Paul Ogrady

[Cunnie]

Where do I begin.

I have to question anyones intention, when they turn up to a show, and they are told to dress like that. Surely the alarm bells should have rung?? Is the piece going to be positive, or is it going to be an embarrasement? Even Declan or whatever his name is, the guest on first, looked embarrased.

Had the show just been the two girls and Sandy reminiscing about the good old days, I'm sure it would have been fine as just that, but the later piece where they dragged on a few performing seals for old ladies to laugh at? Come on. Where is the dignity, and where is the 'love' of the scene??

I have no doubt at all that Liam, Paul etc have as much, maybe more passion for Northern Soul than I do. But I have to ask what on earth are they thinking by agreeing to do that?

People who enjoyed it, can justify it to themselves, by calling those of us who hated it, as Soul Police, or Chinstrokers, or whatever name you want. thats fine. But I ask you to think back to what attracted you to Northern Soul in the first place. Leaving aside the sounds of the records. Was it the Roly polys singing 'Put your arms around me' on the Saturday night big top? Was it Wigan's Ovation and the scarf waving on Top Of The Pops?

Or was it, cool kids diappearing at night, only to return next morning with tales of staying up all night listening to records nobody had heard of. Was it the thought of meeting like minded people in total safety and mutual respect?

Liam, I am not busting on you. I dont understand for one second why you went on the show, and agreed to all that. I just happen to have a totally different idea of what Northern Soul means to me. And if you are allowed to take your aspect to a national audience, I should be allowed to voice my displeasure, to the only audience I have access to. Its nothing personal. Like my disagreements with the guys on Freebasing over football, I would gladly spend an evening in their and your company.

As for the credibility jibe. If the Northern Soul scene doesnt have credibilty, what does it have?

Surely our scene attracts a certain type of individual. We seek out something thats a little differnt to the norm. We enjoy the fact that our scene and music is different to anything the majority of people we meet could ever understand. Being different, is seen by many as being better. Like the old mod ethic of moving onward and upward. this is what the Northern Soul scene does, without the oxygen of a fancy dress segement on a TV show.

If Northern Soul was just a dance thing, we could go to our local gym and join a get fit club, or we could go to the local club and hop about to the radio 1 top twenty. But its more than that. Its important to many people that the exclusivity, and underground aspect of Northern Soul is kept strong.

I cant say what I really feel, and have cut about 50 times more words than all these here. But the whole point I'm trying to say is, Northern Soul is the 100 club, Stoke, Lifeline...as different as they all are, they define Northern Soul today. Northern Soul isnt daytime TV, and remixed mega 2008 versions. Not to me, and not to some others, and YES I get very angry when watching utter toilet like the last bit of that programme yesterday. If you cant see why, then I dont really care. But my right to say how I feel is just as justified as the Russ Winstanley Wigan roadshow has to appear on whatever media outlet will massage him.

Great post Mikey

[Guest Beeks]

Great post Mikey

It IS a great post and eloquantly put...but it doesn't change the fact that the Paul O'Grady show will not cause a mass influx of new blood onto the scene for the simple reason the demographic of that show is your age or older...I can't imagine all those cool young 20 somethings sitting down to watch that 5pm piece of hip TV can you? Never Mind The Buzzcocks it aint!

Everyone always flaps on here every time something like this happens...i'm sure there has been other mass emergencies that have cropped up before only to fizzle into nothing...

Like Corporal Jones says.....

Don't panic Mr Mannering!

Edited October 15, 2008 by Beeks

[Ady Croasdell]

Where do I begin.

I have to question anyones intention, when they turn up to a show, and they are told to dress like that. Surely the alarm bells should have rung?? Is the piece going to be positive, or is it going to be an embarrasement? Even Declan or whatever his name is, the guest on first, looked embarrased.

Had the show just been the two girls and Sandy reminiscing about the good old days, I'm sure it would have been fine as just that, but the later piece where they dragged on a few performing seals for old ladies to laugh at? Come on. Where is the dignity, and where is the 'love' of the scene??

I have no doubt at all that Liam, Paul etc have as much, maybe more passion for Northern Soul than I do. But I have to ask what on earth are they thinking by agreeing to do that?

