Is it just me.

[Mssoulie]

I'm not one of the original Soul crowd as I'm a bit young at 54. Ive lived and breathed this scene of ours for 40 years though. 

During this past 18 months or so I've moved to where a always wanted to live taken my foot off on the work front and gained more qualifications on my motorbike.

BUT I just can't get myself up to get back out and dance like I always have. When I remember the club's I loved . Brighouse, Lowton, Monaco, Winsford, Sheridans, Eggborough and many more. Then look at what's about now, I just can't be bothered.

Is it me.?????

Hugh

 

[Greedy]

12 minutes ago, Mssoulie said:

I'm not one of the original Soul crowd as I'm a bit young at 54. Ive lived and breathed this scene of ours for 40 years though. 

During this past 18 months or so I've moved to where a always wanted to live taken my foot off on the work front and gained more qualifications on my motorbike.

BUT I just can't get myself up to get back out and dance like I always have. When I remember the club's I loved . Brighouse, Lowton, Monaco, Winsford, Sheridans, Eggborough and many more. Then look at what's about now, I just can't be bothered.

Is it me.?????

Hugh

 

No mate not just you.  I've been going niters since 1980. But both my son and I have got used to not going to niters and being normal on a Monday morning.. maybe one day we'll start going again.  But not for a while 

[Winsford Soul]

1 hour ago, Mssoulie said:

I'm not one of the original Soul crowd as I'm a bit young at 54. Ive lived and breathed this scene of ours for 40 years though. 

During this past 18 months or so I've moved to where a always wanted to live taken my foot off on the work front and gained more qualifications on my motorbike.

BUT I just can't get myself up to get back out and dance like I always have. When I remember the club's I loved . Brighouse, Lowton, Monaco, Winsford, Sheridans, Eggborough and many more. Then look at what's about now, I just can't be bothered.

Is it me.?????

Hugh

 

Hugh.  It's you mate. . Hope you and the lovely Yvonne are well.

I've been out 3 of the I think  possible 6 weekends since everything opened,   2 where fantastic Stafford rangers soul night  and Swinton nighter.  Stoke never again. Sorry its not for me anymore . Choose your venues and you will be ok. Got Rugby and Wigan nighters and a cheeky soul night at Ashton to sneak  in over  the next 3 weeks . Can't wait 

Edited August 30, 2021 by Winsford Soul

[Stephen Houghton]

Covid has put a lot in perspective before lockdown we went to 40 venues ,some weekenders and soul nights .but we are like you just can't be bothered, from paying extortionate rates for hotels to work issues etc etc. We had a few mates round at the weekend and threw a few tunes in and it was a good night. So yes I know where your coming from .

[Greedy]

8 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Hugh.  It's you mate. . Hope you and the lovely Yvonne are well.

I've been out 3 of the I think  possible 6 weekends since everything opened,   2 where fantastic Stafford rangers soul night  and Swinton nighter.  Stoke never again. . Choose your venues and you will be ok. Got Rugby and Wigan nighters and a cheeky soul night at Ashton to sneak  in over  the next 3 weeks . Can't wait 

Unfortunately the next 2 rugby niters I have commitments but once I get my head around it I will try a niter and see what happens  can totally agree about Stoke though. Stopped about a year before lockdown

7 hours ago, Stephen Houghton said:

Covid has put a lot in perspective before lockdown we went to 40 venues ,some weekenders and soul nights .but we are like you just can't be bothered, from paying extortionate rates for hotels to work issues etc etc. We had a few mates round at the weekend and threw a few tunes in and it was a good night. So yes I know where your coming from .

Totally agree where you are coming from

Edited August 31, 2021 by Greedy Mick

[Planesoul]

Get yourself back out there Mick,the local small venue scene is as good as ever.Iam incredibly lucky in that i live in the east midlands so have Derby,Nottingham & Leicester within an hours drive.This means i can usually find somewhere every Friday,Saturday &now Sunday afternoons which have gone big around here..Also i seem to have the choice of Northern&Motown,Modern,Rare&underplayed so i suppose it does depend where you live.Yesterday i went to a Northern & Motown afternoon and there were at least 80 there with great sets from all the DJs and a full dancefloor for the 5 hours it was on.                                    

[Mssoulie]

3 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Hugh.  It's you mate. . Hope you and the lovely Yvonne are well.

