Tonite - Northern Soul Bbc Living For The Weekend

[Pete S]

You were there. you must know. 

 

I was living down South Jock so I only know what was going on in such exotic locations as Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, Herne Bay, Torquay, Plymouth and London,  apart from when we came back for a weekend very few months and I was able to go to somewhere in the Midlands local to Wolverhampton.  Went to Keele.  I've never claimed to have gone to Stafford apart from alldayers.  I kept in touch via tapes and word of mouth.  But if the qualification for being 'on the scene' is attending allnighters every week, then no, I fail there.

Have you still got me on PM block because I sent you some info about the Salvadors you asked about the other week, the one that I sold.

Edited July 31, 2014 by Pete S

[Guest Byrney]

If Kev Roberts wasn't on the scene in the 80's, just wondering how did he manage to put out something like 16 volumes of the Northern Soul Story double albums and a few Modern ones too, from 1986 onwards, all of which had at least 20% current or recent biggies on them? How did he know what tracks to put on?

I'll refer you to Jocks post mate as I'd just be repeating more or less what's already said. Although I will say it's probably not a hard job to have a word with your mates or local lads like Rob Marriot, Andy Whitmore, Jim Wensiora etc to find out what's big and will sell. Like I said earlier when I dropped off I got tapes, CDs, phone calls with music all the time but was throughly out of it then and can't see a reason to pretend otherwise. Edited July 31, 2014 by Byrney

[Chatty]

Nothing like a NS documentary to get people reaching for their tin hats. 

Let's just hope that in the upcoming soul film one of the characters  doesn't forget to mention he's had a dream, and that in the future the scene will go underground again and all "the tourists" will disappear for a couple of decades.

[Guest Byrney]

The Odyssey: A Northern Soul Time Capsule 1968-2014. Due in late October 2014.

 

Over 24 hours of interviews already with key people, covering all eras of the scene with everybody who has consented to be interviewed thus far. Some amazing stuff recorded and hopefully this will be the most comprehensive overview of the scene yet. Very exciting. Another 4 key interviews coming up in the next 10 days. Very exciting!

 

Ian D 

Very interesting Ian, didn't know about this. There maybe some people who might be worth speaking to that don't automatically spring to mind, Jim Ohara for example.

For what it's worth I can Pm some suggestions if it helps.

Cheers

[Ian Dewhirst]

Very interesting Ian, didn't know about this. There maybe some people who might be worth speaking to that don't automatically spring to mind, Jim Ohara for example.

For what it's worth I can Pm some suggestions if it helps.

Cheers

 

Yes, please do. We are trying to make a balanced overview of the scene from 1968 to present day. Obviously we have most of the usual suspects but also lots of recent inductees, so we have a nice balance thus far. We managed to get Ady a couple of weeks ago and Dave Thorley, Colin Curtis and Sam are hopefully being interviewed in the next couple of weeks. The close-off date will be mid August so we need to work fast! Had some turn-downs as well unfortunately, so some people prefer to shun the limelight which is understandable but somewhat frustrating......

 

Ian D

Edited July 31, 2014 by Ian Dewhirst

[Goldsoul]

INSERTED COMMENTS below........  Apologies for SHOUTING my replies.....

I think you will find most people think  that the ethos of the Kings Hall was the beginning of the end for most people from that period, to be honest.  And the multitude of same old same old that is following your business model has killed anything like a progressive free scene, although obviously small pockets continue the fight. It may be popular but its far more in common with my Dads British Legion Sunday afternoon than anything I ever did on the niter scene.  (I DOUBT MICK H, ANDY DYSON etc WOULD AGREE WITH YOU. THE KINGS HALL STOKE IS A FANTASTIC ALL NIGHTER -SO I DISAGREE)

 

I am desperately trying not to get into direct debate with you, as we know how it ends, but the naive part of me thinks if you want to engage in stuff like this, you must have a wider interest(I DO-I COLLECT SOUL RECORDS AND HAVE DONE SINCE 1968). However why is it all about your venues, that's exactly the point I am making. As always its all about numbers and pounds for you. If you only know about your world why try and have a dig at others(IT'S NOT MEANT THAT WAY BELIEVE ME). For lots of us it was about something different, maybe if you listen for once you might even remember the you of 1974.  (GOLDSOUL ARE PROMOTERS AND I HAVE SEPARATED PERSONAL FEELINGS FROM BUSINESS. WE LISTEN TO FANS OF THE MUSIC AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. I FEEL WE DO IT WELL AND TAKE ALL COMMENTS ON BOARD. WHEN OUR VENUES ARE EMPTY I WILL START TO GET WORRIED.)