People who enjoyed it, can justify it to themselves, by calling those of us who hated it, as Soul Police, or Chinstrokers, or whatever name you want. thats fine. But I ask you to think back to what attracted you to Northern Soul in the first place. Leaving aside the sounds of the records. Was it the Roly polys singing 'Put your arms around me' on the Saturday night big top? Was it Wigan's Ovation and the scarf waving on Top Of The Pops?

Or was it, cool kids diappearing at night, only to return next morning with tales of staying up all night listening to records nobody had heard of. Was it the thought of meeting like minded people in total safety and mutual respect?

Liam, I am not busting on you. I dont understand for one second why you went on the show, and agreed to all that. I just happen to have a totally different idea of what Northern Soul means to me. And if you are allowed to take your aspect to a national audience, I should be allowed to voice my displeasure, to the only audience I have access to. Its nothing personal. Like my disagreements with the guys on Freebasing over football, I would gladly spend an evening in their and your company.

As for the credibility jibe. If the Northern Soul scene doesnt have credibilty, what does it have?

Surely our scene attracts a certain type of individual. We seek out something thats a little differnt to the norm. We enjoy the fact that our scene and music is different to anything the majority of people we meet could ever understand. Being different, is seen by many as being better. Like the old mod ethic of moving onward and upward. this is what the Northern Soul scene does, without the oxygen of a fancy dress segement on a TV show.

If Northern Soul was just a dance thing, we could go to our local gym and join a get fit club, or we could go to the local club and hop about to the radio 1 top twenty. But its more than that. Its important to many people that the exclusivity, and underground aspect of Northern Soul is kept strong.

I cant say what I really feel, and have cut about 50 times more words than all these here. But the whole point I'm trying to say is, Northern Soul is the 100 club, Stoke, Lifeline...as different as they all are, they define Northern Soul today. Northern Soul isnt daytime TV, and remixed mega 2008 versions. Not to me, and not to some others, and YES I get very angry when watching utter toilet like the last bit of that programme yesterday. If you cant see why, then I dont really care. But my right to say how I feel is just as justified as the Russ Winstanley Wigan roadshow has to appear on whatever media outlet will massage him.

That's a great passionate post and as an occasional member of the soul police i have no problems with it, I'm just getting a bit laissez faire in my old age and can't get too excited about a telly prog.

[Guest]

But I ask you to think back to what attracted you to Northern Soul in the first place...cool kids diappearing at night, only to return next morning with tales of staying up all night listening to records nobody had heard of. Was it the thought of meeting like minded people in total safety and mutual respect?...

As for the credibility jibe. If the Northern Soul scene doesnt have credibilty, what does it have?

Surely our scene attracts a certain type of individual. We seek out something thats a little differnt to the norm. We enjoy the fact that our scene and music is different to anything the majority of people we meet could ever understand. Being different, is seen by many as being better. Like the old mod ethic of moving onward and upward. this is what the Northern Soul scene does, without the oxygen of a fancy dress segement on a TV show.

... Its important to many people that the exclusivity, and underground aspect of Northern Soul is kept strong.

.... I get very angry when watching utter toilet like the last bit of that programme yesterday. If you cant see why, then I dont really care. But my right to say how I feel is just as justified as the Russ Winstanley Wigan roadshow has to appear on whatever media outlet will massage him.

Precised your post to the bits where I very strongly agree with you. TV will manipulate people to achieve it's desired result but people have to be willing to be manipulated. The older participants last night were willing to dress up in such a way as to look silly.It reminds me that the night Granada were to film This England I refused to go but a few of my mates went. A guy called Gary something went with them who been a couple of times but I don't remember going much afterwards. The point of the story is that knowing they would be filming he bought what seemed to be every patch there was sewed them on an overnight bag and that is the bag strongly featured in shot.

People who suck up to the media were divs then and are divs now.

[Dave Moore]

Once again, it was just a series of half remembered cliches strung together. The only thing missing though was Norman Wisdom chasing Mr Grimsdale!

It's irrelevant to my world, no one's gonna die and it ain't threatening my way of life. If Liam and Co wanna make gimps of themselves on TV that's their business.

The phrase "Dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants" does however seem to be becoming more and more applicable. Like I say, what folks do is their business.

Storm in a teacup.

[Guest Byrney]

It IS a great post and eloquantly put...but it doesn't change the fact that the Paul O'Grady show will not cause a mass influx of new blood onto the scene for the simple reason the demographic of that show is your age or older...I can't imagine all those cool young 20 somethings sitting down to watch that 5pm piece of hip TV can you? Never Mind The Buzzcocks it aint!

Everyone always flaps on here every time something like this happens...i'm sure there has been other mass emergencies that have cropped up before only to fizzle into nothing...

Like Corporal Jones says.....

Don't panic Mr Mannering!

But is this fabled "new blood" necessarily cool, young 20 somethings? Or can we expect an influx, nay tide, of 45+ POG fans congering there way to a village hall near you

Thinking about it, it's relatively easy access to the nostalgia scene: put the uniform on (but get it right by jingo), buy a few CDs from Tescos and your in

Mikey - it was indeed a concise and well put post, as you always seem to have an uncanny knack of doing.

[Guest Beeks]

But is this fabled "new blood" necessarily cool, young 20 somethings? Or can we expect an influx, nay tide, of 45+ POG fans congering there way to a village hall near you

Point taken!

[Guest Richard Bergman]

Paul O'grady looked more like the lead from Godspell (not Dave Essex) than a casino devotee.

Edited October 15, 2008 by Richard Bergman

[Spacehopper]

missed it last night as i had a tune arrive from the states and went straight on the dex when i got home.....

just watched it and to be honest was just what i expected for tea time tv....i reckon if it wasnt for the souled out film coming out they wouldnt have done it which is why i dont think wasnt supposed to be about the scene of today but about wigan....

ogrady was always gonna take the piss....and todays youngsters arent gonna get that anymore than watcing 60 years old with brylcream in their hair jiveing !...it may get some old soulies attending again....which on one hand could be good to fill some of these half empty nights that people talk about ...but then again if all they ask for is frank wilson and gloria jones maybe not such a good thing !

as for the dancin....to watch someone spin or backdrop in time to a break in a tune maybe once loooks good but yeah constantly doin it looks a bit shit.....but i suppose when you only have a couple of mins on a tv show people just sliding around would be a bit boring to the veiwers ??

the clothes ?...yeah looked a bit shit but actually a lot of kids are wearing 70s tank tops etc...i play at an indie night in bris and some of them do wear that shit !...maybe not the baggies and big skirts though....

i know im defending it ...i just dont think it was that bad and no more than we could expect from tv sadly.....dont think it will do any harm ....people who dont get it already take the piss out of me anyway !!!

[Our Kid]

Well I'll tell ya somethin' if I had realised they had corned beef sandwiches??? at the back of that record room I wouldn't have wasted any of my hard earned on them stupid vinyl 7" things at that "The" Wigan Casino!!

If I had come back from Wigan dressed like POG (after sneakin' off there anyway) my Old Man wouldn't have wasted his time on a good bollik*n he would have taken the easier route and rang some people in white coats and had me institutionalised!!

Paul

[Briles]

Missed the show , anyone got a link to to watch it on the net .

I have it recorded, you can watch it Friday, or Saturday morning mate

[Peter99]

I missed it too - so does anyone have a thinternet link - I ain't got a mate who recorded it.

Fanks.

[Jumpinjoan]

I missed it too - so does anyone have a thinternet link - I ain't got a mate who recorded it.

Fanks.

Mike has posted it up in media source

[Alan Walls]

Well byrney..I went once in 1974 and left to start me oon bakery business and around 2004 when i realised my life was and had been fookin shite, someone said "what aboot that prestatyn thingy, yow can dress oop and dance aboot like yar were 16 again and still wear the same clothes" and i thought this is just what i need, and it's cheaper than a Harley Davidson or an MG.

OOOOHHHH Paul O'Grady and Russ Winstanley do the Hucklebuck...I think i'm in soul heaven...

Brother Man, that's too darn soulful. I oughta go to church. KTF!

That was one weird programme. I don't know what it would take for such a feature to 'work' - whatever 'work' means - but I know when it doesn't, and it never seems to 'work', does it? These things tend to be either bizarre cringefests or downright offensive, despite the best intentions of those involved. What was that clobber all about? I shouldn't imagine this generation of skinny, guitar band youths have seen so much yardage of cloth since the campsite at Glastonbury, and I can't imagine that programme will see them bashing down the doors of their local soul nights, all Spencers'd and platform-soled up, eager to hear old Dustbin Stanley - The Godfather of Northern Soul, no less - breaking the hits of tomorrow. Too weird...

