Wigan Casino 5th Annversary Contined

[Wiganer1]

Mr Searlings spot at Wigans 5th anniversary,,,23/09/78

the comments are my own ,any information is made on things ive heard,known,picked up from other people,,apologise in advance for any inaccuracies...

happy reading here goes:-

yeah the sound of lou roberts there . many thanks to russ for the last couple of hours' you got me for the next and here comes the first one and its :-

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

Lou roberts You fooled me - Next on the deck is Lou Roberts other biggie on MGM and the heart rendering You fooled me . More country and western than northern but this one just enough of a 'northern ' beat for it to fill the casino floor.

Vicki Baines Country girl - Next comes one of Richards biggest ever Wigan Floor fillers covered up as Christine Cooper - I'm just a country girl , this was played before the 5th anniversary but spun to a maximum audience on this night. On Parkway records it still remains ultra rare on original and would be the highlight of any oldies collection.

Cobblestone Trick me treat me - On the decks next comes ' Tempos and love me like a man ' . Another cover up from Mr Searling. Turned out to be Cobblestone on Mercury . Only available on issue and still goes for over £100 .

Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!

Benny Sigler Who you gonna turn to - Cover up time again with 'Randolph Walker' and 'Who you gonna turn to' . Great and instant opening few bars and then you're on your way to a great northern tune, with stop starts and handclap breaks galore. Must surely be Bunny Sigler but pressed as Benny! Quite rare on original Parkway Records.

Yvonne Vernee Just like you did me - Wigan does rare soul with the next one with this detroit belter on Sonbert. Always remained rare with copies seldom coming up for sale. Brilliant dancer and one of Richards finest discoveries .

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Hitting the turntables for the next tune which was one of the most popular oldies to come out of Wigan . Covered as the Del Capris its actually the Construction on Sync 6 records which is extremely rare and never turns up. Instant floor filler with catchy vocals and skip along beat. Came out on UK Grapevine with the classic picture sleeve with the two dancers on it.

Rita the Tiaras Gone with the wind - Putting the rare 'soul' into rare soul comes Richards next 45. 'First time out for this one and here comes the Velvelettes and Our love is gone with the wind'. Another 45 that was hammered and soon became one of the most popular records around. Uk copies became available via Destiny complete with Picture sleeve. Original copies on Dore have become major collectors pieces after being hammered by Ginger and the like over the last few years.. Still sounds good and is as popular as ever.

Jimmy Burns I really love you - Another rare outing and a 'Grapevine' special comes the ultra rare US Erica recording from Jimmy Burns. Storming uptempo with the instant hookline with the title in the chorus. I really love you is a super northern 45.

Gerri Thomas Look what i've got - On World Artists comes the more traditional 'Wigan' sound from Richard comes Gerry Thomas' haunting tune 'Look what I got'. I cant eat- who ooh I cant sleep who ooh, those unforgettable opening lines make this a classic Wigan sound for many. White demos of this would set you back around £50 or more,was booted on a horrible yellow pressing which should be avoided at all costs.

J.C.Messina Time wont let me - Covered as the Bob Seger system comes a version of the Outsiders 60's hit .This version is a much rawer vocal on this obscure Tom King label I think Tom King may have been a member of the Outiders or is related to them somehow. I think this sounds even better today and has crept up in price over the years. Beware of the cheap bootleg that looks exactly like the original.

Paul Anka When we get there - Back to the classic oldies of Wigan Casino, after his monster 'I cant help loving you' filled the floors everywhere it was only a matter of time before someone checked out his other material on RCA for northern soul related items and this is what we got This is much slower than 'I cant help loving you ' but this still packs a punch is just a beautiful northern soul tune. It got a UK release on RCA which is very collectable.

Twans I can't see him again - Back to ultra rarities and on the Dade label is the Twans , this was spun earlier in the Wigan days as Richard announces back to the oldies. . Uptempo girlie oldie dancer that never lets up.Twans has always been rare ,although it was booted in the mid 80's , to get an original you're talking anything over £500.

Wakefield Sun Trypt on love - Back to the MGM outlet for Richards next cover up whcich this time was masquerading as Eddie Jason. Atmospheric and moody and still has that something that you dont get with alot of oldies. Was booted on the infamous blue vynil MGM reissues but save up for a proper yellow demo for a few quid more!. Issues of this are extremely difficult to locate.Check out his version of Harold Melvins get out on the same label.

Dogs - Soul Step - 'First time out for this instrumental and this goes out to Soul Sam who's somewhere in the record bar' On the very rare Treasure label this 45 which went on to be a cult collectors item over the next few years of the Casino. Got reissued very recently with a vocal version on the other side. But Richard was first to spin it a the 'Heart of soul'

Reperata & Delrons Its waiting there for you - Girlie terittory again with Reperata and the Delrons other Mala outing , Panic being their other monster from earlier on in the Casinos lifespan. There wont be many fans of this record today, but Richard must have liked it and it was popular none the less.

Newbeats Don't turn me loose - And if you couldn't believe that Richard played Reperata , you wont believe that he also spun this by the soul purists ultimate enemy group The Newbeats. Was big enough to get issued on UK Inferno and sounds popular on the night. This would never see a turntable these days unless you were a very brave dj but it was played and people danced to it (You know who you are!!) If you do like this type of oldie check out Top Secret on the same Hickory label,Stomp stomp stomp!

Toni Basil Breakaway - Along next comes the old Lada Edmond cover up break these chains which of course turned out to be Toni Basil of 'Mickey' fame. On the A&M label this still is quite a desirable 45 for oldies fans and still popular with the dancers.

Holly St James Thats not love - Next up is one of the biggest oldies of all time and one that has stood the test of time. A total floor filler with the breaks for all the handclaps . Remained a collectors item on the ABC label ,mainly seen on white demo copies but did come out on a black issue and is Super rare. Also came out on Soul Fox circa 78/79.

Frankie Beveley Because of my heart - Another rarity to hit the Wigan turnables was this one on Fairmount from the 'If thats what you wanted' man . Also released on Rouser this brilliant 45 caught the imagination the collectors as well as the acrobatic dancers. To get a copy of this would set you back a small fortune. The records that passed through this mans hand!

Bobby Paris I walked away - Back to the classic oldies and one of Bobby's best. On the Capitol record label this became a true Casino Classic!. Used to be covered as Bobby Diamond but this is true Northern Soul in every sense of the word. Seen frequently on US demo copy but the prize to get is a Capitol Issue of this monster oldie.

Lou Roberts You fooled me - Second time around for this one and still sounding good. I was told that lots of tunes were hammered at the Casino and many were played more than once in a night. Here is one example of a sound Richard must have believed in.

Tamala Lewis You wont say nothing - Another indemander that got a release on the UK Destiny label. Covered up by Richard as Sharon Scott this was another monster casino tune for him. The original is on Marton and I think is a light blue label but is obtainable on a orange reissue on the same label. May take you some time to get a proper one however,rarely turns up.

Generation Hold on - Wigan does beach music with the next one in Mr Searlings spot. Another one to come out on Grapevine which suggests it was a biggie ,and also was scheduled to be released on Destiny 1003 but never came out. The import of this is on the beautiful 'Mockingbird' label which you should be able to get for around £40. One for the oldies crowd this one and would be a nice one to hear now and again.

Ben Zine Village of tears - Now heres a track, this is a record I sold all my LP's to get this 45 and remember going to the Notts Palais all niter trying to get rid of the others for a £1 apiece Got there eventually and it cost me £50 way back in 85'. Ben Zine is a love it , hate it record but it was certainly a huge record for Richard in this year who had been playing this heavily in the previous summer. The issue of this was pressed in the early 2000's and until then you only saw East and West coast white demos.

