Ever given up soul?

I just wondered if there's anyone 'out there' who has made a conscious decision to 'give up soul' (as in, going to events) and if so, how did you get on? / How did you handle Sat night telly? / Have you just had to come back? Etc. I find the Soul Scene 'all consuming' sometimes (Way of life / 'Right On' an' all that) but it can make one lose sight of other things in life if you're not careful thus becoming a 'Northern Soul Victim'. I mean, I felt slightly guilty for not supporting The Wilton the other week as I wanted to take my kids swimming - How absurd is that FFS?!!! One step back and I'm 'suitably embarrassed' for feeling that way.

Don't worry, this isn't a 'Mark Bicknell' "I'm retiring I tell you!" type thread (He he, how ya doing mate?) - I'd be interested in your views actually Mark.

I mean, what is it like to go 'Cold 'Soul' turkey'? I know a lot of you guys stopped going out when you had kids which was more than likely to do with lack of money at that stage of life and probably didn't give it much thought.

On a personal level, being involved in running events and D.Jing etc adds to it somewhat as you can imagine. I know I could cut back on all that but staying in every Sat night? - As my 'long suffering' wife, Nina often tells me - I would be like a 'Bear in a cage' and would somewhat annoy her!

I know the obvious answer is getting the balance right (Hang on, that rings a bell) but I am genuinely interested if 'giving up soul' (going to events) is actually 'humanly' possible!

By the way, you lot are the only people in the 'god damn' universe that could ever understand where the heck I'm coming from! J...The strange world of ....

Is this the first Soul-source personal advice thread? ...'Dear Mike'.....lol

All the best,

Len.

You just reach a point where you realise that it's over Len.

Mine was about 3 years ago, I was at Stoke all nighter, I was so bored that I left at 2am and I knew I'd never go to an allnighter again.

It would take an awful lot to make me actually attend a soul night, let alone anything else.

That's down to a few factors: no decent local do's, same dj's on at every do, not being able to have a drink if driving and the smoking ban.

Plus I actually prefer watching MOTD on a saturday, doing stuff with the kids.

I got into Northern in 1974. It's had ample time off me.

Nice honest answer mate. I have to admit, I'm struggling a bit...."If I don't stop soon, I will never be able to look back" - Quite poignant that isn't it? In fact, I'm off to change my signature (Again!)

By the way folks, please don't let this thread become negative, I'm just analysing - I do this quite often (ahem) I have nothing to moan about. In fact my local scene is healthier now than it has been for a very long time - All silly local politics has now been quashed and the music hits the spot for me, in fact there's a really nice buzz at the moment, also, I'm well over the 'mourning' of the scene in general changing to what it has become an' all (As discussed many times before)

All the best,

Len.

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by LEN

You just reach a point where you realise that it's over Len.

Mine was about 3 years ago, I was at Stoke all nighter, I was so bored that I left at 2am and I knew I'd never go to an allnighter again.

It would take an awful lot to make me actually attend a soul night, let alone anything else.

That's down to a few factors: no decent local do's, same dj's on at every do, not being able to have a drink if driving and the smoking ban.

Plus I actually prefer watching MOTD on a saturday, doing stuff with the kids.

I got into Northern in 1974. It's had ample time off me.

same here ! still love the music as much as ever, and do miss the soul nites...gave up on niters when i couldnt fnction properly on the sunday. also selling my collection and retiring from djing did it for me. a lot of do's i was going to have now finished due to lack of support which is a shame, seems folk just do the big niters and weekenders now.

Mrs 'Long Suffering' has asked me to post the following -

That's a really poignant post and so true for a lot of people - mainly blokes though I'd say.

Girls are different - we have babies and therefore inflict our own smoking ban, alcohol ban etc onto ourselves, its the blokes who have a hard time with changing their weekend routines.

Nina

I must admit my enthusiaum has been dying for some time now, I used to love dancing ,now i just like it ,at a do' I sometimes think what the hell am I doing here, get bored with it all at times

Bazza

No......I dont think I could ever give events up completely. I do get a bit frustrated occasionally, as to attend most nighters I have a minimum of a 2 hour drive, so aint just about making a decision whether to go out & never has been for us Southern based soulies, its always been a major evolution to even attend a worth while event.....whats frustrating to me is, that after you have done all that travelling your not always guaranteed a decent night out any more.

