True Nighters-does This Sum It All Up?

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

[Peter99]

I think that's top notch mate - I really do.

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

I think that's top notch mate - I really do.

105 VIEWINGS---one reply --anybody else like it??

Tony C.

[Guest bazabod_downunder]

Absofuckinglutely Tony.

KTF

Baz

105 VIEWINGS---one reply --anybody else like it??

Tony C.

[Guest rosemary]

105 VIEWINGS---one reply --anybody else like it??

Tony C.

Morning Tony ....... I like it

[Guest]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

I can remember Swish writing the poem , as will Harry Crosby , Ron Pedley , and others .........

Quite a few of us , like yourself Tony , knew about his talent for waxing lyrically , but the majority of people who knew Swish during his time on the scene , were unaware of the artistic side of his character and nature .......

The poem is one of the best - if not THE best - summing up in prose , of what the NS was about .......

Malc Burton

[Guest]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

That's brilliant!.

Jayne.x

[Guest Trevski]

Swish was, and probably still is, altho' I havn't seen him for a good few years, one of those characters that teetered on the razors edge between genius and a dark place. I knew him well, worked with him at one point, and I know he had a mensa level IQ. He is a very clever man, who like most of us, had some personal demons whispering in his ear. The poem is typical Swish, passionate, wise, insightful, intelligent and charming.

Wherever you are fella, hope you are well. It was an honor to be in your company.

ATB. T

Edited August 15, 2008 by Trevski

[Guest]

Swish was, and probably still is, altho' I havn't seen him for a good few years, one of those characters that teetered on the razors edge between genius and a dark place. I knew him well, worked with him at one point, and I know he had a mensa level IQ. He is a very clever man, who like most of us, had some personal demons whispering in his ear. The poem is typical Swish, passionate, wise, insightful, intelligent and charming.

Wherever you are fella, hope you are well.

ATB. T

According to several sources I know , who see Swish from time to time , inform me that things are slowly improving for him , and that he is attempting to get things together again , following his personal problems and misfortune .........

Malc Burton

Edited August 15, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Pauldonnelly]

fantastic piece

If anyone up there bumps into Swish remember me to him.

[Guest rayskim]

What on earth does it mean???????? Love it

[kimbo]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

Gave me goosebumps reading this, what a wordsmith WOW. Don't know him, but seen his name many many times over the years. Reminds me of a few words I like which sums up a lot. We are all in Gutter but some of us looked up and saw the stars. Swish my friend you were up there with those words. Respect kimbo.

[Pauldonnelly]

What on earth does it mean???????? Love it

Tutt Tutt!!

I can relate to EVERY line...made me fill up second time I read it.. fook I wish I was 17 again so I could do it all again. Happy Days

[Guest rayskim]

You could always pretend and do it anyway I am not sure how old you are but if need be I could bring a resus pack

[kimbo]

Tutt Tutt!!

I can relate to EVERY line...made me fill up second time I read it.. fook I wish I was 17 again so I could do it all again. Happy Days

Me to mate, you felt like me, you had lived every word of it and so proud of doing so. I wouldn't change a thing.

[sister dawn]

Ah Good times twas indeed Our life

Great Poem Tony

[homeoftheblues]

To an outsider it probably wouldn't mean much, but to all of us that have been there, it hits the nail right on the head. Tremendous stuff

Martin

[Guest gordon russell]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

used to know a swish from leeds......carried his records about in a holdall........is it the same fella? not seen him in years

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

used to know a swish from leeds......carried his records about in a holdall........is it the same fella? not seen him in years

Mr.D.--one and the same---and when he used to D.J.his records were in no sort of order--i once requested --Reuben WRIGHT--I,m walking out on you (as we both loved it!) at Leeds Central and he duly played it------------2 WEEKS LATER !!!!!!

Tony C.

[jazzyjas]

I'm no poetry expert, but that was absolutely brilliant in my opinion. It sort of makes you see it all in slow motion in a dreamlike state. I haven't experienced all of that, but the visuals were extremely vivid with every line I read. I can't relate to any of the drug references, but I can fully relate to being in the moment, lost in the music, soaking up every little bit of it while it's happening, and feeling that special feeling the music gives you. It's a spiritual high that you chase once you're hooked as a soul fan. It makes you do crazy things "go to great lengths, spend money, make sacrifices, etc. I've never been to any soul event outside of the US and even I can relate.

