Mark Bicknell

Hello All, HOME MADE CDS IS TOTALLY WRONG. Recently i have noticed several so called soul fans selling home made/pc burnt bootleg cds of current reissue product at a few venues, now this is totally out of order and these people should be at the very least named and shamed and at worst be kicked out of the venues with there so called cds close behind them or up their bottoms side ways on. The likes of Ady Croasdell at Ace/Kent, Garry J.Cape and John Anderson at Grapevine 2000, Tim Brown/Kevin Roberts at Goldmine/Soul Supply, the people at Universal and numerous other reissue labels spend a great deal of time,effort and money to lease the tracks,compile and manufacture legal well put together compilations so why should certain little shits profit from other peoples dedicated and hard work, it makes me sick!!!!!!!!!! They are stealing from not only the record companies but also from the artists,writers,arrangers,session players,lable owners infact the whole of the music and entertainment industry. Sure the odd cd burn goes on for friends but even that is wrong. Aso the people that are buying these things are as much at fault as the bootleggers and should perhaps think of what they are doing before they hand over the cash, christ! what does a cd cost £11.99 or less as many northern compilations are priced in the budget market at £7.99 or less. The music industry as a whole is suffering but at least major artists such as The Beatles,Stones etc. can swallow the loss of a lesser kick back from sales but the small mom and pop soul lable owners are getting screwed again second time around. One or two venues have blocked these people selling their nasty little bootlegs which is fantastic but this rule should apply everywhere and i hope in time that the demand and sale of straight cd bootlegs will stop and these otherwise souless leaches will stop making large amounts of cash on a weekly basis. Dont question this as it is totally wrong and believe me ive bitten my bottom lip several times over the past few weeks not to challenge one particular chap as ive been advised not to get involved as there are ways, means and people to take care of this, but enough is enough so you know who you are you know who I am stop now or suffer possible litigation or worse, in a very short space of time the name and shame ethic will apply in all the soul publications and on the net. I know you can pretty much get a copy of most forms of music and entertainment on a copy/homemade video,DVD etc. even million dollar Hollywood movies often find their way onto the streets prior to cinama release but that dont make it right, bootlegging is bootlegging be it a northern cd or a copy bottle of french perfume this seems to be a huge criminal industry and the home made northern cds are a part of this terrible crime. We need to pull together on this and shut these muppets down, we have soild proof of transactions on film and this will be passed onto very interested parties at all the companies whos product is being lifted. Still half the people doing this have no respect for the scene they claim to be part of, personally i would ban them for life from all venues,and phone the BPI and insist they take legal action take them to court and give them a huge fine then some of the money might find its way back to the talent. Bootlegs have been around since the year dot on the northern scene often over the years supplying a demand for the records to the masses but its never been right or legal simply a way for chancers to make a fast buck and the current abuse of cd burning is i guess a follow on from these traditions, perhaps the fault of todays tecnology as its so easy to do, pretty much all PCs have a cd burner now in the package but just because its there you should not abuse this in house pressing plant to profit. Keep it real - Mark Bicknell. comments follow The comments are owned by the poster. We arent responsible for their content. Poster Thread mike- Posted: 2003/8/6 13:31 Updated: 2003/8/6 13:31 team member Joined: 2002/8/26 From: Posts: 2244 Pirate Cds- Have Your say! New poll up on site, where can voice your view! And of course feel free if have more to say to post up your "comments" Guest Posted: 2003/8/31 12:30 Updated: 2003/8/31 12:30 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! Bootlegs for profit - No Bootlegs for friends - I always buy legit stuff but gotta add cant see nowt wrong with tape/cd swaps amongst friends, the stuff I get to hear from these "bootlegs" you cant always get on shop bought CDs. By the way, Ive taken full advantage of "Andys Records" closing down sale discount of 60% on their soul CDs. Closing sale or not theyll still be making a profit on all sales, so just how much does go the artist and how much does the fat cat record/publishing comapany get. I know its more than the artist would get from the blatent CD bootlegger, but to be honest I think I resent those fat cats more than some saddo bootlegger, who we can give short shrift to. The fat cats, well their omnipotent!!!! Guest Posted: 2003/9/20 21:24 Updated: 2003/9/20 21:24 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! i can see whats wrong in copying for your own use but i do believe that thay should not be sold for profit maybe thats a bit of a double standards but some of the better nothern soul records are pretty expensive there not all cheap Guest Posted: 2003/10/17 16:45 Updated: 2003/10/17 16:45 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! Oh come on! I bought a copy of The Seven Souls for 450 quid recently - do you think any of the artists will get a cut of that? If people like vinyl then theyll buy vinyl - getting tunes on CD are a good way of feeding the vinyl market and ensuring that people who have records for sale can realise the ridiculous prices that many of us are (stupidly I admit) prepared to pay. Theres no threat here - except perhaps to your snobbery and elitism because joe bloggs from Brighouse can get access to your tunes and isnt compelled to kow tow to a DJ. Have you ever recorded a radio show? Ever played an acetate? Guest Posted: 2003/10/18 16:06 Updated: 2003/10/18 16:06 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! To the guy above - spot on sir. Just think as well. Those white demos everyone seems to love are clearly marked NOT FOR SALE - so it was illegal to sell those in the first place, so once theyve left the radio station they were intended for arent they really bootlegs too? Also arent Kent, Goldmine et al being badly hurt by the attitude that "CDs/reissues are 2nd reate" promoted by the original label jihad? Wouldnt Goldmine Sevens and Grapevine 2k sell a lot more if they were considered acceptable DJ tools? Guest Posted: 2003/10/18 16:11 Updated: 2003/10/18 16:11 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! what a load of bollocks wise up francis bootlegs have never been accepted as "acceptable dj tools" on the northern scene mike- Posted: 2003/10/18 16:39 Updated: 2003/10/18 16:39 team member Joined: 2002/8/26 From: Posts: 2244 read the original post again Think that over half the posts on here have took Mark Bs post the wrong way Read it again and you will see that it is "against" the bootlegging of "offical" cds, ie the straight forward copying of legitimate cds that the artists/writers etc should get a cut of the sales. Guest Posted: 2003/11/5 15:17 Updated: 2003/11/5 15:17 Re: read the original post again I agree re Ady Croasdell and Kent who certainly do things the bright way. But I would be interested to know whether all of the Goldmine CDs pay royalties to the artists. How many original artists have I met this year? One. How many times have their records been used on Goldmine CDs? Twice. How many times have they received royalties? Er...never. Frankly, this is po-faced shite. Well said to all the people who remarked on the fact that the records themselves sell for inflated prices set by a market which is largely unknown to the writers and artists. When you sell a 45 on ebay for £200, how much do you send back to the artist, Mark? Soulgirl Posted: 2003/11/6 22:04 Updated: 2003/11/6 22:04 Regular regular Joined: 2002/8/26 From: Posts: 96 Re: read the original post again when digital media celebrated its birth then copying of CDs was not only born, it was going to be an established way of sharing music as was tapes when that was established all those years ago and still enjoys a healthy rememberance. I still get given tapes and although I grimmace at the very thought of tapes they are still a popular format amongst older people. I prefer CDs and digital formats. Yes, I will copy CDs for someone and hope that they enjoy it as much as I. Most of the music I copy will be born from original vinyl so the quality is far from acceptable. Manufactured CDs are of a better quality - I own many. People will still buy either the vinyl or the original cd when when really like something. Its natural to want to have something for free and no matter how much you whinge or moan, or belittle those that do it, it shall still carry on. For me, what matters is that this genre lives and continues. If you have the original vinyl then no matter how many bootlegs or copy cds are generated... you still own the most important peg in the board. Dont you? I have no qualms in sharing music digitally... afterall, if it were not for the interenet, where on earth would the soul scene be now? No where near the surface as it enjoys at this very moment thats for sure. I am listening right now to a tape compiled for me of 60s rarities... the sound is terrible! Nothing SoundForge cant sort out. Those who hold the original recordings have one-upmanship on those who dont. Smile with that contention. What is wrong though is those who release tracks promising a one off rarity when in fact its just a compiled load of bollocks in some off street recording studio claiming it to be something it just aint Karen x Guest Posted: 2003/11/7 14:33 Updated: 2003/11/7 14:33 Re: read the original post again Oh dear this is just so tiresome. Before anybody else adds to this subject try reading & following the instructions of the heading!! Sorry bit stressed at mo! ;-) Dave G mike- Posted: 2003/11/8 15:59 Updated: 2003/11/8 15:59 team member Joined: 2002/8/26 From: Posts: 2244 tell you what ok just a idea to clear this thread up if wanna discuss about the booting of officaly released cds carry on here if wanna talk about the "pros and cons" of the widesrpead sharing of soul tracks how about doing it in forum of course just a suggestion feel free to do what you want! shaznay Posted: 2004/3/17 21:56 Updated: 2004/3/17 21:58 user Joined: 2003/9/23 From: Posts: 1 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! Might be a bit late in replying to this comment but I think it is a bit rich of Mark. I dont agree with selling own made cds either but lets be honest does he really think that quoting people like K. Roberts and the like is really gonna change peoples minds?. Ive been on the Northern scene since 71 and these are the people who (some anyway) were covering their precious records to hide the true identity of many a soul artist and some are still doing it today. lets remember, back then the records were just about, at the most ten years old and many new? discoveries were up todate and often just 1 or 2 years old. The artists in many cases were very much alive and could have benifited from royalties, J. J. Barnes for instance was found working in a car factory i believe. No I dont agree with it but these guys and the rest should remember that what comes around goes around. "Before youn take the mote from your brothers eye, take the plank out of your own" Chris Brett Posted: 2004/7/25 18:29 Updated: 2004/7/25 18:29 Hardest Joined: 2004/2/17 From: Sheffield "Northern" England Posts: 366 Re: Pirate Cds- Have Your say! I must add my comments here, i do tapes for my freinds on the scene (i never charge a penny) but all my tapes are taken ( yes honestly) from my own "original" vinyl releases. I see where Mark is coming from, good lord i have bought just about every Ady Croadsell Kent release, but i make a point off never duplicating anything that i dont own on original vinyl. Dont know where that puts me in this argument, but hell ill always do tapes for mates. Brett Franklin Sheffield

