" Stomper "

[Guest]

I was sat pondering several topics this morning - as one does - when the term " stomper " - for some reason - came into my mind .......

When was the term " stomper " first applied on the scene , and what was the record or records , that can be named that inspired the term ? It seems to have been around since Adam was a lad , but there must have been a specific date / time .......

Malc Burton

Edited November 16, 2008 by Malc Burton

[Harry Crosby]

Morning again malc, allways puzzled me this one, what is stomping? not being a dancer really, it seems to me the term is confused with the dance style of shuffling your feet backwards and forwards if you get my meaning, to a more of a seventies sounding beat, i allways thought it was dancing to a more sixties powerful beat

[Guest]

Morning again malc, allways puzzled me this one, what is stomping? not being a dancer really, it seems to me the term is confused with the dance style of shuffling your feet backwards and forwards if you get my meaning, to a more of a seventies sounding beat, i allways thought it was dancing to a more sixties powerful beat

I believe that the term was applied in the offset , to the recordings that had the pounding " on the fours " beat , but I could be wrong .......

Malc Burton

[Guest Matt Male]

I was sat pondering several topics this morning - as one does - when the term " stomper " - for some reason - came into my mind .......

When was the term " stomper " first applied on the scene , and what was the record or records , that can be named that inspired the term ? It seems to have been around since Adam was a lad , but there must have been a specific date / time .......

Malc Burton

When i got into it (1978) there were two types of dance, the normal one we all still do and another which was a kind of shuffling and flicking your legs out really fast, dancing on the spot to the really uptempo pounding, called 'stomping'. The records to stomp to were things like Ton Of Dynamite, Cochise, I've Got Something Good, The Champion, Coloured Man (but not always 100mph stuff).

Suddenly, around '81 everybody seemed to stop stomping to specific records and thesedays it's rare to see anyone doing it, although i have seen people at Stoke and mainly oldies dos stomping. Funnily enough i can remember a specific time and place when we all packed it in, it was at Brum Locarno during Brian's Rae's spot and suddenly it wasn't cool for me and mates any more. So we never did it again. Weird. I think stomping was a Wigan era thing and the youngsters dancing to the mid-tempo 60s in the 80s couldn't be bothered with it.

That was my experience of it. We'll get someone coming on and saying that was 'shuffling' to them, but to me shuffling was the modern fan's dance at Stafford done to mid-tempo records like Circles by Atlantic Star and others, which in my opinion was much more a 'shuffling' of feet on the spot and much slower.

That's was my take on it anyway. I'm sure everyone else has a different experience

Just like to add it wasn't Brian's spot that made us stop stomping, i just remember he was on at the time

Edited November 16, 2008 by Matt Male

[Zed1]

When i got into it (1978) there were two types of dance, the normal one we all still do and another which was a kind of shuffling and flicking your legs out really fast, dancing on the spot to the really uptempo pounding, called 'stomping'. The records to stomp to were things like Ton Of Dynamite, Cochise, I've Got Something Good, The Champion, Coloured Man (but not always 100mph stuff).

Suddenly, around '81 everybody seemed to stop stomping to specific records and thesedays it's rare to see anyone doing it, although i have seen people at Stoke and mainly oldies dos stomping. Funnily enough i can remember a specific time and place when we all packed it in, it was at Brum Locarno during Brian's Rae's spot and suddenly it wasn't cool for me and mates any more. So we never did it again. Weird. I think stomping was a Wigan era thing and the youngsters dancing to the mid-tempo 60s in the 80s couldn't be bothered with it.

That was my experience of it. We'll get someone coming on and saying that was 'shuffling' to them, but to me shuffling was the modern fan's dance at Stafford done to mid-tempo records like Circles by Atlantic Star and others, which in my opinion was much more a 'shuffling' of feet on the spot and much slower.

That's was my take on it anyway. I'm sure everyone else has a different experience

Just like to add it wasn't Brian's spot that made us stop stomping, i just remember he was on at the time

I would tend to agree.........

'Stomping' was very different to the usual NS type dance and was much harder to do (Properly) many 'tried' to stomp but just ended up looking like Tigger on whizz....