Apart from where you were, where you went or any of that-it's the music. The music is at the very core of it all. It has something magical about it that can't be denied. Without it...no NS, no SS, no poem or anything! It doesn't matter what age you are or where you are in the World or what language you speak. The music hits you, something clicks inside your brain...and that's it-you're hooked. And you're right...outsiders will never understand no matter how hard they try.

That guy Swish has talent and passion "so much that he needed to put it to poetry. That says a lot.

-Jas

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Well -what i can say---Swish is an A1 guy--and would be so pleased with all these comments, i,ve not seen him for about 3 yrs( i think) since we took a minibus to Oldham to see the "Once upon a time in Wigan " play ,and he absolutely loved it .

Many thanks everybody

Tony C.

[vnicepce]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,.....,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

Damn good; your mate spent a lot of time on that, and I think they deserve thanks for their devotion to 'the cause'

[Crystal Tipps]

Spot on

It takes a real talent to be that observant and capture the moment and the essence of a nighter on paper.

If only all poems showed that depth of feeling and emotion....

Thanks for sharing it

[Guest Swish]

Hello Swish here!

My son told me about this thread.

Thank you all very much for all your kind words. I was extremely moved by what you all said.

I wrote a lot of poems about nighters, but lots were lost when I got divorced.

I still have some though.

If anyone would like to read them I shall print them on here.

Meanwhile I would like to say that although I don't go to soul do's anymore (I play Texas hold 'em poker instead), I still cherish all the times I had and all the friends and the music of course.

I still listen to Northern all the time at home,

Luv to all

Swish

[Drew3]

I would love to hear more Swish.

Lots of passion from someone who's clearly lived the music and it's scene and loved every moment, good or bad.

KTF.

Drew.

[Guest Trevski]

Hello Swish here!

My son told me about this thread.

Thank you all very much for all your kind words. I was extremely moved by what you all said.

I wrote a lot of poems about nighters, but lots were lost when I got divorced.

I still have some though.

If anyone would like to read them I shall print them on here.

Meanwhile I would like to say that although I don't go to soul do's anymore (I play Texas hold 'em poker instead), I still cherish all the times I had and all the friends and the music of course.

I still listen to Northern all the time at home,

Luv to all

Swish

Good to here from you Swish! In fact, its bloody great to hear from you! Glad you are ok, and hope you put up some more stuff! I often think of the days of Tesco, Tonk's and singing "You say Tomatoe's" and laughing like mad!

Take care fella

T

Edited August 29, 2008 by Trevski

[Guest Swish]

Thanks very much Trev bud.

Thanks very much to Tony Coleby for starting this thread, publishing my poem and giving me a great uplift.

OK here's another (but I can't promise any of these might be as good as the one Tony put up.)

This was written a long time ago (perhaps 20 years ago)

THE WAY IT WAS

I still remember the way it was,

When ecstacy courted me day and night,

When magic walked by my side,

Those times so precious,

To me, to them,

Whose faces are faint now,

But their names live forever ,

Within my mind.

Do they ache for times that were?

For the togetherness we never thought would end?

Do they remember long gone sounds,

That made our bodies pound?

Tomorrow was a word we didn't know,

We bet on today at a hundred to one

And every time we won.

[Guest Swish]

This was written 1973 (I think) just after I had seen Major Lance at the Torch, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent.

THE TORCH IN WINTER

The soft chill of snow on the porch

Police cars, staring, waiting for a chance,

I'm still smashed coming out of THE TORCH

My mind stills rings with Major Lance

Tingling ecstacy shooting my brain

Beautiful happiness is all I know

Buzzing like this makes other things seem tame

Out of my head walking through the snow

This next one was written around the same time.

