Northern Soul Scene

[Guest Simon]

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

[Guest Dan]

if it's the latter simon people need to enjoy it while they can as it's got about ten years left, with the tempo of the records reducing year on year and more and more folks bringing ear trumpets with them. probably too late but i would love to see younger people getting into northern, irrespective of how they dance or dress.

[Guest Scarborosoul]

GRRRRRRRRRRRR same old same old. Dan sorry m8 yr talking bollox.

[Guest Dan]

GRRRRRRRRRRRR same old same old. Dan sorry m8 yr talking bollox.

gah! sorry, you're right, what was i thinking? in fact, the demographics on the northern scene point the other way entirely. it's full of superkeen 16 year olds, most nighters are the size of wigan circa 1978 and each week john anderson takes delivery of a shipping container full of 60s newies*

*just because you don't want to hear something, doesn't mean it isn't true, 'm8'.

[chrissie]

GRRRRRRRRRRRR same old same old. Dan sorry m8 yr talking bollox.

Please explain why you think Dan is talking bollox. I think Dan has hit the nail on the head, in 10 years time I will be approaching 60 and quite a few people I know on the scene will be approaching 70. It is crucial that we reach out to a younger audience, by fair means or foul if the scene is to survive.

QoFxx

[Ged Parker]

young people are getting into the music but not the scene. They attend events like Brighton Beach and fatpoppadaddy's in their thousands every week and are exposed to northern to some degree. They do not care about format, originality, price, etc they just judge the music as music. There are fans of rockabilly attending R&B nights and mixing with 'Mods' and there was more than one quiff on the dancefloor at the Hideaway's anniversarry on Saturday night. Some of the so called rituals of the scene that many, including me, hold dear mean nothing to the newcommers to the music.

Edited February 26, 2007 by ged parker

[Guest in town Mikey]

As long as I have a few mates and the music is at least OK, then I couldnt give a monkeys who else is there.

I would prefer to see a few more single ladies with loose morals though. Promoters take heed!

[Guest Dan]

Please explain why you think Dan is talking bollox. I think Dan has hit the nail on the head, in 10 years time I will be approaching 60 and quite a few people I know on the scene will be approaching 70. It is crucial that we reach out to a younger audience, by fair means or foul if the scene is to survive.

QoFxx

cheers chrissie

ought to say i'm not rejoicing in the fact - i very rarely go out but when i do i always wish there were more young people involved. this has been the case ever since i got into northern. i've lost count of the people i've tried to convert with tapes, cds and taking them to venues. even used to run loads of local venues to get the sharons and traceys into it (and to get me into the sharons and traceys). i think it's been too exclusive and too snobbily underground for too long (the undergroundness is good, up to a point, but some people take it too far IMO) and now those chickens are comign home to roost.

[Guest Simon]

young people are getting into the music but not the scene. They attend events like Brighton Beach and fatpoppadaddy's in their thousands every week and are exposed to northern to some degree. They do not care about format, originality, price, etc they just judge the music as music. There are fans of rockabilly attending R&B nights and mixing with 'Mods' and there was more than one quiff on the dancefloor at the Hideaway's anniversarry on Saturday night. Some of the so called riuals of the scene that many, including me, hold dear mean nothing to the newcommers to the music.

I agree with every single word of that Ged, especially about the format although some of the younger element are quite impressed when they see you spinning vinyl.

Their music has no barriers & nor does their clothing, i've seen people in smart suits & trainers, some half mod/half casual, some half haircuts with a sprinkling of Hip Hop it really is so eclectic.

Simon

[chrissie]

cheers chrissie

ought to say i'm not rejoicing in the fact - i very rarely go out but when i do i always wish there were more young people involved. this has been the case ever since i got into northern. i've lost count of the people i've tried to convert with tapes, cds and taking them to venues. even used to run loads of local venues to get the sharons and traceys into it (and to get me into the sharons and traceys). i think it's been too exclusive and too snobbily underground for too long (the undergroundness is good, up to a point, but some people take it too far IMO) and now those chickens are comign home to roost.

Spot on

QoFxx

[Guest Bearsy]

I thought that everyone was new to the scene at some stage and if so it takes a bit of time to learn the ettiquette and the RULES set by the soul police. just out of curiosity who owns northern soul ?

Why dont promoters stop taking anyones money on the door and letting them into the scene if they dont know nothing about it, is it greed driven or open to anyone with a slight intrest, is it a closed shop scene if so it wont last forever and the value of records will plummet as there will be on one to buy them, im willing to take a gamble and purchase them all of off anyone at 2017 year prices

I am willing to put up with a very tiny minority of non suitable folk at venues ( cant remember any to be honest ) if it means i can still go out and enjoy myself and get out of the scene what im after, ie- music, venues, friends, atmosphere etc.

Of course it only my opinion on the subject not a fact or anything.

Bearsy

[Guest Dan]

young people are getting into the music but not the scene... Some of the so called rituals of the scene that many, including me, hold dear mean nothing to the newcommers to the music.

always been the case this ged, you're right. remember the mid 80s? jackie wilson getting to number one, sam cooke and others re charting, the radio was full of old soul for a while.

remember the mod revival and scootering? if so you'll also remember how the 'proper' soulies looked down on the scooterists who couldn't dance properly etc. some of this was fair enough - people wrecking in docs and spilling beer everywhere - but some of it was plain old snobbery.

now it's too late for the northern scene proper - there's no-one knocking at the door any more. yes, people love the music, because it's great, they just can't be doing with going to crappy village halls to hear crackly old records played too loud on distorted sound systems while feeling they've somehow wandered into their uncle george's retirement party.

[Simsy]

gah! sorry, you're right, what was i thinking? in fact, the demographics on the northern scene point the other way entirely. it's full of superkeen 16 year olds, most nighters are the size of wigan circa 1978 and each week john anderson takes delivery of a shipping container full of 60s newies*

As discussed in other threads over the weekend new blood is vital for the scene's continuance. Maybe different these days to when some of the older guard got into it. Someone spoke of just sitting there listening and watching in the early days, 20 or so years ago. Reports from Friday said that locals weren't quite so reserved. Is that a crime? No. Different generation. Will youngsters who happen upon a northern night sit there and listen to tunes all night, come back and do the same the next month? Will they pay £300 for a 7" orig? When these collectors who are in the twilight of there years, shuffle off this mortal coil, will there be a glut of rare records? Will there be punters willing to pay big bucks anymore?

I don't know the answers to the above, not sure anyone does. Times change. Passion is the key that keeps the flame burning imo. I've still got it, but as for a new wave with the same sentiment? As Chubby would say, you just don't know.

[Guest]

I want to shout it from the rooftops. The amount of people I bore with my incessant celebration of this genre is numerous. I think it's great when new people stumble in to a venue and end up loving it... sadly, there are some that don't take kindly to 'obvious' newbies. What a shame - it scares them away.

I had an email from one girl who wasn't going to attend my venue for fear of there being too many university students! How blinkered and selfish

[Guest Bearsy]

I want to shout it from the rooftops. The amount of people I bore with my incessant celebration of this genre is numerous. I think it's great when new people stumble in to a venue and end up loving it... sadly, there are some that don't take kindly to 'obvious' newbies. What a shame - it scares them away.

I had an email from one girl who wasn't going to attend my venue for fear of there being too many university students! How blinkered and selfish

Nothing wrong with them young student girls if you ask me whens your next one

[Ged Parker]

always been the case this ged, you're right. remember the mid 80s? jackie wilson getting to number one, sam cooke and others re charting, the radio was full of old soul for a while.

remember the mod revival and scootering? if so you'll also remember how the 'proper' soulies looked down on the scooterists who couldn't dance properly etc. some of this was fair enough - people wrecking in docs and spilling beer everywhere - but some of it was plain old snobbery.

I remember the mod revival all too well I had the misfortune of really getting into the scene, although I had been buying rare soul from Sandy Mountain for years, around '76 and boy did anyone new on the scene get looked down on then. I think there is even someone on here with the signature "Push divs off the balcony" a common sentiment back then. It was as if we were at fault for being born 10 years later than them. Incidently many of the hostile people then I still see around they have long since left the scene and the music behind so much for me and others not being 'proper' soul fans. I'm sure newcommers on the scene today get treated as poorly so why the hell would they bother.

[Peter99]

This is my view - you may shout me down if you wish. It's a bit all over the place too!

The Music

The northern soul "scene" has been through many changes as it is - the most significant being the introduction of newer soul sounds which heralded the "modern" soul scene. Whilst newer stuff had been played previously at the Mecca and Cleethorpes the real "split" came in the very early 80's - when emotions reached fever pitch at Wigan Casino. I remember well the huge banner being hung over the balcony - Keep the Faith Not the Funk - which wac clearly aimed at Sam, and to a lesser degree Richard. Me and an old mate from Boston tried to garner some support for Sam by way of a petition - but to no avail. I'm pretty sure that that was Sams last night. In my personal view the newer sounds gave the scene a real lift - and did in fact succeed in bringing new and younger people into the fold. As time went on enthusiasm for the new music grew - and sheer popularity ensured that the new music thrived along side the traditional 60's oldies. Then of course came Keb and Guy and the 60's "newies" stuff - and again musically, the scene moved forward. Today we have a very diverse mix of music being played - and this has to be good as it pleases a wider audience. My only comment would be that we need to keep our music "soulful" - it has been what sets our "scene" apart from other music scenes.

The Crowd

Lets not kid ourselves - the scene has always been a little "elitist". I remember when I first started going -which was years ago, we used to call people "plastic soulies" and "divs"! I probably got called it myself. Things got a little better in the early 80's - even the dress code became a little more informal - out went the bags and the polyveldts and white socks etc. People started to wear "normal" stuff - and I think this eroded some of the elitism a bit further. We've never been that good at getting younger people involved though have we? Dan is perfectly correct in saying that without new blood the scene will definitely have a shelf life.

I just rambling on ............................

In a nutshell I think we need to be encouraging anyone who has an interest in our music - whether they be people who come and go to a few do's or not. The music is wonderful - why shouldn;t we share it. As long as we keep the soul in our soul.

Now I think I've just talked a load of bo**ocks!

[Bazza]

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

I think the scene has got to change,to stay alive it ,has to bring in new blood ,that is obvious,I personaly have no problem with "youngsters" ,if they are enjoying it and not just taking the piss,getting them in is the hard part,for instance,my niece was at a loose end one saturday,so me and the wife sugested she come with us to a do',smile on her face she said "ohh dont realy fancy an old peoples disco",she did come and she was truly amazed at it all, the music the dancing the friendly attitude of em,she loved it.

I think to keep it alive ,you have got to play a good cross section of all sorts, Northern fast and mid tempo R&B modern the lot

when I think about it ,im 52 so to me the scene already has a lot of Kids ,in their 30s and 40s

the snobbery as got to go,that will kill it completley

another 10 years,dunno,I will be 62,will i still be attending (if im still alive) its a good question and I cant answer it,in fact should I still attend,will I my self add to its demize cos Im just too bloody old, it would be asking alot to have 20 somethings to 60 somethings in the same room enjoying the same tunes.

Bazza

Edited February 26, 2007 by bazza

[chrissie]

This is my view - you may shout me down if you wish. It's a bit all over the place too!

The Music

The northern soul "scene" has been through many changes as it is - the most significant being the introduction of newer soul sounds which heralded the "modern" soul scene. Whilst newer stuff had been played previously at the Mecca and Cleethorpes the real "split" came in the very early 80's - when emotions reached fever pitch at Wigan Casino. I remember well the huge banner being hung over the balcony - Keep the Faith Not the Funk - which wac clearly aimed at Sam, and to a lesser degree Richard. Me and an old mate from Boston tried to garner some support for Sam by way of a petition - but to no avail. I'm pretty sure that that was Sams last night. In my personal view the newer sounds gave the scene a real lift - and did in fact succeed in bringing new and younger people into the fold. As time went on enthusiasm for the new music grew - and sheer popularity ensured that the new music thrived along side the traditional 60's oldies. Then of course came Keb and Guy and the 60's "newies" stuff - and again musically, the scene moved forward. Today we have a very diverse mix of music being played - and this has to be good as it pleases a wider audience. My only comment would be that we need to keep our music "soulful" - it has been what sets our "scene" apart from other music scenes.

The Crowd

Lets not kid ourselves - the scene has always been a little "elitist". I remember when I first started going -which was years ago, we used to call people "plastic soulies" and "divs"! I probably got called it myself. Things got a little better in the early 80's - even the dress code became a little more informal - out went the bags and the polyveldts and white socks etc. People started to wear "normal" stuff - and I think this eroded some of the elitism a bit further. We've never been that good at getting younger people involved though have we? Dan is perfectly correct in saying that without new blood the scene will definitely have a shelf life.

I just rambling on ............................

In a nutshell I think we need to be encouraging anyone who has an interest in our music - whether they be people who come and go to a few do's or not. The music is wonderful - why shouldn;t we share it. As long as we keep the soul in our soul.

Now I think I've just talked a load of bo**ocks!

You are not talking b**ocks you are just being realistic and seeing things as they really are. How many of the older elitists still really truley believe that they will still be going to all nighters every weekend when they are the wrong side of 65/pushing 70 and if they do believe this it's time they woke up and smelt the coffee.

OAP concessions on the door wil be the norm if new blood isn't brought into the scene and if it means running two rooms to cater for the younger tastes and putting up with them learining the "rules of etiquette" then so be it........Just lets do whatever we can to keep the scene alive

We will all be moaning in ten years time that there is nowhere to go and numbers are well down because younger people have been put off the scene because of its elitist attitudes, by then it will be too late to do anything about it.

QoFxx

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

well you need a perspective from someone who is young to the scene (only 26) and while there maybe people out there who want to attend the Northern soul nights and enjoy the music so they attend and dance or whatever it is the music that will suffer or maybe DJ/Collector.

As many of young people like the songs but don't care for format so will listen to a song and go home and download it onto there MP3/Ipod and don't care for original vinyl records and when DJ's get older and no longer want to DJ what would our young soulies do let's play out some tunes from an IPod well rest assure that ain't me

Had this talk at work with someone about why play vinyl records when you can have an Ipod full of Northern soul and even why it is played out i said it's original makes it sound like your back in time and in the end i came to conclusin they don't get it so while i am still around i am still going to be collecting vinyl records and not even gonna buy an Ipod

[Corbett80]

I'm 26 and been into the scene for at least five years now, and I love the exclusivity of it, the record collecting, the hardcore allnighters, the talc, tailored trousers, the whole caboodle. I think there will be enough young people who get into it and understand the whole thing, and most importantly have the passion for these records (which to my mind are essentially unrecognised peices of high art). There may not be a glut of them but if there are only say 10 a year thats a small contribution to the longevity of the scene. Obviously nights like Soul Revolution are very important to bring the hardcore fanatics and the interested together, purely for the hope of ensnaring (!) at least the odd person, and of course having a good time to these records. But at the same time we have to continue having working men's clubs and basements nationwide holding bonkers soul fuelled nut sessions full of brilliant soul records.

The records will always shine through to people of the same asthetic tastes as ours, and these records are SO good there will always be no way back for some people. A smaller tighter scene in the future perhaps but still as passionate??

[Diggin' Dave]

Gotta agree with mulf here. I don't think the scene in the future will be as big as it is now, and might look very different.

But the music's too good to be ignored, I've converted a few people myself, just by letting them hear a few personal favs. And everybody probably still knows how it is when you hear the first rare soul record, and how quickly it starts taking over your life.

So the next generation will still treasure this music we all love, but everything surrounding it like patches, scooters, talcum powder, cover-ups , all-nighters etc. could be replaced by other things.

But in the end...it's all about the music and I think that's one thing that won't be replaced!

P.S.: Sorry if i'm stating things that have been stated before, but as a 22 year old I felt like i'm part of the generation that will "decide" what the scene will look like in the future, and I hope it's good news for the older generation that the music will get the respect it deserves.

[Winnie :-)]

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

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

Has to be the future, for a long time we've been able to sit on our laurels, now its time to decide what's the most important the long term, as in the scene still being around in 20/30 years, or the short term view, enjoy what we've got. I'm old school in some ways and don't deny I like to see people dancing traditionally to northern, but am also aware its increasingly difficult for people of my age to continue to do so, and not look comical to youngsters. Those who've been on the scene a long time, want to protect it, and I can understand that, but like everything it's evolving, and if it doesn't continue it will die. The format of the music, the clothes worn, style of dancing, none of it really matters, if you really want to the scene to remain, you/me/everyone has to embrace, understand and accept that the younger persons viewpoint is what's required and far more important than a 30 year veterans. It's meant to be an energetic dance scene, not a tea dance. The whole scene will probably develop even more so, IMO, into a two tier thing over the next 5/10 years, it just depends where you stand if you want anything beyond that.

Have to say my view has changed over the last few years, probably brought about by going to venues and seeing more and more people just standing about chatting as opposed to dancing. With younger blood on the scene at least the music will be celebrated in the way I personally like to see it..... dancing, whatever the style

Winnie:-)

[Guest Scarborosoul]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

[Peter99]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

Yes - thats a well reasoned response. Bo""ocks to everyone because you don;t like what they say. If you can;t see how the "scene" has changed over the last 30 odd years you probably need to start taking some different medication.

[Baz Atkinson]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

THINK I AGREE WITH LOTS OF THAT,NEVER CONCERNED ABOUT BRINGING YOUNG BLOOD ONTO THE SCENE ETC,THE OLD ADDAGE OF THOSE WHO SEEK SHALL FIND DEFINETLY APPLIES.AS TO THE CHANGES [WHO REALLY GIVES A SHIT IF WE DONT DANCE AS MUCH,WAHT HAPPENED TO HILARIUOS COMPANY,FANTASTIC FRIENDSHIPS,STRONG DEEP TIES THAT GO BACK TO THE SEVENTIES AND THE SENSE OF BELONGING ALSO.

ALSO THE TREND ACROSS EUROPE SEEMS TO BE A YOUNGER SWITCHED ON CROWD,SOUL MUSIC IS GLOBAL ,NOT JUST THIS LITTLE ISLAND WITH ALL THE BAGGAGE /POLITICS/ELITISM AND PRIMA DONNAS.I THINK THE FUN QUICKLY GOES WHEN SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN ON THE SCENE FIVE MINUTES BUYS A BIG RECORD AND GOES OFF ON A BRAGGING SPREE,THEN YOU GOT MUGGINS LIKE ME[AND MANY OTHERS] COLLECTING RARE SOUL SINCE 1978 BUYING SWEET AND DEEP SOUL AT 3 QUID A SHOT THINKING HAVE I MISSED SOMETHING HERE.

AS FOR WIGAN ETC AND THE MUSIC CHANGING WELL THAT WAS NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO,LETS WORK ON THE PREMISE THAT ALL THEM 5 QUID THUMPERS OUT THERE ARE GONNA BE GIVEN THE CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE AND WE CAN ALL HAVE A HELL OF A TIME WITH OUR ZIMMERS DANCING TO THEM

BAZ A.

[Pete S]

Yes - thats a well reasoned response. Bo""ocks to everyone because you don;t like what they say. If you can;t see how the "scene" has changed over the last 30 odd years you probably need to start taking some different medication.

You can't say he isn't enthusiastic though, at least that was a passionate reply.

[Winnie :-)]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

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

Isn't your whole post a negative? Personally can't see anything wrong with getting younger people into the music, unless you're of the opinion it should be 'our generations musical legacy'. Yeah there are some great nighters/soul nights out there, but if they're not attended they will close down, that's just common sense. I don't think the debate is about the scene dying by the way, I think it's about looking for a way for it to progress. Also can't really see new members coming onto SS seeing some posts about the state of the scene and thinking oooh that's not for me. However, I could envisage some youngsters new to SS reading some posts and thinking, they're so stuck in their ways.

Winnie:-)

[Guest Dan]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

take the PINK ones

[Guest Rowly]

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

Isn't your whole post a negative? Personally can't see anything wrong with getting younger people into the music, unless you're of the opinion it should be 'our generations musical legacy'. Yeah there are some great nighters/soul nights out there, but if they're not attended they will close down, that's just common sense. I don't think the debate is about the scene dying by the way, I think it's about looking for a way for it to progress. Also can't really see new members coming onto SS seeing some posts about the state of the scene and thinking oooh that's not for me. However, I could envisage some youngsters new to SS reading some posts and thinking, they're so stuck in their ways.

Winnie:-)

Well said Winnie!

[Peter99]

You can't say he isn't enthusiastic though, at least that was a passionate reply.

You're right Pete - very passionate and enthusiastic - perhaps a little blinded by all that enthusiasm? We're all entitled to our views.

[pow wow mik]

My opinion, as an outsider to the Northern scene, is that the future is a Soul scene, not a 'northern soul' scene. People's perception of Northern Soul is that it belongs to the 70s, and has been carried on by those who got into it then, that it is a closed club. Same with the mod scene.