I'm lucky in some respects as I have an enforced sabatical, due to the fact that I work abroad, so only have the opportunity to attend events roughly every 6 weeks these days, but it keeps you fresh & excited about getting out.

Never really, have problems with family about going out, its what I do & they're very understanding.......many people will give many excuses for not going out & attending venues, its a personal thing, but if you still have the passion, its possible to get out there still & Keep the Faith.......

Best Russ

same here , lots n lots of reasons .... prefare to stay home most of the time .

You just reach a point where you realise that it's over Len.

Mine was about 3 years ago, I was at Stoke all nighter, I was so bored that I left at 2am and I knew I'd never go to an allnighter again.

It would take an awful lot to make me actually attend a soul night, let alone anything else.

That's down to a few factors: no decent local do's, same dj's on at every do, not being able to have a drink if driving and the smoking ban.

Plus I actually prefer watching MOTD on a saturday, doing stuff with the kids.

I got into Northern in 1974. It's had ample time off me.

'It'll Never Be Over For Me'....lol

Russ

Some people are just looking for an excuse not to get out, I dont care whether people go out or not, its there personal decision...........what makes me sn***** is when they return, all full of it again after 20 years, stating, marriage, mortgage, kids etc, etc, etc as the excususes for not having been out, especially when same folk live 20 mins from where its all happening.....like I say, people should do what they wish, but when you return & you will return (lol), at least be honest about why you jacked it & left it to the rest of us to keep the scene alive for you.........

Best Russ

I must admit my enthusiaum has been dying for some time now, I used to love dancing ,now i just like it ,at a do' I sometimes think what the hell am I doing here, get bored with it all at times

Bazza

Yes, not meaning to be too negative (remember we're only analysing) But, yes sometimes I think, is this a youth culture we should have left behind years ago, having fond memories to look back on?

I don't want this sliding into 'about the scene' again, just lately I'm really enjoying myself and I think to myself, it would be pretty 'cool' to walk away with a warm feeling inside rather than suddenly looking around and we're all at Soul Sam's 90th!

Back on topic - I'd like to know your thoughts on whether you think you could handle The Voice this Sat night.....It is good mind!...Our Win is back after a bit of a break, care to share reasons etc for going away Win? (Unless personal of course) Or coming back? - We all missed ya!

Len.

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by LEN

I'm one of those annoying people that enjoys it now as much I've always done. That said, I do find myself looking round and asking my mates "please tell me I don't look like that"

I do know people that get really down about it all (as in they are selling up every time they go to a 'not so good' night). If you do find yourself getting like that the trick is to be more selective about where you go and to take it for what it is.

It's only a night out at the end of the day (yeah right)

I'm one of those annoying people that enjoys it now as much I've always done. That said, I do find myself looking round and asking my mates "please tell me I don't look like that"

I do know people that get really down about it all (as in they are selling up every time they go to a 'not so good' night). If you do find yourself getting like that the trick is to be more selective about where you go and to take it for what it is.

It's only a night out at the end of the day (yeah right)

Exactly.......

Russ

What would I do instead....?

Russ

I'm one of those annoying people that enjoys it now as much I've always done. That said, I do find myself looking round and asking my mates "please tell me I don't look like that"

I do know people that get really down about it all (as in they are selling up every time they go to a 'not so good' night). If you do find yourself getting like that the trick is to be more selective about where you go and to take it for what it is.

It's only a night out at the end of the day (yeah right)

if i get more selective i wont ever get to go out at all

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by steptoe

i loved it when lowton...prestwich and the viaduct were all rocking and really looked forwards to nites out , i liked the socialising aspect just as much as music..hearing tales of record hunting ..buying selling ..trading...never was much of a dancer. however as the years rolled on these venues all closed, as well as all the regular events in stockport and thameside so did the greatstone , and any other new venue i went had very small numbers through the doors, sometimes the promoters and djs out numbered the paying guests, having to drive for a couple of hours to a venue has no appeal to me, as you can't have a drink , so it has all taken its toll.

Yes, not meaning to be too negative (remember we're only analysing) But, yes sometimes I think, is this a youth culture we should have left behind years ago, having fond memories to look back on?