Hi all, Seems like my comments on bootleg homemade cds has struck a nerve or two, infact one of these guys even tried to say hello to me at a recent allnighter in the north west so the message is out there i just hope it sinks in. Remember home made cds are totally wrong and should be stamped out by whatever means it takes, i will challenge anyone who says its ok and wish to make it known that that this has to STOP now. Soulful Salou 2004 update........................ Soulful Salou 2004 is taking shape and there seems to be a lot of interest on this one, i have had several emails from people who fancy a quality week in Spain and i hope the project will go ahead. Already Guy Hennigan has said he would love to DJ at the event which is fantastic and we are working towards inviting a few more top names from the UK and some of The Spanish top boys which will give it an international flava. The basic package for self catering should be around £260.00 per person and approx £360.00 for half board which is fantastic value, however basically the more people who go the cheaper it will be based on a large group block booking with our tour operator. Children are welcome at a lesser rate up to 16 years of age. We are starting to put this together and the main advertising and information sheets will be hitting all the clubs over the next few weeks so watch out for these or you can contact us on 0161 330 6267 or email bicknellmark@aol.com Salou is just about as good as it gets, a really fantastic place to have fun,sun and now some soul so if interested please feel free to contact us. Looking forward to the huge Plinston anniversary event with The Big O and all the gang in September, sounds and looks like a fantastic set up and im looking forward to doing both the main Northern room and also The Mojo RnB room, listen out for a Plinston special coming up on my Solar Radio show over the next few weeks. Its so cool right now for me on the DJ front and is still a joy to be asked to do events nationwide, Richard Searling has invited me to guest at the August Manchester Ritz and wants me to do another Detroit/Chicago spot which always seems to go down well. More gigs to follow in Hinckley,Edinburgh with fellow Solar presenter Andy Davis, Bisley later on in the year and many more, so its nice to still be out there doing and to be honest when you have records as good as mine so i should be too..........lol lol. Next time out in here i will run a few tunes by you and take a look at some new cds etc. all the best - mark bicknell.

Hi ALL JUST LIKE TO THANKS THE ORGANISERS OF THE ZANIBARS EVENT LAST SUNDAY FOR INVITING ME TO DJ, THE CROWD WAS SUPERB IN THE MAIN NORTHERN ROOM AND WELL SUPPORTED ALL THE DJS - A BIT OF A SORRY TO KEV SPITTLE FOR RUNNING OVER A COUPLE OF MINS,HOW A 45 MIN SET FLYS BY WHEN YOUR HAVING FUN,SO SORRY FOR THAT GUYS. THE VENUE IS SUPERB AND THE ETHIC AND IDEALS BEHIND THIS PROMOTION ARE FIRST CLASS RUN BY FANS FOR THE FANS RATHER THAN FINANCIAL GAIN FOR THAT VERY REASON THEIR EFFORTS SHOULD BE PRAISED AND SUPPORTED IN THE FUTURE. AS SOLAR RADIO WERE HELPING THE PROMOTION AND BROADCASTING LIVE FROM THE VENUE I CAN PROMISE FULL SUPPORT FOR FUTURE NORTH MEETS SOUTH EVENTS WITH PLUGS AND MENTIONS ON MY REGULAR WEEKLY SHOW. THE QUALITY OF MUSIC FROM ALL OF THE DJS EVEN ME WAS SIMPLY OUTSTANDING AND IM GONNA SHOUT THIS FACT FROM THE HIGHEST LEVEL. A REFRESHING CHANGE FROM THE BRANDED,FORMULATED HIGH PROFILE NORTHERN SOUL EVENTS CURRENTLY ON OFFER WHICH ARE VERY BASIC AND NOT FOR ME AT LEAST. NORTH MEETS SOUTH IT WHAT IT SHOULD BE ALL ABOUT A DECENT VENUE, WITH GOOD DJS PLAYING AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL RECORDS,WITH NO HIDDEN AGENDA APART FROM PLAYING QUALITY MUSIC AND NOT A KKC CHICKEN WING INSIGHT, MORE REAL SOUL FOOD RED BEANS AND RICE ALL THE WAY. IT WAS A REAL PLEASURE TO DJ AT THIS EVENT AND I REALLY WISH THE GANG ALL THE SUCCESS FOR FUTURE EVENTS THERE. ALL THE VERY BEST - MARK BICKNELL

Soul On The Radio - All Change Again......... Just a quick message to inform you that there have been a few changes at Solar Radio recently and for the next two weeks my show will run on Friday nights from midnight through to 2am and then from Sunday January 25th it will move to its new time slot from 8pm through 10pm a far better prime time slot to help you chill out on a Sunday night - You can find the station on CHANNEL 879 SKY DIGITAL and on http://www.solarradio.com - For requests, mentions and dedications please contact studio@solarradio.com or bicknellmark@aol.com Some four decades of quality Northern Soul based club culture and music packed into two hours of action packed radio. Ive been with Solar for a little over three years and its one of the most rewarding aspects of my current involvement on the scene, now sponsored by THE NEW CENTURY SOUL CLUB it gives me the chance to play all eras and music styles, review cds, feature labels, artists and much more, I will always plug the venues so dont hesitate to contact me and I will give you a shout. Thanks for your support and again sorry for the mix up and confusion over the past couple of weeks. Regards - Mark Bicknell. P.S A real big thank you to Chris Waterman and Lee Crank of The New Century Soul Club for their support,friendship and sponsorship which played a major part in getting me the move at Solar to Sunday night.