 

The sad thing is you do your thing well(THANKS........), and as much as its the complete opposite of what I would ever want to do, there is a place for it. Your constant arrogance and bullying, and snide digs however just makes it  impossible to consider your opinion valid(I DISAGREE, IF THERES ANY BULLYING PARTICULARLY ON THIS FORUM I THINK MIKE KNOWS WHO THEY ARE. I AM A FAN AND BUSINESS PERSON SO MAKE NO APOLOGIES.  And the USA things are a good point, lots of people raved about the artists, an equal amount, myself included, refuse to go because you promoted it(SHAME YOU DIDN'T GO. HUNDREDS HAD A WHALE OF A TIME AND MET FABULOUS ARTISTS. THAT'S WHAT WE DO....TRY AND MAKE OUR BELOVED NORTHERN...ENTERTAINING, FRIENDLY AND ENJOYABLE).

So why don't you step back from this, add what you know from your knowledge(ALWAYS DO..READ THE MARBOO, JOBELL ORCH AND MANY OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS SITE, and be honest enough to say what you don't know, cut out the self promotion(CAN'T DO THAT....WE ARE PROMOTERS PLUS I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT A SCENE I HAVE BEEN ON FOR 42 YEARS.)  and it might be possible to debate with you. (APOLOGIES IF YOU FEEL IN ANYWAY THE POST WIGAN ERA HAS BEEN DISRESPECTED. AS STATED NUMEROUS TIMES, THE 80'S ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MAKE-UP OF THE SCENE. IT'S GREAT TO SEE MUSIC FROM THAT DECADE BECOME POPULAR WITH A WHOLE NEW ARMY OF FANS. VENUES LIKE THE 100 CLUB, STAFFORD AND MANY OTHERS THAT BROKE NEW SOUNDS SHOULD BE PROUD TO SEE THEM BEING ENJOYED ON A BIGGER STAGE)

 

TO REPEAT.....I sincerely hope the media start to cover the areas of the scene that you and others feel so strongly about. I made a point of giving Ady C's name along with Dave Thorley, Chris King, Alan Senior, to a production company only YESTERDAY.    WE WANT TO KEEP THE SCENE POPULAR....HOPE YOU DO TOO.

 

Best Wishes

Edited July 31, 2014 by The Golden 101

[Goldsoul]

I'll refer you to Jocks post mate as I'd just be repeating more or less what's already said. Although I will say it's probably not a hard job to have a word with your mates or local lads like Rob Marriot, Andy Whitmore, Jim Wensiora etc to find out what's big and will sell. Like I said earlier when I dropped off I got tapes, CDs, phone calls with music all the time but was throughly out of it then and can't see a reason to pretend otherwise

Probably the most disrespectful post so far....... Remind me take you on in a Soul quiz......First to 50 and you get 40 start..........  DISGUSTED!

[Guest Byrney]

Probably the most disrespectful post so far....... Remind me take you on in a Soul quiz......First to 50 and you get 40 start.......... DISGUSTED!

Really.. Disgusted? Pete asked a question and I offered a way you could get to stay in touch with what was happening. That's all.

If I was looking to release a number of comp LPs to the market on a scene where I wasn't attending the venues these chaps would be the first on the list.

On the quiz, you'd win, now stop willy waving

Edited July 31, 2014 by Byrney

[Guest Byrney]

Yes, please do. We are trying to make a balanced overview of the scene from 1968 to present day. Obviously we have most of the usual suspects but also lots of recent inductees, so we have a nice balance thus far. We managed to get Ady a couple of weeks ago and Dave Thorley, Colin Curtis and Sam are hopefully being interviewed in the next couple of weeks. The close-off date will be mid August so we need to work fast! Had some turn-downs as well unfortunately, so some people prefer to shun the limelight which is understandable but somewhat frustrating......

