Ian Levine, Motorcity, Centre City, Blackpool Mecca, And Swons

[Peter99]

Hey Peter

There are 4 of us you know although at the very beginning there were many more, but as posts have been removed and boredom set in, its hard following it all now, so I'm not really sure who the actually original members of the Nazi party were, but I am sure Lord Haw- Haw here could refresh our memory.

Any chance of some rare soul being posted on this thread, as it would help with all the reading,

Hiya Sis

At least you posted a couple of questions. Paul just feels the need to slag IL off at every opportunity - I don't see the point. I think we have all grasped that Paul dislikes Ian. There's no need to keep the onslaught going and no need to keep telling everyone else not to post on this thread.

[Guest]

there are some out there, even the new comers, who want hear what it was like back then, even at the expense of boring some people.

And I am happy to oblige, as long as some people want it.

[Koolkat]

Maybe its the title of the thread. Im ALL for hearing about everybody, as there are far more interesting and 'real' characters than Levine to talk about. This thread has one aim...to promote Levine. If you want to talk about the past start a thread called 'talk about the past' Not Ian Levine.

Bump!!!

[Pete S]

Hey Smiffy - Moggy said you were a right fooker!

No, he said I was a tight fooker cos I wouldn't lend him 10 pence towards his cider.

[Davetay]

Totally totally agree. I can smell it. Although Ive got to say most of the exitement was just cos you actually got in the place. Them bouncers were tight bastards some weeks. I mean you get in the place one week and then a couple weeks later for no good reason youve no chance of getting to the fookin pay counter. What the foooook was all that about. We use too hide behind each other until we were actually on the escalator . Then...... when you walked into the Highland room....WHOOOOOOSH off you went. Dont drink too much though cos we are off down The Casino later. I would pay good money for one saturday night again, circa dec 73. Yes sir indeed.

The odd time the bouncers turned us away, we went to a club in Cleveleys (can,t recall its name) that played Northern. A young Pete Haigh used to go.

[Tomangoes]

Tell me one redeeming feature of the Lynn Varnardo record Steve. Oh yes, the label design is pretty cool.

Wow

This statement really highlights the difference in taste and opinion between soul-sources.

When Wash and Wear Love gets played, it absolutely gets right into my 'inner soul' its a brilliant piece of rythmic heartfelt soul music. Then again the Carstairs is right there with it and the voices of East Harlem, and Eloise Laws, and Sandra Richardson.

Mr S, you really do miss out if these type of records dont float your boat. Long live the Mecca Sound.

In your defence, I can say that the reggae and ska music you have promoted in previous posts do nothing at all for me, so I suppose its horses for courses and live and let live.

Ed

[Simsy]

And I,ll tell you something else. If you went on the coach and you didnt get in..........well what a shit night in Blackpool it was. Dickheads wanting to fight in all the pubs. Hey mate which town you from?...........it didnt matter if you were from Little Boystown in Boystownshire............SMACK!!!!!

Ooh er... That said and from what I've heard, the walk from the station to the Casino was no stroll in the park?

[SteveM]

You'll have to watch My Cousin Vinny.

Edited September 3, 2008 by SteveM

[Guest]

Any chance of some rare soul being posted on this thread, as it would help with all the reading,

This is especially for you, and it's rare too. And especially for you, it's not even the new version with all the effects replaced, because I knew how much you'd enjoy them.

"> Edited September 3, 2008 by Ian Levine

[Ged Parker]

The odd time the bouncers turned us away, we went to a club in Cleveleys (can,t recall its name) that played Northern. A young Pete Haigh used to go.

It was called Gallopers or maybe still the Dolphin at that point

[Ged Parker]

It was called Gallopers or maybe still the Dolphin at that point

doh I was supposed to be avoiding posting on this thread

[Epic]

The odd time the bouncers turned us away, we went to a club in Cleveleys (can,t recall its name) that played Northern. A young Pete Haigh used to go.

It was The Gallopers - saw the Detroit Emeralds there in '73.

[Pete S]

Wow

This statement really highlights the difference in taste and opinion between soul-sources.

When Wash and Wear Love gets played, it absolutely gets right into my 'inner soul' its a brilliant piece of rythmic heartfelt soul music. Then again the Carstairs is right there with it and the voices of East Harlem, and Eloise Laws, and Sandra Richardson.

Mr S, you really do miss out if these type of records dont float your boat. Long live the Mecca Sound.

In your defence, I can say that the reggae and ska music you have promoted in previous posts do nothing at all for me, so I suppose its horses for courses and live and let live.

Ed

Why would you and others worry about me missing out on something I don't like? I can't get past the horrible trite lyrics off this record for a start. Secondly, it's boring and lifeless and goes nowhere.

I don't mind or care if you don't like anything I post up, that's entirely up to you and it's your choice.

