Wigan Bashers

[Barry]

...stick it up yer arse.

I would hope that the only people that would reply to this would be only folk that actually attended toward the back end of Wigan.....who tended to be the people that picked up the baton and went on to spread a depleted faith to varying under attended venues up and down the UK, as well as the big hitters that we all eulogise about....we'll those of us that actually turned out that is haha.

Yes, I've had a pint or two but I feel that I must express my heart felt feeling that Wigan, as ridiculed as it is or has been on here on occasion is down to people who never went near.

Forget your who played what where first shit.

If you weren't part of that back end of Wigan, then unfortunately for you, you'll die without knowing the true beauty of what....to me..and there's the rub....Northern Soul is..cos you can't argue with my opinion.

Apologies but it needed saying.

Love you all.

Baz x

[Benji]

Baz, don't drink and post.

[Peter99]

Ah, Baz

 

My only experience of Wigan was almost at the very end. 1981 - I think. For me - and it is of course my personal opinion, I heard some of the best sets ever. Sir Dickie was awesome - in his absolute pomp. Playing wicked stuff - the very best in 60's newies and the very best in modern. I seem to recall him following (from a wankered memory) No Second Chance The Deadbeats with Omni The keys To The City. Brilliant - untouchable.

 

Peter

 

 

And then onwards and upwards at Clifton Hall. Loved it.

 

Edited November 22, 2013 by Peter99

[Barry]

Baz, don't drink and post.

 

Why mate?

 

Is it not correct to wear your heart on your sleeve?

 

Does my post not encourage a well worn, yes, debate?

 

But when I listened to Harry's Chris Bartley post it brought the whole Wigan thing rushing back to me....I was a little boy with no real Soulie mates that travelled this country buoying the numbers....numbers that meant fuck all to me at the time...it just felt good to be on that floor feeling the things I felt whilst dancing to that music.

 

Yes, I'm not relevant today on THIS NS scene...but...and it's a big but....I was fucking relevant then...when it mattered.

 

So....when I want to drink and post, I will.

 

And no better forum than this ay?

[Barry]

Ah, Baz

 

My only experience of Wigan was almost at the very end. 1981 - I think. For me - and it is of course my personal opinion, I heard some of the best sets ever. Sir Dickie was awesome - in his absolute pomp. Playing wicked stuff - the very best in 60's newies and the very best in modern. I seem to recall him following (from a wankered memory) No Second Chance The Deadbeats with Omni The keys To The City. Brilliant - untouchable.

 

Peter

 

 

Untouchable indeed Pete...fucking Untouchable.

[Guest Krissii]

...stick it up yer arse.

I would hope that the only people that would reply to this would be only folk that actually attended toward the back end of Wigan.....who tended to be the people that picked up the baton and went on to spread a depleted faith to varying under attended venues up and down the UK, as well as the big hitters that we all eulogise about....we'll those of us that actually turned out that is haha.

Yes, I've had a pint or two but I feel that I must express my heart felt feeling that Wigan, as ridiculed as it is or has been on here on occasion is down to people who never went near.

Forget your who played what where first shit.

If you weren't part of that back end of Wigan, then unfortunately for you, you'll die without knowing the true beauty of what....to me..and there's the rub....Northern Soul is..cos you can't argue with my opinion.

Apologies but it needed saying.

Love you all.

Baz x

Hear hear . Well said

[Barry]

Hear hear . Well said

 

Well in Krissi x

[Barry]

Apologies, I have learned over the years - thanks to varying bannings - not to do this kind of thing....but it's only music innit ay?

[Guest wigan bob]

best thing i ever heard was carl fortnum and shifty dj at blackpool mecca and me and my mate asked them for all the big wigan tunes and they played every one.

[MrsWoodsrules]

Baz, don't drink and post.

 

You might spill some......

[Barry]

You might spill some......

 

I'm a Parr lad, are you mental?

[Barry]

Ah, Baz

 

My only experience of Wigan was almost at the very end. 1981 - I think. For me - and it is of course my personal opinion, I heard some of the best sets ever. Sir Dickie was awesome - in his absolute pomp. Playing wicked stuff - the very best in 60's newies and the very best in modern. I seem to recall him following (from a wankered memory) No Second Chance The Deadbeats with Omni The keys To The City. Brilliant - untouchable.