 

Ian D

You have mail Ian. Good luck with this, if there's a bit of light coming out of this thread I'd say this is it.

[Guest in town Mikey]

Yes, please do. We are trying to make a balanced overview of the scene from 1968 to present day. Obviously we have most of the usual suspects but also lots of recent inductees, so we have a nice balance thus far. We managed to get Ady a couple of weeks ago and Dave Thorley, Colin Curtis and Sam are hopefully being interviewed in the next couple of weeks. The close-off date will be mid August so we need to work fast! Had some turn-downs as well unfortunately, so some people prefer to shun the limelight which is understandable but somewhat frustrating......

 

Ian D

 

Have you interviewed Mike? This being one of the more popular sites for our music.

[Hooker1951]

ITS quite obvious even to those who don't want to see that some promoter Dj,s from the 1970's northern scene went missing in the 1980's and early 1990,s and only came back when money signs appeared. I am not saying this wrong, just stating facts whereas other promoters and Dj,s soldiered on regardless to keep what they loved going until today.

N. GOD BLESS M.L

[Steve S 60]

"So Steve, when did you see rifts starting to appear?"

 

"That would have been straight after the screening of the BBC4 documentary, although there had been rumblings after the Culture Show."

[Stateside]

No, nice chap but he was proclaiming Northern was dead 15 years ago

I have a line of contact to Stuart Cosgrove if anyone wants one

 

Kev

[Goldsoul]

ITS quite obvious even to those who don't want to see that some promoter Dj,s from the 1970's northern scene went missing in the 1980's and early 1990,s and only came back when money signs appeared. I am not saying this wrong, just stating facts whereas other promoters and Dj,s soldiered on regardless to keep what they loved going until today.

N. GOD BLESS M.L

Both Richard Searling and I were not missing at all. RS was championing NEW Soul music and also promoting Parkers and the Ritz, Manchester.  As for me, I owned a record store for 3 years selling Northern, promoted some local nights occasionally before starting the Avant, Oldham. A very successful Soul night from 1989. The pair of us were both on Sunset 102 in Manchester in 1988 again...playing Northern.

The fact the revival started to kick in circa 1990 isn't our fault, we merely took up the reigns and improved standards for the regular non hardcore fan.

Let's get things into perspective financially speaking.......were you there to help when I suffered losses ie 30k Skegness Weekender 1980, 10k SoultripUSA 2011? And many other bits of do's  dropping a few hundred here and there.

 

This 'they're only in it for the money'  is straightforward mischief making and utter bollox. We are fans as well as business people and have been for over 40 years!

 

My good friend Chris King, arguably the best promoter in the 80's quit being so by the early 90's, citing the abuse he took for 'money making'. He tenders apologies for bringing in the Ric Tic Revue and many others.

 

STREWTH!

[Dave Moore]

The sad thing is you do your thing well, and as much as its the complete opposite of what I would ever want to do, there is a place for it. Your constant arrogance and bullying, and snide digs however just makes it  impossible to consider your opinion valid. And the USA things are a good point, lots of people raved about the artists, an equal amount, myself included, refuse to go because you promoted it.

 

Can't let that pass Mate.

 

The really sad thing is that you put the chance to enjoy the company and sing and dance alongside LEGENDS, in their own back yards, alongside their family members in many cases, behind some kind of 'holier than thou', misguided loyalty to a scene a million miles away from the people who actually created the music that's at it's very core.     

 

eg. 

Me:  "Hello Mate, Can I help you with that drum set?"   

HIM: "That would be great!"

ME: "Jeeze, that was hard work, fancy a beer now we've finished"

HIM: "Sure, what they call you?"

"ME: "Dave, you?"

HIM: "Willie, Willie Henderson, I'm with the band".   

 

The Soul Trips to the US were fantastic if you sucked it all up. They were hugely chaotic by their very nature. You never knew who was going to turn up next. Many of us were running round like blue arsed flies in case we missed anybody.  I'm not talking just major stars here I'm talking people like group members who you'd given up hope of ever meeting, they came out in droves to be honoured by people like me and lots of my mates. (And in most cases put a few $$s in their pockets).  And for those memories alone I'll always buy a beer for the people who set it all up.