Family Affair Love Hustle - Back to the shock plays for Richard when you look back at his playlists. But yes he did play this which was a monster at the time. The family Affair is a UK outfit on Pye and had something to do with Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch. There are UK Pye demos out there of this which is about desirable as it gets!

Millionaires You've got to love your baby - Another Grapevine release and was one of the two monster oldies on the Castle label. (The other being the Ellingtons) The Millionaires is a great oldie that doesnt get played enough. Beware of the reissue of this as its nearly identical to the blue original.

Wall of Sound Hang on - Wall of Sound is on the Tower label as well as the local Big Bird label.I'm sure this is the Righteous Brothers hey who knows. Again this is a great sounding northern tune with all the right beat etc. Never heard played out in over 25 years of all niters, due for a revival maybe?

Peggy March If you love me - Playing safe again,this time its Peggy March and the vocal version to Soul Coaxing. As with Russ's spot this tune must have been well in demand as it sure was popular on this night. Gained two releases in the UK on Black 60s RCA and the later 70's orange issue. US copies come in the giuse of Yellow Demos and black issues.

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Again another second time around tune ,met with the same frenetic and optimistic response.

Paula Durante If he were mine - Richard finishes off his spot with another respin..

So there you go,,the 5th anniversary spot from many considered god at the Casino,,it was after this time in 1978 that Richards new discoveries came in by the bucket load and will be reviewed at a later date - Watch this space!

Regards

mark 'fluff' Freeman

[Eddie Hubbard]

Mr Searlings spot at Wigans 5th anniversary,,,23/09/78

the comments are my own ,any information is made on things ive heard,known,picked up from other people,,apologise in advance for any inaccuracies...

happy reading here goes:-

yeah the sound of lou roberts there . many thanks to russ for the last couple of hours' you got me for the next and here comes the first one and its :-

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

Lou roberts You fooled me - Next on the deck is Lou Roberts other biggie on MGM and the heart rendering You fooled me . More country and western than northern but this one just enough of a 'northern ' beat for it to fill the casino floor.

Vicki Baines Country girl - Next comes one of Richards biggest ever Wigan Floor fillers covered up as Christine Cooper - I'm just a country girl , this was played before the 5th anniversary but spun to a maximum audience on this night. On Parkway records it still remains ultra rare on original and would be the highlight of any oldies collection.

Cobblestone Trick me treat me - On the decks next comes ' Tempos and love me like a man ' . Another cover up from Mr Searling. Turned out to be Cobblestone on Mercury . Only available on issue and still goes for over £100 .

Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!

Benny Sigler Who you gonna turn to - Cover up time again with 'Randolph Walker' and 'Who you gonna turn to' . Great and instant opening few bars and then you're on your way to a great northern tune, with stop starts and handclap breaks galore. Must surely be Bunny Sigler but pressed as Benny! Quite rare on original Parkway Records.

Yvonne Vernee Just like you did me - Wigan does rare soul with the next one with this detroit belter on Sonbert. Always remained rare with copies seldom coming up for sale. Brilliant dancer and one of Richards finest discoveries .

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Hitting the turntables for the next tune which was one of the most popular oldies to come out of Wigan . Covered as the Del Capris its actually the Construction on Sync 6 records which is extremely rare and never turns up. Instant floor filler with catchy vocals and skip along beat. Came out on UK Grapevine with the classic picture sleeve with the two dancers on it.

Rita the Tiaras Gone with the wind - Putting the rare 'soul' into rare soul comes Richards next 45. 'First time out for this one and here comes the Velvelettes and Our love is gone with the wind'. Another 45 that was hammered and soon became one of the most popular records around. Uk copies became available via Destiny complete with Picture sleeve. Original copies on Dore have become major collectors pieces after being hammered by Ginger and the like over the last few years.. Still sounds good and is as popular as ever.

Jimmy Burns I really love you - Another rare outing and a 'Grapevine' special comes the ultra rare US Erica recording from Jimmy Burns. Storming uptempo with the instant hookline with the title in the chorus. I really love you is a super northern 45.

Gerri Thomas Look what i've got - On World Artists comes the more traditional 'Wigan' sound from Richard comes Gerry Thomas' haunting tune 'Look what I got'. I cant eat- who ooh I cant sleep who ooh, those unforgettable opening lines make this a classic Wigan sound for many. White demos of this would set you back around £50 or more,was booted on a horrible yellow pressing which should be avoided at all costs.

J.C.Messina Time wont let me - Covered as the Bob Seger system comes a version of the Outsiders 60's hit .This version is a much rawer vocal on this obscure Tom King label I think Tom King may have been a member of the Outiders or is related to them somehow. I think this sounds even better today and has crept up in price over the years. Beware of the cheap bootleg that looks exactly like the original.

Paul Anka When we get there - Back to the classic oldies of Wigan Casino, after his monster 'I cant help loving you' filled the floors everywhere it was only a matter of time before someone checked out his other material on RCA for northern soul related items and this is what we got This is much slower than 'I cant help loving you ' but this still packs a punch is just a beautiful northern soul tune. It got a UK release on RCA which is very collectable.

Twans I can't see him again - Back to ultra rarities and on the Dade label is the Twans , this was spun earlier in the Wigan days as Richard announces back to the oldies. . Uptempo girlie oldie dancer that never lets up.Twans has always been rare ,although it was booted in the mid 80's , to get an original you're talking anything over £500.

Wakefield Sun Trypt on love - Back to the MGM outlet for Richards next cover up whcich this time was masquerading as Eddie Jason. Atmospheric and moody and still has that something that you dont get with alot of oldies. Was booted on the infamous blue vynil MGM reissues but save up for a proper yellow demo for a few quid more!. Issues of this are extremely difficult to locate.Check out his version of Harold Melvins get out on the same label.

Dogs - Soul Step - 'First time out for this instrumental and this goes out to Soul Sam who's somewhere in the record bar' On the very rare Treasure label this 45 which went on to be a cult collectors item over the next few years of the Casino. Got reissued very recently with a vocal version on the other side. But Richard was first to spin it a the 'Heart of soul'

Reperata & Delrons Its waiting there for you - Girlie terittory again with Reperata and the Delrons other Mala outing , Panic being their other monster from earlier on in the Casinos lifespan. There wont be many fans of this record today, but Richard must have liked it and it was popular none the less.

Newbeats Don't turn me loose - And if you couldn't believe that Richard played Reperata , you wont believe that he also spun this by the soul purists ultimate enemy group The Newbeats. Was big enough to get issued on UK Inferno and sounds popular on the night. This would never see a turntable these days unless you were a very brave dj but it was played and people danced to it (You know who you are!!) If you do like this type of oldie check out Top Secret on the same Hickory label,Stomp stomp stomp!

Toni Basil Breakaway - Along next comes the old Lada Edmond cover up break these chains which of course turned out to be Toni Basil of 'Mickey' fame. On the A&M label this still is quite a desirable 45 for oldies fans and still popular with the dancers.

Holly St James Thats not love - Next up is one of the biggest oldies of all time and one that has stood the test of time. A total floor filler with the breaks for all the handclaps . Remained a collectors item on the ABC label ,mainly seen on white demo copies but did come out on a black issue and is Super rare. Also came out on Soul Fox circa 78/79.

Frankie Beveley Because of my heart - Another rarity to hit the Wigan turnables was this one on Fairmount from the 'If thats what you wanted' man . Also released on Rouser this brilliant 45 caught the imagination the collectors as well as the acrobatic dancers. To get a copy of this would set you back a small fortune. The records that passed through this mans hand!

