes out somewhere.

 

Until then, take care fella 

 

Ali xxx

[Anais nin Carms]

Here is a question for you ... do you think we will go full circle by 2020 ... everything in one room again !... headline room segregation has split/ruined the scene    personally I would welcome it 

[hullsoul]

Here is a question for you ... do you think we will go full circle by 2020 ... everything in one room again !... headline room segregation has split/ruined the scene    personally I would welcome it 

Carms

The splits are too deep for us owld gits now,they won't be resolved until there isn't a baggy trouser to be wafted or chin to be stroked (sorry Des).So for your utopia to appear it will have to wait until most of us are back dropping in the nighter in the sky & the scene will be back to a small number of dedicated soulies who are now the "young un's"..............the only problem with that is they will have been on the scene for a number of years by then so will have had time to have there own differences between themselves so will be going off in all directions & keep the good old politics well & truly alive

Cheers

Martyn the optimist

[corby john]

Here is a question for you ... do you think we will go full circle by 2020 ... everything in one room again !... headline room segregation has split/ruined the scene    personally I would welcome it 

Now that really is a good question........from my own point of view..........it will all come down to numbers & cash. I used to enjoy 1 room events, but as time passed, I had to look for the 2 rooms do's............mainly due to so called across the board nights remaining to play 90% Oldies with just a smidgen of Modern Soul thrown in.

Also I suppose it will depend on whether the retro/ Nostalgia nights continue to flourish in the current manner that they are?.........and the recent BBC airing will probably bring even more people in?

I personally don't mind anyone coming along........no matter what they are wearing.......and as long as they behave and they are there for the right reasons........eg........the Music. So I suppose the power remains in the promoters & Dj's hands in as much as what they decide or are told to play, as Mainstream can mean big bucks where as anything else will only appeal to the die-hards!!

Wherever we go............lets just try to enjoy what we have ...............until its gone

[Geeselad]

much has been said about the divisions within the scene, or the split betwix the billy smart and the stafford tunes, ahem, I mean rare soul factions. yet the narator of show remains oblivious to the tensions, strange that!    

[Anais nin Carms]

Carms

The splits are too deep for us owld gits now,they won't be resolved until there isn't a baggy trouser to be wafted or chin to be stroked (sorry Des).So for your utopia to appear it will have to wait until most of us are back dropping in the nighter in the sky & the scene will be back to a small number of dedicated soulies who are now the "young un's"..............the only problem with that is they will have been on the scene for a number of years by then so will have had time to have there own differences between themselves so will be going off in all directions & keep the good old politics well & truly alive

Cheers

Martyn the optimist

I think its happening mate a few venues are going back to old values of mixing things up , they may zaz it up calling it something else but its a return to old values of mixing tempos and styles .

 

The way to enhance knowledge in all things is to explore and be educated ..if you have to walk to another room especially if its up a flight of stairs in our case chuck its likely most won't make the effort of walking the corridor to it as other things keep them in the main area like your friends for example ...however if the pleasure/pain is in the same room ... its more likely the mind will broaden because it doesn't have much choice in the matter .... We will make you listen ! ...my next suggestion will be shackles and stocks  in rooms lol ....

 

Or maybe we should just soul it up in someones front room every saturday night and drink their beer while we upset the children lol ....Betty has landed by the way and I have to yet to explore the many pictures I took of your records the other week when in a intoxicated state ! labels are a bit of a bbbbblur thanks to your copious hospitality  and double measures in Hull

 

Memories of crying out oh no not a modern set 13 years ago come to me ....but now I am changed I would quite like the variety. 

 

Notice how I do paragraphs for those people that cant face long messages lol all terms and conditions apply no money back guarantee on door tax:) white coat time 

Edited October 3, 2013 by Anais nin Carms

[Steve G]

Point is at most weekenders people have a choice of rooms - so they vote with their feet and the biggest room by far is always the oldies room. Prestatyn a few years ago got a good modern vibe going as well, rammed. Sorry didn't go last year to the new Prestatyn, so can't offer a comment either way, and don't tend to go to the other big weekenders anymore except pop in at Cleethorpes.

 

Weren't two rooms created because some people were moaning about "across the board" - get this "sh*te off play something we know" etc?

 

And just for the record, I am not a "soulie" I am a free man! :lol: