A Night At Wigan Casino

[Pete S]

If you ever went to the Casino, or if you wanted to go but never made it, you'll love this...30 minutes of prime-time Richard Searling, and a couple of oldies from Keith Minshull - from the 7th anniversary - and the legendary 3 Before 8 from the 4th anniversary in 1977. The first part is in excellent quality but you will need to turn the volume way up. Look out for a spine-tingling Barbara McNair "You're gonna love my baby" in particular. The second part is not quite so good quality as I recorded it from the back of the hall on a portable mono cassette recorder, but it really picks up the atmosphere.

down the bottom of the page

https://www.raresoul.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=11

[Guest]

Thank you for reminding me of what I could never have taken part in

[Guest martinsbox]

If you ever went to the Casino, or if you wanted to go but never made it, you'll love this...30 minutes of prime-time Richard Searling, and a couple of oldies from Keith Minshull - from the 7th anniversary - and the legendary 3 Before 8 from the 4th anniversary in 1977. The first part is in excellent quality but you will need to turn the volume way up. Look out for a spine-tingling Barbara McNair "You're gonna love my baby" in particular. The second part is not quite so good quality as I recorded it from the back of the hall on a portable mono cassette recorder, but it really picks up the atmosphere.

down the bottom of the page

https://www.raresoul.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=11

And here's a colour pic of the place. . . a bit more than what's left now!!

[Guest]

It was in a transit van ??

[Guest martinsbox]

It was in a transit van ??

Yes!! Look through the transit and you'll see it. Even better stand on a chair and look over the bloody thing if you're too short.

Edited February 13, 2007 by martinsbox

[Guest]

Ok I'm standing on a chair but now I can't see the computer screen at all.

[Pete S]

Has anyone bothered to listen to it?? It's good, honest...John & Weirdest, Court Davis, Don Gardner, Nomads, Professionals etc

[Guest martinsbox]

Ok I'm standing on a chair but now I can't see the computer screen at all.

Eyes open are they? Sorry, you can't see this can you.

[Garrison]

brilliant , cheered me up loads pete thanks mate

[Guest Phil Richards]

Has anyone bothered to listen to it?? It's good, honest...John & Weirdest, Court Davis, Don Gardner, Nomads, Professionals etc

Nice one Pete

[Simsy]

Has anyone bothered to listen to it?? It's good, honest...John & Weirdest, Court Davis, Don Gardner, Nomads, Professionals etc

Not sure heard that Herman Hitson version before.

Love the way some modern crappy tune cuts off at the start then comes back on with Eddie Parker.

[Mark R]

Just listening now Pete..................great stuff...............like hearing things like this.

Nice one!

Cheers,

Mark R

[Simon M]

Omni , Marvel Love and Larry Brown ..cool

[macca]

lovely memories. 77 was a great year & mr.searling is a joy to listen to. well done pete!

M

p.s. that herman hitson, is it as rare as SW?

Edited February 13, 2007 by macca

[Guest martyn]

Just one bit of trivia to do with the tape,when Richard played "Herbie Williams for the Bedford crowd",it was Rob Roberts who requested it because I had'nt heard it before & he'd been raving about it in the car on the way up.....(strokes chin & goes back to sleep)

Great tape Pete

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Pete - I am really enjoying this web stream! Thank you for taking the time to post it. Now I know what I missed. At least I know a few of the tunes...

[Guest soul_hull]

keys to the city - not heard that for years. nice one.

cheers. interesting stuff.

[Pete S]

Omni , Marvel Love and Larry Brown ..cool

I forgot to edit those out

[Guest in town Mikey]

And here's a colour pic of the place. . . a bit more than what's left now!!

This, in the days when the drug squad would turn up in 40" flares, vests and a Black Mariah.

[Stevie T]

lovely memories. 77 was a great year & mr.searling is a joy to listen to. well done pete!

M

p.s. that herman hitson, is it as rare as SW?

77 was a good one,they also did the documentry that same year (i think) which i and

a host of the Halifax crowd are on

[Simon M]

I forgot to edit those out

... I love that bass syth on Omni , nice song too

Edited February 14, 2007 by Simon M

[Wilxy]

If you ever went to the Casino, or if you wanted to go but never made it, you'll love this...30 minutes of prime-time Richard Searling, and a couple of oldies from Keith Minshull - from the 7th anniversary - and the legendary 3 Before 8 from the 4th anniversary in 1977. The first part is in excellent quality but you will need to turn the volume way up. Look out for a spine-tingling Barbara McNair "You're gonna love my baby" in particular. The second part is not quite so good quality as I recorded it from the back of the hall on a portable mono cassette recorder, but it really picks up the atmosphere.

down the bottom of the page

https://www.raresoul.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=11

Great stuff Pete, remember it like it was yesterday, and was probably there on the night as well

[Mark R]

I forgot to edit those out

Oh............I dunno Simon................on the Soul Brittania thread, folks say it's only the likes of the Beeb that try to re-write history!!

Cheers,

Mark R

[Pete S]

Oh............I dunno Simon................on the Soul Brittania thread, folks say it's only the likes of the Beeb that try to re-write history!!

Cheers,

Mark R

Just trying to stop the public from suffering...by the way, I doubt if you've even listened to it but at one point, some modern thing comes on and is cut off immediately and "I'm Gone" follows...that was done at the time, not retrospectively, because it was just as shit then as it is now.

[Simon M]

Just trying to stop the public from suffering...by the way, I doubt if you've even listened to it but at one point, some modern thing comes on and is cut off immediately and "I'm Gone" follows...that was done at the time, not retrospectively, because it was just as shit then as it is now.

To each is own and stuff ... Now Eddie Parker ,thats my number one 60's record , gets me everytime

How much for the greenun now ?

By the way did Bobby Byrd do any soulful dancers ?

Edited February 14, 2007 by Simon M

[Mark R]

Just trying to stop the public from suffering...by the way, I doubt if you've even listened to it but at one point, some modern thing comes on and is cut off immediately and "I'm Gone" follows...that was done at the time, not retrospectively, because it was just as shit then as it is now.

Pete................how wrong you are.................I listened in it's entirity last night, and am currently listening to the 3 before 8 again!! Despite never going to the Casino, I have been to plenty of all nighters over the last 25 years..........and therefore fully appreciate what's going on in that soundfile........spine tingling stuff!! Difference is mate, and with respect, I love SOUL music, not just NORTHERN SOUL music, and I suspect from what I read on here that's the difference between you and I. Now this might sound strong and maybe a little bit poxy, but I feel positively blessed to enjoy it all.........1965-2007.............it really has enriched my life, but I don't need to explain that to you guys do I? You all know the score.

And don't let CUNNIE hear that you edited out Larry Brown's "Breaking Training" (I assume that was the Larry Brown version, despite Richard introducing it as Bits & Pieces....a C/U name I assume??)......he's big on that one I believe.

And I have no doubt that you edited that cut out at the time.................and that's the sad bit really............a full 30 years in denial!!

Respect to you though mate......it's only opinions.......and as I said previously, thanks for posting this so I could hear what I missed when I was 10 and still building Meccano etc!!!

Cheers,

Mark R

[Peter99]

If you ever went to the Casino, or if you wanted to go but never made it, you'll love this...30 minutes of prime-time Richard Searling, and a couple of oldies from Keith Minshull - from the 7th anniversary - and the legendary 3 Before 8 from the 4th anniversary in 1977. The first part is in excellent quality but you will need to turn the volume way up. Look out for a spine-tingling Barbara McNair "You're gonna love my baby" in particular. The second part is not quite so good quality as I recorded it from the back of the hall on a portable mono cassette recorder, but it really picks up the atmosphere.

down the bottom of the page

https://www.raresoul.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=11

Thanks for this Pete.

Real Searling quality - playing some great, great tracks.

Peter

[Simon M]

Pete................how wrong you are.................I listened in it's entirity last night, and am currently listening to the 3 before 8 again!! Despite never going to the Casino, I have been to plenty of all nighters over the last 25 years..........and therefore fully appreciate what's going on in that soundfile........spine tingling stuff!! Difference is mate, and with respect, I love SOUL music, not just NORTHERN SOUL music, and I suspect from what I read on here that's the difference between you and I. Now this might sound strong and maybe a little bit poxy, but I feel positively blessed to enjoy it all.........1965-2007.............it really has enriched my life, but I don't need to explain that to you guys do I? You all know the score.