Bobby Paris I walked away - Back to the classic oldies and one of Bobby's best. On the Capitol record label this became a true Casino Classic!. Used to be covered as Bobby Diamond but this is true Northern Soul in every sense of the word. Seen frequently on US demo copy but the prize to get is a Capitol Issue of this monster oldie.

Lou Roberts You fooled me - Second time around for this one and still sounding good. I was told that lots of tunes were hammered at the Casino and many were played more than once in a night. Here is one example of a sound Richard must have believed in.

Tamala Lewis You wont say nothing - Another indemander that got a release on the UK Destiny label. Covered up by Richard as Sharon Scott this was another monster casino tune for him. The original is on Marton and I think is a light blue label but is obtainable on a orange reissue on the same label. May take you some time to get a proper one however,rarely turns up.

Generation Hold on - Wigan does beach music with the next one in Mr Searlings spot. Another one to come out on Grapevine which suggests it was a biggie ,and also was scheduled to be released on Destiny 1003 but never came out. The import of this is on the beautiful 'Mockingbird' label which you should be able to get for around £40. One for the oldies crowd this one and would be a nice one to hear now and again.

Ben Zine Village of tears - Now heres a track, this is a record I sold all my LP's to get this 45 and remember going to the Notts Palais all niter trying to get rid of the others for a £1 apiece Got there eventually and it cost me £50 way back in 85'. Ben Zine is a love it , hate it record but it was certainly a huge record for Richard in this year who had been playing this heavily in the previous summer. The issue of this was pressed in the early 2000's and until then you only saw East and West coast white demos.

Family Affair Love Hustle - Back to the shock plays for Richard when you look back at his playlists. But yes he did play this which was a monster at the time. The family Affair is a UK outfit on Pye and had something to do with Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch. There are UK Pye demos out there of this which is about desirable as it gets!

Millionaires You've got to love your baby - Another Grapevine release and was one of the two monster oldies on the Castle label. (The other being the Ellingtons) The Millionaires is a great oldie that doesnt get played enough. Beware of the reissue of this as its nearly identical to the blue original.

Wall of Sound Hang on - Wall of Sound is on the Tower label as well as the local Big Bird label.I'm sure this is the Righteous Brothers hey who knows. Again this is a great sounding northern tune with all the right beat etc. Never heard played out in over 25 years of all niters, due for a revival maybe?

Peggy March If you love me - Playing safe again,this time its Peggy March and the vocal version to Soul Coaxing. As with Russ's spot this tune must have been well in demand as it sure was popular on this night. Gained two releases in the UK on Black 60s RCA and the later 70's orange issue. US copies come in the giuse of Yellow Demos and black issues.

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Again another second time around tune ,met with the same frenetic and optimistic response.

Paula Durante If he were mine - Richard finishes off his spot with another respin..

So there you go,,the 5th anniversary spot from many considered god at the Casino,,it was after this time in 1978 that Richards new discoveries came in by the bucket load and will be reviewed at a later date - Watch this space!

Regards

mark 'fluff' Freeman

Hello Mark , some great reviews mate .I remember a friend ,Allan Lane from Oxford turning up at Wigan with a pile of original Paul Durante's when it was a massive record , some people were buying several copies !! He also had several copies of " He's not your kind " on the same logo . Having a photographic memory , I can also remember Mick Smith bringing a copy of Frank Beverly on Rouser up to the decks for Richard to play , could this be the copy he played on the 5th Ann. ? Would love to hear a copy of this tape . Best Wishes ,Eddie

[Guest in town Mikey]

Man I have taken some stick for loving Ben Zine.

It was the record playing when i walked into my first niter at Yate. And I love it.

[Wiganer1]

Hello Mark , some great reviews mate .I remember a friend ,Allan Lane from Oxford turning up at Wigan with a pile of original Paul Durante's when it was a massive record , some people were buying several copies !! He also had several copies of " He's not your kind " on the same logo . Having a photographic memory , I can also remember Mick Smith bringing a copy of Frank Beverly on Rouser up to the decks for Richard to play , could this be the copy he played on the 5th Ann. ? Would love to hear a copy of this tape . Best Wishes ,Eddie

============

love the stories like this eddie....

as i said before this is part of the book im writing 100 reasons to love wigan casino...done 40+ just another 60 to go,,,,

got lots of stories to write up ...

ill sort u out with a copy mate no worries..

[SteveM]

Hello Mark , some great reviews mate .I remember a friend ,Allan Lane from Oxford turning up at Wigan with a pile of original Paul Durante's when it was a massive record , some people were buying several copies !! He also had several copies of " He's not your kind " on the same logo . Having a photographic memory , I can also remember Mick Smith bringing a copy of Frank Beverly on Rouser up to the decks for Richard to play , could this be the copy he played on the 5th Ann. ? Would love to hear a copy of this tape . Best Wishes ,Eddie

Im amazed, didn't realise the Rouser copy was around at that time. Saw it once at Clifton Hall, early eighties. I'm sure Adam had it. Anybody know for sure ?

Alan Rhodes used to play If he were mine anf your not my kind most spots at Wigan if i remember

[Wiganer1]

Im amazed, didn't realise the Rouser copy was around at that time. Saw it once at Clifton Hall, early eighties. I'm sure Adam had it. Anybody know for sure ?

Alan Rhodes used to play If he were mine anf your not my kind most spots at Wigan if i remember

=====

the allan rhodes spot will be posted shortly...

[Winsford Soul]

============

love the stories like this eddie....

as i said before this is part of the book im writing 100 reasons to love wigan casino...done 40+ just another 60 to go,,,,

got lots of stories to write up ...

ill sort u out with a copy mate no worries..

Mark, Keep up the good work, the memories, the music, just a honour to have been there , if you want a epitaph for your book. At the very last Nighter somebody wrote in lipstick on the mirror on the second pillar from the stage on the right hand side. Wigan Casino No More Come Downs. Still brings a lump to my throat.

Steve

[Wiganer1]

Mr Searlings spot at Wigans 5th anniversary,,,23/09/78

the comments are my own ,any information is made on things ive heard,known,picked up from other people,,apologise in advance for any inaccuracies...

happy reading here goes:-

yeah the sound of lou roberts there . many thanks to russ for the last couple of hours' you got me for the next and here comes the first one and its :-

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

Lou roberts You fooled me - Next on the deck is Lou Roberts other biggie on MGM and the heart rendering You fooled me . More country and western than northern but this one just enough of a 'northern ' beat for it to fill the casino floor.

Vicki Baines Country girl - Next comes one of Richards biggest ever Wigan Floor fillers covered up as Christine Cooper - I'm just a country girl , this was played before the 5th anniversary but spun to a maximum audience on this night. On Parkway records it still remains ultra rare on original and would be the highlight of any oldies collection.

Cobblestone Trick me treat me - On the decks next comes ' Tempos and love me like a man ' . Another cover up from Mr Searling. Turned out to be Cobblestone on Mercury . Only available on issue and still goes for over £100 .

Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!

Benny Sigler Who you gonna turn to - Cover up time again with 'Randolph Walker' and 'Who you gonna turn to' . Great and instant opening few bars and then you're on your way to a great northern tune, with stop starts and handclap breaks galore. Must surely be Bunny Sigler but pressed as Benny! Quite rare on original Parkway Records.

Yvonne Vernee Just like you did me - Wigan does rare soul with the next one with this detroit belter on Sonbert. Always remained rare with copies seldom coming up for sale. Brilliant dancer and one of Richards finest discoveries .