 

Not falling out with you, but just putting forward my personal view. 

 

Regards,

 

Dave

[Hooker1951]

Were you there when I Iost an average about 500£ a month promoting tony,s Empress ballroom Blackburn 1991 till 1994 .three years till I even started to break even I,m not moaning about it and I didn't, say it was wrong. I must have touched a nerve though. Egos again best promoter this best Dj that. who said i meant you anyway..,

god bless

Both Richard Searling and I were not missing at all. RS was championing NEW Soul music and also promoting Parkers and the Ritz, Manchester.  As for me, I owned a record store for 3 years selling Northern, promoted some local nights occasionally before starting the Avant, Oldham. A very successful Soul night from 1989. The pair of us were both on Sunset 102 in Manchester in 1988 again...playing Northern.

The fact the revival started to kick in circa 1990 isn't our fault, we merely took up the reigns and improved standards for the regular non hardcore fan.

Let's get things into perspective financially speaking.......were you there to help when I suffered losses ie 30k Skegness Weekender 1980, 10k SoultripUSA 2011? And many other bits of do's  dropping a few hundred here and there.

 

This 'they're only in it for the money'  is straightforward mischief making and utter bollox. We are fans as well as business people and have been for over 40 years!

 

My good friend Chris King, arguably the best promoter in the 80's quit being so by the early 90's, citing the abuse he took for 'money making'. He tenders apologies for bringing in the Ric Tic Revue and many others.

 

STREWTH!

[Ian Dewhirst]

You have mail Ian. Good luck with this, if there's a bit of light coming out of this thread I'd say this is it.

 

Many thanks Byrney. I'm hooking up with Guy on Saturday and will be down @ Va Va Voom drinking beer in the sunshine and wondering where the last 34 years went........

 

Ian D 

[Rich B]

Crikey this has been a busy thread! I only have a couple of things to say;

 

1. "I thought it was alright" (but what do I know?)

 

and,

2. To paraphrase Ian Levine, "It's got a bit fractious!"

[jocko]

Can't let that pass Mate.

 

The really sad thing is that you put the chance to enjoy the company and sing and dance alongside LEGENDS, in their own back yards, alongside their family members in many cases, behind some kind of 'holier than thou', misguided loyalty to a scene a million miles away from the people who actually created the music that's at it's very core.     

 

 The Soul Trips to the US were fantastic if you sucked it all up. They were hugely chaotic by their very nature. You never knew who was going to turn up next. Many of us were running round like blue arsed flies in case we missed anybody.  I'm not talking just major stars here I'm talking people like group members who you'd given up hope of ever meeting, they came out in droves to be honoured by people like me and lots of my mates. (And in most cases put a few $$s in their pockets).  And for those memories alone I'll always buy a beer for the people who set it all up.

 

Not falling out with you, but just putting forward my personal view. 

 

Regards,

 

Dave

Not falling out but making up things again though, I let it pass last time you acted like an uninformed sanctimonious prick towards me, so excuse me if I don't this time.

Where did I say anything about it being due to the scene, I said it was because of the promoter, period. I am desperately trying to not make this thread all about one person, despite some of the bullshit is being written, but I need to defend myself on that. That decision, which was a point of lots of discussion around people in my circle then, was made because (a) I didn't trust the promoter to pull it off, (b) And if he did I didn't trust him to, provide value for money, or to make sure artists received all of the rewards, or even the majority. Yes if I got all of that wrong, I lost, but there were lots of reasons behind these decisions and discussions, none being due to a scene I was leaving behind at the time. So stick to facts about me in future.

And without giving you the chance to repeat your last sanctimonious prick accusation at me of making it all about me, I won't bore you with details why your implied accusation re putting scene before artists couldn't be more wrong, all I'll say is know how to differentiate and am happy to go toe toe to you by PM on just how much I put in artists pockets and how.

I think there is only one holier than thou attitude here, and in case you are still confused, its not me.

[Guest Byrney]

Many thanks Byrney. I'm hooking up with Guy on Saturday and will be down @ Va Va Voom drinking beer in the sunshine and wondering where the last 34 years went........