I don't want this sliding into 'about the scene' again, just lately I'm really enjoying myself and I think to myself, it would be pretty 'cool' to walk away with a warm feeling inside rather than suddenly looking around and we're all at Soul Sam's 90th!

Back on topic - I'd like to know your thoughts on whether you think you could handle The Voice this Sat night.....It is good mind!...Our Win is back after a bit of a break, care to share reasons etc for going away Win? (Unless personal of course) Or coming back? - We all missed ya!

Len.

If im out and see the circle skirts, bags, towels tucked in to white belts white socks,old blokes trying to do what they did back then, it just looks sad to me,oops bit controversial

lol Bazza

if i get more selective i wont ever get to go out at all

In that case bagsy your Eddie Parker

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by jumpinjoan

did for a short while doing the family thing , but it never gave me up ! ...love to dance ! ...i didnt choose it , it chose me and thankfull

for that , can sleep when i am dead

......................& left it to the rest of us to keep the scene alive for you.........

Best Russ

Thanks Russ, it must have been hell for you.

Family, work, sport and other commitments were more important and enjoyable, (and still are sometimes.)

I'm one of those annoying people that enjoys it now as much I've always done. That said, I do find myself looking round and asking my mates "please tell me I don't look like that"

I do know people that get really down about it all (as in they are selling up every time they go to a 'not so good' night). If you do find yourself getting like that the trick is to be more selective about where you go and to take it for what it is.

It's only a night out at the end of the day (yeah right)

STOP BEING SO BLO*DY POSITIVE - YOUR ANNOYING! ... lol

I've seen you dance, you dance just as 'Earnestly' as the rest of us....hang on, no you don't - You even smile when you're dancing - Soooo irritating! J

Len.

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by LEN

Like I said, its about the passion, there are still events out there worth attending, you might have to dig a bit, but if you want it on a plate, served up with 10 pints, on your door step, then maybe its time to quit.....I get disillussioned occasionally, then summat happens to blow me away & I realise why its still worth getting out there, finding new tunes, new venues, checking out new DJ's & generally following the ethos of whats its always been about....

Russ

STOP BEING SO BLO*DY POSITIVE - YOUR ANNOYING! ... lol

I've seen you dance, you dance just as 'Earnestly' as the rest of us....hang on, no you don't - You even smile when you're dancing - Soooo irritating! J

Len.

Some people are just looking for an excuse not to get out, I dont care whether people go out or not, its there personal decision...........what makes me sn***** is when they return, all full of it again after 20 years, stating, marriage, mortgage, kids etc, etc, etc as the excususes for not having been out, especially when same folk live 20 mins from where its all happening.....like I say, people should do what they wish, but when you return & you will return (lol), at least be honest about why you jacked it & left it to the rest of us to keep the scene alive for you.........

Best Russ

Aren't marriage,mortgage,kids a good enough reason? Not as though anyone has to answer to anyone else on da scene....

I always thought the dark period of the 80's was when the hardcore stuck around and 90% left.Leaving 90% to return much later...when the scene had risen from the ashes.

Rarely feel like "what am I doing here" and still often travel to venues on my own. I did a local night and a nighter on Sat. I did use to go out to at least one venue every Friday and Saturday. Work sometimes gets in the way on a Friday but even when it doesn't I'm selective about where I go.

I'm more likely to consider giving up DJing than nights out but thats usually because I hear a superb spot and think "I'd love to be that good" but that usually ends up firing me up to search out new and exciting things to play.

If it came to a choice between collecting or going out though (which I hope it never does) collecting would win.

Like I said, its about the passion, there are still events out there worth attending, you might have to dig a bit, but if you want it on a plate, served up with 10 pints, on your door step, then maybe its time to quit.....I get disillussioned occasionally, then summat happens to blow me away & I realise why its still worth getting out there, finding new tunes, new venues, checking out new DJ's & generally following the ethos of whats its always been about....

Russ

And that could have been written 5,no 10 years ago. .Spot on Russ.

Thanks Russ, it must have been hell for you.

Family, work, sport and other commitments were more important and enjoyable, (and still are sometimes.)

Wasnt really aimed at you or anybody in particular, but if the cap fits.....no one is trying to make you go, if you didnt wanna go thats up to you, what I'm saying is, its possible to do both if you want to without making the 'usual' excuses you tend to hear. I respect your right to do what ever you pse, its the 'born again' fanatics who feel they have to justify there 'breaks' that makes me smile.