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Hitting the turntables for the next tune which was one of the most popular oldies to come out of Wigan . Covered as the Del Capris its actually the Construction on Sync 6 records which is extremely rare and never turns up. Instant floor filler with catchy vocals and skip along beat. Came out on UK Grapevine with the classic picture sleeve with the two dancers on it.

Rita the Tiaras Gone with the wind - Putting the rare 'soul' into rare soul comes Richards next 45. 'First time out for this one and here comes the Velvelettes and Our love is gone with the wind'. Another 45 that was hammered and soon became one of the most popular records around. Uk copies became available via Destiny complete with Picture sleeve. Original copies on Dore have become major collectors pieces after being hammered by Ginger and the like over the last few years.. Still sounds good and is as popular as ever.

Jimmy Burns I really love you - Another rare outing and a 'Grapevine' special comes the ultra rare US Erica recording from Jimmy Burns. Storming uptempo with the instant hookline with the title in the chorus. I really love you is a super northern 45.

Gerri Thomas Look what i've got - On World Artists comes the more traditional 'Wigan' sound from Richard comes Gerry Thomas' haunting tune 'Look what I got'. I cant eat- who ooh I cant sleep who ooh, those unforgettable opening lines make this a classic Wigan sound for many. White demos of this would set you back around £50 or more,was booted on a horrible yellow pressing which should be avoided at all costs.

J.C.Messina Time wont let me - Covered as the Bob Seger system comes a version of the Outsiders 60's hit .This version is a much rawer vocal on this obscure Tom King label I think Tom King may have been a member of the Outiders or is related to them somehow. I think this sounds even better today and has crept up in price over the years. Beware of the cheap bootleg that looks exactly like the original.

Paul Anka When we get there - Back to the classic oldies of Wigan Casino, after his monster 'I cant help loving you' filled the floors everywhere it was only a matter of time before someone checked out his other material on RCA for northern soul related items and this is what we got This is much slower than 'I cant help loving you ' but this still packs a punch is just a beautiful northern soul tune. It got a UK release on RCA which is very collectable.

Twans I can't see him again - Back to ultra rarities and on the Dade label is the Twans , this was spun earlier in the Wigan days as Richard announces back to the oldies. . Uptempo girlie oldie dancer that never lets up.Twans has always been rare ,although it was booted in the mid 80's , to get an original you're talking anything over £500.

Wakefield Sun Trypt on love - Back to the MGM outlet for Richards next cover up whcich this time was masquerading as Eddie Jason. Atmospheric and moody and still has that something that you dont get with alot of oldies. Was booted on the infamous blue vynil MGM reissues but save up for a proper yellow demo for a few quid more!. Issues of this are extremely difficult to locate.Check out his version of Harold Melvins get out on the same label.

Dogs - Soul Step - 'First time out for this instrumental and this goes out to Soul Sam who's somewhere in the record bar' On the very rare Treasure label this 45 which went on to be a cult collectors item over the next few years of the Casino. Got reissued very recently with a vocal version on the other side. But Richard was first to spin it a the 'Heart of soul'

Reperata & Delrons Its waiting there for you - Girlie terittory again with Reperata and the Delrons other Mala outing , Panic being their other monster from earlier on in the Casinos lifespan. There wont be many fans of this record today, but Richard must have liked it and it was popular none the less.

Newbeats Don't turn me loose - And if you couldn't believe that Richard played Reperata , you wont believe that he also spun this by the soul purists ultimate enemy group The Newbeats. Was big enough to get issued on UK Inferno and sounds popular on the night. This would never see a turntable these days unless you were a very brave dj but it was played and people danced to it (You know who you are!!) If you do like this type of oldie check out Top Secret on the same Hickory label,Stomp stomp stomp!

Toni Basil Breakaway - Along next comes the old Lada Edmond cover up break these chains which of course turned out to be Toni Basil of 'Mickey' fame. On the A&M label this still is quite a desirable 45 for oldies fans and still popular with the dancers.

Holly St James Thats not love - Next up is one of the biggest oldies of all time and one that has stood the test of time. A total floor filler with the breaks for all the handclaps . Remained a collectors item on the ABC label ,mainly seen on white demo copies but did come out on a black issue and is Super rare. Also came out on Soul Fox circa 78/79.

Frankie Beveley Because of my heart - Another rarity to hit the Wigan turnables was this one on Fairmount from the 'If thats what you wanted' man . Also released on Rouser this brilliant 45 caught the imagination the collectors as well as the acrobatic dancers. To get a copy of this would set you back a small fortune. The records that passed through this mans hand!

Bobby Paris I walked away - Back to the classic oldies and one of Bobby's best. On the Capitol record label this became a true Casino Classic!. Used to be covered as Bobby Diamond but this is true Northern Soul in every sense of the word. Seen frequently on US demo copy but the prize to get is a Capitol Issue of this monster oldie.

Lou Roberts You fooled me - Second time around for this one and still sounding good. I was told that lots of tunes were hammered at the Casino and many were played more than once in a night. Here is one example of a sound Richard must have believed in.

Tamala Lewis You wont say nothing - Another indemander that got a release on the UK Destiny label. Covered up by Richard as Sharon Scott this was another monster casino tune for him. The original is on Marton and I think is a light blue label but is obtainable on a orange reissue on the same label. May take you some time to get a proper one however,rarely turns up.

Generation Hold on - Wigan does beach music with the next one in Mr Searlings spot. Another one to come out on Grapevine which suggests it was a biggie ,and also was scheduled to be released on Destiny 1003 but never came out. The import of this is on the beautiful 'Mockingbird' label which you should be able to get for around £40. One for the oldies crowd this one and would be a nice one to hear now and again.

Ben Zine Village of tears - Now heres a track, this is a record I sold all my LP's to get this 45 and remember going to the Notts Palais all niter trying to get rid of the others for a £1 apiece Got there eventually and it cost me £50 way back in 85'. Ben Zine is a love it , hate it record but it was certainly a huge record for Richard in this year who had been playing this heavily in the previous summer. The issue of this was pressed in the early 2000's and until then you only saw East and West coast white demos.

Family Affair Love Hustle - Back to the shock plays for Richard when you look back at his playlists. But yes he did play this which was a monster at the time. The family Affair is a UK outfit on Pye and had something to do with Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch. There are UK Pye demos out there of this which is about desirable as it gets!

Millionaires You've got to love your baby - Another Grapevine release and was one of the two monster oldies on the Castle label. (The other being the Ellingtons) The Millionaires is a great oldie that doesnt get played enough. Beware of the reissue of this as its nearly identical to the blue original.

Wall of Sound Hang on - Wall of Sound is on the Tower label as well as the local Big Bird label.I'm sure this is the Righteous Brothers hey who knows. Again this is a great sounding northern tune with all the right beat etc. Never heard played out in over 25 years of all niters, due for a revival maybe?

Peggy March If you love me - Playing safe again,this time its Peggy March and the vocal version to Soul Coaxing. As with Russ's spot this tune must have been well in demand as it sure was popular on this night. Gained two releases in the UK on Black 60s RCA and the later 70's orange issue. US copies come in the giuse of Yellow Demos and black issues.

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Again another second time around tune ,met with the same frenetic and optimistic response.

Paula Durante If he were mine - Richard finishes off his spot with another respin..

So there you go,,the 5th anniversary spot from many considered god at the Casino,,it was after this time in 1978 that Richards new discoveries came in by the bucket load and will be reviewed at a later date - Watch this space!