Also, I love the Voices Of East Harlem and Eloise Laws tracks so it's not all Mecca records I don't like, just a few.

[Guest moggy]

Ooh er... That said and from what I've heard, the walk from the station to the Casino was no stroll in the park?

This was true young Simsy

I was OK ,as for my sins I was a terrace hooligan as well as a "Peace Brother" loving soul fan, so was able to handle myself, sadly one or two of my mates weren't

Only down side to the train trips for me

The fookin Police always pulled me for a drug search and the best of it was, the first time I ever, ever tried something not from the chemist was at Morecombe Pier years after Wigan closed it's doors bastards they were.

[Guest]

This is especially for you, and it's rare too. And especially for you, it's not even the new version with all the effects replaced, because I knew how much you'd enjoy them.

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[Our Kid]

Now, now, come on - that is utter utter BOLLOCKS about Joe 90 being played at Wigan at the same time as those other two, the first anyone knew of it at all was in 1977 when Dave McCadden mentioned in Soul Time that it had been played locally in Manchester (presumably as a joke) and it was late 78 or even 79 when someone actually did play it at Wigan and then they did that rubbish cover version.

Yup, seem to recall Joe90 was wheeled out in Stockport as a joke by Tim O'Keeffe (RIP) - a highly respected UK collector who was having a pop at the lowering of standards specifically at Wigan.No one was more shocked than Tim when the word came back that someone had actually played it out at Wigan!!Tim would be having a good laugh at the stir he created if he was here!

Just glad to know the same fella who was responsible for the Joe90 joke managed to collect alongside a stunning UK collection,the whole Tamla Motown collection before his untimely passing!

Paul

[boba]

I tracked him down, discussed it all with him, but it was my assistant, Adi, who actually met and filmed him, for me.

Mel Britt was originally from Anderson, Indiana. He sang in the Versatiles on Staff and later the Visitors (he's on the Dispo record and sings lead on the Mist on Twinight, who are the Visitors). A lot of people have talked to him, someone on here actually gave me his number. I've been trying to set up a radio interview but he's hard to get ahold of.

[Koolkat]

The odd time the bouncers turned us away, we went to a club in Cleveleys (can,t recall its name) that played Northern. A young Pete Haigh used to go.

Dont remember that. I remember one night walking a fair way, over a bridge to a club called The Tangerine club and we couldnt get in there either!!!!!

[Guest moggy]

Yup, seem to recall Joe90 was wheeled out in Stockport as a joke by Tim O'Keeffe (RIP) - a highly respected UK collector who was having a pop at the lowering of standards specifically at Wigan.No one was more shocked than Tim when the word came back that someone had actually played it out at Wigan!!Tim would be having a good laugh at the stir he created if he was here!

Just glad to know the same fella who was responsible for the Joe90 joke managed to collect alongside a stunning UK collection,the whole Tamla Motown collection before his untimely passing!

Paul

I love these type of facts, cheers Paul, something else I've learnt today

[solidhit]

I tracked him down, discussed it all with him, but it was my assistant, Adi, who actually met and filmed him, for me.

I thought I was the one who provided the contact info for Mel Britt to Tim Ashibende, and you got it from him. And was Adi the same guy who filmed Robert Banks in NJ? I felt very fortunate to be able to sit in on that little session.

[Simsy]

I had reservations about this thread from the off and said as much, many pages back.

Now I look at the replies and how much time Ian has spent on here patiently answering questions and providing information and I'm thinking it has all been worthwhile. That to my mind is the proper purpose of a thread that they be worthwhile and enjoyable for all.

I know Ian may have an ego, but the people on the scene I know that don't are a considerable minority. Perhaps in this case the ego matches the achievements?

I'm thinking don't beat someone up because of ego, it's not a crime. Just don't bother looking if it gives you the pip?

[Davetay]

It was called Gallopers or maybe still the Dolphin at that point

Are you the same Ged from Blackpool who was a mate of Gary Farley?

[Peter99]

I had reservations about this thread from the off and said as much, many pages back.

Now I look at the replies and how much time Ian has spent on here patiently answering questions and providing information and I'm thinking it has all been worthwhile. That to my mind is the proper purpose of a thread that they be worthwhile and enjoyable for all.

I know Ian may have an ego, but the people on the scene I know that don't are a considerable minority. Perhaps in this case the ego matches the achievements?

I'm thinking don't beat someone up because of ego, it's not a crime. Just don't bother looking if it gives you the pip?

I think that's a sensible and reasonable post Ian.

[Koolkat]

And I,ll tell you something else. If you went on the coach and you didnt get in..........well what a shit night in Blackpool it was. Dickheads wanting to fight in all the pubs. Hey mate which town you from?...........it didnt matter if you were from Little Boystown in Boystownshire............SMACK!!!!!