Well it just had to happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Northern Soul The Theme Park is on its way and will be built on the original Casino site in Wigan, this will include a total rebuild of the original building plus a whole host of special attractions within this multi million pound project..........the site will have it all such as retro nostalgia roller coasters which will transport you back to September 23rd 1973 with an audio visual blow your mind journey that you can relive again and again, soak up the commercial bullshit of how good it was then where some egos were far more important than the music and all was well in the mind of the three before eight master................. Have your photo taken dressed in authentic Northern Soul fashion with a famous celebrity of the day, record your very own Northern Soul record and visit the huge gift shop packed to the rafters with nasty cheap tacky crap which includes, clocks, mugs, t - shirts, key rings, coasters, jackets,badges,pens, action figures and tons more items which have sod all to do with the music but make the fat cats richer. The theme park will im sure be a big success and very much cement the Northern Soul scene as a branded monster, i feel however that it will be a short lived attraction as the real people of the scene would rather champion the music and keep it real. Northern Soul The Theme Park will go the way of the ill fated Mr Blobby Land in Morcambe some years ago as even the great Noel Edmonds could not save that one......... Perhaps Circus would be a better way to sum up this current trend of total commercial overkill, how much more abuse can one scene take, bootlegs, tacky crap, branded Northern Soul is killing the very core of what otherwise should be pure and about the music, collecting, playing, dancing and enjoying rare hard to find records which should be enough and not a constant diet of the same old crap and we want your money all of it and now fuck off ethic........ This scene is being fucked every which way at the present time and in time the whole sad bubble is going to burst as it did in the early 80s except this time there will be no Stafford to pick up the pieces and then where will we be. I frankly dont care of the reaction my comments will generate as for far too long nothing has been said of the way things are right now, there are many people, promoters, DJs, collectors etc. who really care about this scene with a passion and many have simply had enough of all the bull shit, why should we stand by and watch the very life blood of this scene drain away into nothing, the commercial side of Northern Soul today is killing it slowly, fuck Chicken I would sooner go for the steak, I think you will take my point. ITS A BEAUTIFUL SCENE AND WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD OF IT, TREASURE IT AND MOVE FORWARD,DEVELOP AND GROW NOT STAND STILL IN SOME FUCKING RETRO TIME WARP AND BE SPOON FED SECOND CLASS VERSIONS OF THE GREATEST SCENE IN THE WORLD. ITS 2003 NOT 1976, RIP WIGAN CASINO, LONG LIVE THE RARE NORTHERN SOUL SCENE. see you on the big dipper.........tickets please................................................................................ Keep it real - Mark Bicknell. Part 2 added Further to my recent Northern Soul The Theme Park item - please note this is not an actual review or preview of any current venue, its more an overview of the commercial abuse going on right now.......... how the hell you can brand something so beautiful and pure as rare hard to find Soul records is an insult in my book. The current overkill commercial situation on the scene is sucking it dry and I do not want to see something thats been a huge part of my life for twenty seven years totally destroyed and thrown away by people who dont have any real passion for the music and simply use it as a meal ticket and an excuse to print money and if it means going back so far underground in a sweaty small cellar club atmosphere then so be it................................. from the year dot there has always been chances on the scene who wish to exploit and profit from it so there is nothing new there, its just got totally out of control and enough is basically enough, good friends of mine have even given up attending gigs because they cant stand the bullshit anymore, its crumbling around us and we have to do something about it now before its too late. I myself take pride when im asked to DJ and as with many other people connected with the scene we do it because we care, sure I get paid for DJing and rightly so as I give it 100% everytime, I dont cheat and play bootlegs I try and keep it real. Im not pointing the finger at anyone in particular but will simply say if the shoe fits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will not be told whats good and whats not by someone else as I have my own mind so please dont spoon feed me sub standard retro crap and exspect me to say nothing ok. Should my comments be challenged then that in its self will prove my comments and observations right so there you have it, perhaps I wont be asked to DJ at certain venues because of my costic comments but to tell you the truth I would sooner not play those venues if Im not being booked on my reputation, collection and entertainment value so again not my loss is it? I praise everyone who does it right be it legal re issue of music, running a venue whatever so why should I be made to feel like jacking it all in under this monster commercial blanket at the present time, simply the music is far too good to let it all go and in time quality will win the day over pop - up watered down crap. Keep it real - Mark Bicknell. The comments are owned by the poster. We arent responsible for their content. Poster Thread Guest Posted: 2003/10/17 12:55 Updated: 2003/10/17 12:55 theme park Says it all imo hits the nail right on the head in town Mikey Posted: 2003/10/17 14:26 Updated: 2003/10/17 14:26 Hardest Joined: 2003/1/30 From: South