 

Ian D 

You get them in, a Macallan 12 single malt for me:)

[Ian Dewhirst]

You get them in, a Macallan 12 single malt for me:)

 

I think I can manage that! 

 

Ian D 

[Kegsy]

You get them in, a Macallan 12 single malt for me:)

 

 

I think I can manage that! 

 

Ian D 

 

Bloody hell, I may even come down if that's the case, now where's my

stock of Mars Bars.

[Tattoodave]

Perhaps you can give some insight into how Cleethorpes affected Wigan numbers wise etc.

Whenever we went up to Wigan it was always stuffed to the rafters, as was Cleethorpes, I just think there were people criss-crossing the country on a massive scale through the 70's going to different venues, I doubt if the numbers were affected at all, maybe in my wide-eyed excitement it all just seemed magical

Edited August 1, 2014 by TattooDave

[Tattoodave]

Hi Dave, the reference to the Union Bar implied we knew where we were going without debating the music policy of Wigan v Cleethorpes. Based in Manchester, you could do Blackpool, Wigan and The Ritz in a weekend so there was no incentive to head cross country to Cleethorpes. The Beachcomber, main floor and M's at Wigan were an unbeatable combination that Cleethorpes could only aspire to.

I understood where you were coming from, there were lots of cliques amongst the soul elite in every town and you usually made your mind up a week or more before where you were going because of the DJ line up or just the love of the venue, I'm sure if we'd been closer to Wigan instead of having a 5 hour journey to get there we'd have been at the Beachcomber and M's as well as gracing the main floor, after-all, we were just kids looking to have a good time.

[Goldsoul]

QUOTE Jocko.... (a) I didn't trust the promoter to pull it off, (b) And if he did I didn't trust him to, provide value for money, or to make sure artists received all of the rewards, or even the majority. Yes if I got all of that wrong, I lost, but there were lots of reasons behind these decisions and discussions, none being due to a scene I was leaving behind at the time.

 

Our reply;  You got it wrong big time. Four SoultripUSA's, over 200 Artists, writers, producers shared in the success. A fantastic achievement due to them and folks like Dave Moore, Alison Nightingale, Dave Ferguson, Kev Farley, Mick H, Chris Dalton, Andy 'Tats' Taylor, Richard Searling,  and countless others who helped drive it forward. 

Kenny Gamble in person and Berry Gordy by phone thanked me for honouring those artists who attended........

 

Why you would not trust someone who organises things properly is beyond me and quite frankly as insulting as it gets.

 

Whenever members of the public see aggressive disrespectful comments from hardcore commentators like yourself, they tend to run a mile.....generally in Goldsoul's and similar operators direction.

Edited July 31, 2014 by The Golden 101

[Drewtg]

For what it's worth, when we did the collection for a blue plaque for Wigan Casino (soon to be installed thanks), Kev and Richard were the the only promoters who donated. I'd call that putting something back in the scene.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Bloody hell, I may even come down if that's the case, now where's my

stock of Mars Bars.

Somehow I'm not so sure if the £2, a Mars bar and a couple of unknown records methodology would get you through a weekend down here in 2014 mate.

On the other hand, looking at Manship's prices, if you had the right couple of records..........

Ian D

Edited July 31, 2014 by Ian Dewhirst

[Ian Dewhirst]

Crikey this has been a busy thread! I only have a couple of things to say;

1. "I thought it was alright" (but what do I know?)

and,

2. To paraphrase Ian Levine, "It's got a bit fractious!"

Truth be known, it was more than alright. Since it was aired I've spoken to dozens of 'normal' people who watched it and without any exaggeration, each and every one of them was intrigued and were all interested in learning more about Northern Soul. From a 21 year old receptionist to a 55 year old accounts clerk, the age range of viewers has been absolutely huge. I'm still trying to get some figures but my gut feeling is that the show hit the target for the BBC 4 audience across the weekend. Nice review by Andrew Collins in the Guardian too.

And yes. Of course things will get fractious. It's the nature of the beast. The same passion that got us all into it in the first place is still very much in evidence today whatever year we all got into it.

The good thing in my view, is that come the close of 2014, the general UK population will hopefully have a better understanding and respect for what Northern Soul is: namely a very pure and unique part of the UK's cultural musical heritage.