Few decent stompers on the end of this Casino outakes clip....

https://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQ-bqU_9y4&...feature=related#

[Ian Dewhirst]

When i got into it (1978) there were two types of dance, the normal one we all still do and another which was a kind of shuffling and flicking your legs out really fast, dancing on the spot to the really uptempo pounding, called 'stomping'. The records to stomp to were things like Ton Of Dynamite, Cochise, I've Got Something Good, The Champion, Coloured Man (but not always 100mph stuff).

Suddenly, around '81 everybody seemed to stop stomping to specific records and thesedays it's rare to see anyone doing it, although i have seen people at Stoke and mainly oldies dos stomping. Funnily enough i can remember a specific time and place when we all packed it in, it was at Brum Locarno during Brian's Rae's spot and suddenly it wasn't cool for me and mates any more. So we never did it again. Weird. I think stomping was a Wigan era thing and the youngsters dancing to the mid-tempo 60s in the 80s couldn't be bothered with it.

That was my experience of it. We'll get someone coming on and saying that was 'shuffling' to them, but to me shuffling was the modern fan's dance at Stafford done to mid-tempo records like Circles by Atlantic Star and others, which in my opinion was much more a 'shuffling' of feet on the spot and much slower.

That's was my take on it anyway. I'm sure everyone else has a different experience

Just like to add it wasn't Brian's spot that made us stop stomping, i just remember he was on at the time

I always have a mental picture in my mind of approaching Cleethorpes Pier and hearing the sound of stomping feet from a good mile away...........usually to "Ton Of Dynamite", "Being Without You", "Broadway Cissy", "Send Him Back" etc, etc, etc............

Ian D

[Guest]

When i got into it (1978) there were two types of dance, the normal one we all still do and another which was a kind of shuffling and flicking your legs out really fast, dancing on the spot to the really uptempo pounding, called 'stomping'. The records to stomp to were things like Ton Of Dynamite, Cochise, I've Got Something Good, The Champion, Coloured Man (but not always 100mph stuff).

Suddenly, around '81 everybody seemed to stop stomping to specific records and thesedays it's rare to see anyone doing it, although i have seen people at Stoke and mainly oldies dos stomping. Funnily enough i can remember a specific time and place when we all packed it in, it was at Brum Locarno during Brian's Rae's spot and suddenly it wasn't cool for me and mates any more. So we never did it again. Weird. I think stomping was a Wigan era thing and the youngsters dancing to the mid-tempo 60s in the 80s couldn't be bothered with it.

That was my experience of it. We'll get someone coming on and saying that was 'shuffling' to them, but to me shuffling was the modern fan's dance at Stafford done to mid-tempo records like Circles by Atlantic Star and others, which in my opinion was much more a 'shuffling' of feet on the spot and much slower.

That's was my take on it anyway. I'm sure everyone else has a different experience

Just like to add it wasn't Brian's spot that made us stop stomping, i just remember he was on at the time

[Rick Scott]

Good Morning Malc,

Hope everything is well with you and yours, First time i can relate to or remember the term "STOMPER" being applied to a record from a DJing point of view was after playing "So is the sun" by World Collum at the Pier, and every one remarking how you could feel the dance floor bouncing up and down whether you were sitting, standing or dancing, and also people queing up outside to get in on a night would smile and remark "Just listen to that stomp stomp stomp,I bet they're playing "So Is The Sun" That for me is my ealiest recolections and would fit the bill with Ton Of Dynamite,Cut Your Motor off,The Champion, ETC, ETC, ETC Rick

[Ian Dewhirst]

Good Morning Malc,

Hope everything is well with you and yours, First time i can relate to or remember the term "STOMPER" being applied to a record from a DJing point of view was after playing "So is the sun" by World Collum at the Pier, and every one remarking how you could feel the dance floor bouncing up and down whether you were sitting, standing or dancing, and also people queing up outside to get in on a night would smile and remark "Just listen to that stomp stomp stomp,I bet they're playing "So Is The Sun" That for me is my ealiest recolections and would fit the bill with Ton Of Dynamite,Cut Your Motor off,The Champion, ETC, ETC, ETC Rick

LOL. Great minds think alike Rick!

Ian D

[Guest]

Ax Geno Washington,he had a lp something something stompers and something.

