Well there's a sad day a coming if the rumours iv'e heard are true it appear's were about to lose the service's of two of the countries top d.j's , ive heard that both Butch and Mick . H are about to call it a day. can anyone shed any light on this ? if true then the scene will spiral into decline even more .

I disagree, Butch and Mick are great DJs, but the scene is bigger than two people however big or unique their collections. There are many great undervalued DJs out there with fantastic collections, playboxes and skill behind the decks, both young and old. I think i've only heard Butch and Mick once each in the last 12 months, but I go to at least a nighter a month and several soul nights and hear quality spots all the time. Burnley, Gloucester ToD room etc... Scene is alive and kicking as far as I can see.

Well there's a sad day a coming if the rumours iv'e heard are true it appear's were about to lose the service's of two of the countries top d.j's , ive heard that both Butch and Mick . H are about to call it a day. can anyone shed any light on this ? if true then the scene will spiral into decline even more .

If true, they'll no doubt last 6 months max and be back at it by Xmas.......like most other DJs who 'retire' off the scene

Wow I thought Mark was joking . He sent me an email last week saying he was retiring . So I sent him some Fly fishing books on Amazon

Edited April 14, 201114 yr by Simon M

If true, they'll no doubt last 6 months max and be back at it by Xmas.......like most other DJs who 'retire' off the scene

Lol give us a spot then, however I must admit I've not DJ'd really anywhere in two years but doing the odd thing this summer, it's alway's there mate, in the blood I guess.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

If true, they'll no doubt last 6 months max and be back at it by Xmas.......like most other DJs who 'retire' off the scene

when are you going do us a favour and retire mace?

when are you going do us a favour and retire mace?

The venues he attends would all go bankrupt as bar takings would plummet.

Wow I thought Mark was joking . He sent me an email last week saying he was retiring . So I sent him some Fly fishing books on Amazon

Maybe Butch is retiring from the "Northern" scene.? I say its a major loss if its true.And a gain ,possibly to Europe?

Mick H? Not heard that one.....but i'm thinking "House of Cards"......

I APPROACHED BUTCH,ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO ABOUT SOME WORK FOR HIM,AND HE DID SAY HE WAS PACKING UP,I JUST HOPED HE WAS HAVING A BAD DAY, BEST RARE SOUL D,J, BY A COUNTRY MILE.

MC H also known as Mick H thankfully will keep on keeping on

By the way, he´ll be guesting at the upcoming Hip City on May 21st

Dont think bUTCH! really wantzs to retire 100%. Pretty sure he will just and only be more selective in where he deejays at. Cant see Bamberg, Lifeline, 100Club or even our little anniversary nights happening without him. Bet he cant as well

I for one will miss them both... especially Mick for being an all round nice guy with incredible tunes who always plays requests if you ask him. Oh and for being one of the only DJ's I think is exceptional over the mic.

There are many great undervalued DJs out there with fantastic collections, playboxes and skill behind the decks, both young and old.

Agree that there`s a lot of DJ`s out there. Male and female, young and old, knowledgeable or not.

But neither do I have the time nor do I wish to wait ten years plus until they "maybe" will be able to deliver the goods in form such as one certain Mr Dobson can do any night.

A loss of any of these two great guys as DJ`s would indeed be a LOSS.

I for one will miss them both... especially Mick for being an all round nice guy with incredible tunes who always plays requests if you ask him. Oh and for being one of the only DJ's I think is exceptional over the mic.

Well, MC H over here

Agree that there`s a lot of DJ`s out there. Male and female, young and old, knowledgeable or not.

But neither do I have the time nor do I wish to wait ten years plus until they "maybe" will be able to deliver the goods in form such as one certain Mr Dobson can do any night.

A loss of any of these two great guys as DJ`s would indeed be a LOSS.

Marc,

I'm pretty certain that Matt meant there's lots of undervalued DJs who already have the collections and ability to deliver excellent sets and wasn't refering to 'new' or 'up and coming' DJs who are still learning the trade. I'd agree with him as well, maybe none can equal Butch in terms of experience and records but there are plenty enough quality DJs to fill the gap, yes it would be a real pity if he is retiring but it wouldn't be the end of the scene and nor do I think it would be the 'House Of Cards' that Kev mentioned either. Possibly the reverse as people scramble to take his crown.....