If you advertise a soul night as a a vintage soul night, new people will come, cos the 'scene' factor wont scare them away. Everyone understands what soul is, funk, or r&b, or cool 60s music is, they're self explanatory, it's the 'northern' or 'mod' bit that puts people off.

and that's what happened at Soul Revolution. No private club, just a big party playing great soul music.

I bet there wasn't a hipper, fuller and better atmosphere club in town that night, people from 18 to 60 all felt and looked perfectly at ease and the music was as good quality and rare as you'd get anywhere.

And most importantly, the variety of rooms / styles meant that there were no rules, made up by some scene that started f*** knows when. This meant that styles could be played that young or less knowledgable people could relate to - funk, funky soul, disco, etc. by younger people who dont care about the 'rules' or 'classics'.

There is this image that Northern Soul stands alone as a style from that era and that's just wrong. It's all soul. Ian Wright played several tracks in the 'funk' room that Butch played in the 'Soul' room.

It all made sense, accross three rooms, the dots were connected.

Hopefully the future will be a scene for music lovers, not people who like one style because they grew up with it.

Edited February 26, 2007 by mik parry

[Peter99]

take the PINK ones

Aah - the pink ones.

[Guest]

As I said "same old same old " same arguement that has been going on since inception of the "scene" need new faces needs change YADA YADA YADA its all BOLLOX! how many times have i ridiculed the self proclaimed soothsayers on this site? Stop being arseholes and just get on with what we are supposed to love! Get yr heads out of your arses and enjoy what we have! The scene was supposed to have died in the 80s what BOLLOX, it was supposed to have died in the 90s what BOLLOX, and after going to some of the best all-nighters i have ever been too in the last 3 years ie Middleton, Winsford, Wilton, Steam and the NCS do's the "scene" is alive and well. So i and many like me would like to see certain people get the f*** off their high horses and do us all a favour SHUT THE f*** UP!!!! Any new member coming on this site and looking at the posts are going to think what a set of tossers all they go on about is how the scene is dying etc etc etc (YAWN). Im sure at 47 ive got more than 10yrs on the scene left in me. That is because i love the music and i love the scene which ive been on for 34 years now! If you love the scene as much as you say you do, STOP the negatives and concentrate on the positives!!!!!!

With your outlook you'll stress yourself to an early grave No one has their head up their bum or are on high horses. Except you perhaps?

[chrissie]

take the PINK ones

Do you think the pink ones will be enough maybe those pretty blue ones as well

QoFxx

[Peter99]

Do you think the pink ones will be enough maybe those pretty blue ones as well :shades:

QoFxx

Mmm - I think the pretty little blue ones. Yeah - give me the pretty little blue ones! Little precious's.

[chrissie]

Mmm - I think the pretty little blue ones. Yeah - give me the pretty little blue ones! Little precious's.

On reflection, I do not think pills will be the answer to Scarborosoul's anger management and an*l retention issues, he may be better off lying down in a darkened room and finding some obliging female to give him a quick rub down with a wet copy of "the sporting life"

I'm orffffffffffffffffff to find cover from the ensuing flack

QoFxx

[Guest Dr Pickles]

I'm 26 and been into the scene for at least five years now, and I love the exclusivity of it, the record collecting, the hardcore allnighters, the talc, tailored trousers, the whole caboodle. I think there will be enough young people who get into it and understand the whole thing, and most importantly have the passion for these records (which to my mind are essentially unrecognised peices of high art). There may not be a glut of them but if there are only say 10 a year thats a small contribution to the longevity of the scene. Obviously nights like Soul Revolution are very important to bring the hardcore fanatics and the interested together, purely for the hope of ensnaring (!) at least the odd person, and of course having a good time to these records. But at the same time we have to continue having working men's clubs and basements nationwide holding bonkers soul fuelled nut sessions full of brilliant soul records.

The records will always shine through to people of the same asthetic tastes as ours, and these records are SO good there will always be no way back for some people. A smaller tighter scene in the future perhaps but still as passionate??

Top post. Could not have put it better.

Doc

[Peter99]

On reflection, I do not think pills will be the answer to Scarborosoul's anger management and an*l retention issues, he may be better off lying down in a darkened room and finding some obliging female to give him a quick rub down with a wet copy of "the sporting life"

I'm orffffffffffffffffff to find cover from the ensuing flack

You're probably right - is that smoke coming from yer trainers!