I've been out 3 of the I think  possible 6 weekends since everything opened,   2 where fantastic Stafford rangers soul night  and Swinton nighter.  Stoke never again. Sorry its not for me anymore . Choose your venues and you will be ok. Got Rugby and Wigan nighters and a cheeky soul night at Ashton to sneak  in over  the next 3 weeks . Can't wait 

Thanks Steve...... We're both good mate XX for the gorgeous Lou.

Hope she's treating you as she should do.

Went off Stoke a couple of years ago. Some different people with a different agenda and/perspective me thinks.

I'll have to push myself and see I'm somewhere tickles My mojo.

[Timillustrator]

An enforced departure can change your whole perspective on things. Been to three local nights, a one off, a new venue and an all-nighter so far. First three just didn't grab me, I just didn't feel it, the one off was OK as was the new venue, the all-nighter was great but I don't think I'll be bothering too much for a while. Got used to staying in and having a drink instead.  

[Geoffp]

5 hours ago, Mssoulie said:

I'm not one of the original Soul crowd as I'm a bit young at 54. Ive lived and breathed this scene of ours for 40 years though. 

During this past 18 months or so I've moved to where a always wanted to live taken my foot off on the work front and gained more qualifications on my motorbike.

BUT I just can't get myself up to get back out and dance like I always have. When I remember the club's I loved . Brighouse, Lowton, Monaco, Winsford, Sheridans, Eggborough and many more. Then look at what's about now, I just can't be bothered.

Is it me.?????

Hugh

 

Alright Hugh

Hope you are both good.  Completely agree about the venues. Some places have IT and most places dont.   Ste was right about Stoke ( poor). Swinton ( great in a typical Brent Howarth - throw it up and see how it lands- fashion).  We are trying to get on with it but you’re quite right- things dont feel the same. 
We may just have to try a bit harder now and see how things pan out.

Wouldnt like to think i’d never see that footwork of yours ever again though

Take it easy bud

 

[Mssoulie]

54 minutes ago, Geoffp said:

Alright Hugh

Hope you are both good.  Completely agree about the venues. Some places have IT and most places dont.   Ste was right about Stoke ( poor). Swinton ( great in a typical Brent Howarth - throw it up and see how it lands- fashion).  We are trying to get on with it but you’re quite right- things dont feel the same. 
We may just have to try a bit harder now and see how things pan out.

Wouldnt like to think i’d never see that footwork of yours ever again though

Take it easy bud

 

Hiya Geoff.

Hope you and yours are good mate.

I think you're right. More effort required.

Haven't seen you for far to long.

All the best mate.

[Len]

Morning all,

I thought this lock-down business would change things, but until I'd read these comments I thought everyone had just 'sprung back' as if nothing had happened.

Lock-down aside, I know I've had my best times out 'n' about, so going out comes in 'waves' of enthusiasm, which has a lot to do with what else one has going on in life.  The moment you feel you are 'chasing your tail' is the time to stop and enjoy other things, then before you know it another wave of enthusiasm hits you and you go round that merry-go-round of Northern Soul one more time.

(Hope the above makes sense) 

Len 

[Leicester Boy]

Got to say loving being on the floor and seeing old friends and everything that comes with a soul do. It will never change for me. Get out and enjoy people.✌

[Timillustrator]

6 hours ago, Len said:

Morning all,

I thought this lock-down business would change things, but until I'd read these comments I thought everyone had just 'sprung back' as if nothing had happened.

Lock-down aside, I know I've had my best times out 'n' about, so going out comes in 'waves' of enthusiasm, which has a lot to do with what else one has going on in life.  The moment you feel you are 'chasing your tail' is the time to stop and enjoy other things, then before you know it another wave of enthusiasm hits you and you go round that merry-go-round of Northern Soul one more time.

(Hope the above makes sense) 

Len 

Very good point, I think you're absolutely spot-on, lockdown for me as with many others has been a "life" event.

Reminds me of the 90's I had a bad car crash in '92, got made redundant in '94 (just after buying our first house) and then again in '95. All of which coincided with an almost total loss of interest in music which had probably been the major thing in my life before then. This sort of feels the same in a weird way.

