A Open Question To Dave Thorley

[Guest]

Do you think there's enough punters out there to make it finacially a goer, seems that most on today's scene are only interested in the era pre 80s.

Me I'd love to see this story told - not just Stafford but the whole era of the 80s which always gets overlooked. How many times you heared the tale that the scene was on its arse until the return to glory around 94.

Heard the tale many times by people who left the Northern scene when Wigan Casino finished and didn't come back till the Mid 9o's.

Lots of stories about getting there heads back together or selling their record collections to buy prams and pay the morgage. They don't like to think they missed out on something in the intervening years!

[Guest Byrney]

They don't like to think they missed out on something in the intervening years!

That's very sad. I missed out on the Mecca, Wheel, Cleggy etc but want to know every scrap about it.

So do we think there's a market for a book on Stafford / 80s scene; would you buy it? be nice to hear the opinions of those that missed the 80s too

[Peter99]

That's very sad. I missed out on the Mecca, Wheel, Cleggy etc but want to know every scrap about it.

So do we think there's a market for a book on Stafford / 80s scene; would you buy it? be nice to hear the opinions of those that missed the 80s too

Aye!

Stafford was undoubtedly a landmark and important venue - I was never a 60's mafia fan I was a modern boy and Stafford catered for both.

Yep - I'd buy and read the book. Better get cracking Dave I think the consensus is a big yes!

[Ian Dewhirst]

too true ian, theres got to be enough info on stafford to easily fill a book, what about the charactors, the record finds, the relationship between the 60s mafia, the record hounds who fed the djs etc ? the list could be endless

Could be very true.

I did a CD series earlier this year for Sony-BMG which covered the Northern Scene from the 60's up to the mid 70's - The Twisted Wheel, The Golden Torch, Blackpool Mecca and Wigan Casino. They're 4 bang-up albums, I'm very proud of 'em, they reflect my experience of the time and they've been very successful. In fact, you can pick 'em up @ an Asda, Tesco, Woolies or Morrisons's near you if Sony-BMG have their shit together LOL......

Because these worked really nicely and Sony-BMG seem pretty enthusiastic about more releases, this could be the time to look at the late 70's onwards. I was thinking of doing a couple of catch-all volumes covering Sony-BMG's rare and unbootlegged Northern discoveries from 1980 - present (which is already quite progressed from a reliable collector) and likewise with the Modern stuff (haven't started yet but looking forward to it).

But then I started thinking how about 4 more influential clubs from the late 70's onwards?

And I like doing 'em in groups of 4, like the last lot.

So how about a Stafford one and a Canal, Thorne one? Dave can compile and do sleeve notes on the Stafford one and Arthur, Sam and Rod can do the Thorne one? And how about a 100 Club one with Ady doing the honours and a Yate one in a similar vein? That'll make a nice 4 album plot for Sony-BMG, which luckily, will be available at a local store near to the people who were there at the time.

So if Dave's up for it, we could have a Stafford album out for mid next year. I think it would 'legitimise' the key venues of the 80's and dovetail nicely with the 60's and 70's volumes.

And I'd really like to produce another 4 albums in "The Northern Story" series which cover the post 1978 era.

It supplies a lovely legacy of a great era, it'll be available forever and the people who should be doing it will actually be doing it.

And the way the music biz is going I'd rather get 'em out quick. The quicker the better IMHO....

So any views here on SS?

We're talking a Stafford, a Thorne, a 100 Club and a Yate. Would that be a fair cross-section of the late 70's to the end of the 80's?

And is there enough in the combined archives of the Sony-BMG empire to provide 4 strong albums?

And will it sell as successfully as the 60's and 70's volumes LOL.....?

Questions, questions........

So gimme a call Dave and let's have a natter!

Best,

Ian D

[Ian Dewhirst]

Interesting thought. But my memory is shot would need alot of help.

As someone has said already there is a fair bit to write about and not just the records, people etc. But the times as well, Thatcher, the miners strike, the change in the drug culture, fashion , many that came were out of work at the time.

I'll have a word with Micky Ritson, he might be interested in publishing it.

Trouble is, that was just one club, that at the end of the day not that many attended compared to Wigan, Yate or The Mecca. Would there be enough people interested in reading about it ?

Well, there lies the question.

I think so.

Stafford should be enshrined as being the venue which provided the Northern Soul scene a much-needed shot of adrenalin when it was dying on it's arse!

Suddenly there was a buzz again. And the word was Stafford.

To my everlasting regret I never managed to make it because I was embedded in other things at the time.

Plus too many friggin' beat ballads for my liking LOL....

