6ts 100 Club West Hampstead Revival Special - London

This night was first mooted by Ady in 2020 but the pandemic got in the way and it was cancelled. When I read on Facebook that it was on again I immediately booked a hotel, I just couldn't wait for it. I'd never been to any of the early 6ts Soul & Rhythm Society events, didn't know it was taking place. At that time I had other things on my mind, work, marriage, etc. However I knew the proposed night would be playing many of the records I loved when I was a teenager in the 60s and attending the Mod clubs of the time: the Flamingo, Scene, Last Chance, La Discotheque and later ones. And I wasn't disappointed.

After travelling from Manchester to London, settling in to my hotel room, and eating I met up with Dave Swift and William Lewis outside the Blue Posts in Newman Street. After a catch up Kev and Ann Moore walked by and I joined them to walk around the corner to the 100 Club where there was a queue already. Nice to see Matt taking the cash and then downstairs.

As soon as I got downstairs I realised how much I'd missed the place, my spiritual home. Last time I'd been was the anniversary last September, far too long. My excuse is that it's a very long journey from Manchester, but must do better.

Anyway on to the night and the music. Ady was playing an instrumental track as I entered the dance area, but as I sat down at a table near the back the strains of The Girl's Alright With Me hit my ears, can't remember last time I heard that, and naturally the first dancer was Dave Swift.

There was a continual procession of friends passing by, Sean, Gary and Jan, Charlie, Matt and Hannah, Sharon, Alan H and Ged, Kev, Tony Smith, Liam, etc. Lovely to see all of them, missed them so much.

And the music kept on, so many great tunes, the DJs did an absolutely splendid job, mixing things up well. As usual as I try to recall tunes played my memory lets me down but here goes: Woman's Got Soul; I'm The One Who Loves You; Getting Mighty Crowded; I Remember The Feeling; Don't You Just Know It; My Babe (Little Walter); Land Of A Thousand Dances (Cannibal & The Headhunters); Everybody Needs Somebody To Love; I'll Do Anything; What's Wrong With Me Baby; I'll Be Doggone; Rescue Me (I don't think I've danced to that since the 60s); The Walk; The Cat, the latter two taking me back to happy sweaty nights at The Scene; Wang Dang Doodle (Koko Taylor); I Can't Turn You Loose; and so many more. If anyone reading this can add to the list I'd welcome their contribution. Perhaps the DJs could list their plays.

There was a really good crowd in, obviously I wasn't the only person looking forward to this. It thinned out a bit after midnight, people have to get their last train or tube home. I stayed till the end but must admit I was tired by 1am.

I think the night was a triumph for Ady and Matt, a big thanks to them and to the DJs. They reminded us all of the roots of the music we love and for me it took me back to my dim and distant youth, where did it go?

The only downside was the journey home. Due to engineering work on the line to Manchester from Euston I had to go from St Pancras to Sheffield and then on to Manchester, the last leg spent standing, not much fun. But the night before made it all worthwhile.