[Billywhizz]

never been off the dance floor in all most 48 years ,marry  have 6 kids  well mrs did built 2 houses  for family , to many grand  kids to name great great ,grand dad as well , 9 mts bless , my other half never stop me , what enjoy , doing , last 18 ths been hard , few live steams  did enjoy doing , playing 45s never hear out not same same old thing , i was out saturday at the boat great night , about 120 there just right for the place , music was brill, few friends  where saying  , did few nighter in last week or so , same 45s not the same , will not being going again , sad to hear this , weekenders and alldayer , looks like front run to come could me age thing , wait and see  , thanks for reading this koko good few years in me yet lol x 

[Hooker1951]

I had a strange feeling that this topic would arise after this COVID lockdown ,if you think, There has never been anything like it before, it’s the first time the ride was made to stop ,and for lots of people they have looked at life from a completely different perspective because they have had too. Before they had a choice to give the scene a rest if they wanted too knowing they could jump back on the ride anytime they wanted too . That choice was taken off them due to a disease , I noticed around 5 years ago the night time economy was slowing down evolving if you like NS included into a different animal but hopefully still live and kicking , This COVID Lockdown has speeded  that process up 1000 mph  it’s what awaiting us at the other end is the worry, What you can’t do with anything you love music included is chase the Dragon if it starts to become hard work the magic will disappear. Along with lots of happiness, I’ve no Answer to this only to say relax with it all if it comes back it will be easy not hard work, 
But always Remember you will always have the memories a hell of a lot of people have none.

Stay Safe

Mick L

[Mssoulie]

15 minutes ago, Hooker1951 said:

I had a strange feeling that this topic would arise after this COVID lockdown ,if you think, There has never been anything like it before, it’s the first time the ride was made to stop ,and for lots of people they have looked at life from a completely different perspective because they have had too. Before they had a choice to give the scene a rest if they wanted too knowing they could jump back on the ride anytime they wanted too . That choice was taken off them due to a disease , I noticed around 5 years ago the night time economy was slowing down evolving if you like NS included into a different animal but hopefully still live and kicking , This COVID Lockdown has speeded  that process up 1000 mph  it’s what awaiting us at the other end is the worry, What you can’t do with anything you love music included is chase the Dragon if it starts to become hard work the magic will disappear. Along with lots of happiness, I’ve no Answer to this only to say relax with it all if it comes back it will be easy not hard work, 
But always Remember you will always have the memories a hell of a lot of people have none.

Stay Safe

Mick L

Thank you Mick. Wise words that make sense to me.

Regards Hugh

[Soulandy]

Only been out the once since things opened up, Swinton which I enjoyed, and round here I have a choice of umpteen venues most weekends but family things get in the way, not that I'm complaining as that come first for me. I have the Wigan niter in the diary but just been told my son may be here that weekend so I'll have to wait and see. I know I'll be out and about more in the coming months but as I tend to stay more localish these days, it's more a social thing with whats on offer music wise. Still get a buzz going to a niter but not for every weekend.

[Jeffers]

Eyup Hugh, yea know what you mean, other things going on, our lass getting through her bike test, etc, we're off to my old club in Wetherby this month, first time out souling for us since lockkdown, never know it might get that fire burning again. Things have certainly changed from 20 odd years ago when the three of us were out every weekend, Bury Town Hall, Lowton, remember when you could, nt get in at Brighouse because of a full house, Prestwich was always my favourite venue, and NCIS building in Manchester, Dulcie Bridge? pub first, great days. How's yer bike training going.? Jeff. 

[Mssoulie]

4 hours ago, Jeffers said:

Eyup Hugh, yea know what you mean, other things going on, our lass getting through her bike test, etc, we're off to my old club in Wetherby this month, first time out souling for us since lockkdown, never know it might get that fire burning again. Things have certainly changed from 20 odd years ago when the three of us were out every weekend, Bury Town Hall, Lowton, remember when you could, nt get in at Brighouse because of a full house, Prestwich was always my favourite venue, and NCIS building in Manchester, Dulcie Bridge? pub first, great days. How's yer bike training going.? Jeff. 

Hiya Jeff my old mate. Yes we had some brilliant times. Met Yvonne at Bury.

I've now passed my IAM with a first and also did my ROSPA and got a hold.

I'll give you a shout when I'm out for a ride next time mate..

Prestwich in the longfield suite was bloody brilliant.

[Mssoulie]

36 minutes ago, Mssoulie said:

Hiya Jeff my old mate. Yes we had some brilliant times. Met Yvonne at Bury.

