An All Time Low?

[Pete S]

As Dale Carnegie famously wrote, "Don't worry about things you can't influence or change"

None of us would be interested in 2, 3 and 4. As for the cafe, why does it make your stomach twist?

If people want to go, they will go. I went to the Motown Cafe in New York. It was fantastic. The Hard Rock Cafe doesn't worry or bother me one bit, why should a Casino Cafe worry you.

I am getting so P....ed off with attitudes on here. People trying to show how cool they are by decrying anything that is not related to "upfront" new 60ts. Everything else is sneered at.

Do you all want people to forget, in my case 37 years on the scene, to live a life of inferior newies, give or take 5 - 10 excellent records a year?

I love 60ts newies, I am always trying to hear new sounds, but please don't slag off my obsession, my passion, a big part of my life, because it doesn't fit with your viewpoint of the scene.

If the scene as it is, with all its good and bad points, fails to be mysterious or exciting enough, why stay on it, because I'll give you one stone fact. You won't change it.

Be big enough to ignore things you don't like, don't waste time dwelling on them. Concentrate on what flicks your switches. I don't need someone to tell me whether going to the Casino Cafe is cool or not.

I will probably never go to it, but as once said, I will fight to the end to defend other people's right to.

ATB

Brian B

Well said that man

[Pete S]

....nice that some people want to be a parody of their former self! Guess there's a LOT of commercial enterprise to protect and milk.....MOOOOOOOOVE on!

Can you just remind us about the stage play you were involved in, forget what it was called now...

[Guest]

Why get so upset about these things. I personally wouldn't attend/visit these things, just as i have never attended events run by promoters i do not respect. However i won't be losing sleep over their existence.

Derek

[Guest Neil-ok]

All started going down hill when they made a fukcin` play about Wigan casino.

Well said that man

Well said indeed.

[Guest]

Can you just remind us about the stage play you were involved in, forget what it was called now...

Ah yes , selective memory at work here i think Paul. Don't get cheesier than a stage play.

Derek

[Guest ShaneH]

I don't expect everyone to agree with me to be honest.

If everyone thought like me my local pub wouldn't be turned into a family pub that sells microwaved meals two for the price of one, I wouldn't have to talk to someone in Bangalore about my overdraft, my city centre wouldn't have the heart ripped out of it in favour of an out of town 'mall', my cinema wouldn't show Shrek 3 on 12 screens at the expense of good British productions, Simon Cowell would replace Tony Wilson in the coffin...I could go on all day.

Keep your McFunsters folks. I know what feels right to me.

Shane

[Guest ShaneH]

Ah yes , selective memory at work here i think Paul. Don't get cheesier than a stage play.

Derek

nothing cheesy about a play.

how can you knock a well thought out, well acted production on here and let people turn allnighters into something akin to an evenings events on a cruise liner?

caberet acts, salad bars & signed photos of russ winstanley?

come on get real for fcuks sake

shane

[Guest]

nothing cheesy about a play.

how can you knock a well thought out, well acted production on here and let people turn allnighters into something akin to an evenings events on a cruise liner?

caberet acts, salad bars & signed photos of russ winstanley?

come on get real for fcuks sake

shane

Or is it a case that criticism is not allowed of some people but it's open season on others?

I found it just as cringeworthy as the other events being criticised here.

Derek

[Guest]

nothing cheesy about a play.

how can you knock a well thought out, well acted production on here and let people turn allnighters into something akin to an evenings events on a cruise liner?

caberet acts, salad bars & signed photos of russ winstanley?

come on get real for fcuks sake

shane

Arse likcer,play as to be ultimate cheese i mean how many nighters include a play.

[Guest Byrney]

nothing cheesy about a play.

how can you knock a well thought out, well acted production on here and let people turn allnighters into something akin to an evenings events on a cruise liner?

caberet acts, salad bars & signed photos of russ winstanley?

come on get real for fcuks sake

shane

My thoughts exactly.

Decided a few months ago that many events on the current "scene" are not for me and bare little resemblance of what I am / was into, I'll stick with the small number of events I go too and leave it at that and do my best to ignore the pale imitations being offered.

BTW enjoyed Once Upon A Time In Wigan

[Guest]

My thoughts exactly.

Decided a few months ago that many events on the current "scene" are not for me and bare little resemblance of what I am / was into, I'll stick with the small number of events I go too and leave it at that and do my best to ignore the pale imitations being offered.

BTW enjoyed Once Upon A Time In Wigan

How about a couple of examples of the ones were better ignorin`.

[Dave Moore]

Can you just remind us about the stage play you were involved in, forget what it was called now...

One oif the best post I've EVER read on here!

Absolute classic!

Pete ...you should charge to read some of your posts Mate, crackin' stuff! Bet even Paul had a to chuckle at that one!

Regards,

Dave

www.therethatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

[Guest Byrney]

How about a couple of examples of the ones were better ignorin`.

Why? I'm not in the game of telling people what to ignore, make your own mind up what you like or don't like, that's what I've done.

[Guest]

Why? I'm not in the game of telling people what to ignore, make your own mind up what you like or don't like, that's what I've done.

But thats what most of us do,why bother tellin`us to do the same bit of a none post if you ax`me.

[Guest rasfoz]

anyway like it says at the top sounds like utter bollocks to me

Edited August 20, 2007 by rasfoz

[Godzilla]

nothing cheesy about a play.

shane

But what if they make a film based on the play!

And then make a musical based on the film of the play!!

And then make a film version of the musical version of the film of the play!!!

Stranger stuff has happened

Godz

[Pete S]

I really regret never seeing it and I only heard good things about it so I'm not slagging off the play for a minute, just the fact that Paul's not impressed by people recycling the Wigan legend and the whole nostalgia trip

[Guest Byrney]

But thats what most of us do,why bother tellin`us to do the same bit of a none post if you ax`me.

Sorry it doesn't live up to your so very high standards M'lud.

Read again, am I telling you to do the same or what to ignore? Behave, just expressing an opinion (agreeing with Shanes post) of where I am with part of the scene, Who am I to dictate what you or other people do, fill your boots for me.

[Soulfinger]

Earlier this year my Mrs got Russ' phone number from a friend of a friend and asked him to do a charity gig involving kids from Wigan, Spain and France. She doesn't know him from Adam but he said yes straight away and came up with loads of ideas for making the event work better. He did a lecture and a filmshow and DJ'd & brought a mate along to do a NS dancing lesson for the kids. He went out of his way to talk to the kids from abroad, was charm and wit personified and the adult foreign visitors thought he was the epitome of northern friendliness.

He did the gig for free.

I thought I should redress some of the slagging he gets. It seems some people are just fair game for some reason.

I also liked Once Upon a Time in Wigan and have visited the Casino Cafe.......I'll get me coat.

[Guest ShaneH]

Earlier this year my Mrs got Russ' phone number from a friend of a friend and asked him to do a charity gig involving kids from Wigan, Spain and France. She doesn't know him from Adam but he said yes straight away and came up with loads of ideas for making the event work better. He did a lecture and a filmshow and DJ'd & brought a mate along to do a NS dancing lesson for the kids. He went out of his way to talk to the kids from abroad, was charm and wit personified and the adult foreign visitors thought he was the epitome of northern friendliness.

He did the gig for free.

I thought I should redress some of the slagging he gets. It seems some people are just fair game for some reason.

I also liked Once Upon a Time in Wigan and have visited the Casino Cafe.......I'll get me coat.

what a weird day at school that was. do they teach 'wigan' in schools now? it's going from bad to worse this thread

shane

[Soulfinger]

what a weird day at school that was. do they teach 'wigan' in schools now? it's going from bad to worse this thread

shane

Nope. It's an EEC funded project to increase inter-cultural understanding. Once the foreign kids had done the Rugby League and Uncle Joes Mint Balls; the only thing of any note left was the the Casino. We taught about sixty french and spanish kids to dance proper! None of that flamenco nonsense.

[Guest Jimmy Scriv]

I ventured into Blackpool on Saturday night and went to a club called the Soul Suite. They usually play Motown and commercial soul but much to my suprise You Don't Want Me No More - Major Lance blasted out over the speakers. It seemed weird as the place was full of girls on hen nights with cowboy hats on etc. I often feel that some Northern Nights I go to are a bit like a Wedding Reception due to the venues. But its strange hearing Northern played in a fairly smart/modern club with good sound system.