[Winnie :-)]

My opinion, as an outsider to the Northern scene, is that the future is a Soul scene, not a 'northern soul' scene. People's perception of Northern Soul is that it belongs to the 70s, and has been carried on by those who got into it then, that it is a closed club. Same with the mod scene.

If you advertise a soul night as a a vintage soul night, new people will come, cos the 'scene' factor wont scare them away. Everyone understands what soul is, funk, or r&b, or cool 60s music is, they're self explanatory, it's the 'northern' or 'mod' bit that puts people off.

and that's what happened at Soul Revolution. No private club, just a big party playing great soul music.

I bet there wasn't a hipper, fuller and better atmosphere club in town that night, people from 18 to 60 all felt and looked perfectly at ease and the music was as good quality and rare as you'd get anywhere.

And most importantly, the variety of rooms / styles meant that there were no rules, made up by some scene that started f*** knows when. This meant that styles could be played that young or less knowledgable people could relate to - funk, funky soul, disco, etc. by younger people who dont care about the 'rules' or 'classics'.

There is this image that Northern Soul stands alone as a style from that era and that's just wrong. It's all soul. Ian Wright played several tracks in the 'funk' room that Butch played in the 'Soul' room.

It all made sense, accross three rooms, the dots were connected.

Hopefully the future will be a scene for music lovers, not people who like one style because they grew up with it.

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

[Rednose]

My opinion, as an outsider to the Northern scene, is that the future is a Soul scene, not a 'northern soul' scene. People's perception of Northern Soul is that it belongs to the 70s, and has been carried on by those who got into it then, that it is a closed club. Same with the mod scene.

If you advertise a soul night as a a vintage soul night, new people will come, cos the 'scene' factor wont scare them away. Everyone understands what soul is, funk, or r&b, or cool 60s music is, they're self explanatory, it's the 'northern' or 'mod' bit that puts people off.

and that's what happened at Soul Revolution. No private club, just a big party playing great soul music.

I bet there wasn't a hipper, fuller and better atmosphere club in town that night, people from 18 to 60 all felt and looked perfectly at ease and the music was as good quality and rare as you'd get anywhere.

And most importantly, the variety of rooms / styles meant that there were no rules, made up by some scene that started f*** knows when. This meant that styles could be played that young or less knowledgable people could relate to - funk, funky soul, disco, etc. by younger people who dont care about the 'rules' or 'classics'.

There is this image that Northern Soul stands alone as a style from that era and that's just wrong. It's all soul. Ian Wright played several tracks in the 'funk' room that Butch played in the 'Soul' room.

It all made sense, accross three rooms, the dots were connected.

Hopefully the future will be a scene for music lovers, not people who like one style because they grew up with it.

coudnt agree more, most clubs now are soul clubs and not northern soul clubs

[Guest kev such]

My Mrs brother and his mate came to the Cream Cracker one night last year, as they had no where else to go and wanted a cheap drink out of the rain, sorry i digress(?)

Anyway they usually go nightclubbing most weekends and get ratarsed as we all did (and some still do) at 23.

They came into the club, sat in the back corner an just watched.

As the evening progressed they started to wander over to the dancefloor and watch the dancers. They then asked me various questions about Northern and the Scene, some things i could answer some i couldnt.

when the night was over they asked if could put together a cd of the type of stuff we played and promptly turned up at my place 11 o'clock sunday morning wanting their cd(without hangovers)

They both admitted that they thought the music,dancers (which they said they were most impressed with as the dancers looked as though they were enjoying the music, and not trying to impress anyone),and the atmosphere (no pissed arseholes wanting to fight everyone).

I gave them a cd i had hurriedly put together and off they went.

I saw them about 3 weeks later and they asked for another cd for one of their college mates.

They did ask why there were no young single girls(adoloscent boy syndrome methinks).

All i am trying to say is that the music speaks for itself, always has, always will, no matter what genre.

For me personally its the oldies.

I think the hardest part is getting em through the door once they are through i honestly believe they will continue on from us.

I have seen that the Soul crowds in Europe, Japan and Isreal are compared to the UK scene generally younger.

Regards

Kev.

[Guest Baz]

My opinion, as an outsider to the Northern scene, is that the future is a Soul scene, not a 'northern soul' scene. People's perception of Northern Soul is that it belongs to the 70s, and has been carried on by those who got into it then, that it is a closed club. Same with the mod scene.