 

Peter

 

 

And then onwards and upwards at Clifton Hall. Loved it.

 

If you recollect the last BAAAAAA of The Phantom Janitor and the first BWWWWWAAA of OMNI, I can see that being seamless mate. :0)

 

Genius Dickie again.

[Mach]

yeah..gotta agree Baz, best years of my life, 77 till 81 almost every week (literally), had to be there to understand it, nowts ever come close imho, after all these years, seems just like yesterday

[Barry]

yeah..gotta agree Baz, best years of my life, 77 till 81 almost every week (literally), had to be there to understand it, nowts ever come close imho, after all these years, seems just like yesterday

 

It was an awful place to have lived in Mach ay?

 

I still smell it, feel it, love it....sometimes I swear I wake up in M's...at home that is....never miss it though, it's in me, as I know it's in you too.

[Frankie Crocker]

Baz mate. You were there so you can say what you want. It's Friday night so you can drink what you want. Mine's a Crabbies...

[Zed1]

Wigan always has, and always will be the easy target. Lots on here will happily tell you that Station Rd was just full of day trippers side stepping around to a few Motown pop songs. Then of course to compound the Stereotype further, up pops todays fancy dress crowd in their comedy trousers and Adidas bags full of Anniversary night patches that they never went!.

[Barry]

Baz mate. You were there so you can say what you want. It's Friday night so you can drink what you want. Mine's a Crabbies...

 

 

Do It Frankie Do It...What A Bullet...Chartbuster....haha...ta mate x

[Barry]

Wigan always has, and always will be the easy target. Lots on here will happily tell you that Station Rd was just full of day trippers side stepping around to a few Motown pop songs. Then of course to compound the Stereotype further, up pops todays fancy dress crowd in their comedy trousers and Adidas bags full of Anniversary night patches that they never went!.

 

Relating to the Greg Wilson 'cosy chats' thread earlier today, Wigan is always judged by 'the footage'...I remember Wigan as it was, in the middle of a musical upheaval, punk, jazz funk and soul - tribes - and all involved to an extent....a common thread...too big a conversation for right now, I have to get to bed....but as much as you may want to dissolve any other musical group from NS, it all swang (???) round Wigan at it's death.

 

I'll stop now, make my apologies and look through me fingers at this thread tomorrow at work ;0)

[Guest Dave Ward]

The Old Lady started in '73, and you'll hear tales about the first few years being good, then 'I stopped going when they went 'Top of the Pops' or 'I used to catch the stairlift up to Mr M's to hear real 'Northern Soul' Bollocks, The Casino took on, and beat the Mecca (HR), Yate, Cleethorpes, Sheffield etc. Richard Searling in his pomp, guest DJ's who had to impress, and usually did ! Playing great classic soul music, an education to us teenagers, who quickly learned what was shit or not...backed up with off-the-wall stuff, the best new sounds from other clubs, then smack you with Weather Report, Nina Simone, Benny Golson and Gil Scott Heron. People will forget. I won't.

[jocko]

...stick it up yer arse.

I would hope that the only people that would reply to this would be only folk that actually attended toward the back end of Wigan.....who tended to be the people that picked up the baton and went on to spread a depleted faith to varying under attended venues up and down the UK, as well as the big hitters that we all eulogise about....we'll those of us that actually turned out that is haha.

Yes, I've had a pint or two but I feel that I must express my heart felt feeling that Wigan, as ridiculed as it is or has been on here on occasion is down to people who never went near.

Forget your who played what where first shit.

If you weren't part of that back end of Wigan, then unfortunately for you, you'll die without knowing the true beauty of what....to me..and there's the rub....Northern Soul is..cos you can't argue with my opinion.

Apologies but it needed saying.

Love you all.

Baz x

This reminds me why I love you xxxx

And I agree.

[Drewtg]

Hi there,

 

could you guys help spread the word about this, we only have a week left,

 

Cheers.