Regards

mark 'fluff' Freeman

========

played the tape again tonight..missed 2 records out

frank dell - he broke your game wide open and yvonne and the violets - cross my heart (again for the 1st time covered as Vala Reegan & Valerons)

[Soulsmith]

"Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!"

Clarky used to introduce this at Yate & play her other track "You're not my kind"

And conversely introduce "You're not my kind" but actually play "If he were mine"

What a wag!

Strange that I can remember crap like this from 25 yrs ago, but can't remember the names of my next door neighbours.

Would love to hear how good or bad they sound given the passing of time.

Hopefully a little better than Esko Affair.

Col.

[Soulsmith]

========

played the tape again tonight..missed 2 records out

frank dell - he broke your game wide open and yvonne and the violets - cross my heart (again for the 1st time covered as Vala Reegan & Valerons)

Frank Dell actually cleared the floor at a fairly recent oldies night.

I was gutted for the DJ. And also gutted that it doesn't get the recognition I think its due.

[Guest Awake 502]

Im amazed, didn't realise the Rouser copy was around at that time. Saw it once at Clifton Hall, early eighties. I'm sure Adam had it. Anybody know for sure ?

[Jerry Hipkiss]

Frank Dell actually cleared the floor at a fairly recent oldies night.

I was gutted for the DJ. And also gutted that it doesn't get the recognition I think its due.

Gulp...rest assured that's more the exception than the rule! always works for me, anyhow!

Hippo.

[Jerry Hipkiss]

"Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label

Clarky used to introduce this at Yate & play her other track "You're not my kind"

Col.

...at first sight the only track off that set that Ian didn't spin at Yate is "Love Hustle" - can't remember it anyway

Hippo.

[Stateside]

Mark,

I love these reminders, it brinks it all flooding back.

I was recently watching the old Granada TV footage and when they focus in on people sifting through the record boxes someone pulls up my copy of "Sandy Wynns - The touch of Venus" still in the white cardboard sleeve and with my handwriting all over it.

Amazing really that even though I went at least 25 times a year for 3/4 years I hardly recognize anyone on the various bits of footage. (must have had my head somewhere else)

Whilst writing does anyone on this site see themselves on this early footage - I remember the cameras being there but they never shot me - which is strange because most of my friends think I should be shot.!!

[Eddie Hubbard]

Mark,

I love these reminders, it brinks it all flooding back.

I was recently watching the old Granada TV footage and when they focus in on people sifting through the record boxes someone pulls up my copy of "Sandy Wynns - The touch of Venus" still in the white cardboard sleeve and with my handwriting all over it.

Amazing really that even though I went at least 25 times a year for 3/4 years I hardly recognize anyone on the various bits of footage. (must have had my head somewhere else)

Whilst writing does anyone on this site see themselves on this early footage - I remember the cameras being there but they never shot me - which is strange because most of my friends think I should be shot.!!

I'm on the dancing shots [ dark baggies , cream long sleeved shirt Jamie Oliver style hair !! [ though most of us had that style at the time ] Also walking across the dance floor in a sheepskin coat and holdall at the start of the night .Wasn't it hot that night ? The lights being on 'till 5am gave me a headache , remember buying The Moods " Rainmaker " for about £5 . Best ,Eddie

[Winsford Soul]

Mark,

I love these reminders, it brinks it all flooding back.

I was recently watching the old Granada TV footage and when they focus in on people sifting through the record boxes someone pulls up my copy of "Sandy Wynns - The touch of Venus" still in the white cardboard sleeve and with my handwriting all over it.

Amazing really that even though I went at least 25 times a year for 3/4 years I hardly recognize anyone on the various bits of footage. (must have had my head somewhere else)

Whilst writing does anyone on this site see themselves on this early footage - I remember the cameras being there but they never shot me - which is strange because most of my friends think I should be shot.!!

One of my good mates Dusty is always on the clip that they show, Funny how he never mentions the royalties he gets

Steve

[Guest Bearsoul]

I'm on the dancing shots [ dark baggies , cream long sleeved shirt Jamie Oliver style hair !! [ though most of us had that style at the time ] Also walking across the dance floor in a sheepskin coat and holdall at the start of the night .Wasn't it hot that night ? The lights being on 'till 5am gave me a headache , remember buying The Moods " Rainmaker " for about £5 . Best ,Eddie

you old git Eddie...sheepskins...blimey ...still got mine somewhere

[Ted Massey]

Yes Adam definately had it, I turned it down at £400, was a fortune then.....

Tim Brown has it now

[Guest Matt Male]

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

In my opinion probably the most underrated record ever. I love it

[Guest Bearsoul]

In my opinion probably the most underrated record ever. I love it

LOVE IT TOO, HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING AND HEARING HER SING IT AT THE 'IN-CROWD WEEKENDER' IN NORTHAMPTON LAST NOVEMBER, SHE STARTED SHAKILY ..WITH NERVES BUT WE WERE ALL SINGING IT AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC...IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT !!!!

[Winsford Soul]

LOVE IT TOO, HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING AND HEARING HER SING IT AT THE 'IN-CROWD WEEKENDER' IN NORTHAMPTON LAST NOVEMBER, SHE STARTED SHAKILY ..WITH NERVES BUT WE WERE ALL SINGING IT AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC...IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT !!!!

Have got to agree . What a night

Steve

[boff]

mark, remember this night as if it was yesterday mate.look forward to reading some more.boff.

[Guest Bearsoul]

Have got to agree . What a night

Steve

ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS STEVE.BRILLIANT

[Billywhizz]

Mr Searlings spot at Wigans 5th anniversary,,,23/09/78

the comments are my own ,any information is made on things ive heard,known,picked up from other people,,apologise in advance for any inaccuracies...

happy reading here goes:-

yeah the sound of lou roberts there . many thanks to russ for the last couple of hours' you got me for the next and here comes the first one and its :-

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

Lou roberts You fooled me - Next on the deck is Lou Roberts other biggie on MGM and the heart rendering You fooled me . More country and western than northern but this one just enough of a 'northern ' beat for it to fill the casino floor.

Vicki Baines Country girl - Next comes one of Richards biggest ever Wigan Floor fillers covered up as Christine Cooper - I'm just a country girl , this was played before the 5th anniversary but spun to a maximum audience on this night. On Parkway records it still remains ultra rare on original and would be the highlight of any oldies collection.

Cobblestone Trick me treat me - On the decks next comes ' Tempos and love me like a man ' . Another cover up from Mr Searling. Turned out to be Cobblestone on Mercury . Only available on issue and still goes for over £100 .

Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!

Benny Sigler Who you gonna turn to - Cover up time again with 'Randolph Walker' and 'Who you gonna turn to' . Great and instant opening few bars and then you're on your way to a great northern tune, with stop starts and handclap breaks galore. Must surely be Bunny Sigler but pressed as Benny! Quite rare on original Parkway Records.

Yvonne Vernee Just like you did me - Wigan does rare soul with the next one with this detroit belter on Sonbert. Always remained rare with copies seldom coming up for sale. Brilliant dancer and one of Richards finest discoveries .

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Hitting the turntables for the next tune which was one of the most popular oldies to come out of Wigan . Covered as the Del Capris its actually the Construction on Sync 6 records which is extremely rare and never turns up. Instant floor filler with catchy vocals and skip along beat. Came out on UK Grapevine with the classic picture sleeve with the two dancers on it.