If you advertise a soul night as a a vintage soul night, new people will come, cos the 'scene' factor wont scare them away. Everyone understands what soul is, funk, or r&b, or cool 60s music is, they're self explanatory, it's the 'northern' or 'mod' bit that puts people off.

and that's what happened at Soul Revolution. No private club, just a big party playing great soul music.

I bet there wasn't a hipper, fuller and better atmosphere club in town that night, people from 18 to 60 all felt and looked perfectly at ease and the music was as good quality and rare as you'd get anywhere.

And most importantly, the variety of rooms / styles meant that there were no rules, made up by some scene that started f*** knows when. This meant that styles could be played that young or less knowledgable people could relate to - funk, funky soul, disco, etc. by younger people who dont care about the 'rules' or 'classics'.

There is this image that Northern Soul stands alone as a style from that era and that's just wrong. It's all soul. Ian Wright played several tracks in the 'funk' room that Butch played in the 'Soul' room.

It all made sense, accross three rooms, the dots were connected.

Hopefully the future will be a scene for music lovers, not people who like one style because they grew up with it.

Spot on Mik

Not really much to add myself after that, and after saturday if it continues to throw up nights like that its a god dam welcome to the soul scene, so many places are tired and lifeless now adays. London is becoming quite a hot spot, and you watch up-beat vintage soul could well be took on as londons hottest club scene befor long, i've never herd comments coming from any one like they did on saturday like 'wow this is absolutely amazing' ect ect on any scene and beleive me i've been on a few in my teen years, if the music is put out right in the right places, the scene will live forever.

[Maark]

You are not talking b**ocks you are just being realistic and seeing things as they really are. How many of the older elitists still really truley believe that they will still be going to all nighters every weekend when they are the wrong side of 65/pushing 70 and if they do believe this it's time they woke up and smelt the coffee.

OAP concessions on the door wil be the norm if new blood isn't brought into the scene and if it means running two rooms to cater for the younger tastes and putting up with them learining the "rules of etiquette" then so be it........Just lets do whatever we can to keep the scene alive

We will all be moaning in ten years time that there is nowhere to go and numbers are well down because younger people have been put off the scene because of its elitist attitudes, by then it will be too late to do anything about it.

QoFxx

That's the answer! Get rid of the modern rooms and replace it with a Soul creche for the under 25's!

[Guest]

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

I personally think that the "Scene" has more to offer now than when i first got into it in the early 70s....certainly more styles seem to be accepted, which gives the whole thing more diversity and keeps it fresh...sure everyone has their opinions of what is acceptable and debates will continue...but thats part of the intigue of it all and that can also sometimes attract new intrest.....

On that subject ....during a recent "downer" i had about the scene i had a phone call out of the blue from a young local lad (in his twenties) He told me that he was putting on,little impromptu get togethers at a local coffee bar mainly for his mates etc. playing Northern Soul etc. and invited me along....there he was with his decks and cd machine enthusiastically belting out some cracking tunes from all eras.....i walked away with my faith in the scene restored , was great to see young people enjoying the music......our job as elders (for want of a better word )is to make the scene easily accessable for them and give encouragement when needed...and not indocturnate them with politics etc.......luckily my eldest Son (18) has developed a real intrest in the music ,mainly rare Motown and is playing me tracks that i have never heard...so gos to show there is a genuine intrest from younger people out there but as with all things they will do it their way, but at least they are "doing it"

Edited February 26, 2007 by jemco

[Guest]

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

I

Edited February 26, 2007 by jemco

[chrissie]

That's the answer! Get rid of the modern rooms and replace it with a Soul creche for the under 25's!

I thought that what the modern rooms were anyway

I welcome the diversity of more than one room if it keeps the scene moving even if I don't struggle through on my zimmer frame to listen to that disco stuff the youngster seem to like

Only joking before anyone has a pop,

QoFxx

[Guest Dan]

oops

Edited February 26, 2007 by Dan

[Guest Gavin Page]

As long as I have a few mates and the music is at least OK, then I couldnt give a monkeys who else is there.

I would prefer to see a few more single ladies with loose morals though. Promoters take heed!

How about a Norhern Soul Lap Bar

Sorry Off Topic

[chrissie]

How about a Norhern Soul Lap Bar

Sorry Off Topic

I'm not having any of you lot sitting on my lap, my legs aren't that strong

QoFxx