[Little-stevie]

The whole show was just a follow on from the souled out film.. Its a promotional tool to keep the public informed, you will see many more bits like this in the media in the run up to the film coming out and they will drag up the same stories and parade the dancers and old heads from wigan...

The point of the film is to mass market it to joe public and hope that the soul scene too will take it on board, it looks like they will lose a vast number of folk from the scene but still get joe public on side, we shall see...

The dancers/ old wigan heads and any others who were part of this light entertainment did so knowing what the outcome would be i hope , they can't have thought it was gonna be cool, a silly clown like POG and an audience of folk like that are there for laughs, not mass debate.. The Scouse clown scripted it to get laughs and thats what it got from the public i should think...

The producers of the film will try and get as much tv/media as they can to push the film, thats what the games about...

The Wigan circus is in full swing and the clowns are on tour.... It aint cool but it will but bums on seats at the cinema...

The start of the show was ok with the old heads just talking about jumping out of the window, it was that bit at the end with that Dermott bloke and the others all trying to do the dance ... .... Russ nodding in the background as the performers do the Northern Soul dancing , he was rubbing his hands and pounds signs were flashing all around him...

The only thing missing from the end of the show was the fire eating, jugglers and few midgets thrown in... POG and the producers of souled out got just what they wanted.. Everybody loves the circus don't they

[paultp]

It IS a great post and eloquantly put...but it doesn't change the fact that the Paul O'Grady show will not cause a mass influx of new blood onto the scene for the simple reason the demographic of that show is your age or older...I can't imagine all those cool young 20 somethings sitting down to watch that 5pm piece of hip TV can you? Never Mind The Buzzcocks it aint!

Everyone always flaps on here every time something like this happens...i'm sure there has been other mass emergencies that have cropped up before only to fizzle into nothing...

Like Corporal Jones says.....

Don't panic Mr Mannering!

I don't think anyone is really flapping about it, just sort of shaking their heads and thinking "not again FFS".

I don't care what the general public think about NS but I don't look forward to having the piss taken out of me by friends who know I like the music and go out occasionally to NS nights.

I switched on and got exactly what I expected to be honest but I still cringed and had to switch it off.

Probably the same way as city workers feel at the mo when one of the news progs does one of their "So what is short selling?" 2 minuters. Inaccurrate, unrepresentative, embarrassing and unwanted coverage - but no big deal.

One thing I've realised is that I did not immediately suss that it was just a plug for the Souled Out film, maybe it is the onset of old age.

Mikey pretty much summed it up, I'm thinking of starting a quasi religious cult with him as the figurehead.

[KevH]

just watched it on Media,what did we expect from "comedian" POG?.A "comedy" fall while dancing to get the grannies in the crowd whooping,and a quick "joke" about his kidney falling out.

Where do i get an orange badge from? Dancers were good.

See my thread on Freebasing i started before i knew POG was having a Northern spectacular.

SUPPOSE ITS NOT ALL HIS FAULT THO'.

SOS - POG.

[SOULCENTRAL]

how about an intro ?

dont wanna start taking posts off but no intro no name posts calling other members are not on

Mike, sorry about not providing an intro as i did not realize this was a requisite when contributing to the forum. One will follow shortly.

As for "calling other members" this i would not do on a personal level. The point of my post was that no individual has the right to determine what is credible or not in regards to something that they do not own and are only a very small part of ie the northern/soul scene. People are entitled to their own opinions on various subjects but please keep them as such and do not give the impression that you speak for the masses.

As for removing posts, i would suggest that you take a more indepth look at some of the posts on the forum regarding this subject as they are clearly libelous in the form of directing personal insults at the people who appeared on the show.

Regarding Mickeys recent post today i can only say this was superb in its content,written with great feeling and tempered emotion. We could do with many more like this

[Guest MattB]

I don't really want to get too involved in this thread, I've seen it develop from the first post and i think it needs one light hearted positive remark to make it all seem like it was worth it.

If you look closely Liam knocks POG over. Right on his arse.

Just what he deserves if you ask me.

[Little-stevie]

Just watched it again and its pretty good light entertainment for the masses i should think..