Stop bickering. Whether we like it or not, we're all part of the rich tapestry of an incredible scene, so let's enjoy the ride for the next 12 months until things settle down again.

I want a museum OK!!!!!

Ian D

[Mark R]

[quote name="Ian

I want a museum OK!!!!!

Ian D

Edited July 31, 2014 by Mark R

[Rich B]

Truth be known, it was more than alright.

 

Sorry Ian, it was a mixture of my chronic understatement, brevity and being a bit glib for the purposes' of the post.

 

Like you, everyone I have spoken to in person has thought it was most enjoyable (if parts of it were overdone, and too many celebs) with the exception of one guy - who in fairness to him has been there and done it - at great speed if you know what I mean!

Edited August 1, 2014 by Rich B

[Frankie Crocker]

I understood where you were coming from, there were lots of cliques amongst the soul elite in every town and you usually made your mind up a week or more before where you were going because of the DJ line up or just the love of the venue, I'm sure if we'd been closer to Wigan instead of having a 5 hour journey to get there we'd have been at the Beachcomber and M's as well as gracing the main floor, after-all, we were just kids looking to have a good time.

Dave, like yourself, we were youngsters(17-22) just out for a good time. Certainly not elite in any way unless you viewed Allnighter goers in general as the mega-privileged and of course that's how it felt back in the day.

[Frankie Crocker]

You've got it wrong again Frankie

 

There might have been competition between Wigan and Blackpool but Cleethorpes wasn't trying to aspire to either - they were setting their own standards

 

Mary & Colin Chapman were more than happy with what they had - a top list of DJ's playing a healthy mixture of old and new

 

Lots of new discoveries coming through from John Anderson, Dave Raistrick etc and they continued to keep coming into the 80's when DJ's like Arthur Fenn came on board

 

If you think they were trying to aspire to Wigan why did the Wigan promoters put on an all-nighter in Cleethorpes - would have been the other way round, wouldn't it

 

I'm not knocking Wigan - it played an important part in Northern Soul history but not as important as you maintain - there were lots of successful venues at the time - Notts Palais, St Ives, Coalville, Samanthas etc - not just Wigan and Blackpool

Like you, I remain baffled by the pop-up venue promoted by Wigan connections. All the venues I went to such as Locarno, Ritz, Cleethorpes Pier and minor gaffs around Manchester and North Wales were heavily influenced by Wigan playlists and still managed to air new sounds such was the availability of recent imports. For sure, credit should be given to a host of regional venues but Wigan was THE national venue and it's contribution should not be underestimated.

[Kegsy]

Like you, I remain baffled by the pop-up venue promoted by Wigan connections. All the venues I went to such as Locarno, Ritz, Cleethorpes Pier and minor gaffs around Manchester and North Wales were heavily influenced by Wigan playlists and still managed to air new sounds such was the availability of recent imports. For sure, credit should be given to a host of regional venues but Wigan was THE national venue and it's contribution should not be underestimated.

 

So you don't reckon any of the other venues playlists influenced Wigan at all ?.

Given that some of the "regional" clubs were on Fridays and shared DJ's with Wigan,

where, logically, would you suggest that week's new discoveries would get played first ?.

 

Most of the Wigan DJ's, with the possible exception of Russ, would be playing at other venues

sometime over the weekend.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Kegsy

[Frankie Crocker]

So you don't reckon any of the other venues playlists influenced Wigan at all ?.

Given that some of the "regional" clubs were on Fridays and shared DJ's with Wigan,

where, logically, would you suggest that week's new discoveries would get played first ?.

 

Most of the Wigan DJ's, with the possible exception of Russ, would be playing at other venues

sometime over the weekend.

Wigan on a Saturday then in the shires the following Friday? Like yourself, I reckon Wigan DJ's doing the rounds would pick up on potential sounds. Many of the top jocks were into Soul Bowl, Soussan's specials and a few specialist record shops so collectively they were influencing each other and the venues they featured at.

[Ian Dewhirst]

But that's where it's all wrong Ian.......the last thing we need is a museum........or a themed shopping centre. ......or a plaque on a wall.......FFS!!

Living in all this nostlagia is like just giving up on life in a musical sense.