[Rick Scott]

Hi Frank, yes, i know just what you mean, you just had to be there and be a part of the Legend that was, even though it was only for those short few years, i would not have missed it for anything, and like you and the rest of the crew was very proud to have been a part of the experience, oh to be able to turn those clocks of time back ? ho hum Rick

[Sjclement]

I was sat pondering several topics this morning - as one does - when the term " stomper " - for some reason - came into my mind .......

When was the term " stomper " first applied on the scene , and what was the record or records , that can be named that inspired the term ? It seems to have been around since Adam was a lad , but there must have been a specific date / time .......

Malc Burton

The word Stomp

[Sjclement]

The word Stomp

The word 'stomp' has been associated with dancing since the 30s (Bristol Stomp,Stomping at the Savoy)

My guess is that it carried on through to describe any Northern track with a heavy baseline,as opposed to floaters

I don't know any style of Northern dance that resembles a stomp

best

John

[Guest mel brat]

The word 'stomp' has been associated with dancing since the 30s (Bristol Stomp,Stomping at the Savoy)

My guess is that it carried on through to describe any Northern track with a heavy baseline,as opposed to floaters..

best

John

Correct. Besides, this term was being applied to certain records as early as 1974 to my own knowledge - sometimes disparagingly. (I'm pretty sure the term was used by Tony Cummings in the series of articles on Northern Soul in Black Music magazine - though he didn't invent it!)

Typical "proper stompers" were Terrible Tom, Sam & Kitty etc., ie loud, fast and furious with a "stomping" beat. It had nothing directly to do with Northern dance styles per.se., except that it was very different to contemporary Philly recordings.

Edited November 16, 2008 by mel brat

[Russ Vickers]

When i got into it (1978) there were two types of dance, the normal one we all still do and another which was a kind of shuffling and flicking your legs out really fast, dancing on the spot to the really uptempo pounding, called 'stomping'. The records to stomp to were things like Ton Of Dynamite, Cochise, I've Got Something Good, The Champion, Coloured Man (but not always 100mph stuff).

Suddenly, around '81 everybody seemed to stop stomping to specific records and thesedays it's rare to see anyone doing it, although i have seen people at Stoke and mainly oldies dos stomping. Funnily enough i can remember a specific time and place when we all packed it in, it was at Brum Locarno during Brian's Rae's spot and suddenly it wasn't cool for me and mates any more. So we never did it again. Weird. I think stomping was a Wigan era thing and the youngsters dancing to the mid-tempo 60s in the 80s couldn't be bothered with it.

That was my experience of it. We'll get someone coming on and saying that was 'shuffling' to them, but to me shuffling was the modern fan's dance at Stafford done to mid-tempo records like Circles by Atlantic Star and others, which in my opinion was much more a 'shuffling' of feet on the spot and much slower.

That's was my take on it anyway. I'm sure everyone else has a different experience

Just like to add it wasn't Brian's spot that made us stop stomping, i just remember he was on at the time

................deffo my take on things too, almost to a tee........uncanny !!!.

Russ

[scunnyjack]

Correct. Besides, this term was being applied to certain records as early as 1974 to my own knowledge.

Whether they were referred to stompers at the time I cannot remember, but Torch sounds such as Sam & Kitty, Little Richard and Rufus Lumley certainly fit the bill.

I agree with Ian & Rick about the Cleethorpes Pier bouncing to So Is The Sun, Ton Of Dynamite, The Champion amongst many others.

Steve

[Guest mel brat]

................deffo my take on things too, almost to a tee........uncanny !!!.

Russ

Except that it's wrong...!

Edited November 16, 2008 by mel brat

[Harry Crosby]

I believe that the term was applied in the offset , to the recordings that had the pounding " on the fours " beat , but I could be wrong .......

Malc Burton

Think maybe malc was somewhere along the right lines here then as i was lead to believe anyway

[Guest Matt Male]

Except that it's wrong...!

How was i wrong?

I wasn't talking about the origins of stomping. Go back and read my post. We all danced to Sam and Kitty, Terrible Tom, Ton of Dynamite etc... and we called them stompers and we danced in a particular style we all called stomping at least everyone i knew did and at the places i attended. Russ agrees with me, so did Mike and Teapot.

Those are the facts, or am i a liar?