Just seen the bit at the end when they have the tombola ( Spelling?) winner... Even that was a plug with the winner from Stoke

Thats classic tv indeed but Russ missed the start of the track when on the decks.... Maybe he faked it

OVO..yes indeed...

Original Vests only

[Miss Schmidt]

Just watched it..Shocking and embarrassing..I don't belong to the Northern Scene , I just love the music and I have to say I don't understand why those people agreed to take part in this travesty show???EH???? Especially Liam and his mates, I thought they were cooler than that..I thought it's all about the music and dancing and not about show and media...Liam, next time I'll see ya pardon me laughing for half an hour first.. sorry..

[KevH]

I don't really want to get too involved in this thread, I've seen it develop from the first post and i think it needs one light hearted positive remark to make it all seem like it was worth it.

If you look closely Liam knocks POG over. Right on his arse.

Just what he deserves if you ask me.

POG's got a nasty streak in him,like Barrymore.And about as popular and funny.

Pity NS had to be associated with such a nob.

But hey!!,let's get back to the real SWONS.

[Guest MattB]

I have such a distain for POG now, more than i did before.

I wouldn't be suprised if he never went to wigan, even if he had he must be the worst person to ever convey his experience to other people, maybe we should get a northern soul supermarket sweep with dale winton or NS snooker special with Steve Davis never know might be more accurate.

And as for the decks, i'm sure he would have been fine all the practice he's had these last few years on CD players.

Did you spot all the advertisements in the back the the supermarket anniversary?

[Guest]

I have such a distain for POG now, more than i did before.

I wouldn't be suprised if he never went to wigan, even if he had he must be the worst person to ever convey his experience to other people, maybe we should get a northern soul supermarket sweep with dale winton or NS snooker special with Steve Davis never know might be more accurate.

And as for the decks, i'm sure he would have been fine all the practice he's had these last few years on CD players.

Did you spot all the advertisements in the back the the supermarket anniversary?

I loved the on air ad for where to buy baggy trousers. It's

https://stockport-soul-clothing.webeden.co.uk/

should you feel the urge !

[Guest]

I loved the on air ad for where to buy baggy trousers. It's

https://stockport-soul-clothing.webeden.co.uk/

should you feel the urge !

That took me to this site https://www.northernsoulsister.co.uk/database/?c=soulbrother which not only let me know that Spencers are still making bags to the original pattern but that I could be the proud owner of a "Northern Soul - Keep the Faith" bar towel for a mere £5 but £1.50 p + p

Joking apart I've always worn traditionaly styled leather shoes since the 70's and they do have a nice looking pair for sale, I think I'll pass on the Fred Perry shirt and Harrington jacket though

[Guest Beeks]

I think I'll pass on the Fred Perry shirt

At £35 so will I!

Have they not heard of e-bay?

[Guest]

At £35 so will I!

Have they not heard of e-bay?

Yes but e-bay isn't fully endorsed by the Godfather of Northern Soul unlike for example (and I kid you not) the Frank Wilson Do I love You Polo shirt by Warrier Clothing

As the Warrier site quite rightly says:

Northern Soul

Born and raised within the sound of the Wigan Casino beat, Warrior are proud to be from Wigan in the heart of the north west of England. A town once famous for its cotton mills and now just as famous for its Casino Club, where legends were made, sweat was spilled and sounds discovered. Our Northern Soul range is as true to the scene as it can be and is fully endorsed by Russ Winstanley, the original and most famous Wigan Casino disc jockey. From Wigan with Love..........

[Corbett80]

As for the credibility jibe. If the Northern Soul scene doesnt have credibilty, what does it have?

'Surely our scene attracts a certain type of individual. We seek out something thats a little differnt to the norm. We enjoy the fact that our scene and music is different to anything the majority of people we meet could ever understand. Being different, is seen by many as being better. Like the old mod ethic of moving onward and upward. this is what the Northern Soul scene does, without the oxygen of a fancy dress segement on a TV show.

If Northern Soul was just a dance thing, we could go to our local gym and join a get fit club, or we could go to the local club and hop about to the radio 1 top twenty. But its more than that. Its important to many people that the exclusivity, and underground aspect of Northern Soul is kept strong. '

Absolutely. And if you claim to have a deep passion for the music, why undermine it's significance by becoming involved in this kind of farce. It's disappointing in the extreme. You have to question what the records actually do mean to these people? I shouldn't be having to say that as someone of 28 to people who have been involved in it for more years than i've been alive. Perhaps wanting to keep something as special as the soul scene to yourself and maintaining its reputation as an important underground culture dedicated to worshipping the best music ever made is insular, and wrong? Think i'd rather be wrong than propping up a class-c lightweight entertainment tool on teatime tv. In a wig no less.