But I think it could be argued that Stafford was responsible for keeping the scene alive at a crucial time.

Hence my thinking that this era should be documented as comprehensively as the 60's and 70's.

It's not the fact that the 80's venues may not have been as well-populated as the 70's venues (when they were at the height of Northern Soul overload) but the fact that such venues were there AT ALL! The Northern Soul mystique of why certain things happened at certain times.....

So don't be shy Dave. Stafford was an era-defining club which re-invented the scene, even though it kills me to say it LOL.....

The Northern Soul Story series works on the same premise as my Mastercuts series. If people have a nice time with the first four releases, then they'll be much more inclined to try further releases which have the same passion and quality control.

So let's do a Stafford volume in the Northern Soul Story.

Might as well get it right so that future generations don't get misdirected!

Ian D X

[Guest]

Clifton hall would be my choice for a book,Stafford more like a comic

[Guest]

But I think it could be argued that Stafford was responsible for keeping the scene alive at a crucial time.

Ian D

Well said , Young Foggy : I am in total agreement with you on this

Malc Burton

Edited December 18, 2007 by Malc Burton

[Sean Hampsey]

Clifton hall would be my choice for a book,Stafford more like a comic

Certainly Clifton over "Thorne"

Thorne had almost nothing to do with "Northern Soul"...

... and it wasn't a Nighter!

[Guest]

But I think it could be argued that Stafford was responsible for keeping the scene alive at a crucial time.

Ian D

Well said , Young Foggy : I am in total agreement with you on this

Malc Burton

What about the 100club then,was it shut

[Simon M]

What about the 100club then,was it shut

I went to both , and at its best Stafford was much better and more diverse IMO

Edited December 18, 2007 by Simon M

[Dave Thorley]

Hi All

OK in pricipal, yes to a book. Others may think it should be written about their fav venue and they may have a valid point, so go ahead and write it. I'm only really in a position to write about Yate or Stafford.

As for Ian's CD idea, been a long time coming, so yes again. Only one has been done before and that just scratched the surface. As for Yate, one of the most underated allniters of the 70's and needs it's time in the lime light, so happy to help with that as well. Bugger busy 2008 and was thinking of taking it easy with just the barns converstion to do.

Ian let me have a phone number through a PM.

[Simon M]

Certainly Clifton over "Thorne"

Thorne had almost nothing to do with "Northern Soul"...

... and it wasn't a Nighter!

Hey Sean , was Thorne the start of heavy drinking and pipe smoking too ?

[Guest]

What about the 100club then,was it shut

Yes .....

On the dates when Stafford was on ......

Malc Burton

[Guest Gavin Page]

I went to both , and at its best Stafford was much better and more diverse IMO

Yep me to. Although I did love both events in there own way. Would not like to compare the two

But was not a 60s mafia fan

[Simon M]

Yep me to. Although I did love both events in there own way. Would not like to compare the two

But was not a 60s mafia fan

Nor me Gavin

[Peter99]

But was not a 60s mafia fan

That's two of us then Gav! Did you dare admit that back in the day? Not many people did. I remember referring to Keb and Guy as Guy Dustbin and Keb Garbage! Obviously it was tongue in cheek - but I nearly got linched for me troubles!

[Simon M]

That's two of us then Gav! Did you dare admit that back in the day? Not many people did. I remember referring to Keb and Guy as Guy Dustbin and Keb Garbage! Obviously it was tongue in cheek - but I nearly got linched for me troubles!

Thats makes three of us Peter . wasn't it Keb Dirge

Edited December 18, 2007 by Simon M

[Guest Gavin Page]

That's two of us then Gav! Did you dare admit that back in the day? Not many people did. I remember referring to Keb and Guy as Guy Dustbin and Keb Garbage! Obviously it was tongue in cheek - but I nearly got linched for me troubles!

Yes I did, got beaten over the head with a shoe at the nighter that used to be in Market Harboro by Pete Lawson

Most of the records were very poor IMVHO.

[Peter99]

Thats makes three of us Peter . wasn't it Keb Dirge

Aah Simon. I knew you'd be on side.

Dirge, Garbage - whatever word we prefer it was all rubbish!

[Simon M]

Aah Simon. I knew you'd be on side.

Dirge, Garbage - whatever word we prefer it was all rubbish!

It was Keb the modern soul DJ first though well down in London he had some modern . still got a tape somewhere ..

Edited December 18, 2007 by Simon M

[Professorturnups]

it was good ken, but not brill, to much light coming though the top windows, could.nt concentrate on my spins lol.