Edited November 16, 2008 by Matt Male

[Guest mel brat]

How was i wrong?

I wasn't talking about the origins of stomping. Go back and read my post. We all danced to Sam and Kitty, Terrible Tom, Ton of Dynamite etc... and we called them stompers and we danced in a particular style we all called stomping at least everyone i knew did and at the places i attended. Russ agrees with me, so did Mike and Teapot.

Those are the facts, or am i a liar?

I never said you were a liar, I just meant that the term "Stompers" as applied to certain types of Northern records had NOTHING at all to do with the style of dancing you referred to, which emerged C.1977 - several years after the term was first employed. The facts you cite are irrelevant to the original query, that's all. No offence.

Edited November 16, 2008 by mel brat

[Guest Matt Male]

I never said you were a liar, I just meant that the term "Stompers" as applied to certain types of Northern records had NOTHING at all to do with the style of dancing you referred to, which emerged C.1977 - several years after the term was first employed. The facts you cite are irrelevant to the original query, that's all. No offence.

Maybe my points weren't relevent to the original query but they weren't wrong either, which was what you said. Say what you mean next time.

No offence taken.

[Guest mel brat]

The word 'stomp' has been associated with dancing since the 30s, Bristol Stomp,Stomping at the Savoy...

best

John

add the 'STOMPTOWN' label (Duke & Leonard), and "Skinhead Moon Stomp" !

The evolution of dance styles on the UK Rare Soul would be an interesting project and has yet to be properly documented, though it is probably made more difficult by the fact that many of the "moves" that emerged mostly had no set steps as such - and the dances had no real "names"! (unlike the miriad of dance crazes in the States), which was my point re. the Wigan/Cleethorpes "Stomp", or whatever you wish to call it, or indeed called it then. The name you and your friends gave this dance cannot be linked to the term as originally applied.

If this dance emerged C.1976/77, that was at least 18 months after "So Is The Sun" and "Ton Of Dynamite" were first aired - and these two records were definitely NOT regarded as "stompers" at that time. Indeed they represented the exact opposite, being two of the Mecca records which were causing such controversy among those who favoured the "traditional Northern stomper"! 1977 was three years after the term "Stomper" was applied (in print at least) to a particular type of uptempo record.

Additionally, "Pop stomper" was typically used as a derogatory term for those particular Wigan spins that fitted the furious tempo, but fell way short of being genuine Soul records.

My opposition then Matt, was to the impression you gave that a certain type of "Stomp" dance emerged in response to the records you mentioned, which I still assert was not the case. The playing of "Ton Of Dynamite", "Cochise", "I've Got Something Good", "The Champion" et.al. were separated by several years, so cannot be said to have inspired the original expression. I wished to make this clear for the benefit of those who heard these records "out of chronological sequence", as it were.

Edited November 16, 2008 by mel brat

[Sean Hampsey]

Mel is quite right in so far as the term was definately used to denote the furious Sam & Kitty and Terrible Tom type tracks, back in the early 70's. And they were Stompers, no doubt!

It was many years later when I realised that a dancer requesting a 'Stomper' was after something quite different to what I'd always applied the term to.

Matt seems to me to be referring to the latter type of sound - the World Column's, Frankie Crocker's etc. where the description is now widely used... and has been for many years.

So you're all right (IMO).... were it not that Malc was asking when it was first applied on the scene...

...in which case Mel is a wee bit closer to the mark.

Sean

[Tomangoes]

There is deffo a style of dancing called stomping and has been as long as I can remember from about 1975.

Champion, so is the sun, ton of dynamite, boogie with your baby.

Its better if you can use both feet as lead (I cant) as you can spread the work. You have to move as quick as the beat, and its hard. Its all in the legs, you have to keep your head still and your arms are just for balance. Its show off dancing and very competitive.

Not many can do it perfect, including me, and not many could do all 4 records straight through with no let up, even when they were 16, let alone 50.

Im good for about 30 seconds per record, and then have to fall back on 'normal dancing' just to see the records out.

If you can do it, you know what I mean, its sorts the men from the boys (at least for 30 seconds nowadays).

Ed

[Guest Bogue]

This topic always ends up in the same argument.

