Steve S 60

William "Smokey" Robinson Gladys Knight

Agreed Geordie, one incident wouldn't (and shouldn't) close a venue. I think the problem with the venue I mentioned was that it started out with a few idiots, nothing was done about it, so next time more idiots turned up, and so on, until tempers eventually flared and the inevitable punch up ensued. Don't know who called the police, possibly the venue manager, but that sounded the death knell. If it had been nipped in the bud early, the place would probably be still on the soul map, but when people have got a choice, they're going to opt for a venue where that bollocks doesn't occur, especially when having to travel.

Geordie, My comment (assuming that was what you were referring to), was not intended to paint an unfair picture of Easington. In fact, the entire comment was "Easington's days are numbered as a soul venue unless the promoter gets a handle on it." It was meant to illustrate what can happen if things are allowed to get out of hand, based on what happened at another venue. In fact Kev Sowerby, who did a spot at Easington on Saturday night, was witness to the incident at the venue I referred to in my post, as we had travelled there together. Nobody on the scene likes to see good events closing because of dwindling attendance for whatever reason (with the possible exception of rival promoters), and I applaud Bob's open and honest post explaining what happened on the night, and wish him every success in the future. Steve S.

Easington's days are numbered as a soul venue unless the promoter gets a handle on it. Marine Hall in Fleetwood went the same way. The final straw was when fighting broke out and the local plod were called in.

Sounds like a job for Ace Ventura - Pet Detective.

Brought this up in a recent discussion "What Gives A Soul Night Direction - Punters Or Promoters?" (Post 74) and had a few responses including bringing in members only or ticket only nights. Personally I agree with closing the doors at a reasonable time (10-30 / 11 ish), as long as this is advertised on the flyers.

Started reading it last night. Read the first 90 pages covering the Wheel, Torch, Mecca, Catacombs and Va Va's. Also gives an insight into the early Mods, the social background, drug culture etc. Lots of first hand accounts from the soul fans and DJs. Next chapter Wigan, which was my era, but interesting to read about the early venues. Well worth the asking price, IMO.

I think he was signed to A & M (Aberdeen & Manchester).

You're welcome, and as Alex Ferguson's autobiography has just jumped above it in Amazon's Top New Releases, get everybody you know to order one as well.

Mike Bird's piece is on page 53, three of the photos are credited to him but it doesn't say who's in them. Mike's also acknowledged at the front of the book.

Mine's just landed on the door mat. Very impressed. Shall enjoy reading this tonight.

The film's complete, all post production work done. I think they're sorting out the distribution at the moment, with a view to an Autumn release. Incidentally, the book is currently at No 49 in Amazon's Top 100 best selling books.

With Your Love?

Just been informed by Amazon that my copy has been despatched and should arrive tomorrow. That's ten days earlier than the original release date quoted when I pre-ordered. Just need the film to be released now, along with the realistically detailed Northern Soul action figures.

The book to accompany the film "Northern Soul" now available on Amazon for £13.20, follow the link for a few excerpts: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0753541912/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very sad indeed. The royalties from "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" alone would have set him up comfortably for life. Should have read the small print.

Slightly more laid back - King Curtis "Memphis Soul Stew"

Sorry Bazza, I was referring to the scene being over 40 years old, not the attendees, being the wrong side of 50 myself (a mere lad).

People have been predicting the demise of the scene for years now, and here we are, over forty years old and still going strong. There's been a lot of new blood on the scene in recent years, and they'll carry the torch forward. The making of Elaine Constantine's film has done much to introduce a younger generation to the scene, as can be witnessed at various soul nights, and hopefully on release, it will attract a lot more.

I know you've seen me watching you baby, for quite some time And it's written all over my face, just what's on my mind I wanted to ask you for your love, in some sweet little way Oh but every time I see you girl, not a word can I say. I Can't Speak - Jimmie Bo Horne Great lyrics that really resonate, and just asks the question "What if....." Steve S, Cumbria

"They smile in your face, all the time they wanna take your place....."

As posted on the Northern Soul film Face Book site.

As a kid growing up on the scene, I never had the money to spend on records. By the time I'd bought my train ticket to Wigan and paid the entry fee into the Casino, it didn't leave much from my £11 a week wage. My mate was a collector and I used to enjoy looking through the boxes with him, but I preferred to be on the floor. When I eventually had enough money in my pocket, I had, in my opinion, better things to spend it on. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with collectors spending their money on the vinyl, it's their money. What I can't get my head round is some collectors who amass large amounts of sounds that never see the light of day. It's like these millionaires that own priceless pieces of art that only they see. At the end of the day, they own it, it's their choice, but it's nice to see priceless art in public galleries, just like it's good to hear rare sounds at soul nights. Hope this is still in keeping with the thread. It's just my view as a non-collector of vinyl.

Listening to the lyrics, I'd hazard a guess at "Where There Is Love For Me". Don't think she'd have got away with that a few years ago.

The promoters will initially sound out the punters to see if there is a demand for a particular music policy, or that would seem the common sense approach to me. Not much point starting a new venue without the promise of some support. So getting back to the original question "What Gives A Soul Night Direction - Punters Or Promoters?", I'd say both. The promoter may have a clear idea of where he wants the night to go, but without the backing of the punters, he'll have a hard time getting there. Ultimately it'll be a compromise.