Billy

I can remember going to the two and a half year anniversary!

Mark C

[Peter99]

It was Keb the modern soul DJ first though well down in London he had some modern . still got a tape somewhere ..

Yep - what a u turn! I've a great deal of respect for Keb - he knows his stuff regardless of what era it comes from. I just didn't like his 60's newies era.

[Peter99]

Yes I did, got beaten over the head with a shoe at the nighter that used to be in Market Harboro by Pete Lawson

Most of the records were very poor IMVHO.

Better than a slap in the face with a wet kipper - unless it was a high heeled number.

[Simon M]

to be fair if you cherry picked the better sides from Keb and Guys sets you'd have a basket full.

I think Tim Ashibenden and Soul Sams input would be essential ?

[arnie j]

Hi All

OK in pricipal, yes to a book. Others may think it should be written about their fav venue and they may have a valid point, so go ahead and write it. I'm only really in a position to write about Yate or Stafford.

As for Ian's CD idea, been a long time coming, so yes again. Only one has been done before and that just scratched the surface. As for Yate, one of the most underated allniters of the 70's and needs it's time in the lime light, so happy to help with that as well. Bugger busy 2008 and was thinking of taking it easy with just the barns converstion to do.

Ian let me have a phone number through a PM.

thats double great news dave ! to be honest i was a bit wary of starting this thread in case u told me to fook off cos u would be too busy etc, but im glad i did now,a lot of people on here have said how influential stafford was in the history of our scene and i certainly agree with such a statement,bout time as many details as possible are documented about stafford and that era of rare soul music,im sure u will convert the barn when time allows, books before barns i say ! cant wait to read the book, cheers dave

[Guest]

thats double great news dave ! to be honest i was a bit wary of starting this thread in case u told me to fook off cos u would be too busy etc, but im glad i did now,a lot of people on here have said how influential stafford was in the history of our scene and i certainly agree with such a statement,bout time as many details as possible are documented about stafford and that era of rare soul music,im sure u will convert the barn when time allows, books before barns i say ! cant wait to read the book, cheers dave

If Dave is to write a book on Stafford , it must be warts and all , with no names changed to protect the innocent .......

Malc Burton

[Dave Thorley]

thats double great news dave ! to be honest i was a bit wary of starting this thread in case u told me to fook off cos u would be too busy etc, but im glad i did now,a lot of people on here have said how influential stafford was in the history of our scene and i certainly agree with such a statement,bout time as many details as possible are documented about stafford and that era of rare soul music,im sure u will convert the barn when time allows, books before barns i say ! cant wait to read the book, cheers dave

Sorry barns come before everything, camped at mum's at the mo and that can't last, bless her.

As for........

"If Dave is to write a book on Stafford , it must be warts and all , with no names changed to protect the innocent .......

Malc Burton"

Warts and All

[Guest malayka]

Sorry barns come before everything, camped at mum's at the mo and that can't last, bless her.

As for........

"If Dave is to write a book on Stafford , it must be warts and all , with no names changed to protect the innocent .......

Malc Burton"

Warts and All

...there's another possible argument...his wife's rioting soon if the barn conversion doesn't start soon...

[Guest]

Sorry barns come before everything, camped at mum's at the mo and that can't last, bless her.

As for........

"If Dave is to write a book on Stafford , it must be warts and all , with no names changed to protect the innocent .......

Malc Burton"

Warts and All

Get the barns done Dave , We will / can wait .......

Can I have a signed copy when it eventually comes out ? .......

Malc Burton

[Ian Dewhirst]

Get the barns done Dave , We will / can wait .......

Can I have a signed copy when it eventually comes out ? .......

Malc Burton

Well the barn's obviously gonna be a priority by the sound of it, so I reckon get a couple of track-listings together for Yate and Stafford so I can get 'em in for clearance and you can start the book once the barn's done.

But be warned - I've had a book on the go for 10 years now LOL - they tend to take a long time.......

Ian D

[Guest Gavin Page]

...there's another possible argument...his wife's rioting soon if the barn conversion doesn't start soon...

[Peter99]

...there's another possible argument...his wife's rioting soon if the barn conversion doesn't start soon...

It is Christmas Malayka

What more could you want than a barn? Ok - a donkey and a few baying oxen. We could find three smart asses - I mean Wise Men from SS and you're all set for a magical Christmas.

Twas Christmas night in the barn - nothing stirred apart from the oxen baying...........................

[Guest in town Mikey]

Hi All

OK in pricipal, yes to a book. Others may think it should be written about their fav venue and they may have a valid point, so go ahead and write it. I'm only really in a position to write about Yate or Stafford.