Irespective of the origins of the term, which Mel is probably right on, is the fast legged on the spot style of dancing 'Stomping' or 'Shuffling' ?.......I always thought the former till coming on this site.

[Our Kid]

My God I cannot believe how confused you all are!

Stompin is The Champion/Bill Black type of music.

So is the sun,Ton of dynamite et al is Lolllopin'

Distinct difference and never confuse em on the dance floor - do so at your peril! (Especially at our age)

With regards to the term STOMPER that was invented creatively by us lot to distiguish between the likes of Moses Smith Vs The Jewels.

I suspect that raw energy = stomper

Cheers

Paul

[Guest Matt Male]

My opposition then Matt, was to the impression you gave that a certain type of "Stomp" dance emerged in response to the records you mentioned, which I still assert was not the case. The playing of "Ton Of Dynamite", "Cochise", "I've Got Something Good", "The Champion" et.al. were separated by several years, so cannot be said to have inspired the original expression. I wished to make this clear for the benefit of those who heard these records "out of chronological sequence", as it were.

Jesus fooking wept, i didn't give the impression that stomping originated in response to those records. If you thought that then you misread my post.

All i said was we 'stomped' to records we called 'stompers' (the ones i listed and others) how much plainer can i make it.

I dunno why i bother getting into these discussions.

[Mike]

My God I cannot believe how confused you all are!

Stompin is The Champion/Bill Black type of music.

So is the sun,Ton of dynamite et al is Lolllopin'

Distinct difference and never confuse em on the dance floor - do so at your peril! (Especially at our age)

With regards to the term STOMPER that was invented creatively by us lot to distiguish between the likes of Moses Smith Vs The Jewels.

I suspect that raw energy = stomper

Cheers

Paul

nah

always thought that lolloping was term given to that 2 people face to face thing

round about the dr buzzard time or maybe just bit earlier ...wasnt it ?

[Our Kid]

nah

always thought that lolloping was term given to that 2 people face to face thing

round about the dr buzzard time or maybe just bit earlier ...wasnt it ?

Lolloping is where your legs go faster than your body in a very energetic pseudo run (like your rear is supported by some mystical force!)

Looks bloody painful and dangerous from a distance!

Just jealous coz i could never do it!

Paul

[Godzilla]

Lolloping is where your legs go faster than your body in a very energetic pseudo run (like your rear is supported by some mystical force!)

Looks bloody painful and dangerous from a distance!

Just jealous coz i could never do it!

Paul

Nah, lolloping was a term of abuse coined by the die-hard 60s fans for the wiggly backwards and forwards walking about - as seen mostly at the Mecca and Manchester Ritz. I can remember people saying "look at that lot going lolloping onto the floor" when tunes like Pierre Hunt and Stanley Woodruff were played.

That thing you're describing, Our Kid, was known as "shitlegging" in my old circles. I even know the derivation, but that's another story

[Guest RICTIC]

when we went to wigan and the word stomper was used , this bloke pointed at this large girl who was dancin to the champion .and said look at that stomper .so thats when we herd it

[Our Kid]

Let's not explore the s***legging - sounz (n did look) pretty messy to me!

Yup we're talkin' bout the same thing.

Can't call that stompin' can ya??

Paul

[Freebie]

Stomping, lolloping whatever its called I could never do it either and its always bugged me that I can't. I've learnt to waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, but never stomp, so if someone on here knows a very good instruction video or written description of how to do said moves I'd be very grateful.

[Sjclement]

Nah, lolloping was a term of abuse coined by the die-hard 60s fans for the wiggly backwards and forwards walking about - as seen mostly at the Mecca and Manchester Ritz. I can remember people saying "look at that lot going lolloping onto the floor" when tunes like Pierre Hunt and Stanley Woodruff were played.

That thing you're describing, Our Kid, was known as "shitlegging" in my old circles. I even know the derivation, but that's another story

Wasn't that the American dance the Penguin wether it be funky or not?

best

John

[Godzilla]

Wasn't that the American dance the Penguin wether it be funky or not?

best

John

Not unless penguins around 1975 wore drainpipe trousers and baseball caps...

Godz

[Zed1]

A little random, but........

The Vid below from 80's Lock, Stock and Barrel group 'Mel and Kim' contains a bit of 'Stomping', but where did they get this part of the dance routine from I wonder?...