And don't let CUNNIE hear that you edited out Larry Brown's "Breaking Training" (I assume that was the Larry Brown version, despite Richard introducing it as Bits & Pieces....a C/U name I assume??)......he's big on that one I believe.

And I have no doubt that you edited that cut out at the time.................and that's the sad bit really............a full 30 years in denial!!

Respect to you though mate......it's only opinions.......and as I said previously, thanks for posting this so I could hear what I missed when I was 10 and still building Meccano etc!!!

Cheers,

Mark R

Meccano , screw that , I had Lego and some Curtom and Trojan records

[michael-j]

probably old hat to everyone here, but that Herbie Williams/Court Davis is stunning, fantastic arrangement. not heard that one before... thanks Pete

[Pete S]

Pete................how wrong you are.................I listened in it's entirity last night, and am currently listening to the 3 before 8 again!! Despite never going to the Casino, I have been to plenty of all nighters over the last 25 years..........and therefore fully appreciate what's going on in that soundfile........spine tingling stuff!! Difference is mate, and with respect, I love SOUL music, not just NORTHERN SOUL music, and I suspect from what I read on here that's the difference between you and I. Now this might sound strong and maybe a little bit poxy, but I feel positively blessed to enjoy it all.........1965-2007.............it really has enriched my life, but I don't need to explain that to you guys do I? You all know the score.

And don't let CUNNIE hear that you edited out Larry Brown's "Breaking Training" (I assume that was the Larry Brown version, despite Richard introducing it as Bits & Pieces....a C/U name I assume??)......he's big on that one I believe.

And I have no doubt that you edited that cut out at the time.................and that's the sad bit really............a full 30 years in denial!!

Respect to you though mate......it's only opinions.......and as I said previously, thanks for posting this so I could hear what I missed when I was 10 and still building Meccano etc!!!

Cheers,

Mark R

Mark it's all a laugh as far as I'm concerned, you are right, I don't like much soul music, that's because I like music to excite me, and only northern soul does that -punk also does, and nobody can understand this, but early jungle does too, and of course some ska rocksteady and reggae, not all. And every now and again I'll hear something on the radio and think wow thats great, that record from the other year, I Predict A Riot - fantastic. But no, I'm not a big lover of general soul music and I have also mentioned many times that the reason I don't like what is known as modern soul is because it simply doesn't have the right beat usually, apart from what I call the Cleethorpes style 70's dancers, which I do like.

It's plain to hear from the tape though that the worst records on the set are the modern ones. I thought the one was uncovered as Rosey Jones? Anyway, shall I post another up?

[Simon M]

Yeah please Pete ..have you got more of R Searling say 1981 ? By the way do you like

Willi J & Co and Black Nasty

Edited February 14, 2007 by Simon M

[Guest soul_hull]

And don't let CUNNIE hear that you edited out Larry Brown's "Breaking Training" (I assume that was the Larry Brown version, despite Richard introducing it as Bits & Pieces....a C/U name I assume??)......he's big on that one I believe.

that was deffo larry brown. and whilst i respect pete_s opinions, i luv a bit of modern too.

[Wiganer1]

Mark it's all a laugh as far as I'm concerned, you are right, I don't like much soul music, that's because I like music to excite me, and only northern soul does that -punk also does, and nobody can understand this, but early jungle does too, and of course some ska rocksteady and reggae, not all. And every now and again I'll hear something on the radio and think wow thats great, that record from the other year, I Predict A Riot - fantastic. But no, I'm not a big lover of general soul music and I have also mentioned many times that the reason I don't like what is known as modern soul is because it simply doesn't have the right beat usually, apart from what I call the Cleethorpes style 70's dancers, which I do like.

It's plain to hear from the tape though that the worst records on the set are the modern ones. I thought the one was uncovered as Rosey Jones? Anyway, shall I post another up?

========

ive not heard the tape but have got it somewhere..

for me it epitomises wigan - it had something for everyone,,,oldies newies stompers and shufflers....the whole kibbudle..

musically all the sounds played there have shaped my musical tastes forever...8 years of musical magic.

[macca]

Nice to hear a top drawer/top notch (pardon the clich) DJ reactivating a quality oldie as well. Always loved the professionals. Periodic goosepimples, oh' yes...