Best Russ

Thanks Russ, it must have been hell for you.

Family, work, sport and other commitments were more important and enjoyable, (and still are sometimes.)

BTW.....note the .

Russ

In that case bagsy your Eddie Parker

ahh humping . you would have to negotiate with my sales team.... cunliffe and his dog

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by steptoe

Wasnt really aimed at you or anybody in particular, but if the cap fits.....no one is trying to make you go, if you didnt wanna go thats up to you, what I'm saying is, its possible to do both if you want to without making the 'usual' excuses you tend to hear. I respect your right to do what ever you pse, its the 'born again' fanatics who feel they have to justify there 'breaks' that makes me smile.

Best Russ

Having said that we should be thankful to anyone that can still be arsed really......

Gave up going out and collecting completely in 92, it lasted 15 years as I felt it was time my family came first. Don't go to niters anymore and I only go to Soul Essence. I feel it isnt fair on my wife and kids, coming home and sleeping the next day recovering. I work long hours during the week and not prepared to to lose out on family time at the weekends.

Some people are just looking for an excuse not to get out, I dont care whether people go out or not, its there personal decision...........what makes me sn***** is when they return, all full of it again after 20 years, stating, marriage, mortgage, kids etc, etc, etc as the excususes for not having been out, especially when same folk live 20 mins from where its all happening.....like I say, people should do what they wish, but when you return & you will return (lol), at least be honest about why you jacked it & left it to the rest of us to keep the scene alive for you.........

Best Russ

Give this man a medal for services to Northern Soul

I have always travelled alone when required, would prefer to be with mates, but its never stopped me going any where & I dont think it ever will, I enjoy my self what ever really, its about the music, whilst it still inspires me I'll be where ever the happening event is, when ever possible

Russ,

Ok, the reason that I have asked this question is that I think I am ill....I think I maybe suffering from an extreme case of 'Analysis Paralysis' I just hope it's treatable......

....I must be getting old -'Analysis Paralysis' AND 'Repetitive Dance Syndrome' - By Chr*st, I'm nearly house bound!

Len.

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by LEN

Give this man a medal for services to Northern Soul

I think you have probably done more for the scene than I ever have or will do, I'm just passionate about hearing great soul music with like minded folk....I dont think people should feel they have to give excuses, they should do what they want....if the music dont move em any more then fine, its the lame excuses some people give......I'm sure my family dont think they are being deprived because I still go nighters, you work it out & manage your time, its about whether you can be bothered or not really......i am not & have never been on a crusade, its what I enjoy & is just as much a part of me as my family & proffessional life, it just is....when I stop getting excited about getting in the car & travelling to hear great soul music I'll quit, but theres life in the old dog yet & I can still swing a wicked hoof when I'm out......

Russ

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by Russ Vickers

Ok, the reason that I have asked this question is that I think I am ill....I think I maybe suffering from an extreme case of 'Analysis Paralysis' I just hope it's treatable........

....I must be getting old -'Analysis Paralysis' AND 'Repetitive Dance Syndrome' - By Chr*st, I'm nearly house bound!

Len.

Just enjoy ya self Len & dont over think it...especially after a Nighter ......love to Nina.

Best Russ

ahh humping . you would have to negotiate with my sales team.... cunliffe and his dog

I'm not scared of him ... and it's umping

Ok, the reason that I have asked this question is that I think I am ill....I think I maybe suffering from an extreme case of 'Analysis Paralysis' I just hope it's treatable......

....I must be getting old -'Analysis Paralysis' AND 'Repetitive Dance Syndrome' - By Chr*st, I'm nearly house bound!

Len.

I was given some good advice once Len.Never post on a Monday...

I get back from Baggers on Thursday night, but I'll still be at Soul in the South Saturday night in B'mouth.....be home on Sunday early, do the family thing, back to Baggers Friday having ticked all my personal boxes....right excited about seeing my family & very excited about SITS too woohoo.