And thats another thing.......getting on the coach in Blackburn . Bear in mind it originated from Burnley, calling at Accy etc. We were only 16 and there were some bigger lads than us on that coach when it arrived. Pretty intimidating I can tell you. You just never knew who was gonna tip up on that coach.

Edited September 3, 2008 by Koolkat

[Billy Freemantle]

It was never played at The Wheel nor discovered then. That's categorical.

I discovered it in 1971 and lent it to Les Cokell to play first at The Mecca. He had never heard it when the Wheel was open. It was one of my big early records, which I carried on playing when I started DJing myself in November 1971.

You know I first heard this played in Southport in the bedsit of a guy called Phil Sawyer. He had a mail order record business called Soul Unlimited or something like that. The year was most definitely 1970.

Edited September 3, 2008 by Billy Freemantle

[Guest]

I thought I was the one who provided the contact info for Mel Britt to Tim Ashibende, and you got it from him. And was Adi the same guy who filmed Robert Banks in NJ? I felt very fortunate to be able to sit in on that little session.

Is that Greg ?????

[Dave]

I find that quite offensive, to be honest.

After the vicious hounding and relentless lynch mob mentality of those like Paul-S, James Trouble, Sister Dawn, etc etc, you find Pete's harmless and innocent and amusing quips to be the ones to single out.

After the sick rubbish I keep reading on here, some of you should be ashamed to the core.

Eh?

Either you've missed the tenor of that post or you really are self-obsessed!

Moggy was trying to bring a little levity to the thread. Those that read SS regularly know that this is his way, and good on him!

It's ironic that you think some should "be ashamed to the core" for their dissenting posts, yet you find no shame in telling how you assualted a woman who interfered with your filming!!!!

[Ged Parker]

Are you the same Ged from Blackpool who was a mate of Gary Farley?

There's few of live in Blackpool but I think you mean Ged Grenall of 'Nightshift' fame. Anyway he's a red not being born in Manchester . I only know of Gallopers because my dad ran it until in the late 60's until Aug '72.

[Simsy]

ANYONE, who exploits the scene purely for monitory gain and sits around pontificating from their armchair, whist the rest of us actually get out and contribute to it, is going to give me the pip. Sorry, I guess i just think too much of a scene, that has fought a long battle to survive and grow, to let it be hijacked (again) by business enterprises. Ian started off by slagging one of the scenes nicest people. A person, who unlike Levine, has been going and contributing non-stop, for over 30 years. She has never given up on it or declared it 'dead'. So, im afraid, im not one to sit back and let that sort of bullying happen. BUT now, you all start crying when its given back, only, im telling the truth of the matter. I didn't see you sticking up for the person he was attacking? Bully boys make me sick, so im afraid you've got me for the duration mate...cheers.

Hope the Pringle jumper sales are increasing with each post.

You're a good egg Paul but I think in terms of contributing to the Northern Soul Scene, Ian's kind of done his bit and then some. On the business enterprises thing, you sure you're not getting him mixed up with another promoter? I know some of the ventures he's entered into, he's lost bundles on. But he did it for a love for the music and I believe that.

[SteveM]

Got to go lads......keep up the good work. Ill be back tomorrow.

I know the point you are making about the oxygen of publicity Paul. I made a similar point when we were having to read about the personal stuff. The numbers reading this topic have decreased since that sort of post stopped and became mainly about records and artists. By continuing in the way that James did - you are actually just repeatedley making the same point several of us have already - you are providing Ian with the publicity that you don't believe he should have. But you are adding to that with every post !

[Billy Freemantle]

I discovered[Love,love,love] in 1971

Out of interest can you remember where you discovered it?

[solidhit]

Is that Greg ?????

Yes indeed.

[Davetay]

There's few of live in Blackpool but I think you mean Ged Grenall of 'Nightshift' fame. Anyway he's a red not being born in Manchester . I only know of Gallopers because my dad ran it until in the late 60's until Aug '72.

Thanks for that

[Mark B]

Open question to all that were there ... Would it be a sweeping statement to say that (on the whole) the quality of the music played at the Mecca was superior to that played at Wigan?

i would say yes for me but they both had their own identities music wise and wigan did play some aweome stuff, but i preffered the Mecca.

mark

[Simsy]

i would say yes for me but they both had their own identities music wise and wigan did play some aweome stuff, but i preffered the Mecca.

mark

Thanks for that, interested to hear views on this.

For what was ostensibly a soul night to eclipse the mighty Wigan with it's 100k membership must have taken some doing!

[Mark B]

Yup, seem to recall Joe90 was wheeled out in Stockport as a joke by Tim O'Keeffe (RIP) - a highly respected UK collector who was having a pop at the lowering of standards specifically at Wigan.No one was more shocked than Tim when the word came back that someone had actually played it out at Wigan!!Tim would be having a good laugh at the stir he created if he was here!