Wales Posts: 659 Re: theme park Is this a revue of the Cala Gran? Wondered when someone was going to say, "Northern soul"isnt a brand, and we arent mug punters! Someone was on here saying that the Togetherness events pulled in 6 thousand over a few week period, and was therefore a success, and completely ignored the fact that just about every facet of their organisation, and performance at these events had come in for critisicm. I cant comment on any of these recent events as I choose not to go, following well documented actions in the past. I have been to them in the past though, and found it odious to be repeatedly told, they are the BRAND LEADER??? What is all that about. If brand leader of Weekenders means a dancefloor that has to be rebuilt every few hours, or power failures, or whatever else, then I am happy going to the less commercial poorer relations where soul fans play soul records for soul fans to dance to on a floor that will still be there in a few minutes time. Guest Posted: 2003/10/17 15:55 Updated: 2003/10/17 15:55 Re: theme park hang on a minute mark - whats all this about projections of l;abels scans, old footage etc being projected on walls at the nEW mANCHESTER aLL-nITER - JUST GET THEM TO LET YOU DO WHAT YOU KNOW BEST - DJ, AND LET US DANCE - FUCK THE SLIDE SHOW!!!! P.S. HOPE 1ST ONE GOES O.K. Guest Posted: 2003/10/18 15:03 Updated: 2003/10/18 15:03 Re: theme park ITS A BEAUTIFUL SCENE AND WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD OF IT, TREASURE IT AND MOVE FORWARD,DEVELOP AND GROW NOT STAND STILL IN SOME FUCKING RETRO TIME WARP AND BE SPOON FED SECOND CLASS VERSIONS OF THE GREATEST SCENE IN THE WORLD. ITS 2003 NOT 1976, RIP WIGAN CASINO, LONG LIVE THE RARE NORTHERN SOUL SCENE jazzyjas Posted: 2003/10/21 18:21 Updated: 2003/10/21 18:21 Joined: 2002/10/16 From: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 25 The Northern Soul Theme Park You know, it took me a second read to figure out that what you said was a fantasy. This further proves your point about how something like this could actually happen. Commercialization is the enemy of anything pure or righteous. I do think that it would have been nice for an exact replica of the Casino Club to have been rebuilt, but the sad part about that is--nobody would even consider doing that unless there was money to be made. They should have done it years ago, even when northern soul wasnt extremely popular like it is now. Something like that should also be done for love of the music, not because of opportunity to make money. Im 31 and from the USA and a only a serious fan of northern soul since 1991 and I never been to the UK and got to experience the Wigan Casino, so Id like to be able to walk in there and have my own point of reference. But you know what? Life goes on, as does the scene, and I actually dont feel cheated out of anything. As long as there is a dancefloor, and a sound system with good soul sounds, Im there. From what Ive gathered from reading, talking to people and from my own experiences, northern soul has survived because of smaller local venues, people turning on others to the music, availability of legitimate reissues and so on. The true soul fans uphold the strong sense of comraderie and stick true to the music. I had the pleasure of playing northern soul at a scooter rally in Las Vegas back February to mostly people from the UK, and they showed me immense respect and treated me as one of their own. This furthered my beliefs in how pure it can be. This situation could have happened anywhere; the music and the people kept it real and pure. I think anybody who considers him/herself a true northern soul fan will support me in saying he/she would rather spend the evening at an ill attended local soul event with a small group of close friends with a quality sound system, rather than go to a large event with lots of people that dont respect what theyre experiencing. I should know this because I DJ soul nights in Baltimore, MD(USA) and make little to no money and sometimes Im the only one on the dancefloor, and thats still not a complete failure to me. Ill continue to do it whenever I want, even knowing that people may not come. True soul fans will agree. With all of that said, I would hate to see a good and positive thing like this destroyed by commercialism and put into the wrong hands. As far as the KFC ads, they do the same kind of shit in the US with even more common pieces of music. At least a better song comes on the TV, but by the same token it must hurt even more when it does come on, so I really understand your point. Ill be coming to Cleethorpes in June of 04 for the first time. It will also be my first time in the UK. As much as Im filled with anticipation and excitement about coming to a large scale proper UK soul event, Im sure that my most meaningful moments will be meeting some great people who love this stuff just as much as me. Im on your side, Mark. Well put about everything you said. Best, Jason (Jazzy Jas) KTF jason.thornton9@verizon.net Guest Posted: 2003/10/21 23:16 Updated: 2003/10/21 23:16 nfortunately worse things can happen. you can only enter the u.k. if you can dance right, unfortunately you will be deported,uness you can do a quick credibility dance for the customs guys. your friend nigel(betts that is from baltimore--err i mean norwich uk). i agree upon the lowness of the main subject matter though,i wonder if they will also have the floor grime,nicotine running down the walls,& bathrooms flooded with urine --just so you know you had the real experience. Guest Posted: 2003/10/23 12:45 Updated: 2003/10/23 12:45 Re: The Northern Soul Theme Park Jason..if your coming to Cleethorpes in 04, you will really enjoy it. It is one of the best weekenders around. Guest Posted: 2003/10/23 12:47 Updated: 2003/10/23 12:47 Re: theme park Mark you made a few great points.......put your money where your mouth is and reduce the price for the Allnighter at the CIS, £10 otd and £8.00 for a ticket!!!!

Hi All, Just a quick blast and update on the new Manchester Allnighter under the New Century Soul Club banner which to recap happens on Saturday December 6th 2003 at The Century House Venue, Corporation Street, Manchester. Firstly to squash any rumour out there this is not my venue i am just one of the DJs ok. Im very proud to be connected with this first class promotion as this will become one of the leading events in the country very quickly, no question of that, there is a first class attitude and commitment behind this event and every possible avenue is being covered to make it work. This event will have it all, first class state of the art sound system, audio visual effects throughput the night, bar till 1am, ample space and record dealer area, huge dance floor, Top DJs including Carl Willingham, Karl Rhodes, Brian Rae, Dave Evison, Steve Thomas, Kev Murphy, Gary Cope, Paul Kidd, Kiddo and myself. Many Top names have been approached for future dates which will run on the last Saturday of the month throughout 2004. Promotion for this event is picking up really well - tickets are available now at £10.00 in advance - for further details contact Chris on 07989 415991 or Lee on 07973 864256 or email info@goodtymes.co.uk Not much on for me throughout October im glad of the rest to be honest as its been pretty mad over the past couple of months DJing all over the land but i have a busy November and December coming up with spots down in Wolverhampton, Bisley and of course the New Manchester Allnighter so plenty to look forward to from behind the decks so to speak. Not been buying much record wise as its all got a bit rich for me recently the prices seem to be getting out of control day by day so ive been looking in other areas for new additions to the music collection which i dont wish to go into but just to say some of George Formbys early work was simply outstanding. Keep it real - Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Theme Park Update and a reply to guest comment. Firstly i would like to make it perfectly clear to everyone on the scene that the new Manchester Allnighter on December 6th is NOT MY PROMOTION I am simply DJing there so as for putting my money where my mouth is and reducing the cover price/admission this has nothing to do with me, anyhow is £10.00 advance not in line with other current venues, this event is costing a huge amount of money to set up so it has to be covered.......... funny the event has not even started and somone who failed to put their name to the comment has already started to have a go a little, tell you what if that person would like to email me direct bicknellmark@aol.com I will see what I can do as a gesture of good faith to him or her infact Ill pay for your ticket myself ok. See we are not all bad, funny a number of folk seem to think Im behind this event but again this is not the case, yes Im very involved with the DJ side of things etc. but it stops there, we should welcome a new event of this scale with open arms and to be honest £10.00/£12.00 on the door is hardly the kings ransome is it in this day and age, what i can promise is a state of the art venue with easy access from all points of the compass, first class sound system, good music and the promoters hope its going to be a regular monthly Allnighter as its booked for the last Saturday in the month throughout 2004. A ten hour Allnighter from 9pm through 7am which is a £1.00 an hour...seems ok to me. I dont wish to get into a debate with someone I dont know nor do I want to fall out with anyone but your comment has been noted. Keep it real - Mark Bicknell. 100% Right Big Daddy. I just wish to show my support for what mark has said in his above article. There are some people on this Scene who expect to still pay £5 into a major venue. These Tw*ts live in dreamland and may i suggest they wake up and get with the real world. How much work do you think promoters go through to provide you lot with somewhere to go and listen to the music you love and be surrounded by like minded people of all ages. These moaners dont think of all the hassle re venue owners, decks,lighting,bar staff,flyers,adverts,djs,door staff,security etc etc. I remember people going ....oh the CSC boys must be doing alright money wise....i just F*cking Laughed and said little do they know the full extent of running a night and the cost involved. Last xmas Alan and I was £170 down and some nights made £40 (the djs get £80/£100 each). All i can say mark is F*ck them let them moan on the grave of the Northern scene cause if this underlining crap continues we will lose young promoters and dJs. People listen to me...a nightclub will cost you £15 with a bottle of beer £3+ and the music will be chart sh*t and maybe a fight or witness someone getting glassed etc. If you dont wish to pay £10 for a nighter then F*ck off somewhere else. People have to be paid a decent wage (door staff,djs etc) and venues are not cheap...may i suggest your local old mans/womens club where you can sit and moan allnight to like minded people (not fair on the workers club really i know), Good luck a say to all Promoters except the real con artists. I cant wait for the return of the rare soul scene to return to the pub basement to be honest with ya. Then itll be back to £5 and youll have something else to moan about. Give it up to the Bicknell whos Dad drove the greatest band ever! The Beatles. Respect Greg ps We be giving out over 100 free cds at the 4th anniversary of the CSC and im sure some people will find something wrong with that also . Put them up against a wall and shot the lotta them i say LOL