Having said all this we should maybe think about the fact that some of those involved may have been unaware of exactly the kind of representation they were going to get when agreeing to the show? Best way to avoid similar situations in the future: STAY CLEAR OF THE MEDIA, THEY ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS.

Edited October 15, 2008 by mulf

[Modernsoulsucks]

I think you're missing the point. The overwhelming response is that of embarrasment.

If you feel any sense of pride in the way that our scene was portrayed then you're a better man than me.

Well I was embarrased at times FOR those taking part in that it was always going to be about POG dressing up and getting a laugh out of the audience, but not BY the participants who did their best to get across what it meant to them at the time and now.

I think once you start describing parts of the scene as "sad" and by extension those who prefer the more nostalgic/retro side of things, then you're making subjective judgements based on your own preferences and prejudices. Similar to what went on in the OVO thread recently.

I think you've just got to accept that not everybody approaches Northern with the same mindset but that doesn't make them an embarrassment or set them up as a "whipping boy" for what others may perceive as a sideshow to the main event.

ROD

[Rob Wigley]

A man of your elk watching the Simpsons mr burton ?

Nowt wrong with T'Simpsons , Mr Wigley ? .........

Thats true Mr Burton, Now I' just trying to find something which I'll post later

but have you seen family guy ?

A man of my ELK - I assume that you mean ILK , or are you implying improprieties with a four legged cloven hoved , antler sporting , hirsute animal ? ........

Very true, tis what I meant, but "Malc The Elk" sounds like a Yorkshire gangster !

Malc Burton

here you go Malc

Edited October 15, 2008 by Karen and Rob Wigley

[Iancsloft]

[quote name='Dave Moore' date='Oct 15 08

Storm in a teacup.

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

Storm in a teacup====the Fortunes

I claim my prize in the 70,s pop quiz Mr Moore

Whats my prize, a rare Detroit 45 or a Pooles Meat n Prayter Pie from Wiggin

[Guest SteveJohnston]

[quote name='Dave Moore' date='Oct 15 08

Storm in a teacup.

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

Storm in a teacup====the Fortunes

I claim my prize in the 70,s pop quiz Mr Moore

Whats my prize, a rare Detroit 45 or a Pooles Meat n Prayter Pie from Wiggin

Fookin hell Ian i could just eat a Pooles Meat n Prayter pie

Got Ryvita in mi pack up like eatin flipin cardboard wholegrain rye goodness

Steve J

Edited October 15, 2008 by SteveJohnston

[Guest in town Mikey]

Well I was embarrased at times FOR those taking part in that it was always going to be about POG dressing up and getting a laugh out of the audience, but not BY the participants who did their best to get across what it meant to them at the time and now.

I think once you start describing parts of the scene as "sad" and by extension those who prefer the more nostalgic/retro side of things, then you're making subjective judgements based on your own preferences and prejudices. Similar to what went on in the OVO thread recently.

I think you've just got to accept that not everybody approaches Northern with the same mindset but that doesn't make them an embarrassment or set them up as a "whipping boy" for what others may perceive as a sideshow to the main event.

ROD

Thats a great way to put it Rod. I wasnt cringing at the guys on there, just what they were asked to do, and they way they were asked to do it. I've no doubt their heart isnt in the right place 100%

As for the nostalgia part of the scene. As I tried to say in my post, Stoke is every bit as part od todays northern Soul as the 100 club is. Its not my cup of tea, but thats no different to the Orwell, which wasnt either.

I hope some of the reactions, including mine, dont dent Liam's enthusiasm one iota. Its great to see how passionate he is, and I believe its that enthusiasm, is what is infectious, and is likely to attract new younger people to the scene. What I thought of a 5 minute segment in a TV show shouldnt matter to him one little bit, and if I cause anyone any offence I cant apologise enough. We all love Northern Soul, and as you say, we all approach it differently.