Rita the Tiaras Gone with the wind - Putting the rare 'soul' into rare soul comes Richards next 45. 'First time out for this one and here comes the Velvelettes and Our love is gone with the wind'. Another 45 that was hammered and soon became one of the most popular records around. Uk copies became available via Destiny complete with Picture sleeve. Original copies on Dore have become major collectors pieces after being hammered by Ginger and the like over the last few years.. Still sounds good and is as popular as ever.

Jimmy Burns I really love you - Another rare outing and a 'Grapevine' special comes the ultra rare US Erica recording from Jimmy Burns. Storming uptempo with the instant hookline with the title in the chorus. I really love you is a super northern 45.

Gerri Thomas Look what i've got - On World Artists comes the more traditional 'Wigan' sound from Richard comes Gerry Thomas' haunting tune 'Look what I got'. I cant eat- who ooh I cant sleep who ooh, those unforgettable opening lines make this a classic Wigan sound for many. White demos of this would set you back around £50 or more,was booted on a horrible yellow pressing which should be avoided at all costs.

J.C.Messina Time wont let me - Covered as the Bob Seger system comes a version of the Outsiders 60's hit .This version is a much rawer vocal on this obscure Tom King label I think Tom King may have been a member of the Outiders or is related to them somehow. I think this sounds even better today and has crept up in price over the years. Beware of the cheap bootleg that looks exactly like the original.

Paul Anka When we get there - Back to the classic oldies of Wigan Casino, after his monster 'I cant help loving you' filled the floors everywhere it was only a matter of time before someone checked out his other material on RCA for northern soul related items and this is what we got This is much slower than 'I cant help loving you ' but this still packs a punch is just a beautiful northern soul tune. It got a UK release on RCA which is very collectable.

Twans I can't see him again - Back to ultra rarities and on the Dade label is the Twans , this was spun earlier in the Wigan days as Richard announces back to the oldies. . Uptempo girlie oldie dancer that never lets up.Twans has always been rare ,although it was booted in the mid 80's , to get an original you're talking anything over £500.

Wakefield Sun Trypt on love - Back to the MGM outlet for Richards next cover up whcich this time was masquerading as Eddie Jason. Atmospheric and moody and still has that something that you dont get with alot of oldies. Was booted on the infamous blue vynil MGM reissues but save up for a proper yellow demo for a few quid more!. Issues of this are extremely difficult to locate.Check out his version of Harold Melvins get out on the same label.

Dogs - Soul Step - 'First time out for this instrumental and this goes out to Soul Sam who's somewhere in the record bar' On the very rare Treasure label this 45 which went on to be a cult collectors item over the next few years of the Casino. Got reissued very recently with a vocal version on the other side. But Richard was first to spin it a the 'Heart of soul'

Reperata & Delrons Its waiting there for you - Girlie terittory again with Reperata and the Delrons other Mala outing , Panic being their other monster from earlier on in the Casinos lifespan. There wont be many fans of this record today, but Richard must have liked it and it was popular none the less.

Newbeats Don't turn me loose - And if you couldn't believe that Richard played Reperata , you wont believe that he also spun this by the soul purists ultimate enemy group The Newbeats. Was big enough to get issued on UK Inferno and sounds popular on the night. This would never see a turntable these days unless you were a very brave dj but it was played and people danced to it (You know who you are!!) If you do like this type of oldie check out Top Secret on the same Hickory label,Stomp stomp stomp!

Toni Basil Breakaway - Along next comes the old Lada Edmond cover up break these chains which of course turned out to be Toni Basil of 'Mickey' fame. On the A&M label this still is quite a desirable 45 for oldies fans and still popular with the dancers.

Holly St James Thats not love - Next up is one of the biggest oldies of all time and one that has stood the test of time. A total floor filler with the breaks for all the handclaps . Remained a collectors item on the ABC label ,mainly seen on white demo copies but did come out on a black issue and is Super rare. Also came out on Soul Fox circa 78/79.

Frankie Beveley Because of my heart - Another rarity to hit the Wigan turnables was this one on Fairmount from the 'If thats what you wanted' man . Also released on Rouser this brilliant 45 caught the imagination the collectors as well as the acrobatic dancers. To get a copy of this would set you back a small fortune. The records that passed through this mans hand!

Bobby Paris I walked away - Back to the classic oldies and one of Bobby's best. On the Capitol record label this became a true Casino Classic!. Used to be covered as Bobby Diamond but this is true Northern Soul in every sense of the word. Seen frequently on US demo copy but the prize to get is a Capitol Issue of this monster oldie.

Lou Roberts You fooled me - Second time around for this one and still sounding good. I was told that lots of tunes were hammered at the Casino and many were played more than once in a night. Here is one example of a sound Richard must have believed in.

Tamala Lewis You wont say nothing - Another indemander that got a release on the UK Destiny label. Covered up by Richard as Sharon Scott this was another monster casino tune for him. The original is on Marton and I think is a light blue label but is obtainable on a orange reissue on the same label. May take you some time to get a proper one however,rarely turns up.

Generation Hold on - Wigan does beach music with the next one in Mr Searlings spot. Another one to come out on Grapevine which suggests it was a biggie ,and also was scheduled to be released on Destiny 1003 but never came out. The import of this is on the beautiful 'Mockingbird' label which you should be able to get for around £40. One for the oldies crowd this one and would be a nice one to hear now and again.

Ben Zine Village of tears - Now heres a track, this is a record I sold all my LP's to get this 45 and remember going to the Notts Palais all niter trying to get rid of the others for a £1 apiece Got there eventually and it cost me £50 way back in 85'. Ben Zine is a love it , hate it record but it was certainly a huge record for Richard in this year who had been playing this heavily in the previous summer. The issue of this was pressed in the early 2000's and until then you only saw East and West coast white demos.

Family Affair Love Hustle - Back to the shock plays for Richard when you look back at his playlists. But yes he did play this which was a monster at the time. The family Affair is a UK outfit on Pye and had something to do with Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch. There are UK Pye demos out there of this which is about desirable as it gets!

Millionaires You've got to love your baby - Another Grapevine release and was one of the two monster oldies on the Castle label. (The other being the Ellingtons) The Millionaires is a great oldie that doesnt get played enough. Beware of the reissue of this as its nearly identical to the blue original.

Wall of Sound Hang on - Wall of Sound is on the Tower label as well as the local Big Bird label.I'm sure this is the Righteous Brothers hey who knows. Again this is a great sounding northern tune with all the right beat etc. Never heard played out in over 25 years of all niters, due for a revival maybe?

Peggy March If you love me - Playing safe again,this time its Peggy March and the vocal version to Soul Coaxing. As with Russ's spot this tune must have been well in demand as it sure was popular on this night. Gained two releases in the UK on Black 60s RCA and the later 70's orange issue. US copies come in the giuse of Yellow Demos and black issues.

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Again another second time around tune ,met with the same frenetic and optimistic response.

Paula Durante If he were mine - Richard finishes off his spot with another respin..

So there you go,,the 5th anniversary spot from many considered god at the Casino,,it was after this time in 1978 that Richards new discoveries came in by the bucket load and will be reviewed at a later date - Watch this space!

Regards

mark 'fluff' Freeman

Hi mark thanks for the mag,panic was'nt a RS discovery and alot of tracks you mentioned was first broken or played in a front room 35 miles from me then boxed up and sent to top djs up north and the cover ups they did was down to them.

Billy

[Dunc]

I think Geri Thomas 'Look what I got' was first played at the Cleethorpes nighters by John Manship as are alot of the later sounds that were credited to The Casino. Lou Pride (i'm comin home) was being played by John Vincent at Cleethorpes and then he started playin it at Wigan Later. If you didn't do Cleethorpes you missed some serious stuff that was being played at the same time that crossed over to the Casino.