I went to the Casino a few times, but I don't ever recall Dean Parrish doing an encore. Astonishing to hear that. I've posted the link on a site here. It's educative in my opinion.

1977 was the maximum year for me & I'm not talking exclusively of Wigan. I didn't want it all to end. All those wonderful sounds: Yvonne Vernee, Burning Bush, Billy Arnell, Eddie Garrigan, Nate Evans, Milton Wright, Gene Woodbury/Bernie Williams, Lenny Curtis, Betty Fikes & The Passions, Gary Haines, Larry Clinton, Bobby Diamond, The Mystic Moods, Derek & Ray etc; Some I liked, some I loathed, but they all sum up that year for me for some reason.

Edited February 14, 2007 by macca

[Guest biggray1]

Meccano , screw that , I had Lego and some Curtom and Trojan records

You Lucky Lot,I had nothing to play with till me Mam cut a hole in me pocket

[Dave]

Thanks for pointing us to those Pete.

The first one contains some top quality soul music...proving it wasn't just pop shite played there, as some would have us believe.

Agree with you also about the Cleethorpes "modern".. what sets it apart is that it has some urgency!

[Pete S]

Yeah please Pete ..have you got more of R Searling say 1981 ? By the way do you like

Willi J & Co and Black Nasty

I do have more RS from that period but he sounds like he's actually playing 12" singles so there's more chance of me voting for the Green party than there is of me putting those up.

Second question - yes, I did do at the time, not too keen nowadays, Black Nasty is ok, Willie J...nah. Used to love shuffling to it though.

[Simon M]

I do have more RS from that period but he sounds like he's actually playing 12" singles so there's more chance of me voting for the Green party than there is of me putting those up.

Second question - yes, I did do at the time, not too keen nowadays, Black Nasty is ok, Willie J...nah. Used to love shuffling to it though.

Ahh well worth a try .. hey do you like BT express "Energy ta burn"

[Wiganer1]

Ahh well worth a try .. hey do you like BT express "Energy ta burn"

=====

simon

pm me ure address mate and ill send ya a whole 90mins tape of searling 70's stuff

regards

[Guest Scarborosoul]

Mark it's all a laugh as far as I'm concerned, you are right, I don't like much soul music, that's because I like music to excite me, and only northern soul does that -punk also does, and nobody can understand this, but early jungle does too, and of course some ska rocksteady and reggae, not all. And every now and again I'll hear something on the radio and think wow thats great, that record from the other year, I Predict A Riot - fantastic. But no, I'm not a big lover of general soul music and I have also mentioned many times that the reason I don't like what is known as modern soul is because it simply doesn't have the right beat usually, apart from what I call the Cleethorpes style 70's dancers, which I do like.

It's plain to hear from the tape though that the worst records on the set are the modern ones. I thought the one was uncovered as Rosey Jones? Anyway, shall I post another up?

Great stuff Pete!!! great memories for those of us who went to the Casino. Just one question about the above: did you used to slap yourself daft in the car park?????

For those that didnt go, thats an in-joke for the older ppl;)

[Pete S]

Ahh well worth a try .. hey do you like BT express "Energy ta burn"

No, I mean, I wouldn't post it on my website but I can copy you the tapes if you want them on cd...sorry, don't know the BT Express

[Simon M]

Energy ta burn - bt expres - emi

14751 refosoul

When we did have some energy to burn ..top youth club tune

[Guest SIMONF]

Nice one Pete,Searling rescued the scene at this time with his sounds,Made the rare soul scence what it is today.remember going most weeks though this era,god some of those saturday nights after wigan oldies were empty which showd the sad situtaion of the scence at that time.I quit for a while after the casino shut.

One of the biggest suprises i had resently was hearing court davis on cd first time i heard it since 81,still thinking it was herbie williams. SF

Edited February 14, 2007 by SIMONF

[Eddie Hubbard]

Thanks for posting this up Pete , great quality as well , what part of the hall did you record it , as Searling comes across really clear ? What I'd give for just one more night at the Casino ..........Best Wishes ,Eddie

[Pete S]

Thanks for posting this up Pete , great quality as well , what part of the hall did you record it , as Searling comes across really clear ? What I'd give for just one more night at the Casino ..........Best Wishes ,Eddie

It was recorded off the stage Eddie but not by me, by a lad called Richard Simner, he used to come up with us quite a lot and carried on when we packed it in, he did it on a small stereo ghetto blaster type thing, it's actually in stereo. I've got a tape from October 77 which I recorded by literally leaving the recorder on top of one of the speakers on the stage and the quality is as good as the 1980 one, though there's hardly any atmosphere as it was a saturday after the friday oldies.