[Guest Bogue]

Earlier this year my Mrs got Russ' phone number from a friend of a friend and asked him to do a charity gig involving kids from Wigan, Spain and France. She doesn't know him from Adam but he said yes straight away and came up with loads of ideas for making the event work better. He did a lecture and a filmshow and DJ'd & brought a mate along to do a NS dancing lesson for the kids. He went out of his way to talk to the kids from abroad, was charm and wit personified and the adult foreign visitors thought he was the epitome of northern friendliness.

He did the gig for free.

I thought I should redress some of the slagging he gets. It seems some people are just fair game for some reason.

I also liked Once Upon a Time in Wigan and have visited the Casino Cafe.......I'll get me coat.

Nice one for posting that Soulfinger Get's 10 times the stick of a certain other person but don't see him getting his mates to come on here crying about it .

Sounds a thoroughly decent bloke whose only crime was to help set up & keep running a great & possibly the greatest (depending on your views) allnighter !

Edited August 20, 2007 by Bogue

[Guest ShaneH]

Nice one for posting that Soulfinger Get's 10 times the stick of a certain other person but don't see him getting his mates to come on here crying about it .

Sounds a thoroughly decent bloke whose only crime was to help set up & keep running a great & possibly the greatest (depending on your views) allnighter !

let's get back on topic bogue...

would you pay for a signed picture of him?

or do you think this is a bit naff?

shane

Edited August 20, 2007 by ShaneH

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Macca,brilliant post---but we all know this Bank Holiday,s Events on the site of Wigan Casino were not Dean Parrish,s idea---it would ave been lovely to see him perform live on that site 30 yrs. ago this weekend but HEY!!!! they wouldn,t ave got £30 per ticket or wotever.People are entitled to their opinion but i think it,s a mick -take(sponsorship of the cafe helped by Wigan Council---they loved the Casino Club from 1973 to 1981!!!!

Love and stuff to all

Tony Coleby.

[Guest Bogue]

let's get back on topic bogue...

would you pay for a signed picture of him?

or do you think this is a bit naff?

shane

Guess not Shane, & that part is a bit naff, but then again i wouldn't want a signed photo of anyone, never been my thing really.

Got a few old autographs somewhere but i tired of that around the age of 9 or 10 .

Edited August 20, 2007 by Bogue

[Mark Bicknell]

If there is an all time low then you have to ask yourself why? one factor has to be too many Chiefs and not enough Indians? too many gigs, everything has reached close to bursting point, there are pockets of gigs that appeal to me around the country, the big retro nostalgia events are just not of interest to me but each to their own and all that if you want to go, basically there is very little or very few events today to really look forward to, there is something on every weekend, loads of gigs which are pretty similar, try to have a voice or say and do something about it in terms of change or progression and you get slagged off, voice an opinion which differs from other peoples point of view and you get slagged off for it, it seems to me in the main you have to conform to a certain formular these days and anything out side of that can be considered elitist well if that is the case then far better to do your own thing and enjoy it rather than simply going through the motions?, I think the very foundation, ethics and ethos of this scene has changed from it's original standpoint beyound recignition, has it not always been about moving forward and discovery? This comment has nothing really to do with music style or taste but we must be in the best possible postion to be able to select all the best bits from our forty plus years history alongside all the quality missing bits.

I would wager that many people are bored, fed up and totally at a loss with this scene as it's been milked and basically f***ed up the arse, pulled every which way and manipulated into a very shallow version of it's former self, riding the back of the so called glory days is a lazy sad reflection of greed and personally ego fueled, I salute anyone and everyone who contributes to the current scene, promoters, DJ's, collectors etc. basically the people that put in rather than suck and bleed the scene dry who simply only have their own agenda and pockets to line. Retro/Oldies/nostalgia, our history of course is important and the very foundation of the scene but please don't abuse any of it, if you don't like something or have issues with certain aspects of the scene then simply don't involve yourself in that section of it, I've never been to x,y,z events never have never will, just continue to do my own thing as and when, collect and enjoy the music which was around before the birth of the scene and will still be there when it's finished, despite what anyone says without the music there would not be a scene in the first place so preserve it, cheerish it, hold on to it but for f*** sake please don't betray it.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Pete Eccles]