Dunc (more useless information)

[Wiganer1]

mark, remember this night as if it was yesterday mate.look forward to reading some more.boff.

==========

hello boff mate

its your fault im inflicting this on our fellow readers!

if u hadnt of given me these tapes all those years ago,what would have i been doing??

nice to see u on hear mate

regards

mark

[Wiganer1]

Hi mark thanks for the mag,panic was'nt a RS discovery and alot of tracks you mentioned was first broken or played in a front room 35 miles from me then boxed up and sent to top djs up north and the cover ups they did was down to them.

Billy

======

hi billy

no worries about the mag m8

ref the tapes and their content..

being careful as i write these not to be seen as 're writing' history as i wasnt there and wont be right on lots of things..

im not sure who discovered panic actually but it was a 'hit' before this one was being spun

you going the next marrs bar billy?

[Guest]

Mr Searlings spot at Wigans 5th anniversary,,,23/09/78

the comments are my own ,any information is made on things ive heard,known,picked up from other people,,apologise in advance for any inaccuracies...

happy reading here goes:-

yeah the sound of lou roberts there . many thanks to russ for the last couple of hours' you got me for the next and here comes the first one and its :-

Betty boo Say it isn't so - Richards kicks off with his monster unreleased track Betty Boo which already has already gained cult status. This would have been released around this time on UK Grapevine and the 'wiganites' would soon have access to a sound you could only hear on a saturday night.

Lou roberts You fooled me - Next on the deck is Lou Roberts other biggie on MGM and the heart rendering You fooled me . More country and western than northern but this one just enough of a 'northern ' beat for it to fill the casino floor.

Vicki Baines Country girl - Next comes one of Richards biggest ever Wigan Floor fillers covered up as Christine Cooper - I'm just a country girl , this was played before the 5th anniversary but spun to a maximum audience on this night. On Parkway records it still remains ultra rare on original and would be the highlight of any oldies collection.

Cobblestone Trick me treat me - On the decks next comes ' Tempos and love me like a man ' . Another cover up from Mr Searling. Turned out to be Cobblestone on Mercury . Only available on issue and still goes for over £100 .

Paula Durante If he were mine - On the GJM label comes Paula Durante.Driving drums and horns in the opening bars set you up for a great dance beat but then Paula hits you with her dulcit tones . One of Richards biggies for the year but long forgotten now and rarely played. An original copy would set you back around £75 ,beware of those awful green bootlegs Yuk!

Benny Sigler Who you gonna turn to - Cover up time again with 'Randolph Walker' and 'Who you gonna turn to' . Great and instant opening few bars and then you're on your way to a great northern tune, with stop starts and handclap breaks galore. Must surely be Bunny Sigler but pressed as Benny! Quite rare on original Parkway Records.

Yvonne Vernee Just like you did me - Wigan does rare soul with the next one with this detroit belter on Sonbert. Always remained rare with copies seldom coming up for sale. Brilliant dancer and one of Richards finest discoveries .

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Hitting the turntables for the next tune which was one of the most popular oldies to come out of Wigan . Covered as the Del Capris its actually the Construction on Sync 6 records which is extremely rare and never turns up. Instant floor filler with catchy vocals and skip along beat. Came out on UK Grapevine with the classic picture sleeve with the two dancers on it.

Rita the Tiaras Gone with the wind - Putting the rare 'soul' into rare soul comes Richards next 45. 'First time out for this one and here comes the Velvelettes and Our love is gone with the wind'. Another 45 that was hammered and soon became one of the most popular records around. Uk copies became available via Destiny complete with Picture sleeve. Original copies on Dore have become major collectors pieces after being hammered by Ginger and the like over the last few years.. Still sounds good and is as popular as ever.

Jimmy Burns I really love you - Another rare outing and a 'Grapevine' special comes the ultra rare US Erica recording from Jimmy Burns. Storming uptempo with the instant hookline with the title in the chorus. I really love you is a super northern 45.

Gerri Thomas Look what i've got - On World Artists comes the more traditional 'Wigan' sound from Richard comes Gerry Thomas' haunting tune 'Look what I got'. I cant eat- who ooh I cant sleep who ooh, those unforgettable opening lines make this a classic Wigan sound for many. White demos of this would set you back around £50 or more,was booted on a horrible yellow pressing which should be avoided at all costs.

J.C.Messina Time wont let me - Covered as the Bob Seger system comes a version of the Outsiders 60's hit .This version is a much rawer vocal on this obscure Tom King label I think Tom King may have been a member of the Outiders or is related to them somehow. I think this sounds even better today and has crept up in price over the years. Beware of the cheap bootleg that looks exactly like the original.

Paul Anka When we get there - Back to the classic oldies of Wigan Casino, after his monster 'I cant help loving you' filled the floors everywhere it was only a matter of time before someone checked out his other material on RCA for northern soul related items and this is what we got This is much slower than 'I cant help loving you ' but this still packs a punch is just a beautiful northern soul tune. It got a UK release on RCA which is very collectable.

Twans I can't see him again - Back to ultra rarities and on the Dade label is the Twans , this was spun earlier in the Wigan days as Richard announces back to the oldies. . Uptempo girlie oldie dancer that never lets up.Twans has always been rare ,although it was booted in the mid 80's , to get an original you're talking anything over £500.

Wakefield Sun Trypt on love - Back to the MGM outlet for Richards next cover up whcich this time was masquerading as Eddie Jason. Atmospheric and moody and still has that something that you dont get with alot of oldies. Was booted on the infamous blue vynil MGM reissues but save up for a proper yellow demo for a few quid more!. Issues of this are extremely difficult to locate.Check out his version of Harold Melvins get out on the same label.

Dogs - Soul Step - 'First time out for this instrumental and this goes out to Soul Sam who's somewhere in the record bar' On the very rare Treasure label this 45 which went on to be a cult collectors item over the next few years of the Casino. Got reissued very recently with a vocal version on the other side. But Richard was first to spin it a the 'Heart of soul'

Reperata & Delrons Its waiting there for you - Girlie terittory again with Reperata and the Delrons other Mala outing , Panic being their other monster from earlier on in the Casinos lifespan. There wont be many fans of this record today, but Richard must have liked it and it was popular none the less.

Newbeats Don't turn me loose - And if you couldn't believe that Richard played Reperata , you wont believe that he also spun this by the soul purists ultimate enemy group The Newbeats. Was big enough to get issued on UK Inferno and sounds popular on the night. This would never see a turntable these days unless you were a very brave dj but it was played and people danced to it (You know who you are!!) If you do like this type of oldie check out Top Secret on the same Hickory label,Stomp stomp stomp!

Toni Basil Breakaway - Along next comes the old Lada Edmond cover up break these chains which of course turned out to be Toni Basil of 'Mickey' fame. On the A&M label this still is quite a desirable 45 for oldies fans and still popular with the dancers.

Holly St James Thats not love - Next up is one of the biggest oldies of all time and one that has stood the test of time. A total floor filler with the breaks for all the handclaps . Remained a collectors item on the ABC label ,mainly seen on white demo copies but did come out on a black issue and is Super rare. Also came out on Soul Fox circa 78/79.

Frankie Beveley Because of my heart - Another rarity to hit the Wigan turnables was this one on Fairmount from the 'If thats what you wanted' man . Also released on Rouser this brilliant 45 caught the imagination the collectors as well as the acrobatic dancers. To get a copy of this would set you back a small fortune. The records that passed through this mans hand!