[Guest SteveJohnston]

Nice to hear a top drawer/top notch (pardon the clich) DJ reactivating a quality oldie as well. Always loved the professionals. Periodic goosepimples, oh' yes...

I went to the Casino a few times, but I don't ever recall Dean Parrish doing an encore. Astonishing to hear that. I've posted the link on a site here. It's educative in my opinion.

1977 was the maximum year for me & I'm not talking exclusively of Wigan. I didn't want it all to end. All those wonderful sounds: Yvonne Vernee, Burning Bush, Billy Arnell, Eddie Garrigan, Nate Evans, Milton Wright, Gene Woodbury/Bernie Williams, Lenny Curtis, Betty Fikes & The Passions, Gary Haines, Larry Clinton, Bobby Diamond, The Mystic Moods, Derek & Ray etc; Some I liked, some I loathed, but they all sum up that year for me for some reason.

Gary Haines that got me on the dance floor every time

along with Willie 'G' & the Styles, James Mack, Seven Souls, John & the Weirdest, the brill James Lewis, Ty Karim and Bobby Jason (hell Pete listerning to this tape is taking me back mate) all and more contributed to my bad knees and late for work on Mondays!

Steve J

[Bazza]

If you ever went to the Casino, or if you wanted to go but never made it, you'll love this...30 minutes of prime-time Richard Searling, and a couple of oldies from Keith Minshull - from the 7th anniversary - and the legendary 3 Before 8 from the 4th anniversary in 1977. The first part is in excellent quality but you will need to turn the volume way up. Look out for a spine-tingling Barbara McNair "You're gonna love my baby" in particular. The second part is not quite so good quality as I recorded it from the back of the hall on a portable mono cassette recorder, but it really picks up the atmosphere.

down the bottom of the page

https://www.raresoul.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=11

where was the Casino BTW..........oops

Bazza

[Eddie Hubbard]

It was recorded off the stage Eddie but not by me, by a lad called Richard Simner, he used to come up with us quite a lot and carried on when we packed it in, he did it on a small stereo ghetto blaster type thing, it's actually in stereo. I've got a tape from October 77 which I recorded by literally leaving the recorder on top of one of the speakers on the stage and the quality is as good as the 1980 one, though there's hardly any atmosphere as it was a saturday after the friday oldies.

Hello Pete ,I thought it might have been recorded off the stage as I did one on a ghetto blaster around 1980 and it came out brilliantly .Sadly ,I lend it to a mate to copy , he put it in the wrong deck and wiped it - gutted !! Best ,Eddie

[Guest Michael Higgins]

Fantastic Pete, thanks got that! Now on CD, for posterity.

Strange to hear Omni, which highlights:

1. How the perception and worth of records change. (It then became a quid a copy job for most of the 1980s. In fact, mine came from a soul pack.).

2. And, more importantly, the questionable morality behind covering up a relatively new release. (And to the defence that it is a temporary measure "to build up demand": exhibit b: Mike Jemison on Lake.)

[Wiganer1]

Fantastic Pete, thanks got that! Now on CD, for posterity.

Strange to hear Omni, which highlights:

1. How the perception and worth of records change. (It then became a quid a copy job for most of the 1980s. In fact, mine came from a soul pack.).

2. And, more importantly, the questionable morality behind covering up a relatively new release. (And to the defence that it is a temporary measure "to build up demand": exhibit b: Mike Jemison on Lake.)

=========

omni covered as david porter ,,is this the tape where RS says' one of the records that bridge that gap between the 60s and 70s'...never liked it in the 80's but love now..

im sure soul sam covered this as well with another c/u name ..ill have to dig it out ..

mike jamison - on lake covered as men in the moon,,,nice tune that one

also the marvel love c.u as jb moore fab one that too...