... but there are plenty enough quality DJs to fill the gap.....

I agree with you and matt that there`s a lot of DJ`s around, a lot of good and in cases fantastic DJ`s. So it wouldnt be the end of all things SOUL. Far from it.

But its just what I quoted above what I seriously doubt. I have yet to see a DJ (except for Andy Dyson) who can match the number and quality of tunes butch has consistently found or made big (again) over the decades. I really cant see one single DJ let alone a big number of DJ`s who could fill the gap. Its not about playing different stuff. Its about playing different top quality stuff IMO.

maybe we could get it from the horses mouth to avoid endless speculation?

mick's on here and someone must know butch well enough to contact him and put things straight?

having said that is it just a coincidence neither are on at the next lifeline?

A big loss to be sure if true but not the end of the world for the scene

i agree with Mark Forrest

look at the brilliant c/u that most people still dont know who they are

Butch.Mick H finds them and years later--people are still looking

not just obscure stuff

BUT full on northern or x-over whatever

right on the button, anyone can copy , not many can lead

Edited April 14, 201114 yr by keithw

I sat with Butch and Tim at the last Presatyn selling scratch's we spoke long and hard about all kind's of thing's worldly and beyond , Butch told me that after He's done all the gig's He's booked for He will be knocking the job on the Head.I know that Tim said that there was apathy drenching the northern scene and a northern soul golly wxxg was a prime example ( that was for sale ).When ever We have had long conversations in the past it was to with thing's all three of us held dear and had passion about for instance the miners strike , Thatcher ect and a slight nod towards records and Tim had said that these kind of conversations don't seem to crop up and it seemed to me that I was talking to a couple of guy's who genuanly had lost intrest.I can't see Mick H knocking the job on the head He told me at John Pools new gig that although He'd slowed down on the buying He still had plenty of scratch's in His collection to carry on Djing with, nice bloke mick is.See ya.

I dont get out much anymore[business committments] lucky if I do 3-4 nighters a year-but without a doubt Butch has been the man for rare soul in the uk and he was digging staterside before most of us got out of bed[excluding the usual suspects Anderson etc].If Butch does go then hes welcome to go fishing with me in the never never climes of the north east lol,it would be an honour to cast out with him then both sit like miserable bastards for 3 hours and say nowt lol.

I still regard the just Brothers and Jesse James as quite possibly his 2 finest momments but jeeezzzzz hes had many I am just pleased ive caught him at his finest on many occasions particulary late eighties/early nineties.

Mick H ANOTHER MARVERICK with incredible taste and a downright decent lad, very very sorely missed if he does go definetly -ofcourse the scene always survives and theres plenty to step up particulary on the northern scene -question is alot cant be arsed these days-theres just so much negativity and bollox and not enough good things -there again what do i know I JUST FISH NOW AND COLLECT DEEP AND SWEET INEXPENSIVE SOUL RECORDS LOL!!!

BAZ A

i agree with Mark Forrest

look at the brilliant c/u that most people still dont know who they are

Butch.Mick H finds them and years later--people are still looking

not just obscure stuff

BUT full on northern or x-over whatever

right on the button, anyone can copy , not many can lead

you got that spot on Mr Williams.a massive loss to this scene

Hi Baz do you ever go to Harris and Lewis fishing ? Do you remember when we had a good chat when i dj'd at Burnley the guy I was with is Charly Griffin we go up after Easter ( pre midge season ) and try and fish as many lochs as we can a mepps number three usually keeps us busy .we normally get involved in some heavey drinking and smoking (pipes not dope) and play loads of northern while we're fishing if you fancy it give us a shout all the best Simon.

Hey Simon heard good things about that place mate-thats a nice invitation worth keeping in mind,if your up north give me a shout some great spots locally worth checking out not far from where i live !!

BAZ A

Butch is retiring. He said so last year and he has been selective regarding the bookings he has taken for a few years now. He told me he will honour his bookings this year then that is it. He's taking no more bookings, anywhere. Whether the retirement is permanent time will tell. As said some apathy and maybe a loss of interest in the scene, not the music but the scene, could be some of the reasons. I gave him the dates for Lifeline next year (2012), well tried to but he wasn't having any of it. Andy had long chats with him over it but seems his mind is made up.

