Grumpy Soul 5th Anniversary Runcorn

A fantastic night as ever in Runcorn; arrived a little late and had to leave a little early to my disappointment, but I was there long enough to soak up the ever present quality and atmosphere. Always makes me break into a smile when I think about the irony of calling it Grumpy Soul - couldn't be any more polar opposed.

All the DJs lived up to expectations (and another great coup having Mr Rix along for the ride) but on the night for me it was Joans' spot that blew me away - just so soulful and flowed so well, plus it's always great to see her bobbing about the stage with that great big smile 

Keep it up guys & gal

Given the reputation that Grumpy Soul has and the high esteem in which it is held makes me feel honoured to have been asked to be a guest DJ. As I said to Joan when like-minded people get together good things happen and that was my experience on Saturday night.

The place was buzzing and everybody there was after the same thing ... a night of quality tunes played by experienced and gifted DJs with impeccable taste and record boxes crammed with goodies. To be alongside these seasoned players was nothing but humbling.

Joan, Phil, Carl & Dave all delivered and I danced a lot ..... Little John, The Vanguards, Benny Harper, One Gold Piece, The Cairos, Keni Lewis, Ruby Sherry, Betty Boo .... one good tune after another all night long.

And on top of that it was so good to touch base with people I haven't seen in far-too-long.

A memorable night indeed

Andy

How about some play lists ......

Well, well, well didn't the eye-less jelly fish go down well, at one point the ever youthfull McWhitmore had three of the little bleeders hanging out of his mouth at the same time. It was remarked the he looked like a demented All Black perfoming 'The Haka'

Dave

What an amazing night!!  Thanks to Dave, Carl, Phil and of course Andy for the most incredible tunes. Lou, you are without doubt the best door lady and to everyone who supports us, it's you who make Grumpy what it is. We get travellers from all over, Scotland, Wales, London not to forget our local army who never miss - we're always humbled by the effort you make every time. Highlight for me (and there were many I have to say) was Mr Rix dancing from the off. Was like looking out at the dance floor and seeing the Andy of old, great stuff! 

Apologies for the girlie nature of my post, but I am a girl (an old one granted) so allowed to get emotional. Thanks again you lovely people and see you in October x

I said last year's anniversary was the best single night of soul music I'd ever enjoyed. So coming to this years was almost expecting it to not live up to that high bar. Why oh why would I doubt the Grumpy team - every bit as good as last year. You only have to look around the room to see people with more soul taste and knowledge than most - and know they are having a brilliant time to be reassured that there isn't a soul night in the country to match Grumpy Soul.

I want to go to a venue where the music is so good that when my knees are aching, and the soles of my feet are burning, I know the next record is gonna be so good that I'd rather stay dancing than give them a rest. And that's what you get a Grumpy in spades

What can I say. Many years ago when I started this journey of a life into Northern Soul music ,I knew I was different from  what you would call normal people. I had something very special that they would  never understand. I had something elsel. I was privileged and last night just confirmed that . Music that takes you to every emotional place that you have ever been in your life. Sad times. Good times. Lonely times. Every time. Drops you down. Picks you up. . Yes last night was that good. Awesome. And to end the night with what in my  humble opinion is the greatest piece of music ever. Ask the lonely. Four Tops. It doesn't get any better. 

Great big thanks to everyone that makes grumpy what it is. Promoters, DJ,s and punters alike. Was great to catch up with friends, meet new people and unfortunately didn't get to speak to a few people that I hadn't seen for a few years. Catch up soon.

Steve

 It sometimes feels as though I could simply cut and paste my review each time ...

Nonetheless, credit where it's due so the usual huge thanks to everyone who turned out again last night to make it another cracker as far as we're concerned. As ever, the Grumpy hardcore were out in force and at it until the very end, ably supported by a really healthy smattering of new faces. Magic to catch up with friends and travellers from near and [in some cases very] far who continue to make a real effort and the night a pleasure to put on, just as they have for five years! 

Andy Rix? Still RIGHT up there as a DJ and, more importantly, still one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet; a privilege to have him on and, rest assured, we'll keep asking him to come back.

As for the other four - Dave, Lou, Carl and Joan - you couldn't ask for better  

October it is then ... 

PS. Sorry Martin / Rbman - no playlists mate as snowed under at work, plus it's always been about the night as a whole for us tbh. Here's a selection from a previous night which'll give you a bit of a flavour at least, as Andy has below too

Be really great to see you oop North in October if you can make it  It's grim though, obviously 

atb

Phil 

Top night as we've come to expect at Grumpy,had to leave at 1.30am  but  the previous 4 hours was cram packed with top drawer soul music all tempos and styles catered for!! Anybody got a sound file of the tune Andy Rix played Ray Williams "gonna get even with you"? killer sax break!!! The dreaded roadworks outwitted me on the return journey,mainly due to fatigue(old shite syndrome)  

Looking forward to the next instalment already!!!!

what a great night, music was unreal and great atmosphere. 5 years and still going from strength to strength here to another 5 years. well done to the grumpy team for all your effort really is 1 of the best night going loved it   

phill and grumpy team a message from  sean gibbons from soul promotions sends his thanks for last night best soul night his EVER been to thanks for your hospitality really enjoyed it  

Wow - now that was good !!! a great vibe about the place and musically as good as av heard   ..... well done to all of The Grumpy Soul team ..... tfk