Great thread, and quality posts from Bryan B and Pete Smith among others,

Always said you can't be enjoying what your doing if your overly concerned about what others are doing, and if your in a minority banging on about your 'scene' is best we all know that if the masses came and agreed with your way of thinking you would only move into another minority so stop the preaching and do whatever makes YOU happy and stuff the rest,

IT'S EASY

Pete Eccles

[SteveM]

Great thread, and quality posts from Bryan B and Pete Smith among others,

Always said you can't be enjoying what your doing if your overly concerned about what others are doing, and if your in a minority banging on about your 'scene' is best we all know that if the masses came and agreed with your way of thinking you would only move into another minority so stop the preaching and do whatever makes YOU happy and stuff the rest,

IT'S EASY

Pete Eccles

Shanes original post was not about slagging off the past though. He was criticising things happening now, which many people feel cheapen the past. I don't think it was a dig at Wigan, which is where the thread has now been taken.

The oldies/upfront argument was brought into the equation by Brian, presumably because he thought it was exactly that. I may be wrong. I was once before.

As far as I'm concerned, why get upset about a Cafe. Take it or leave it.

Mind you, I bet there will be a few people upset after seeing that the Drifters, a pop band since the eighties, on at a"Northern" weekender. Now that is taking the p*ss.

As for digs at RussW, he is treated like Levine. For much the same reasons. Their interpretation of events over the years differ greatly from the majority, and we see those views as gospel in both soul and mainstream press ad nauseum.

Colin Curtis, Pep, John Manship and of course Richard Searling don't get the vitriol heaped on them, because they're not constantly pushing an agenda for ther own glorification, rewriting the past. Searling for one is universally admired for his contribution over the years without causing ill feeling like others have.

Its not hard to work out really.

Edited August 20, 2007 by SteveM

[Dave Moore]

All time low??

Yer havin a laff folks! You must be? Unless of course your too busy concerning yourself with your "scene", rather than enjoying what it is actually supposed to be about. A few recent highlights for me:

Listening to the Funk Brothers in Manchester via Dave Fergie's transatlantic cell phone call to me in the US. (A true friend)

Dancing and singing with Billy Jackson, Colin Dilnot and Dave Fergie on a street corner in Philly.

Welcoming mates and long time collectors to an annual shindig with the emphasis on dancin' chinstrokers and seeing everyone have a great time.

Watching Sammy Cambell put the band through it's paces on stage in NJ. (One of the highlights of my 'soul' life).

Sharing beer with Glenn Hunter out of a bag that we nicknamed the "Tardis".

Meeting Johnny Warren for the first time.

DJing at Barnoldswick where the egos are left at the door.

Finding a Copy of The Capitols Karen 1549 45 on White Demo

Striking up a real friendship with Johnny Stiles and Luther Randolph of Harthon fame having already done so with Weldon McDougal III.

Reading Pete Smith's "daily escapades" on Soul source.

Listening to a master craftsman at work when Phillip Mitchell put in a stunning performance at Prestatyn.

In two weeks I host a bunch of collectors and long time friends from both sides of the Atlantic to a weekend of music, records, dancin' beer, great food, sunshine and more records. Like I said at the begining ....yer havin ' a laff people. You're missing the point! And while you're be moaning what others are doing your wasting the energy that should be expended on what YOU enjoy about soul and all it has to offer.

Some folks would rather have a half empty glass than a half full one. That's fine.....crack on....but don't expect any sympathy from the rest of us...we're too busy having a good time!

[Pete Eccles]

Shanes original post was not about slagging off the past though. He was criticising things happening now, which many people feel cheapen the past. I don't think it was a dig at Wigan, which is where the thread has now been taken.

The oldies/upfront argument was brought into the equation by Brian, presumably because he thought it was exactly that. I may be wrong. I was once before.

As far as I'm concerned, why get upset about a Cafe. Take it or leave it.

Mind you, I bet there will be a few people upset after seeing that the Drifters, a pop band since the eighties, on at a"Northern" weekender. Now that is taking the p*ss.

As for digs at RussW, he is treated like Levine. For much the same reasons. Their interpretation of events over the years differ greatly from the majority, and we see those views as gospel in both soul and mainstream press ad nauseum.

Colin Curtis, Pep, John Manship and of course Richard Searling don't get the vitriol heaped on them, because they're not constantly pushing an agenda for ther own glorification, rewriting the past. Searling for one is universally admired for his contribution over the years without causing ill feeling like others have.

Its not hard to wok out really.

I'm not saying don't slag off the past though, i'm saying don't slag off what people want to do with their time and money, wether that is associated with the past, present, or looking to the future,

If you don't want to watch a Drifters 'tribute' or don't want to attend events connected to x y or z then as i said before IT'S EASY don't go, and do whatever it is you would rather be doing,

If people find pleasure attending events/venues you would rather not visit then leave them to it, as said previously don't concern yourself with how anybody else exercises a fundamental human right to enjoy themselves how they see fit (as long as its legal )

Not directed at you Steve in any way, 'you' = if the cap fits so to speak,

Best,

Pete Eccles

[Simon T]

All time low??

Yer havin a laff folks! You must be? Unless of course your too busy concerning yourself with your "scene", rather than enjoying what it is actually supposed to be about. A few recent highlights for me:

Listening to the Funk Brothers in Manchester via Dave Fergie's transatlantic cell phone call to me in the US. (A true friend)

Dancing and singing with Billy Jackson, Colin Dilnot and Dave Fergie on a street corner in Philly.

Welcoming mates and long time collectors to an annual shindig with the emphasis on dancin' chinstrokers and seeing everyone have a great time.

Watching Sammy Cambell put the band through it's paces on stage in NJ. (One of the highlights of my 'soul' life).

Sharing beer with Glenn Hunter out of a bag that we nicknamed the "Tardis".

Meeting Johnny Warren for the first time.

DJing at Barnoldswick where the egos are left at the door.

Finding a Copy of The Capitols Karen 1549 45 on White Demo

Striking up a real friendship with Johnny Stiles and Luther Randolph of Harthon fame having already done so with Weldon McDougal III.

Reading Pete Smith's "daily escapades" on Soul source.

Listening to a master craftsman at work when Phillip Mitchell put in a stunning performance at Prestatyn.

In two weeks I host a bunch of collectors and long time friends from both sides of the Atlantic to a weekend of music, records, dancin' beer, great food, sunshine and more records. Like I said at the begining ....yer havin ' a laff people. You're missing the point! And while you're be moaning what others are doing your wasting the energy that should be expended on what YOU enjoy about soul and all it has to offer.

Some folks would rather have a half empty glass than a half full one. That's fine.....crack on....but don't expect any sympathy from the rest of us...we're too busy having a good time!

That's alright for you Dave, but you're not sat  in the pouring foo**g rain for the last 4 months!

the barameter's at an all time low over here.

[Dave Moore]

That's alright for you Dave, but you're not sat in the pouring foo**g rain for the last 4 months!

the barameter's at an all time low over here.

Fair One! I have all the sympathy in the world Mate.

In fact, I'll crack another Carona for you.

[SteveM]

I'm not saying don't slag off the past though, i'm saying don't slag off what people want to do with their time and money, wether that is associated with the past, present, or looking to the future,

If you don't want to watch a Drifters 'tribute' or don't want to attend events connected to x y or z then as i said before IT'S EASY don't go, and do whatever it is you would rather be doing,

If people find pleasure attending events/venues you would rather not visit then leave them to it, as said previously don't concern yourself with how anybody else exercises a fundamental human right to enjoy themselves how they see fit (as long as its legal )

Not directed at you Steve in any way, 'you' = if the cap fits so to speak,

Best,

Pete Eccles

I replied to your reply as it was the last one Pete. Not a pop at you.

Of course its up to people to choose how to spend their money, but its also about opinions. Whether anyone agrees with Shane or not, the thread has been hijacked into an "Oldies fans" v "Upfront" discussion yet again, one of many that can't reach a sensible confusion (and I've been involved in a few). Thats as much personal choice as whether or not you want to go to the Casino Cafe or not. The point of the thread is "whats all this got to do with todays Scene" (my parenthisis) and the answer is very clearly nothing. Its not a dig at the past. Its an opinion about now.

Regards

Steve

[sister dawn]

Why is there so many uncool things happening at the moment?

1. Casino Cafe - What an horrible idea. It makes my stomach twist.

2. The Drifters - We are now having a major weekender booking cabaret acts. If I am right, there isn't one original member alive?

3. Signed photos of John Vincent & Russ Winstanley - Here is offending item in full...'Tickets for ths one are £10 or the VIP ticket which includes Champagne, pizzas, pastas and salad bar in the VIP lounge, then we are having autographed photos with Dean , Russ and John, these tickets are £30'

4. The Ian Levine CD - Everything about this is so wrong. The songs, the production, the markerting and above all it is being pushed by someone who isn't part of the current scene.

I always thought this scene was underground, cool, mysterious, exciting and better than anything else. I think the above examples prove otherwise.

Sad times ahead methinks

Shane

ESP...... my thoughts exactly well said Shane

A Cafe!!!!!!!

The Drifters!!!!!!!

Oh I shall be pleased when he goes back !!!!!!!!!!

The CD!!!!!!!!!!!

[Saxafone]

If there is an all time low then you have to ask yourself why? one factor has to be too many Chiefs and not enough Indians? too many gigs, everything has reached close to bursting point, hold on to it but for f*** sake please don't betray it.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Mark, I suspect you live North of that Mason Dixon line where there are more soul nights to choose from than you can waggle a stick at. I think I can honestly say that down here in the sunny Sarf there is still an unbridled enthusiasm and appetite for our music that is maybe borne of it's relative rarity and scarcity of regular venues. (or maybe there's just more sunshine lol!)

We all worship at the altar of the perennial 100 Club every now and then, but hey that's been our only constant. The 100 also brings together exiles from many diverse soul backgrounds which serves as a brilliant melting pot for the London / Southern scene. I also suspect that the very longevity of the 100 and it's establishment as the South's Taj Mahal of Soul has forged a different expectation to that which may prevail up North where the centres of influence change over the years as venues rise and fade.

Since moving to London many, many moons ago, I have been struck by the dedication and committment of the troops down here, to create something that I recognise as having evolved from the traditional "Northern" night but at the same time being more willing to explore different strokes - and I don't mean modern, far from it.

A gang of us are just about to set off on our first venture to organise a soul night here in deepest Essex, ego stroking most defo not, we'll all probably lose a few (many) quids - but we're determined to have a great time spreading the gospel - we're in it for the music and sod all else.

The interest and support we have received has been fantastic and attending other "nearby" nights like Kent SC & Bisley is a throw back to the days of old where friendship and enjoyment of the music was all that mattered.

So get yourself under that UV lamp till the sun reappears, things are not that dark or f***ed up. Well not here anyway !

Taff the uncynical

p.s. 3 hours of sunshine predicted for the north on bank holiday weekend - get the speedos ready !

Edited August 21, 2007 by Saxafone

[Pete Eccles]

ESP...... my thoughts exactly well said Shane

A Cafe!!!!!!!

The Drifters!!!!!!!

Oh I shall be pleased when he goes back !!!!!!!!!!

The CD!!!!!!!!!!!

1 Plenty have and will pay a visit

2 Lots will pay to watch and enjoy

3 Same as 2

4 Some will buy, up to them, if they don't then so be it,

I don't really care for any of the above issues as i won't be attending/buying into any of them, not for me, but hey if anybody reading this is planning to or has enjoyed any of the above then good on you and all the best!

[Dave]

I replied to your reply as it was the last one Pete. Not a pop at you.

Of course its up to people to choose how to spend their money, but its also about opinions. Whether anyone agrees with Shane or not, the thread has been hijacked into an "Oldies fans" v "Upfront" discussion yet again, one of many that can't reach a sensible confusion (and I've been involved in a few). Thats as much personal choice as whether or not you want to go to the Casino Cafe or not. The point of the thread is "whats all this got to do with todays Scene" (my parenthisis) and the answer is very clearly nothing. Its not a dig at the past. Its an opinion about now.

Regards

Steve

Summed up in one sentence.

[Saxafone]

p.s. 3 hours of sunshine predicted for the north on bank holiday weekend - get the speedos ready !

Just to establish there's no North / South prejudice going on here, I'll be in tropical Morecambe over the weekend. Seaside Soul Club, get the hypothermia gear out !!!!