Its about UP THE JUNCTION at CREWE

I can't forget blocking at Crewe,

Every beat of my heart was you

Films of sweat covering my skin

Brilliant feeling deep within

We took our own special luncheon

For dropping at THE JUNCTION

Back beat slicing through my mind

Carved in the hall of fame for all time

(there are hidden references in these poems, they aren't as straight forward as they may seem)

[Guest]

Hello Swish here!

My son told me about this thread.

Thank you all very much for all your kind words. I was extremely moved by what you all said.

I wrote a lot of poems about nighters, but lots were lost when I got divorced.

I still have some though.

If anyone would like to read them I shall print them on here.

Meanwhile I would like to say that although I don't go to soul do's anymore (I play Texas hold 'em poker instead), I still cherish all the times I had and all the friends and the music of course.

I still listen to Northern all the time at home,

Luv to all

Swish

Welcome back Swish old lad .......

Malc Burton

[Kegsy]

Mr.D.--one and the same---and when he used to D.J.his records were in no sort of order--i once requested --Reuben WRIGHT--I,m walking out on you (as we both loved it!) at Leeds Central and he duly played it------------2 WEEKS LATER !!!!!!

Tony C.

Sounds about right.

Swish was a character thats for sure.

Had many a silly night/day with him.

Anyone remember the minah bird that said

"Got Any Gear"

I once remember him DJing at the L'Ambassador in Bradford and

he tried to cue up an empty record deck for yonks

before somebody told him there was no record on it.

Happy days hope the old sod is well.

Kegsy

[Guest]

I once remember him DJing at the L'Ambassador in Bradford and

he tried to cue up an empty record deck for yonks

before somebody told him there was no record on it.

Happy days hope the old sod is well.

Kegsy

I remember it well as I was stood next to you, It was I who told him. A Good night from Memory I think it may have been the night that a Young Mr Levine paid us a visit? Anyhow hope your doing good Swish, I like the poems very much.

Andy.

[Guest Trevski]

Thanks very much Trev bud.

Thanks very much to Tony Coleby for starting this thread, publishing my poem and giving me a great uplift.

OK here's another (but I can't promise any of these might be as good as the one Tony put up.)

This was written a long time ago (perhaps 20 years ago)

THE WAY IT WAS

I still remember the way it was,

When ecstacy courted me day and night,

When magic walked by my side,

Those times so precious,

To me, to them,

Whose faces are faint now,

But their names live forever ,

Within my mind.

Do they ache for times that were?

For the togetherness we never thought would end?

Do they remember long gone sounds,

That made our bodies pound?

Tomorrow was a word we didn't know,

We bet on today at a hundred to one

And every time we won.

Superb!

[soulfulsaint]

After recently moving house--and subsequently unpacking lots of boxes--i found this framed poem done by a good friend in 2001.

True Nighters

Secret thrills,fron secret pills

Invisible tingles,and hidden chills,Extinguish all your ills

Caress the floor with special skills,

Add more feathers to our quills,as more and more the dancefloor fills,

Creases like razors,Eyes like lasers,purple hazes,

Sounds that amaze us,other peoples gazes,

"Look at those crazies"

We,re not passing phases, we.re going places

Cigarettes luminous traces,Levi,s held up by braces,

How my heart races,looking thru the record cases,

Dancing shoes tied with laces,moving in the smallest spaces,

Where the chased become the chasers,

How i miss those smiling faces,

2,ooo aces ,in one oasis

Swish(York) 2001

what do you all reckon?

Best U.T.T.

Tony Coleby.

Remember Swish from York. He be-friended another very talented guy Mac from Perth in Scotland who lived with me in Hull then Manchester. Mac briefly worked at Rowntrees and met Swish somewhere in York. Great visual artist. Sadly he got to deeply involved and died a few years back in Scotland. We had a good going away do for him. But like Swish a dark talent who never fulfilled all his promise.

[Guest topcatnumpty1]

Remember Swish from York. He be-friended another very talented guy Mac from Perth in Scotland who lived with me in Hull then Manchester. Mac briefly worked at Rowntrees and met Swish somewhere in York. Great visual artist. Sadly he got to deeply involved and died a few years back in Scotland. We had a good going away do for him. But like Swish a dark talent who never fulfilled all his promise.