Bobby Paris I walked away - Back to the classic oldies and one of Bobby's best. On the Capitol record label this became a true Casino Classic!. Used to be covered as Bobby Diamond but this is true Northern Soul in every sense of the word. Seen frequently on US demo copy but the prize to get is a Capitol Issue of this monster oldie.

Lou Roberts You fooled me - Second time around for this one and still sounding good. I was told that lots of tunes were hammered at the Casino and many were played more than once in a night. Here is one example of a sound Richard must have believed in.

Tamala Lewis You wont say nothing - Another indemander that got a release on the UK Destiny label. Covered up by Richard as Sharon Scott this was another monster casino tune for him. The original is on Marton and I think is a light blue label but is obtainable on a orange reissue on the same label. May take you some time to get a proper one however,rarely turns up.

Generation Hold on - Wigan does beach music with the next one in Mr Searlings spot. Another one to come out on Grapevine which suggests it was a biggie ,and also was scheduled to be released on Destiny 1003 but never came out. The import of this is on the beautiful 'Mockingbird' label which you should be able to get for around £40. One for the oldies crowd this one and would be a nice one to hear now and again.

Ben Zine Village of tears - Now heres a track, this is a record I sold all my LP's to get this 45 and remember going to the Notts Palais all niter trying to get rid of the others for a £1 apiece Got there eventually and it cost me £50 way back in 85'. Ben Zine is a love it , hate it record but it was certainly a huge record for Richard in this year who had been playing this heavily in the previous summer. The issue of this was pressed in the early 2000's and until then you only saw East and West coast white demos.

Family Affair Love Hustle - Back to the shock plays for Richard when you look back at his playlists. But yes he did play this which was a monster at the time. The family Affair is a UK outfit on Pye and had something to do with Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch. There are UK Pye demos out there of this which is about desirable as it gets!

Millionaires You've got to love your baby - Another Grapevine release and was one of the two monster oldies on the Castle label. (The other being the Ellingtons) The Millionaires is a great oldie that doesnt get played enough. Beware of the reissue of this as its nearly identical to the blue original.

Wall of Sound Hang on - Wall of Sound is on the Tower label as well as the local Big Bird label.I'm sure this is the Righteous Brothers hey who knows. Again this is a great sounding northern tune with all the right beat etc. Never heard played out in over 25 years of all niters, due for a revival maybe?

Peggy March If you love me - Playing safe again,this time its Peggy March and the vocal version to Soul Coaxing. As with Russ's spot this tune must have been well in demand as it sure was popular on this night. Gained two releases in the UK on Black 60s RCA and the later 70's orange issue. US copies come in the giuse of Yellow Demos and black issues.

Del Capris Hey little way out girl - Again another second time around tune ,met with the same frenetic and optimistic response.

Paula Durante If he were mine - Richard finishes off his spot with another respin..

So there you go,,the 5th anniversary spot from many considered god at the Casino,,it was after this time in 1978 that Richards new discoveries came in by the bucket load and will be reviewed at a later date - Watch this space!

Regards

mark 'fluff' Freeman

Just goes to show that the casino was not all it's cracked up to be

The countrys best dj playing so many pop records ie, paul anka, peggy march, reparata, newbeats etc etc.

Then to make matters worse playing 3 of them twice in the same spot.

Imagine turning up to see Richard now & him playing this spot.

It was ok in the past but lets keep it there please

[Billywhizz]

======

hi billy

no worries about the mag m8

ref the tapes and their content..

being careful as i write these not to be seen as 're writing' history as i wasnt there and wont be right on lots of things..

im not sure who discovered panic actually but it was a 'hit' before this one was being spun

you going the next marrs bar billy?

What date is the next Marrs 99% i am going love the venue i've got some live early Mr Ms tapes i am now going off to look for them.

Billy

Ps.Are you djing thanks again for the mag

[Wiganer1]

What date is the next Marrs 99% i am going love the venue i've got some live early Mr Ms tapes i am now going off to look for them.

Billy

Ps.Are you djing thanks again for the mag

#======

HI BILLy

its on August 5th

yes im on at the next marrs mate..last hour bud

if u find the tapes,,fancy swapping..

[grant]

Just goes to show that the casino was not all it's cracked up to be

The countrys best dj playing so many pop records ie, paul anka, peggy march, reparata, newbeats etc etc.

Then to make matters worse playing 3 of them twice in the same spot.

Imagine turning up to see Richard now & him playing this spot.

It was ok in the past but lets keep it there please

believe me if you were there it was all that it was cracked up to be

[Dave Moore]

Just goes to show that the casino was not all it's cracked up to be

You must have gone on different nights to me.

Regards,

Dave

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

[Soulsmith]

believe me if you were there it was all that it was cracked up to be

Yep. At the risk of being boring I'm adding my name to the list of people who were there. The 5th Anniv. atmosphere was like a cup final. Having said that there were good & bad nights - but the good ones are the stuff of legends......

[Soulsmith]

You must have gone on different nights to me.

Regards,

Dave

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

Dave, did you go when it was open? Or did you just go for the parking?

Col

[Eamesy]

believe me if you were there it was all that it was cracked up to be

I wasnt at this anniversary, but if it was like the earlier ones, it was certainly all it was cracked up to be, packed to the rafters, atmosphere undescribable, but then anyone who never went - just wouldnt know!! Even the Saturdays leading up to anniversary night were electric if i remember rightly!!

Alan

[Cunnie]

Just goes to show that the casino was not all it's cracked up to be

The countrys best dj playing so many pop records ie, paul anka, peggy march, reparata, newbeats etc etc.

Then to make matters worse playing 3 of them twice in the same spot.

Imagine turning up to see Richard now & him playing this spot.

It was ok in the past but lets keep it there please

With you on this.

I started attending the Casino on a regular basis about a year after this when Richard started dropping the pop stuff in favour of quality soul music like Mr Soul & The Combinations & what were then new releases like Daybreak, ZZ & Co, Larry Houston & many more.

It probably was great at the time but that was then & this is now (IMVHO of course)

[Soulandy]

Hello Mark , some great reviews mate .I remember a friend ,Allan Lane from Oxford turning up at Wigan with a pile of original Paul Durante's when it was a massive record , some people were buying several copies !! He also had several copies of " He's not your kind " on the same logo . Having a photographic memory , I can also remember Mick Smith bringing a copy of Frank Beverly on Rouser up to the decks for Richard to play , could this be the copy he played on the 5th Ann. ? Would love to hear a copy of this tape . Best Wishes ,Eddie

I too love this record. I have fond memories of the casino and if I was to pick just one record that reminded me of the place, this would be it. Don't know why as Bobby Paris - walked away is another casino fave (along with the other 1000)

Good luck with the book Mark

[Steve G]

Fascinating thread this - btw Benny Signler = Bunny's brother, it's not actually him Mark.

Re playing records more than once, Richard did do this, and even played the same record straight after itself - I remember him playing Phil Lowman "Rock me" either two or three times one after the other. I also remember him clearing the floor with Judy Freeman "Hold On", apart from about two of us - my how times have changed.

[Guest Netspeaky]

My view on records getting 2nd spin during one spot is that back then it was the only time you got to hear them, so people demanded that they be spun just as much as a DJ was trying to break a record. You just wouldn't have played a floor clearer twice in your spot, they was so much around you just moved on to the next one. DJ's cut records short if they weren't doing the business, on went the next stomper. We all complain now about records getting a second spin during the night now, but that's because we hear them so often. Let's face it there's hardly a tune out there that you can't get to hear in one form or another, back then it was a total different story, other then your tape recorder, with all the hand claps etc on, unless you were there you didn't get to hear them.