I've now passed my IAM with a first and also did my ROSPA and got a hold.

I'll give you a shout when I'm out for a ride next time mate..

Prestwich in the longfield suite was bloody brilliant.

That should say ROSPA gold not hold.

[Bossfourpart1]

Hugh, you are not alone mate .

Life as we knew it stopped and we are now just just starting (slowly) to return to our social interests.

We have been staring out of our windows for too long and its now time to get out again with friends.

You could say that the last 17 months have become a bad lifestyle habit that we need to shake off.

Choose the right events and enjoy yourself !!! 

MINES A PINT

[Mssoulie]

4 minutes ago, Bossfourpart1 said:

Hugh, you are not alone mate .

Life as we knew it stopped and we are now just just starting (slowly) to return to our social interests.

We have been staring out of our windows for too long and its now time to get out again with friends.

You could say that the last 17 months have become a bad lifestyle habit that we need to shake off.

Choose the right events and enjoy yourself !!! 

MINES A PINT

Cheers mate.

[Jeffers]

20 minutes ago, Mssoulie said:

That should say ROSPA gold not hold.

Yea thought that mate, mate, mine should o said CIS soul, not NCIS, I watch to much telly . 

[Ian Stacey]

On 30/08/2021 at 22:01, Timillustrator said:

An enforced departure can change your whole perspective on things. Been to three local nights, a one off, a new venue and an all-nighter so far. First three just didn't grab me, I just didn't feel it, the one off was OK as was the new venue, the all-nighter was great but I don't think I'll be bothering too much for a while. Got used to staying in and having a drink instead.  

Oh dear quite enjoyed your reviews  of clubs &djs attitudes creeping in who flogging bootlegs . I think you should get back out with sketch book out  .

[Widnes63]

Me, Lorraine and friends have been making the most of our weekends since the lockdown was lifted.

Been to numerous small events between Widnes and Wigan, one allnighter and two weekenders.

We have also two weekenders booked in the coming months.

As far as I can see everyone is glad to be out, it's been good catching up with friends and acquaintances.

Hugh / Jeffers, we must of crossed paths in the past, good times at Bury, Lowton and Prestwich,

for years they were  our regular monthly venues.

Ste 

[Soulfool]

A good post this, I left the scene, mostly due to work commitments, over 10 years ago and have not been to an event since, well, apart from popping my head in the door at the Cleethorpes Weekender 2 years ago.  Occasionally I miss it as now I have more time on my hands but I have yet to get the urge to go out.  Bear in mind I was very active on the soul scene with regular trips down south (from Edinburgh), sometimes every week and I never thought I could ever do without the scene, how times and feelings change?  I am still an avid collector of vinyl and I am a nosy git staying on SS and various soul stuff on FB to keep up-to-date but that'll do for me, for now.

 

[Gaz T]

1 hour ago, Soulfool said:

A good post this, I left the scene, mostly due to work commitments, over 10 years ago and have not been to an event since, well, apart from popping my head in the door at the Cleethorpes Weekender 2 years ago.  Occasionally I miss it as now I have more time on my hands but I have yet to get the urge to go out.  Bear in mind I was very active on the soul scene with regular trips down south (from Edinburgh), sometimes every week and I never thought I could ever do without the scene, how times and feelings change?  I am still an avid collector of vinyl and I am a nosy git staying on SS and various soul stuff on FB to keep up-to-date but that'll do for me, for now.

 

Ditto

I have a similar story, I still love the collecting side of things from a personal point of view.

But my taste is not exclusively Soul, I am from Mod scene roots so have eclectic tastes. 

I was active on the "soul scene" late 80s early 90s

Used to make the effort.

then drifted off,

I had kids, got focused on family, but always collecting records.

So dipped my toe back in and did a couple of Prestatyn's probably 15 years ago now.

Enjoyed, remember meeting great people there and having good times.

Then I started to  renovate my house.

still unable to stop collecting records.

The Covid thing didn't really make any difference to me cause I was a key worker and I don't really go anywhere else anyway apart from work anyway.

All I would say is if you enjoy and are in a position to enjoy, well bloody well go on and enjoy ! 

time is short and life gets in the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

[Mssoulie]

4 hours ago, Widnes63 said:

Me, Lorraine and friends have been making the most of our weekends since the lockdown was lifted.