As for Mick, I asked him at Skeggy couple of weeks ago as I knew he might not be available for Lifeline this year, he said the scene might have to take a back seat due to work commitments. He said nothing of retiring just work is work and must come first. He is a member so sure he will give you the full facts if he reads.

Top jocks ,but life will go on ,

Butch defines what it is to be a member of, and involved in our scene, proud to say I come from the same city and heritage, a sad loss to the scene.

Edited April 14, 201114 yr by geeselad

maybe we could get it from the horses mouth to avoid endless speculation?

mick's on here and someone must know butch well enough to contact him and put things straight?

having said that is it just a coincidence neither are on at the next lifeline?

A big loss to be sure if true but not the end of the world for the scene

Coincidence Steve. Butch had a booking he took not realising Bamburg clashed with Lifeline. But we do have two of the scenes future spinning vinyl for you, Liam and Paul from Beat Boutique, so you can get a glimpse of the scenes future whilst Butch and Mick fulfil other commitments.

With them two out of the way i'll go up 2 places to 1.679th best Nsoul DJ in the country

With them two out of the way i'll go up 2 places to 1.679th best Nsoul DJ in the country

Just behind Russ then Kenny.......

Whilst losing these two will be a loss, the scene will continue, that's a fact

get out at the top, best wishes to both of them x x fantastic records and great guys

.I know that Tim said that there was apathy drenching the northern scene and a northern soul golly wxxg was a prime example ( that was for sale ).

WTF ! That's a new one on me ! If it's true then I'm horrified.

Mate if you don't believe me just ask Tim.

I'm sure Mick isn't retiring, we were talking about Butch's rumoured retirement at the 100 Club. I've heard it in roundabout ways from several sources but not a definite decision or date from the man himself; we'd miss him like Billyo!

One good thing about their retirements is that their comeback spots will be cracking nights -everyone will want tickets!!

Spoke to Mick in the last week or so, and booked him for the Greatstone in August. No mention of him hanging up his boots!

WTF ! That's a new one on me ! If it's true then I'm horrified.

The signs have been there for a while with Butch, who regardless is still the top man. But like many at one time or another the apathy creeps in for whatever reason, the enthusiasm and passion goes.

Same here for a while, not been to many niters for well over a year, evening do's? Not many either. Still like the music, always been a fan of music. But the scene ain't been doing a lot for me of late. Other factors involved of course too.

But won't be packing in just yet, it's one of those. Been close to it, but not yet.

Just as Butch hasn't given any concrete date of retiring, maybe he's just going from week to week?

Hi Baz do you ever go to Harris and Lewis fishing ? Do you remember when we had a good chat when i dj'd at Burnley the guy I was with is Charly Griffin we go up after Easter ( pre midge season ) and try and fish as many lochs as we can a mepps number three usually keeps us busy .we normally get involved in some heavey drinking and smoking (pipes not dope) and play loads of northern while we're fishing if you fancy it give us a shout all the best Simon.

Butch retiring?? - Long live fishing.. .See you over the weekend Simon..

Mick's going to America, fact.

Just as Butch hasn't given any concrete date of retiring, maybe he's just going from week to week?

He told us he was going to honour bookings he has others this year then calling it a day.

Both Butch & Mick H are members on here so maybe they could tell us what they are planning if anything to put an end to all the second guessing.

Horses mouth & all that....

Both Butch & Mick H are members on here so maybe they could tell us what they are planning if anything to put an end to all the second guessing.

HEARD BUTCH'S SWANSONG IS GOING TO BE THE KINGS HALL ALL-NIGHTER IN JULY. I FOR ONE WILL BE THERE. I'M SURE THIS PHOTO OF BUTCH DANCING AT THE CASINO IS AS RARE & EXCLUSIVE AS SOME OF HIS SOUNDS. Butch is the one in thre middle with hooped top on, would say he was about 17 at the time.

HEARD BUTCH'S SWANSONG IS GOING TO BE THE KINGS HALL ALL-NIGHTER IN JULY. I FOR ONE WILL BE THERE.

doubt that very much, he's booked for Lifeline through this year which he is honouring and I presume the same can be said of the 100 Club.