And what do you think these "ordinary people" will expect if they turn up at a current gig? 40" trousers perhaps like they've seen on the TV?

How can something once so cool become such a parody of itself?

You have to realise how tragic some of this is to some people mate.......you really do! You may not agree, but spare them a thought nonetheless.

Cheers,

Mark R

 

Hi Mark,

 

I did a magnificent 45 minute reply to the above @ 1.00am this morning, then the site crashed and lost everything. Don't have time to re-create it unfortunately, so here'e the gist of it....

 

"But that's where it's all wrong Ian.......the last thing we need is a museum........or a themed shopping centre. ......or a plaque on a wall.......FFS!!"

 

Why wouldn't you want to preserve a historical UK culture? What's wrong with the heritage? You're belittling a scene that's lasted 47 years and making it sound like a Disney attraction or cheap tat which is not what I'm thinking at all. I wish New York had done something similar to document the 70s and 80s properly before stuff got lost and people passed away. Mel Cheren from West End was in the process of doing something similar when he unfortunately passed away. It's just plain daft not to try and preserve stuff.    

 

"Living in all this nostlagia is like just giving up on life in a musical sense".

 

I don't know what you mean. Sounds like gobbledygook to me. Are you saying that there's something wrong with nostalgia? I don't understand what you mean by "giving up on life in a musical sense". I listen to everything. I release across many genres. Just don't get what you're talking about........

 

And what do you think these "ordinary people" will expect if they turn up at a current gig? 40" trousers perhaps like they've seen on the TV?

 

Dunno. Most places I go people dress relatively normally. It's not an aspect of the scene I dwell on to be honest. If people wanna dress like that, then I guess it's up to them.

 

How can something once so cool become such a parody of itself?

 

In your head maybe. It's not a parody to anyone I've spoken to. The mid 70s horrors like Wigan's Ovation were a real parody. Nothing could be worse than that believe me. I think you need to take a chill pill and accept that any scene has a wide swathe of people who won't always necessarily conform to your way of thinking.

 

You have to realise how tragic some of this is to some people mate.......you really do! You may not agree, but spare them a thought nonetheless.

 

It's not tragic at all and you're the only one that seems to be bandying about these histrionic terms. Everyone I've talked to over the last 3 months for a forthcoming project (which include many names you know very well), has been nothing but extremely positive about the scene. I don't understand your negativity mate.

 

Incidentally, hope you're well and and we'll catch up for a beer next time we're in the same gaff! 

 

Ian D 

[Drewtg]

But that's where it's all wrong Ian.......the last thing we need is a museum........or a themed shopping centre. ......or a plaque on a wall.......FFS!!

Living in all this nostlagia is like just giving up on life in a musical sense.

And what do you think these "ordinary people" will expect if they turn up at a current gig? 40" trousers perhaps like they've seen on the TV?

How can something once so cool become such a parody of itself?

You have to realise how tragic some of this is to some people mate.......you really do! You may not agree, but spare them a thought nonetheless.

Cheers,

Mark R

It's not nostalgia, it's history.

 

Think of say the history of Formula one. People may revere and be knowledgable about Brooklands and Fangio but still appreciate modern drivers and circuits. It's not living in the past it is just a doffing of the cap. It's not THAT important. The music will survive, chill.

[Soulsaddler]

Er....

 

I'd just like to say I quite enjoyed the programme............

[Tattoodave]

Dave, like yourself, we were youngsters(17-22) just out for a good time. Certainly not elite in any way unless you viewed Allnighter goers in general as the mega-privileged and of course that's how it felt back in the day.

I still consider soul music lovers as elite, they know what life is all about

[Jim Ohara]

Very interesting Ian, didn't know about this. There maybe some people who might be worth speaking to that don't automatically spring to mind, Jim Ohara for example.

For what it's worth I can Pm some suggestions if it helps.

Cheers

Thanks Byrney, been following this thread with great interest

Trying to resist typing my "pennies worth", but just don't know how long I can hold back!!!!

Jim

[Ady Croasdell]

Thanks Byrney, been following this thread with great interest

Trying to resist typing my "pennies worth", but just don't know how long I can hold back!!!!