Who knows, yesterdays show may have been watched by old Casino goers, who'd not had their memories jogged for a couple of decades. maybe they will also be tempted to look into visiting their local night and seeing if they can still enjoy it. So in that respect there is nothing to be critical of.

[Dennisoul]

Just watched the footage, thought it was pretty funny with some cringey bits. Not to be taken too serious I think, POG seemed to be genuinely into it...Whether it`s good or bad for the scene, just a bit of fun me thinks!

Edited October 15, 2008 by Dennisoul

[Guest Beeks]

Who knows, yesterdays show may have been watched by old Casino goers, who'd not had their memories jogged for a couple of decades. maybe they will also be tempted to look into visiting their local night and seeing if they can still enjoy it.

Genuinely valid point that...and i'm sure even the most virulent defender of the scenes integrity would have to cede that this could only be a good thing.

[Jumpinjoan]

Just watched the footage, thought it was pretty funny with some cringey bits. Not to be taken too serious I think, POG seemed to be genuinely into it...Whether it`s good or bad for the scene, just a bit of fun me thinks!

That's a may be Andy.

But would you show yourself up like they did last night? I know I wouldn't

[Ted Massey]

Thats a great way to put it Rod. I wasnt cringing at the guys on there, just what they were asked to do, and they way they were asked to do it. I've no doubt their heart isnt in the right place 100%

As for the nostalgia part of the scene. As I tried to say in my post, Stoke is every bit as part od todays northern Soul as the 100 club is. Its not my cup of tea, but thats no different to the Orwell, which wasnt either.

I hope some of the reactions, including mine, dont dent Liam's enthusiasm one iota. Its great to see how passionate he is, and I believe its that enthusiasm, is what is infectious, and is likely to attract new younger people to the scene. What I thought of a 5 minute segment in a TV show shouldnt matter to him one little bit, and if I cause anyone any offence I cant apologise enough. We all love Northern Soul, and as you say, we all approach it differently.

Who knows, yesterdays show may have been watched by old Casino goers, who'd not had their memories jogged for a couple of decades. maybe they will also be tempted to look into visiting their local night and seeing if they can still enjoy it. So in that respect there is nothing to be critical of.

they might even go in the loft and find loads of rarities they didnt know they had and will still not when they turn up to sell them at the soul night . just been cynical

[lisahurley]

I've never been so depressed

[Dennisoul]

That's a may be Andy.

But would you show yourself up like they did last night? I know I wouldn't

No I wouldn`t Joan, thats up to them and as such they`re not representing me.. I just look at it as a bit of fun, I don`t really care what the publics opinion is after watching it...it wont change the way I think about todays scene, what matters to me is still the music, friends like yourself and the enthusiasm that still goes along with the soul world.

[Steve G]

It was so bad that you shouldn't really get upset about it folks. Just the latest Russmatazz. He is out there to milk whatever he can from the memory of Wigan, and we just have to accept that for what it is. The Casino is his life and that's all there is to it.

But chubby "50 something" women with flared skirts and wrist bands on (I presume to control the flow of sweat - YUK!) - Sandy with his pink quiff, little old Russ with his Casino badge on his breast pocket........I mean it was so sweet and twee and totally irrelevant to the soul scene that I couldn't really be upset with it. It was like watching a programme about an old lady make straw dollies or something.

Oddly though I have seen some people dressed like that out and about

Edited October 15, 2008 by Steve G

[Guest Beeks]

I've never been so depressed

Overreaction prize of the thread...congratulations

*pins on rosette*

[Johnmcc]

On tonight's show.....Studio full of pigs and alpacas.

Contrast and compare.

[Jez Jones]

It was so bad that you shouldn't really get upset about it folks. Just the latest Russmatazz. He is out there to milk whatever he can from the memory of Wigan, and we just have to accept that for what it is. The Casino is his life and that's all there is to it.

But chubby "50 something" women with flared skirts and wrist bands on (I presume to control the flow of sweat - YUK!) - Sandy with his pink quiff, little old Russ with his Casino badge on his breast pocket........I mean it was so sweet and twee and totally irrelevant to the soul scene that I couldn't really be upset with it. It was like watching a programme about an old lady make straw dollies or something.

Oddly though I have seen some people dressed like that out and about

Whoops---- careful Steve, could be time for the tin hat

[Guest in town Mikey]

On tonight's show.....Studio full of pigs and alpacas.