IF HE'S GOT BOOKINGS AFTER THE KINGS HALL NIGHTER I'M SURE HE WILL HONNOUR THEM CHALKY.I'LL STILL TRY AND CATCH HIM AT THE KINGS THOUGH.

WTF ! That's a new one on me ! If it's true then I'm horrified.

Rob if you went to Prestatyn (just one example) you would see untold amounts of tat with Northern soul inscribed, embroidered whatever . Who the fcuk would want a clock for instance with the words Northern Soul on the face. I always thought it was the music & social. (Tho I expect it was the golly wotsit that provoked your comment)

Hi Dave, this years Prestatyn sales area was unbelievable. More clothes and NS tat than there were records. I am not surprised people are disillusioned with it all, it's gone from an underground scene to a perfect copy of what's left of the rock n roll scene. Put any of the DJs mentioned on this thread on in your town and you'll get less through the door than you will if you book Dustbin and his Wigan roadshow, with reissues etc. Anyway all the best to Butch and Mick, whatever they decide to do.

just gotta say, on the golly issue, who ever did it, that's just pure bloody ignorance, tossers!

HEARD BUTCH'S SWANSONG IS GOING TO BE THE KINGS HALL ALL-NIGHTER IN JULY. I FOR ONE WILL BE THERE. I'M SURE THIS PHOTO OF BUTCH DANCING AT THE CASINO IS AS RARE & EXCLUSIVE AS SOME OF HIS SOUNDS. Butch is the one in thre middle with hooped top on, would say he was about 17 at the time.

Edited April 15, 201114 yr by geeselad

Hi Dave, this years Prestatyn sales area was unbelievable. More clothes and NS tat than there were records. I am not surprised people are disillusioned with it all, it's gone from an underground scene to a perfect copy of what's left of the rock n roll scene. Put any of the DJs mentioned on this thread on in your town and you'll get less through the door than you will if you book Dustbin and his Wigan roadshow, with reissues etc. Anyway all the best to Butch and Mick, whatever they decide to do.

The tat and clothes sales are really nothing to do with it - just a side issue that a lot of people don't like but put up with.

Yes its a downer but only part of the reason.Not a reason to chuck in 20 odd years of collecting at the top level.

Mick going to the States? Brooklyn watch out..

thinking back to when I first started on the scene,mid 8ts, and Butch was establishing his rep, twas hardly I a hey day of great attendances and thriving venues, and I should imagine that the commercial side of the scene is largley missed by the masculine one, at most of the venues he plays.

Hi Dave, this years Prestatyn sales area was unbelievable. More clothes and NS tat than there were records.

And the price of the sales tables went up yet again. £105.00 for a six foot table. Of course if you are selling all the tat, it's £105.00 for a six foot table, clothes rail, elevated display, and whatever else you can manage

Noprthern soul tea trays, mouse mats,friggin' door mats, and what I thought was a Northern Soul milking three legged milking stool but was later told it was so you could sit down and work on your scooter engine.

To be quite honest, to have to sell £105 worth of records (and don't forget less then half of that will actually be proifit) before you actually sell any records for yourself has become impossible for people like me who just don't have the quantity and quality to make it worthwhile, which is why I didn't have a table at the March Prestatyn.

Oh yeah, the DJ fees haven't gone up in the last ten years either, in fact they were cut in March !

And the price of the sales tables went up yet again. £105.00 for a six foot table. Of course if you are selling all the tat, it's £105.00 for a six foot table, clothes rail, elevated display, and whatever else you can manage

Noprthern soul tea trays, mouse mats,friggin' door mats, and what I thought was a Northern Soul milking three legged milking stool but was later told it was so you could sit down and work on your scooter engine.

To be quite honest, to have to sell £105 worth of records (and don't forget less then half of that will actually be proifit) before you actually sell any records for yourself has become impossible for people like me who just don't have the quantity and quality to make it worthwhile, which is why I didn't have a table at the March Prestatyn.

Oh yeah, the DJ fees haven't gone up in the last ten years either, in fact they were cut in March !

Would you like salt and vinegar to go with that massive chip on your shoulder sir