 

 

 

https://www.justgiving.com/local/project/wigancasino

 

 

 

[Orotava]

Well said Baz.  I went most weeks from 1977 to the End Of An Era Nighter and will never forget the atmosphere, the whip crack clapping, Searling`s sets etc.  Oh to be taken back - I`d savour every minute as if it were my last, not to mention picking up all those records I wasn`t sure of back in the day but which are mega bucks today. The best experience of my life and I really don`t think anything will ever equal it.  The Casino transported me to a place where the only thing that mattered was the music and the dancing and the outside world was just that - outside.  We Brits have a habit of bigging things up, only to snipe and sneer and try and bring them down, so I ignore any criticism or ridiculing of Station Road safe in the knowledge I have my memories...

[Guest son of stan]

I don't get it....I am sure Wigan was ace but it was a very long time ago. Personally, it was just very slightly before my time.

 

I have always found the occasional self -importance of 'veterans' who 'were there' a little off putting. Well done, but so what? You went to a nightclub. Do you want a medal? It's not like you fought in the second world war or summat...

 

As I say no disrespect. I am sure it was great but yknow.....

Edited November 23, 2013 by son of stan

[Barry]

Oh dear.

 

Looks like I had my rose-tinted Wigan Beer Goggles on again last night.

 

Shame.

 

I'd been so well behaved of late too.

[Barry]

Morning all.

[Soulman]

Oh dear.

 

Looks like I had my rose-tinted Wigan Beer Goggles on again last night.

 

Shame.

 

I'd been so well behaved of late too.

Put 'em on again Baz... you're brilliant and I echo every word you've said

 

Steve

Edited November 23, 2013 by soulman

[Barry]

Put 'em on again Baz... you're brilliant and I echo every word you've said

 

Steve

 

I think I'd best slip back into relative obscurity again Ste

[Zed1]

I don't get it....I am sure Wigan was ace but it was a very long time ago. Personally, it was just very slightly before my time.

 

I have always found the occasional self -importance of 'veterans' who 'were there' a little off putting. Well done, but so what? You went to a nightclub. Do you want a medal? It's not like you fought in the second world war or summat...

 

As I say no disrespect. I am sure it was great but yknow.....

 

 

Thread title is 'Wigan Bashers', can't see anywhere where Baz has asked that we should all get a Medal for attending.....

 

Whenever there is anything bad about Northern Soul it's always Wigan that gets the press. The Casino had no monopoly on crap tunes and clothes, yet it seems to get the blame whenever people need a stick to beat the scene with...

[Ady Croasdell]

Whenever there is anything bad about Northern Soul it's always Wigan that gets the press. The Casino had no monopoly on crap tunes and clothes, yet it seems to get the blame whenever people need a stick to beat the scene with...

I think that should read "whenever there's anything said about Northern Soul". There was a brilliant scene five years before and 32 years after but it rarely gets a mention without Wigan. I went from the start to 79 and enjoyed it immensely.

[Guest son of stan]

Thread title is 'Wigan Bashers', can't see anywhere where Baz has asked that we should all get a Medal for attending.....

 

Whenever there is anything bad about Northern Soul it's always Wigan that gets the press. The Casino had no monopoly on crap tunes and clothes, yet it seems to get the blame whenever people need a stick to beat the scene with...

It's a terrible world. But you're all big lads. I'm sure you'll get over it somehow...

 

Seriously, can't be arsed having a debate but nothings above criticism or immune from other opinions is it?

[barney]

kinnell thought it was still going

[Barry]

kinnell thought it was still going

 

[Andyj]

Wigan always has, and always will be the easy target. Lots on here will happily tell you that Station Rd was just full of day trippers side stepping around to a few Motown pop songs. Then of course to compound the Stereotype further, up pops todays fancy dress crowd in their comedy trousers and Adidas bags full of Anniversary night patches that they never went!.

I'm one of the fancy dress brigade, in so much as I have a couple of bowling shirts (I danced in bowling shirts at Wigan in 78/79 and liked them then)and loved the placed, didn't like some of the music (love hustle, you baby, Joe 90 et al) but the place was and still is magical and If you attended you will have that greatness imposed on you for life whether you wear bowling shirts or not. (was never a fan of baggy pants even back in the day but wore them coz everyone else did, but was much happier in zoots!!) Edited November 23, 2013 by AndyJ

[kevinsoulman]

WHEN I STARTED GOING TO WIGAN AROUND 78 79 I HAD ONLY WITNESSED THE LOCAL NORTHERN SOUL DO'S OR YOUTH CLUB DO'S AS YOU MAY CALL THEM SO I SPENT MOST OF MY TIME IN M'S PLAYING CATCH UP ON THE PREVIOUS 5 YEARS OF WIGAN AND ALL BEFORE IT 

KEV

[alanmandy]

Then of course to compound the Stereotype further, up pops todays fancy dress crowd in their comedy trousers and Adidas bags full of Anniversary night patches that they never went!.