Been to numerous small events between Widnes and Wigan, one allnighter and two weekenders.

We have also two weekenders booked in the coming months.

As far as I can see everyone is glad to be out, it's been good catching up with friends and acquaintances.

Hugh / Jeffers, we must of crossed paths in the past, good times at Bury, Lowton and Prestwich,

for years they were  our regular monthly venues.

Ste 

Hiya Ste. Yes I know your face mate. I think we probably know the same people.

Great times.

Hugh

[Jeffers]

12 hours ago, Widnes63 said:

Me, Lorraine and friends have been making the most of our weekends since the lockdown was lifted.

Been to numerous small events between Widnes and Wigan, one allnighter and two weekenders.

We have also two weekenders booked in the coming months.

As far as I can see everyone is glad to be out, it's been good catching up with friends and acquaintances.

Hugh / Jeffers, we must of crossed paths in the past, good times at Bury, Lowton and Prestwich,

for years they were  our regular monthly venues.

Ste 

Yea we must have done, great times, I remember being at Lowton when the power went off for 2 or 3 hours, gonna go home when it come back on, big cheer went up. Never too keen on the dance floor though, was it a sports type floor.? A long time ago . 

[Tricky]

Completely lost my mojo.Just can’t be bothered.

Even thinking about selling up.Which I always do intermittently as I want a comfortable retirement.

Should have gone to the 100 club which I booked and was advertised as limited entry.At the last minute it was open to everyone.I get it and am not grumbling about Ady,s need to get funds in. I just didn’t fancy a first night out in a cellar with loads of people so didn’t bother.

So it’s just work and home at the moment.Not even going to the pub which isn’t like me.

Strange times!

 

[Coolnotes]

I can appreciate doubts and anxieties around this issue. Whilst I never lost my passion or  'Soul Mojo' , during the last 2 years  (I even took to dancing in the kitchen !) I did have doubts at 63 if I could return to the dance floor with the same passion and dexterity !!  My first event in over 18 months was Keighley Soul at the Civic and , my fears were soon  put to bed .Dancing to Soul music in many forms has been a very special adrenalin rush for over 40 years  , and getting back to it was almost spiritual I was close to tears . (Jackie Wilson - Because of You') . But I appreciate we change over time and even more so with COVID.. Im going to the next Stoke Niter but Ive never completed a full niter since my trips to 6T's in the 80's. We all have to adjust and support each other in that . Keep the Faith .. in what ever way suits you.  Cool Notes. 

[Timillustrator]

On 02/09/2021 at 17:23, Ian Stacey said:

Oh dear quite enjoyed your reviews  of clubs &djs attitudes creeping in who flogging bootlegs . I think you should get back out with sketch book out  .

Thank you, glad someone read them   I've got a few tickets - Wigan Empire and Ian Levine in Hednesford coming up so I'll go to those at least. 

[Ian Stacey]

Oh good  yes read all of them your a good critic.  Fair .

[Len]

Looks like it’s not 'just you' Hugh…..

I currently feel contented and safe here in my ‘prehistoric cave’, and don’t feel the urge to go out at all.  I haven’t played my records for a good while either.....Until last night.....I suddenly got the urge to stick a record on, then another, then a ‘oh blimey’ record seemed to mysteriously jump above the others as if to say…..”Me next Len!”....."You beauty".....I replied.....Then I heard a chorus of.....”We’re all still here Len!”

Three hours later I went to bed feeling great! 

There will be a soul scene in one form or another for a long time yet, and it’s good to know that it, and the people in it will be there when we want to leave our caves.

Len 

P.s - Keep the me talking to my records thing to yourself please 

[Winsford Soul]

I'm listening to you now Len , well I'm imaging you talking to your records.  Did you tell the Len story's to them between plays. ?

your secret talking to the records is safe with me mate

[Mssoulie]

Shhhh.

Your secrets safe mate.

Hugh

[Shinehead]

Seems indoor entertainment has took a big hit and not just soul wise most pubs around my parts are empty midweek and not much better at weekends , only the young seem to be going for it and the nightclubs still seem to be going ok ,till the passports put a downer on those too.

Think this virus has scared the hell out of people and we have also got used to staying in , hopefully things will improve but not for awhile I would imagine.

Outdoor events seem to be going ok though till the weather puts those on hold.

Fortunately listening to soul music at home is something that even this virus cannot curtail .