Instro break about halfway through ---> https://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WPmy2fCuTjs

Don't think Waterman could have taught them that!..

[Guest DaveSwift]

I remember term stompers creeping in around 74/75. I always associated the term with unsubtle records like Sam & Kitty, Willie Mitchell - Champion, Humphrey Stomp but not necessarily the fastest records. And i wouldn't have classed So Is The Sun or Cochise as stompers. To me they were too frantic. Stompers had a simple steady beat.

[Guest Bogue]

My God I cannot believe how confused you all are!

Stompin is The Champion/Bill Black type of music.

So is the sun,Ton of dynamite et al is Lolllopin'

Distinct difference and never confuse em on the dance floor - do so at your peril! (Especially at our age)

With regards to the term STOMPER that was invented creatively by us lot to distiguish between the likes of Moses Smith Vs The Jewels.

I suspect that raw energy = stomper

Cheers

Paul

nah

always thought that lolloping was term given to that 2 people face to face thing

round about the dr buzzard time or maybe just bit earlier ...wasnt it ?

Nah, lolloping was a term of abuse coined by the die-hard 60s fans for the wiggly backwards and forwards walking about - as seen mostly at the Mecca and Manchester Ritz. I can remember people saying "look at that lot going lolloping onto the floor" when tunes like Pierre Hunt and Stanley Woodruff were played.

That thing you're describing, Our Kid, was known as "shitlegging" in my old circles. I even know the derivation, but that's another story

Nooooooooooooooooo ! not more terminology for it !........this thread will never end now !

[Guest]

There is deffo a style of dancing called stomping and has been as long as I can remember from about 1975.

Champion, so is the sun, ton of dynamite, boogie with your baby.

Its better if you can use both feet as lead (I cant) as you can spread the work. You have to move as quick as the beat, and its hard. Its all in the legs, you have to keep your head still and your arms are just for balance. Its show off dancing and very competitive.

Not many can do it perfect, including me, and not many could do all 4 records straight through with no let up, even when they were 16, let alone 50.

Im good for about 30 seconds per record, and then have to fall back on 'normal dancing' just to see the records out.

If you can do it, you know what I mean, its sorts the men from the boys (at least for 30 seconds nowadays).

Ed

I was always, and always will be a boy that would like to be a man bloody stompers, they are just showing off because i could never do it

if anyone knows a guy called Butch Drage and has ever watched him dance to something like the champion, then the issue of 'stomping' as a dance style would be resolved once and for all. the man moved his feet so fast he looked like he was floating an inch off of the ground

[Guest Martin Coleman]

I always thought that "shuffling" was the rapid movement of the feet while keeping the upper body relatively still, while "stomping" was bringing the lead foot down with a pronounced stamp instead of sliding it in the more conventional fashion.

Thus, "shuffling" and "stomping" are dance styles, whereas "stompers" are a genre of record.

[Guest mel brat]

Jesus fooking wept, i didn't give the impression that stomping originated in response to those records. If you thought that then you misread my post.

All i said was we 'stomped' to records we called 'stompers' (the ones i listed and others) how much plainer can i make it.

There is no argument as far as I'm concerned. I was simply using your comments in an attempt to move the discussion forward onto something that's long interested me and which YOU inadvertently brought up, namely the dances associated with "Stompers" (records) and where they came from.

"..i didn't give the impression that stomping originated in response to those records..."

I believe you may have given that impression, albiet unintentionally, to anyone reading this who hasn't been on the scene as long as some of us, and I was seeking to clarify my thoughts on the matter in the hope it might elicit a further response re. "theories on how various dances evolved and disseminated, and whether there was a direct link with particular venues and styles of music". All clear now?

P.S. This is not a row - it's an ongoing discussion!

Edited November 17, 2008 by mel brat

[Guest KEN-SOUL]

add reply? on stompers! the stompers reached us via wigan casino... richard searling (before he went mad!) used to play absolute monsters!

"take back all these things" the majestees

wigan? " "i gotta find me somebody"

"gotta wipe away the teardrops"

"youve been away"

"tell her i love her"

"to whom it may concern"

"tell me it's just a rumour"

"when your lonesome"

"last night fell in love with you baby""

wigan lives on- keep the faith