Russ

I'm not scared of him ... and it's umping

as in umpa lumpa :lol: falling of me chair here laughing joan

as in umpa lumpa :lol: falling of me chair here laughing joan

no as in umpy Soul I believe

I think you have probably done more for the scene than I ever have or will do, I'm just passionate about hearing great soul music with like minded folk....I dont think people should feel they have to give excuses, they should do what they want....if the music dont move em any more then fine, its the lame excuses some people give......I'm sure my family dont think they are being deprived because I still go nighters, you work it out & manage your time, its about whether you can be bothered or not really......i am not & have never been on a crusade, its what I enjoy & is just as much a part of me as my family & proffessional life, it just is....when I stop getting excited about getting in the car & travelling to hear great soul music I'll quit, but theres life in the old dog yet & I can still swing a wicked hoof when I'm out......

Russ

Sometimes though Russ good things just come to an end. You don't need excuses; it's just not what it was anymore. Like when you realise you're falling out of love with someone.

as in umpa lumpa :lol: falling of me chair here laughing joan

Oh Paul, I was helpless on Friday when I saw the flyer, absolutely pmsl

Oh Paul, I was helpless on Friday when I saw the flyer, absolutely pmsl

Sorry Len, where were we?

To be honest,more often than not now I think I'd rather just go down the pub.......and I do still get out to do's.

Oh Paul, I was helpless on Friday when I saw the flyer, absolutely pmsl

I have to admit that when I saw the Pontins flyer I was a bit miffed to discover they had managed to spell DAVE wrong in my name, but then I saw what they'd done to you..............................

Proof Readers Of The World Untie !

I was given some good advice once Len.Never post on a Monday...

Doh! l' very' ol ...The Madness Of King George...

Great stuff!

Len.

Sometimes though Russ good things just come to an end. You don't need excuses; it's just not what it was anymore. Like when you realise you're falling out of love with someone.

Very astute, and very profound. I will always love the music, but there isn't enough "quality" new stuff, to keep me interested.

And it's really easy to give up going out to soul events..............just go to a few without drinking alcohol, or taking any gear. Then you will realise how bad things are.

Jeees, there's 26 of you reading right now - Do any of us have any work to do or what? lol...Gawd, I hear echo's of - "It was a tragic case, do you remember that fateful day back in 2012 when Lenny finally lost it? Bless him, have you visited him lately? He doesn't recognise anyone now..."

L

Edited April 23, 201213 yr by LEN

Very astute, and very profound. I will always love the music, but there isn't enough "quality" new stuff, to keep me interested.

And it's really easy to give up going out to soul events..............just go to a few without drinking alcohol, or taking any gear. Then you will realise how bad things are.

That's just cruel!

On topic now. Went to Burnley Saturday night with four friends.(And we were all from a different town or city funnily enough) A fair drive, it took us three hours, mostly because Sian had put BB1 in the satnav not BB11. So after driving round Blackburn for a while saying "I don't recognise this" we eventually arrived at Burnley. Although it wasn't Sian's fault !

So having had a couple of hours great laughs with friends on the journey there, we then had another eight hours of great music, with friends, beer, records to look through, and even more laughs. Somes tunes I knew and thought were superb, some I thought why are they playing this crap. More importantly, some tunes I didn't know, and thought were great. That's what we went for. A busy dancefloor paid testement to the fact that the DJs did their job perfectly. Even more laughs, especially when Sian sprayed hand sanitiser in her mouth thinking it was breath freshener and complained it tasted horrible. It wasn't Sian's fault though !

The journey home took us four hours, Tabs snored most of the way until we arrived at the 'Services time forgot'..Lymm truck stop. Having put the world to rights we carried on and I arrived home, tired, but happy.

If I'd stayed in Saturday night would I have had as much fun ? Well to be honest, if the same people on the bus had come to my house Saturday night, probably yes, because they would be great company anywhere. But we have a shared interest that is Northern Soul, and to enjoy it at it's best you have to be at venue. If I'd stayed in Saturday night I'd have been bored to death by 8pm, and probably gone to bed by 10pm. And I still managed to watch The Voice, that's what we have got Sky+ for.

Could I give it all up ? Probably not, because I'm a sociable kind of guy, and enjoy the company of my friends who, as I mentioned, all live in different places. My own family circumstances are such that the two lads are grown up and I'm a widower, so if the best I've got to look forward to on a saturday night is staying in watching The Voice I'd be in a very dark place !