As for Ian's CD idea, been a long time coming, so yes again. Only one has been done before and that just scratched the surface. As for Yate, one of the most underated allniters of the 70's and needs it's time in the lime light, so happy to help with that as well. Bugger busy 2008 and was thinking of taking it easy with just the barns converstion to do.

Ian let me have a phone number through a PM.

If its 60's I'd like to see the Inverts - Time Will Change, in.

If its modern Marlena Shaw - I just want this feeling to last.

If its ones that bubbled under that few may remember Valerie Lamar - Shame (Thanks for getting me a copy of this Dave. Has pride of place at home.)

I guess the thing to do is what the These Old Shoes gang used to do for their anniversary CDs. Get the DJ's to pick a couple that defined their sets.

For me I connect these records to these guys.

Guy H I think Chaumonts

Pat B - The Twans (Stop playing Robbie now Pat ;-) )

Dave T - Stop the world I wanna get off

Robin - Glenda McLoed

Richard S - Cant get over these Memories.

Gary R - The Stran

Keb D - That one I can never remember but have been told on here at least 100 times. - Now that I feel your familiar touch, I miss your lovin oh so much. Hey, hey. I didnt know you didnt love me. - Or somefink like that.

Just a few suggestions.

[Ian Dewhirst]

If its 60's I'd like to see the Inverts - Time Will Change, in.

If its modern Marlena Shaw - I just want this feeling to last.

If its ones that bubbled under that few may remember Valerie Lamar - Shame (Thanks for getting me a copy of this Dave. Has pride of place at home.)

I guess the thing to do is what the These Old Shoes gang used to do for their anniversary CDs. Get the DJ's to pick a couple that defined their sets.

For me I connect these records to these guys.

Guy H I think Chaumonts

Pat B - The Twans (Stop playing Robbie now Pat ;-) )

Dave T - Stop the world I wanna get off

Robin - Glenda McLoed

Richard S - Cant get over these Memories.

Gary R - The Stran

Keb D - That one I can never remember but have been told on here at least 100 times. - Now that I feel your familiar touch, I miss your lovin oh so much. Hey, hey. I didnt know you didnt love me. - Or somefink like that.

Just a few suggestions.

I can see that just doing the track-listings will be complex LOL..

Bear in mind that these would be culled mainly from Sony-BMG owned repertoire which would mean Columbia, Epic, Date, Okeh and any other Columbia/Epic associated labels from the 60's and 70's, RCA, Arista, Bell, Amy, Mala and any other RCA associated labels from the 60's and 70's and Buddah/Kama Sutra. It's the only cost-effective way of doing these CD's as they won't have to licence-in any repertoire that way - these aren't "Now" albums and the sales will be commesurate with the market which will be small. Another consideration is that they would really need to dovetail nicely with the Wheel, Torch, Mecca and Wigan volumes which are selling very well on catalogue across most outlets (which necessarily include Woolies, Teco, Asda etc) - two of the first four charted in the compilation charts which is a feat for 'budget' albums (I think they're £4.99 in the shops)!

So they will pretty much have to best-of's which define the different eras accordingly. But I dunno if there's enough ammo for these eras from the Sony-BMG catalogue alone. I'll leave Dave and any other compilers to advise on that.

What these should aim to be, are lovely packages with sleeve notes, track info and details and pics which define Northern Soul's progress venue-wise after Wigan Casino up to the 90's I guess, by the people who were there at the time. I think next year will be the end of the CD format, so it'd be nice to get 'em out there before it all goes tits up........

Maybe we should have an Xmas warm-up in the Barn before it's converted LOL. How's that sound Dave?

We'll trash it for nothing LOL......

Ian D

[Paul-s]

Your post comes across a tad condescening Did anyone ask all the other authors who felt the need to educate us if their books warranted writing

I for one would love to read about this period in the history of the scene and its undoubted impact and impression it has had on the scene. You only have to look at todays playlists and you will see many records from this era still being played and still having an influence on the dancefloors around the country. It is a major period in the history of Northern Soul and it deserves it's story telling....all IMHO of course

TOTALLY AGREE CHALKY! We already have about 6 or 7 books on Wigan and as you say, a lot of the stuff being played (or supposedly discovered now) comes from that period! Respect is due, because when Wigan closed and thousands fell of the scene, this place carried on and embraced a lot of different stuff.

[Jumpinjoan]

For me I connect these records to these guys.

Guy H I think Chaumonts

The record I most associate with Stafford... and Guy H... is Susan Rewis on Columbia... They Say You Found a New Baby...

the old Denita James & the Wildside cover up...