SHOULD we all meet up soon in the leeds/bradford/h-fax area---let me know

Tony C.

u.t.t.

[Guest Swish]

SHOULD we all meet up soon in the leeds/bradford/h-fax area---let me know

Tony C.

u.t.t.

Tony,

I'd like ten green and clears, 3 red and browns, and 2 white bombers please bud.

(hope you dont think I am pushing it a bit too far.)

Seriously, write bobswish@hotmail.com

Ill come meet you bud.

[Ady Croasdell]

Wotcher Swish,

Chas makes it to the Cleethorpes weekender every year and i still see Jumbo and others occasionally.

Love from the Harboro' Lot

Ady

[Ian Dewhirst]

Mr.D.--one and the same---and when he used to D.J.his records were in no sort of order--i once requested --Reuben WRIGHT--I,m walking out on you (as we both loved it!) at Leeds Central and he duly played it------------2 WEEKS LATER !!!!!!

Tony C.

LOL, Swish to a tee!

I had to tick him off a couple of times for either incoherent microphone technique or long gaps between records but the Saturday nights he was resident at the Central are amongst the fondest memories I have!

Ian D

[Guest Swish]

LOL, Swish to a tee!

I had to tick him off a couple of times for either incoherent microphone technique or long gaps between records but the Saturday nights he was resident at the Central are amongst the fondest memories I have!

Ian D

Hi Ian Dewhurst (FRANK) why was that? Nice to hear from you bud.

Kegsy, loved the times with you too (and dont go on about that time when.......well u know)

Andy Simpson, what a character you were fellow.

Malc Burton, thanks for kind words as well.

Aidy Croasdell thanks for looking after me at one of your weekenders when I had jack shit to my name.

Steve Smith,

HA HA you made me laugh with what you said, although I had long forgotten that I had the record stolen.

This is one of the reasons I don't go anymore, cos I can't remember things as well as I once could.

Ive found texas hold em poker now, and made TONS of friends playing that.

I'm damned good at it as well (at pub/club level)

I am in the national finals next march having beaten tons of pub champions (I came 7th of 164 to get where I got)

I won my pub league again and qualified for the same regional finals that I have already won LOL

I like to play with hard aggressive nutters in my working men's club and at their houses, Taking this, smoking that , hard drinking, strong intimidation, I thrill off it like I did the Northern scene.

it takes tons of brainpower, guts, determination and bottle to beat these people, but I can

(and lets face it I've had the perfect background with all you guys and our superb scene).

There are some very good players but they don't know what I (we) have had to deal with LOL)

Heres a link, but I cant find where I am mentioned right now

https://www.redtoothpoker.com/default.asp

Love you all and thanks ever so much for all your kind replies

Luv

Swish

[Guest]

This is one of the reasons I don't go anymore, cos I can't remember things as well as I once could.

My dear Swish - this applies to me , and I still frequent the scene ..........

Good luck with the poker mate - may you win , and win big : you deserve it . The only poker I was good with ( steady ) , was the one used to rake the coal fire when we had one ........

Malc Burton

Edited September 3, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Ady Croasdell]

I'm sure being a tight Yorkshireman must help too! That's what I get told anyway.

Edited September 3, 2008 by ady croasdell

[Peter99]

I like all your poems Swish.

What a lovely thread all round.

Ironside

[Guest Swish]

I like all your poems Swish.

What a lovely thread all round.

Ironside

Thanks Mr Ironside

I wrote loads more than are written on here, but like I say loads were lost when I got divorced. I know there are more somewhere though but I can't find em just yet. When I find em Il put them on here bud.

I remember 2 off by heart

My grandma said to me

"Look at that bee and that nice tree"

I replied

"No f***** bee ever buzzed like me"

Next

B is for bombers slip down with ease

L for the lies I tell to the police

O for the overdose I thought I could take

C is for crack up, shiver and shake

K is foe Kline and Smith and French

I for indictment on my first offence

N for the needle I never touch

G for the gear I love so much

Readers may note that the initial letter of each line spells out a familiar word.

Who can spot the word?

Please send your answers on a postcard to reach me by next monday.