Went! wish I'd £1 for every time you mention "the fancy dress crowd" would now be a rich man. end of.

[Steve G]

The problem wasn't Wigan - I am sure most of us who went had great nights there - first time was awesome etc. I even liked "Love Hustle" when I first heard Minshull spin it, until I discovered what it really was ……The problem is what the legacy of Wigan Casino became. The fact that it is trotted out as being the only true NS club, everything died when Wigan closed etc. The refusal to move on, or accept or recognise that the scene has moved on. That's what gets peoples goat up. 

[Barry]

I still like Love Hustle.

[Soulman]

Wigan always has, and always will be the easy target. Lots on here will happily tell you that Station Rd was just full of day trippers side stepping around to a few Motown pop songs. Then of course to compound the Stereotype further, up pops todays fancy dress crowd in their comedy trousers and Adidas bags full of Anniversary night patches that they never went!.

Spot on... and here's a pair of said comedy trousers that have been in my loft for the last 30 odd years and never worn simply because they're daft

[Pete S]

I still like Love Hustle.

 

I like the first couple of bars but then it's all down hill

[Guest Polyvelts]

Great original post !!

I can understand Wigan bashing by those who actually went, they are entitled to their opinion. I remember first time I went talking to someone who said " this is good but it's nothing on the torch ", all I could say was the torch must have been incredible then ! I didn't diss them for being Dewey eyed I took them at face value and believed them, it didn't detract from my own experience at Wigan at all !

[Barry]

I like the first couple of bars but then it's all down hill

 

It's one of them 'at school' things, I think I have some kind of linked in testosterone thingy goiung on with stuff I liked at that age - can't shake 'em.

[MrsWoodsrules]

The problem wasn't Wigan - I am sure most of us who went had great nights there - first time was awesome etc. I even liked "Love Hustle" when I first heard Minshull spin it, until I discovered what it really was ……The problem is what the legacy of Wigan Casino became. The fact that it is trotted out as being the only true NS club, everything died when Wigan closed etc. The refusal to move on, or accept or recognise that the scene has moved on. That's what gets peoples goat up. 

 

What is 'Love Hustle' about then?

Is it a gay thing or something?

[Guest Matt Male]

I'm a backender...

 

It does make me smile that a lot of people slag off Wigan and rave about the early 80s clubs, when a lot of the sounds in the early 80s clubs were late Wigan sounds and in some cases played by the same DJs.

Edited November 23, 2013 by Matt Male

[Barry]

What is 'Love Hustle' about then?

Is it a gay thing or something?

 

You're telling us a little more about yerself there than I think you should fella!

 

Edit*

 

Right, just seen the post you're relating to   - was it some kind of gay thing then??

Edited November 23, 2013 by Barry

[Soulman]

"Love Hustle" ... fantastic track. Notnecessarily Northern but a great tune none the less. Tony Hatch & Jackie Trent wasn't it??/

Steve

[Peter99]

edit

Edited November 23, 2013 by Peter99

[MrsWoodsrules]

You're telling us a little more about yerself there than I think you should fella!

 

Edit*

 

Right, just seen the post you're relating to   - was it some kind of gay thing then??

 

Don't knock it Baz,

I'm not gay, but my boyfriend is  .

[Steve S 60]

Love Hustle......that's going to be around in my head all day now....."Do the Love Hustle, doobie doobie doo...aaaarrrgh!"

[Barry]

Don't knock it Baz,

I'm not gay, but my boyfriend is  .

 

[Barry]

Love Hustle......that's going to be around in my head all day now....."Do the Love Hustle, doobie doobie doo...aaaarrrgh!"

 

It's a funny thing about that piano riff in LH as I had a record shop all the way through the crazy house thing when every old track that had a clear sampleable piano break in it got used in a house/rave track - except Love Hustle....unless someone can tell me different.