Taff

[sister dawn]

1 Plenty have and will pay a visit

2 Lots will pay to watch and enjoy

3 Same as 2

4 Some will buy, up to them, if they don't then so be it,

I don't really care for any of the above issues as i won't be attending/buying into any of them, not for me, but hey if anybody reading this is planning to or has enjoyed any of the above then good on you and all the best!

yeah but dont cha just get soooooo fed up with it being pushed down yer neck, as the best things since sliced bread, its like the caff in wigan, once uopn a ruddy time (and no pun intended Paul S, cos I liked the play) wigan chuffing council were hell bent on getting rid of the casino, now they realise they have got some great press going on here, and people will spend lots of money here when they come and visit on the pilgrimage, its a bit disneyfied and a bit of a slap around the wotsits, they should have made more of a fuss about the museum thingy that was there, but obviously that wasnt corporate enough.... ok rant over, wheres the nearest exit Is the shopping centre staying open on the day of the official do??? at twelve quid a ticket, if it is, just pretend your doing some shopping and you can hear and see it all for free.

[Guest Mark Holmes]

When you are addicted to something such as the Northern, Rare, (insert your favorite description here) scene, that features the same type of music and the same people and the same locations and venues there is bound to be times of discontent and a feeling of impending doom. How many people have given up on it at one time in their life one time and come back. Seems like the amount of venues out there that people are still coming back to it. This is a scene that will always have its roots in memories, good or bad. Let's face it the music is old, the people are getting older, the venues are not in the ultra modern clubs, the sound systems don't run into the $1000's, isn't it the size of the dance floor (and if it has a balcony even better!!!) that matter?

I know that when we go to a "do" aren't we looking for escape In real life how many of you out there like everything about everything all of the time?

When someone comes along who tries to reinvent your personal version of the passion you feel about something, people feel affronted, betrayed even abused. If someone asked you to convert from a Man United fan to a Man City fan how many matches would you go to?

Casino Caf (I wonder if they have the same spoon in the sugar for eight hours like they did at the original Casino), Northern Soul 2007, signed pictures of Dean Parrish seem to be the favorite whipping posts right now, I cringe too, it wouldn't inspire me to travel up or down the M6 either (or in my case a transatlantic flight)

So what do you do about it? Think what does get your Mojo rising, puts that buzz in your head and gets you out of the chair and onto the dance floor, behind the decks, into the record bar, and go do it. You control your own destiny and the choices you make.

I live up the road from Dave Moore in Florida, been in the US for 20 years now, and still play the music almost every day. There isn't a lot of events in the US believe me, however when you do get the opportunity to go to a Northern event you jump at it. Dave Moore and I travelled 6000 miles round trip for a 5 hour event in California and it was incredible (we did that twice), went to Pittsburgh 1600 miles round trip record hunting and dancing in the basement of an old church, and it was awesome.

If you go to an event for what you personally want out of it dancing, listening, socializing, drinking whatever the reason and you don't enjoy it anymore maybe it is time to give up. But don't slag everybody else off if they don't share your views, opinions or outlook.

I'll be at the Hitsville Soul Club weekend, getting my picture with the Harthon guys, listening to some of the best music available on original vinyl in the world and hanging with people who still have a passion in their gut for the music we love. Can't wait, It won't be "Raining Teardrops" here.

[Dave]

1 Plenty have and will pay a visit

2 Lots will pay to watch and enjoy

3 Same as 2

4 Some will buy, up to them, if they don't then so be it,

I don't really care for any of the above issues as i won't be attending/buying into any of them, not for me, but hey if anybody reading this is planning to or has enjoyed any of the above then good on you and all the best!

Yes, very good.. but do these events or do they not have any significance to today's scene? That was the original point.

[Pete Eccles]

Summed up in one sentence.

But its got everything to do with todays scene as there will be as many attending or buying into it as almost anywhere or anything else on the scene, so therefore it is part of the scene,

Otherwise why are we discussing it?

It might not be anything to do with your scene but the very fact its on here creating a reaction says it's part of todays scene,

I reckon the people who do buy into it are really concerned about what we think! NOT

Too busy enjoying life i bet,

[Dave]

But its got everything to do with todays scene as there will be as many attending or buying into it as almost anywhere or anything else on the scene, so therefore it is part of the scene,

Otherwise why are we discussing it?