The first one out of the hat wins.......................another poem LOL

Luv

Swish

[Guest Swish]

Just as a matter of interest.

Only one lady, Janex, has replied to this thread.

If there are any more out there, well, I am free and single and can write poems LOL

[Guest Swish]

Malc Burton

Poker is easy.

If they bet 20 pence you bet £20 quid.

They s*** themselves and you win.

HA HA HA!

That's a tongue in cheek joke bud. There is far more to it than that (obviously) but, the point I am making is that if you play with guts and courage and dare to bet strong under pressure you have every chance of winning.

If you play timid, you might as well turn your cards face up and just hand them the money.

If you think about the first time we all went to nighters, full of trepidation, first took gear, full of trepidation, first had to handle the rollers, and the squad, and all the multitude of other things we had to do, to love ,adore, and survive the scene, well, in a way, poker is a similar thing.

To get the thrill you've got to have the courage.

You see, just like nighters

[Harry Crosby]

Malc Burton

Poker is easy.

If they bet 20 pence you bet £20 quid.

They s*** themselves and you win.

HA HA HA!

That's a tongue in cheek joke bud. There is far more to it than that (obviously) but, the point I am making is that if you play with guts and courage and dare to bet strong under pressure you have every chance of winning.

If you play timid, you might as well turn your cards face up and just hand them the money.

If you think about the first time we all went to nighters, full of trepidation, first took gear, full of trepidation, first had to handle the rollers, and the squad, and all the multitude of other things we had to do, to love ,adore, and survive the scene, well, in a way, poker is a similar thing.

To get the thrill you've got to have the courage.

You see, just like nighters

Nowthen swish me old mate, good to see you on here, hope your well, would love to see you about again, sent you a pm the other day did you get it , good luck with the poker mate HARRY

[Guest Swish]

Nowthen swish me old mate, good to see you on here, hope your well, would love to see you about again, sent you a pm the other day did you get it , good luck with the poker mate HARRY

Hiya harry my old buddy,

Yeah i did get the PM.

Please forgive me for not replying yet.

Since Tony C started this thread I have had so many e-mails and PM's i'm a bit overcome with it all.

Its a lot to handle bud.

Although I am delighted to a degree I can't explain.

Thanks for the good luck with the poker, but if I play like I feel right now , all emotional, filling up and that, with you guys, I'll just feel sorry for them and lose on purpose

Love you man and take care.

[sister dawn]

Hope ya dont mind Swish, but I have printed some of these poems off for use in my place of work, and you'll be pleased to know that one of the lads has been inspired what ya wrote and has taken to doing his own. A usually quiet lad but has written some brilliant stuff. With his permission will get him to copy me one to put up here.

Dawn x

[Guest Swish]

Hope ya dont mind Swish, but I have printed some of these poems off for use in my place of work, and you'll be pleased to know that one of the lads has been inspired what ya wrote and has taken to doing his own. A usually quiet lad but has written some brilliant stuff. With his permission will get him to copy me one to put up here.

Dawn x

Go ahead Dawn x

I'm honoured.

Let's see his brilliant stuff.

I rermember a few lines from someone else (I can't remember the whole poem now)

With their Hush Puppies and Ronson Lighters

They've never even heard of nighters

LOL

[Guest Swish]

Oh, Andy Simpson,

I see you have THE CHARADES, KEY TO MY HAPPINESS as your Avitar.

I so adore that masterpiece of Northern that I pinched the name CHARADES to use as my nickname on some of the internet sites I play poker on.

Also it might get 'em wondering, you know what I mean "CHARADES" , hmmmm...what is he up to?

[Russ Vickers]

References & anecdotes from almost a bygone age............a scene almost unrecocnisable in some respects from the scene you loved Swish........they would have you think its clean & presentable now on the whole & I can almost hear the Tut, tuts from the masses, your poems are beautiful in an honest & brutal way & a true reminder of the original & real underground soul scene, fuelled by gear & soulful dance music to die for.............& some did. Passion, dedication, desperation & a love of all things soulful shine thru the beautiful words..........thank you for sharing.

Russ