Jim

let it out baby

[Jim Ohara]

let it out baby

There's a song title in there somewhere Ady

I'm sure something may surface soon - don't want to be a "wall flower" for too long

Jim

[Sean Hampsey]

Thanks for posting that Sean. We (Blackbeat) were more aligned (but not exclusively) with the modern scene at the time and that is reflected in the readers favourites and DJs. Venues - I am sure Stafford and 100 Club came out on top or pretty near?

 

Steve

 

 

Hi Steve,

 

Yep - Without BlackBeat I do think these (early 80's) would have been the forgotten years.

 

Still waiting for the 80's Returnees to come back!

 

That said, both Rotherham Clifton Hall and Rotherham Windmill have 30 year Anniversary gigs coming up soon, so expect to see see quite a few of those diehards who didn't call it a day after Wigan putting in an appearance!

 

Yes, Stafford and 100 Club were certainly in the top half dozen!

 

For the poor sighted, Top Venues Poll reads as follows:

 

Venues 1982.

 

1. Cleethorpes

2. Rotherham Clifton Hall

3 Stafford TOTW

4 Sheffield Romeo & Juliets

5 Rotherham Tiffanies

6 100 Club

7 St Ives

8 Shrewsbury (The Oak)

 

An extremely dynamic, exciting and important period in my opinion.

 

About time it had proper representation in media portrayals that only ever seem to focus on the cliche stereotypical version of what the Northern Soul scene was, in one fairly brief snapshot of 'Pop / Popularity' as reported by the Red Tops nearly 40 years ago.

 

 

Sean

[Kegsy]

 

 

For the poor sighted, Top Venues Poll reads as follows:

 

Venues 1982.

 

1. Cleethorpes

2. Rotherham Clifton Hall

3 Stafford TOTW

4 Sheffield Romeo & Juliets

5 Rotherham Tiffanies

6 100 Club

7 St Ives

8 Shrewsbury (The Oak)

 

 

 

Oh dear oh dear, that list cant possibly be right, well not from what some are saying on here, 

not one club in the traditional "heartland" of the north west.  

Edited August 1, 2014 by Kegsy

[Steve G]

Oh dear oh dear, that list cant possibly be right, well not from what some are saying on here, 

not one club in the traditional "heartland" of the north west.  

 

82 just after the Casino closed Kegsy.....a vacuum vortex maybe......maybe in the NW they DID all leave to get married and have kids after all :-) (no replies needed) Or maybe they just went elsewhere.  When did Parr hall and Morecombe start really motoring? 83 I thought?

Edited August 1, 2014 by Steve G

[Guest in town Mikey]

82 just after the Casino closed Kegsy.....a vacuum vortex maybe......maybe in the NW they DID all leave to get married and have kids after all :-) (no replies needed) Or maybe they just went elsewhere.  When did Parr hall and Morecombe start really motoring? 83 I thought?

 

I went to the Parr Hall to see Chic and Sisiter Sledge I think it was. Before 83 probably, and cant remember if it was a soul night, so no help I'm afraid.

I think Morecombe came later as you say. In 1981/82, my preferred venues being a West Country boy were Yate and Hinckley.

[Alan T]

I remember travelling to Warrington Parr Hall the day after a Morcambe nighter, i think it was the first one and i seem to remember it was free admission.  I'd guess it was around 1986.

[Steve S 60]

Just looking at an old patch for the 3rd Anniversary All Nighter at the Central Pier for April '86, so it started up in '83.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Bish, bash, bosh. Just got the figures through and it was a big hit with over half a million LIVE viewers on the first showing:-

 

"The viewing figure for Northern Soul: Living For The Weekend (FRI, 25-07-2014, 21:30-22:30) is 558,900. The slot average is 378,800".

 

Ian D 

[Kegsy]

Bish, bash, bosh. Just got the figures through and it was a big hit with over half a million LIVE viewers on the first showing:-

 

"The viewing figure for Northern Soul: Living For The Weekend (FRI, 25-07-2014, 21:30-22:30) is 558,900. The slot average is 378,800".

 

Ian D 

 

How many turned off when you came on ?   

[Ian Dewhirst]

How many turned off when you came on ?   

 

There was a dip around 5 minutes after I came off screen at the beginning and then a peak with my repeat performances throughout the second half.....

 

Ian D