It might not be anything to do with your scene but the very fact its on here creating a reaction says it's part of todays scene,

I reckon the people who do buy into it are really concerned about what we think! NOT

Too busy enjoying life i bet,

And how many of these nostalgic, baggy-clad revellers are out whooping it up at events every weekend? I reckon a lot of them will be the four-times-a-year-to-relive-my-youth brigade.

[Pete Eccles]

yeah but dont cha just get soooooo fed up with it being pushed down yer neck, as the best things since sliced bread, its like the caff in wigan, once uopn a ruddy time (and no pun intended Paul S, cos I liked the play) wigan chuffing council were hell bent on getting rid of the casino, now they realise they have got some great press going on here, and people will spend lots of money here when they come and visit on the pilgrimage, its a bit disneyfied and a bit of a slap around the wotsits, they should have made more of a fuss about the museum thingy that was there, but obviously that wasnt corporate enough.... ok rant over, wheres the nearest exit Is the shopping centre staying open on the day of the official do??? at twelve quid a ticket, if it is, just pretend your doing some shopping and you can hear and see it all for free.

Once upon a ruddy time but i enjoyed the play? how many bases are we covering here? did you or did you not pay and give your time up to watch a retro look at the casino? i give up, where you moving the goalposts to next?

And i think its those who consider themselves more upfront who are guilty of ramming beliefs down folks throats! how many cafe attendees on here upping it?

to busy getting on with enjoying life to be bothered with what we think,

[sister dawn]

But its got everything to do with todays scene as there will be as many attending or buying into it as almost anywhere or anything else on the scene, so therefore it is part of the scene,

Otherwise why are we discussing it?

It might not be anything to do with your scene but the very fact its on here creating a reaction says it's part of todays scene,

I reckon the people who do buy into it are really concerned about what we think! NOT

Too busy enjoying life i bet,

Do you really think they are Pete? or do you think they perhaps are thinking, "well its on the doorstep we dont have to travel far", or maybe they just accept it to get a fix of what it was, or is? Now take the Drifters for example, they are a prime caberet act something ya nan would enjoy seeing, something never in a million years ya would you expect to be head lining at a soul weekender (where is this on exactly anyway) Maybe the promotors are now thinking, we have reached a certain age in life and need this sort of act to entertain us. next thing ya know we shall be slow dancing together

[Pete Eccles]

And how many of these nostalgic, baggy-clad revellers are out whooping it up at events every weekend? I reckon a lot of them will be the four-times-a-year-to-relive-my-youth brigade.

Try any Stoke nighter or any of the busiest soul nights in the country, don't know where you come from but if you really believe oldies orientated nights arn't by far the busiest then you need to take a closer look!

[Dave]

Do you really think they are Pete? or do you think they perhaps are thinking, "well its on the doorstep we dont have to travel far", or maybe they just accept it to get a fix of what it was, or is? Now take the Drifters for example, they are a prime caberet act something ya nan would enjoy seeing, something never in a million years ya would you expect to be head lining at a soul weekender (where is this on exactly anyway) Maybe the promotors are now thinking, we have reached a certain age in life and need this sort of act to entertain us. next thing ya know we shall be slow dancing together

Bring on Jane MacDonald, I say.

[Pete Eccles]

Bring on Jane MacDonald, I say.

As said already, if you don't fancy it don't go, i won't, but whatever i decide to do instead i certainly won't be thinking about it, will be too busy!

[sister dawn]

Once upon a ruddy time but i enjoyed the play? how many bases are we covering here? did you or did you not pay and give your time up to watch a retro look at the casino? i give up, where you moving the goalposts to next?

And i think its those who consider themselves more upfront who are guilty of ramming beliefs down folks throats! how many cafe attendees on here upping it?

to busy getting on with enjoying life to be bothered with what we think,

Now to be honest re Pauls Play, In my defence, not that I need one but it was a birthday treat from my family and a complete surprise to me that I went, but have to say I did enjoy it, and it gave good insight through sympathetic adaption. But whereas when we look at that as an example and a cafe.... theres no comparison really a few glass cases with some patches, clothing and the like with some nice artwork, mixed in with the smell of chipfat, just does not do it for me, that really is moving the goalposts, surely to goodnes the smell of brut, urine and a tinge of green in the air would have been far better