Mark Bicknells current plays now and in the future. Thought it would be nice to list a few current and future plays out of DJ box one in time for a couple of major gigs coming up for myself including the Junction 11 Soul night this coming Saturday November 29th, Wolverhampton Civic Hall and The New Century Soul Club Allnighter both on Saturday December 6th. In no order - here goes..... 1. Little Nicky Soul - I Wanted To Tell You B/W You Said ( Shee ) You Said will be massive second time around an awesome double sider. My second copy in 18 years sold the first one for £25.00 back in 1983, Keb Darge made it a monster and its turned out to be super rare, check out The Four Arts - Who Do You Think You Are on the same logo...now finally have them both again. 2. The Districts - One Lover ( Just Wont Do ) - ( Nile ) What can you say about this record simply shit rare and brilliant. 3. Rufus Wood - Before 2001 ( Espanola ) So hard to find on the authentic original, I understand Bob Hinsley and Butch have also played this superb under played oldie recently. 4. Brooks Brothers - Looking For A Woman ( Tay ) Huge Detroit record which started off as a five pound unknown in the early 80s. 5. The Four Larks - I Still Love You ( Tower DJ ) Pure class flip side to Groovin At The Go - Go. 6. Jimmy Wallace - Ill Be Back ( Alfa ) Always finish a set with this great record.....says it all. 7. Clara Hardy - I Dream Of You ( Tuna ) Rated by Tim Brown as possibly one of the rarest records out of Detroit, possibly only three or four copies around of this one. 8. The Mamselles - Open Up The Door To Your Heart ( And Let Love Out ) - ( ABC DJ ) So good needs playing all over the country, lists already at around £250.00 but seems to be rare. 9. The Tempos - Ill Never Forget ( Diamond Jim ) Same backing track as Joe Matthews Shes My Beauty Queen on Thelma, this however is by far the better record and very hard to locate. 10. Jimmy Burns - I Really Love You ( Erica ) What can I say about this prime example of top class Chicago Soul servered ultra rare, got it from the man himself and most certainly one of my most treasured records. 11. The Ethics - Look At Me Now ( Vent ) Cheap as chips but what a class record. 12. Danny Woods - You Had Me Fooled ( Corec - tone ) Has to be one of the best Detroit/Northern records ever. 13. The Ascots - Anytime ( Mir A Don ) Hard to find group record with an awesome flip Sometimes I Wonder and very hard to find. 14. Jesse Johnson - Left Out ( Old Town ) Super rare black stock / issue copy of a quality Northern dancer. 15. Johnny Rodgers with the Nu tones - Make A Change ( Amon ) Another class Detroit cut my second copy, now sells for a fortune. 16. Billy Storm - Please Dont Mention Her Name ( HBR DJ ) Blue eyed but still a brilliant record, has it all. 17. Ty Karim - You Really Made It Good To Me ( Senator ) Ok it should be on Romark but I wont split hairs, awesome tune with another hidden gem of a flip side All At Once. 18. Eddie Parker - Im Gone ( Awake ) This has to be the rarest record in my current DJ box, infact in my collection, one of the classic Northern Soul records of all time. 19. Larry Clinton - Shes Wanted ( Dynamo DJ ) As Above comments this is better than Sex, well almost, tell you what play this during love making and you will have it all....... 20. Cashmeres - Show Stopper ( Hem ) Another superb doubler header with the awesome Dont Let The Door Hit You Back on the flip. still so hard to find despite there being many copies out there. and many more............... DJ rules and codes of conduct, only one really...... no bootlegs or pressings to be used or played at major venues, simple as that .......if it aint real dont play it. Just a quick thank you to all of the many promoters who have booked me throughout 2003 and its still not over yet, its always very much an honour to DJ at the gigs and still a pleasure and a joy to do, highlights for me this year have to be the Prestatyn weekender back in March, The Ritz in Manchester back in August, the recent Bisley Pavillion Soul night, Plintston for The Big O and Bury for Neil Jones all fantastic well attended gigs with packed dance floors which makes the DJ thing very easy.......... There are still a few blanks on my CV for next year as i would like to do The Drunken Monkey, Dome in London etc. but good things come to those who wait, but i do need some new records so bare with me...lol. And Finally the big one is almost here infact just under two weeks the first Allnighter happens at THE NEW CENTURY HOUSE IN MANCHESTER ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH, the buzz on this is awesome and it will work trust me, a superb venue that has it all. I will post a final reminder here next week with all the details and ticket information.............. Its gonna be big.