Contrast and compare.

And just to keep it authentic Paul will be marching around telling anyone who'll listen "its the squad"

[Wiganer1]

It was so bad that you shouldn't really get upset about it folks. Just the latest Russmatazz. He is out there to milk whatever he can from the memory of Wigan, and we just have to accept that for what it is. The Casino is his life and that's all there is to it.

But chubby "50 something" women with flared skirts and wrist bands on (I presume to control the flow of sweat - YUK!) - Sandy with his pink quiff, little old Russ with his Casino badge on his breast pocket........I mean it was so sweet and twee and totally irrelevant to the soul scene that I couldn't really be upset with it. It was like watching a programme about an old lady make straw dollies or something.

Oddly though I have seen some people dressed like that out and about

==

why is it russ's fault!!

did russ ask Paul ogrady to do it - i dont think so

who else were they going to ask to be linked with it?

i took the programme for what it was a bit of nostalgia about the old days...also a bit of fun!

[Garethx]

Context is everything. This was Channel 4 tea-time TV. Few who had ever seen an edition of the Paul O'Grady show could have been surprised at the tone of the piece: his intention is to satirise everything. His entire act is based on the idea that nothing is sacred and is fair game for a particular strain of camp piss-taking. Those involved are guilty of nothing more than naivity with the exception of Russ Winstanley, whose critical faculties and instincts have never been that strong, but who seems immune to buffeting from any outside force.

Let's face it, they were never going to ask a credible, media-savvy talking head to appear and give an in-depth appreciation of this most mysterious and enduring of cults. To turn the entire thing on its head it might be pertinent to ask exactly how Rare Soul could usefully and truthfully be explored in a five to ten minute strand on any mainstream TV show?

I agree with Joel that rare soul and the media can't or shouldn't mix, but if you've got something to promote (such as an impending feature film) the temptation to think that any exposure would be welcome is a strong urge to fight.

The only people wringing their hands will be insiders; the wider world will still keep turning today. It won't be any wiser about Northern Soul but it won't really care about that.

[Modernsoulsucks]

"But chubby "50 something" women" SteveG quote

Oh dear,dear,dear!

I hope Steve you have more than a passing resemblance to Sean Bean or that could rebound rather nastily.

Still, it will earn me enormous Brownie points with my wife when I show her that compared to some I've made significant progress to becoming a model "new man".

Let's just hope that nobody brings this to the ATTENTION of the FEMALE CONTRIBUTORS to this thread.

ROD

Edited October 15, 2008 by modernsoulsucks

[Guest in town Mikey]

To turn the entire thing on its head it might be pertinent to ask exactly how Rare Soul could usefully and truthfully be explored in a five to ten minute strand on any mainstream TV show?

With apologies to Frankie Boyle, who delivered the line

A friend asked if there is a vegetarian option, the waiter replied, 'yes, they can f### off'

Tell them - if I have to explain, you wont get it.

Then slowly leave the studio, in your freshly ironed, checked, Ben Sherman shirt, finely pressed trousers (non flared or boot cut), and militarily polished loafers, draping your coat behind you before releasing the coat and allowing it to fall, just as you exit, leaving an image of 'cool has left the building'

Edited October 15, 2008 by in town Mikey

[Guest]

Let's face it, they were never going to ask a credible, media-savvy talking head to appear and give an in-depth appreciation of this most mysterious and enduring of cults.

C4 could have asked their own Phd in Media and Head of Programmes Nations and Regions to contribute.

[Guest Byrney]

Yes but e-bay isn't fully endorsed by the Godfather of Northern Soul unlike for example (and I kid you not) the Frank Wilson Do I love You Polo shirt by Warrier Clothing

As the Warrier site quite rightly says:

Northern Soul

....Soul range is as true to the scene as it can be and is fully endorsed by Russ Winstanley, the original and most famous Wigan Casino disc jockey. From Wigan with Love..........

oh I'm just confused now, so can you wear this item with pride at a nostalgia doo and have that warm glow of oneness with all kin on the floor knowing that you fit in with the scene codes and will be accepted, or, is it contrary to the retro rule as stated previous where it has to have relevance, and yea; produced in the very same material type as that worn by the stomper class of 74.

Blummin heck, hard work this - much easier being a chin stroker

Edited October 15, 2008 by Byrney