This record WAS Stafford for me.... loved it!

[Guest malayka]

It is Christmas Malayka

What more could you want than a barn? Ok - a donkey and a few baying oxen. We could find three smart asses - I mean Wise Men from SS and you're all set for a magical Christmas.

Twas Christmas night in the barn - nothing stirred apart from the oxen baying...........................

..yes, dave's growing a beard just for christmas, but who's going to be baby jesus????

[Guest uroffal]

Keb D - That one I can never remember but have been told on here at least 100 times. - Now that I feel your familiar touch, I miss your lovin oh so much. Hey, hey. I didnt know you didnt love me. - Or somefink like that.

Just a few suggestions.

One last time ... Wilbur Reynolds - Who'll Cry - Resist (covered as Carol Waller I think?)

[Peter99]

..yes, dave's growing a beard just for christmas, but who's going to be baby jesus????

No! A beard is for life not just for Christmas!

Now - let me think, baby Jesus.

[Guest in town Mikey]

One last time ... Wilbur Reynolds - Who'll Cry - Resist (covered as Carol Waller I think?)

Cheers bud. I will write it down and try to remember. Perhaps I should buy one, even if I got bored of it pretty quickly.

[Guest uroffal]

Cheers bud. I will write it down and try to remember. Perhaps I should buy one, even if I got bored of it pretty quickly.

I'll send you an MP3 mate

[Robin S]

For me I connect these records to these guys.

Robin - Glenda McLoed

Sorry Mike - not me!

A few that gave me most pleasure to play...

Terry Callier - I Don't want to see myself - Erect

Florence Trapp (Just put out though on Wrighty's Sister Funk 2)

Arnold McCuller - Freeway to Monterey - Avi

Hugh Boynton - We're Gonna Make It - Soul-potion

Chosen Few band - What It Takes To Live - Buffaloes Reflection

Frankie Gearing - Spinning Top - Beale Street

Frankie Sanders - Take Another Look - Juana

[arnie j]

Sorry Mike - not me!

A few that gave me most pleasure to play...

Terry Callier - I Don't want to see myself - Erect

Florence Trapp (Just put out though on Wrighty's Sister Funk 2)

Arnold McCuller - Freeway to Monterey - Avi

Hugh Boynton - We're Gonna Make It - Soul-potion

Chosen Few band - What It Takes To Live - Buffaloes Reflection

Frankie Gearing - Spinning Top - Beale Street

Frankie Sanders - Take Another Look - Juana

arnold mcculler-freeway to monterey-avi

was never really into the modern stuff at stafford but really liked this tune, anybody got a soundclip of this to put up please ? havent heard it in over 20 years

[Wiganer1]

TOTALLY AGREE CHALKY! We already have about 6 or 7 books on Wigan and as you say, a lot of the stuff being played (or supposedly discovered now) comes from that period! Respect is due, because when Wigan closed and thousands fell of the scene, this place carried on and embraced a lot of different stuff.

=======

in its first year.stafford played ALOT of Wigan sounds and other oldies,,Searling was still spinning his old wigan c/ups phantom janitor,rose valentine , maurice mccalliester and the like

it wasnt til the 60s mafia took over that things REALLY changed!

anyone remember them in echoes!

[arnie j]

=======

in its first year.stafford played ALOT of Wigan sounds and other oldies,,Searling was still spinning his old wigan c/ups phantom janitor,rose valentine , maurice mccalliester and the like

it wasnt til the 60s mafia took over that things REALLY changed!

anyone remember them in echoes!

hi mark, i remember them in echoes ! still got a copy of it somewhere mate

[Trev Thomas]

Yeh!!but he lived darn here

sorry ken but youve shot yourself in the foot AGAIN..... guy was living in derby at the time of stafford...33 etwell street....unless theyve made derby a subburb of londinium

[Guest Gavin Page]

hi mark, i remember them in echoes ! still got a copy of it somewhere mate

And me, 84ish ?

[Guest Gavin Page]

Been up before, but I love it !!!!

[Wiganer1]

hi mark, i remember them in echoes ! still got a copy of it somewhere mate

------

yes jase

happy days mate!

[Simon M]

=======

in its first year.stafford played ALOT of Wigan sounds and other oldies,,Searling was still spinning his old wigan c/ups phantom janitor,rose valentine , maurice mccalliester and the like

it wasnt til the 60s mafia took over that things REALLY changed!

anyone remember them in echoes!

1983 there was loads newies played by Rushbrook ,Soul Sam etc

Edited December 20, 2007 by Simon M