NEW CENTURY SOUL CLUB ALLNIGHTER JANUARY 31ST - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, DJ PLAYLISTS AND MORE. Only a couple of weeks to go for the second NEW CENTURY SOUL CLUB Allnighter in Manchester, which is all set to be a huge event, don't forget there will be two superb rooms open this time with main room action from a top DJ line up which includes TIM BROWN, KIDDO, GARY COPE, ADY CROASDELL, DAVE RIMMER, MICK H, ROBBO, JO WALLACE AND MYSELF, and in room two with the ONCE UPON A TIME IN WIGAN PLAY after show party and Wigan special with STEVE WHITTLE, BRIAN RAE, DAVE EVISON AND RUSS WINSTANLEY.please note room two will be open from around 2am through to 6am. Many record dealers have already booked a pitch which include, KEITH WILLIAMS, DAVE RIMMER, DAVE THORLEY/ADY POUNTAIN and others so plenty of good quality vinyl to go through on the night, remember if you wish to book a space which is free of charge please contact me 0161 330 6267 or bicknellmark@aol.com DJ CURRENT SELECTIONS - Set to play on January 31st 2004. A few of the DJ's set to appear have sent me their current playlists which you may find interest and will echo through the superb NEW CENTURY SOUL CLUB sound system on January 31st. Dave Rimmer. Brooks Brothers - Looking For A Woman - Tay Jimmy Washburn - Into Your Heart - Edgewood Acetate Magnetics - I Have A Girl - Ra Sel. Vondell's - Hey Girl (You've Changed) - Airtown Joann Courcy - I Got The Power - Twirl Gladys Tyler - Mr Green Mrs Green - Decca Caressors - I Can't Stay Away - Rujac Bobby Bland - Sweet Lips Of Joy - Touch Of Blues Album, Duke Carol And Gerri - Heartaches Look Good On You - MGM Jimmy Wallace - I'll Be Back - Alfa Mick H Sensations - Demanding Man - Way Out Stormie Wynters - Lifesaver - Mercury Carol And Gerri - Heartaches Look Good - MGM Tranells - Blessed With A Love - Flo - Jo Ascots - Few Feet From The Gutter - Playboy New Wanderers - Ain't Gonna Do You No Harm - Ready Andy Fisher - Hearts Beating Stronger - Fatfish Ascots - Another Day - Mir -A - Don Don Gardner - Cheating Kind - Sedrick Celvin Grayson - Loves Just Begun - Ni Jo Wallace. Frank Wilson - Til You Were Gone - Unissued Motown Platters - Why You Wanna Make Me Blue - Musicor Dee Dee Sharp - Deep Dark Secret - Cameo Susan Rafey - Hurt So Bad - Verve Earl Johnson - Preacher Man - C/U Acetate Kip Anderson - You Done Me Wrong - ABC Major Lance - You're Everything I Need - Osiris Barbara And Brenda - That's When You've Got Soul - Heidi Clyde McPhatter - I never Knew - Mercury Dells - Make Sure - Cadet Kiddo The Inspirations - Gotta Find A new Love Monroe Taylor - Proud Guy Barbara Lewis - Think A Little Sugar Bud Harper - Let Me Love You Diane Lewis - I Thank You Kindly Montclairs - I Need You More Than Ever Garland Green - Come Through Me Lorraine Rudolph - Keep Coming Back For More Dee Dee Sharp - The Bottle Or Me The Servicemen - I'll Stop Loving Me All quality stuff and lot's more to look forward to from the likes of TIM BROWN, ROBBO, GARY COPE, ADY CROASDELL AND MYSELF. Admission to the event is £10.00 advance tickets and £12.00 on the door. This Allnighter is going to be another fantastic night, everything is in place to make the night bigger and better than the first one back on December 6th 2003, every effort has been made to make sure you all have a first class time, we have a sound system second to none, two fantastic room, a top DJ line up in both rooms, a fantastic venue which the scene deserves, we thank you for you support in advance of the night and do hope you enjoy what promise to be a magic night, memberships can be collected on the night if you came last time and filled the back of the ticket out, or if you are coming for the first time on January 31st then you can sign up then and collect your membership on the way out. Please be early as people are coming from all over the UK and the venue should fill up pretty quickly, you can secure an advance ticket from Beatin' Rhythm Records 0161 834 7783 / King Bee Records 0161 860 4762 / Jumbo Records Leeds 0113 245 5570 or the djs Don't forget to check out the pre bar at ATLAS on Deansgate from 7pm through to 10pm with Steve Cato, Sid Jones, Heiki rom Finland and Nick Hackett from London, ATLAS is a few minutes walk from the CIS or you can catch the tram. Admission is free to this warm up. For further information you can contact Chris on 07989 415991 or Lee on 07973 864256 also www.newcenturysoul.co.uk SOLAR RADIO SHOW SLOT NOW MOVED From next Sunday January 25th my Solar Radio show will be at a new time slot 8pm through 10pm ON CHANNEL 879 SKY DIGITAL and www.solarradio.com - All the very best in quality Northern Soul, news, reviews and lots more, for requests, mentions and dedications contact studio@solarradio.com or bicknellmark@aol.com - Hope you can all tune in. Keep It Real - Mark Bicknell.