Just glad to know the same fella who was responsible for the Joe90 joke managed to collect alongside a stunning UK collection,the whole Tamla Motown collection before his untimely passing!

Paul

Little Tim was a fabulous person met him through Siz at the Belle Vue all dayers, reallly nice guy as you say RIP still missed.

mark

[Guest]

It's ironic that you think some should "be ashamed to the core" for their dissenting posts, yet you find no shame in telling how you assualted a woman who interfered with your filming!!!!

I didn't assault her.

She was sickeningly persistent, and a thoroughly useless nuisance, so I elbowed the bitch out of the way.

[Guest]

The way we were

Terrible quality sorry about that!

Andy.

[Guest]

I know the point you are making about the oxygen of publicity Paul. I made a similar point when we were having to read about the personal stuff. The numbers reading this topic have decreased since that sort of post stopped and became mainly about records and artists. By continuing in the way that James did - you are actually just repeatedley making the same point several of us have already - you are providing Ian with the publicity that you don't believe he should have. But you are adding to that with every post !

And I bloody wish he wouldn't. He's stepped over the line with me as far as the libellous stuff goes. Calling someone directly evil is about as libellous as you can get.

[Guest]

Out of interest can you remember where you discovered it?

Yes.

There was a big shop right on the seafront in Blackpool, at the base of Victoria Street or near it. In 1971 they suddenly acquired hundreds of thousand of cut-out records for 20p each. Loads on both UK labels and on US.

I got both Bobby Hebb and Frankie And The Classicals on English Phillips in there. And on US labels, Thumb A Ride, The Millionaires "Never For Me", Lenny Welch on Mercury, just loads of stuff you'd never expect to have found in Blackpool.

[Guest]

Yes indeed.

I hadn't realised.

You, more than anyone else, know how much work went into SWONS.

And although the lead for Mel Britt did come from Tim Ashibende, I'm sorry that he never told me it was you who found him.

[Guest]

The way we were

Terrible quality sorry about that!

Andy.

Andy Simpson, Wendy Lofthouse, Janet Thompson, and Russ (what WAS his surname)

Edited September 3, 2008 by Ian Levine

[Ian Dewhirst]

The way we were

Terrible quality sorry about that!

Andy.

Is that a Terrible Tom Ian's holding or was he just pleased to see you?

Ian D

[Guest]

The way we were

Whatever possessed me to have my hair like that ????

Ugh !!!!!!!

The Seventies were not know for good taste, that's for sure.

Edited September 3, 2008 by Ian Levine

[Guest]

Is that a Terrible Tom Ian's holding or was he just pleased to see you?

Ian D

That is Terrible Tom, But he was pleased to see me!

Andy.

[Billy Freemantle]

Yes.

There was a big shop right on the seafront in Blackpool, at the base of Victoria Street or near it. In 1971 they suddenly acquired hundreds of thousand of cut-out records for 20p each. Loads on both UK labels and on US.

I got both Bobby Hebb and Frankie And The Classicals on English Phillips in there. And on US labels, Thumb A Ride, The Millionaires "Never For Me", Lenny Welch on Mercury, just loads of stuff you'd never expect to have found in Blackpool.

Interesting. Just shows you how there must be lots of cases of more than one person 'discovering' anything. As I say,Phil Sawyer, an Ormskirk DJ and record dealer had Love, love, love in 1970.

[Billy Freemantle]

Yes.

There was a big shop right on the seafront in Blackpool, at the base of Victoria Street or near it. In 1971 they suddenly acquired hundreds of thousand of cut-out records for 20p each. Loads on both UK labels and on US.

I got both Bobby Hebb and Frankie And The Classicals on English Phillips in there. And on US labels, Thumb A Ride, The Millionaires "Never For Me", Lenny Welch on Mercury, just loads of stuff you'd never expect to have found in Blackpool.

Interesting. Just shows you how there must be lots of cases of more than one person 'discovering' anything. As I say,Phil Sawyer, an Ormskirk DJ and record dealer had Love, love, love in 1970.

[Guest]

That is Terrible Tom, But he was pleased to see me!

Andy.

I wasn't so pleased when you danced really close to the stage, and did one of your megaspins, whirling round thirty times like a top, and your hair, all three foot of it, used to whip bucketfulls of sweat all over the record decks.

[Guest]

Interesting. Just shows you how there must be lots of cases of more than one person 'discovering' anything. As I say,Phil Sawyer, an Ormskirk DJ and record dealer had Love, love, love in 1970.

There will always be examples of this, but if it wasn't exposed to the scene in one of the big clubs like The Mecca, then it wasn't really that relevant.

[Guest]

Andy Simpson, Wendy Lofthouse, Janet Thompson, and Russ (what WAS his surname)

I probably wrong here but was it Turner? This was taken at his parents B and B, Or was it Janets?

Andy.