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The Wheel And Late 60S Proto Northern Soul Scenes

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Spinning off from the suedehead thread.

I think the Old Soul scene that existed before the term Northern Soul was coined was exactly that scene, it was not a pre-cursor, it just happened that it didn't have the name the scene is known for.

Looking at it nationally apart from the Wheel and the Northants/Beds scene which was running parallel with it, what other areas had established clubs and crowds that would play old mid 60s soul sounds? I'm sure there were clubs around Yorks and Lancs and there was the Blue Orchid in Derby, but I nebver heard of a scene in Leicester despite Jeff King's market stall and Batman, I think those lads hung out at the Wheel.

Were there any nighters around Stoke pre-Torch or in Nottingham? Any in the West Midlands? The Saints & Sinners one was overwhelmingly full of the Northants crowd so that really can't be included as part of the Birmingham scene.

I'm guessing that several towns would have a few soulies but that there were hardly any nighters and if you put one on anywhere in the country people would find their way there. When there wasn't one on one weekend the Northants lot went down to Soho to an all night gay cafe called the Ledouce(?) for the want of somewhere to take gear and listen to the sounds.

Edited by ady croasdell

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I was one of three guys who opened the New Marquee in Leeds. Myself, Peter Brent, and John Allen (sadly deceased).

The logo and tickets were designed by me, as at the time I was a employed as a graphic artist.

We had a fantastic run with the club, bringing top names to Leeds.

I remember Pink Floyd appearing as the main attraction with Joe Cocker as support act

Pink Floyd charged £400 and we paid Joe Cocker £75...those were the days!

I met Peter Brent when he was DJ at The Spinning Disc, and have not seen him since the early 70's when we went our separate ways.

Is he still around?  

  • 2 years later...
On 16/11/2012 at 11:47, Ritchieandrew said:

 

 

I remember Lord Jims in Huddersfield, after the Wheel closed post January 1971...................infamous for its prices re a glass of water.!

It simply didn't happen. As I went!

On 25/04/2021 at 02:33, Mr Fred said:

It simply didn't happen. As I went!

I don't remember money being charged for water.

Then again, I was the DJ so I got my drinks for free😄

On 25/04/2021 at 02:33, Mr Fred said:

It simply didn't happen. As I went!

So did I & many other people I know went as well. !!!

Edited by Ritchieandrew
too much information.

During the 60s there was also The Plebs in Halifax, The Birdtrap in Brierfield (nr Burnley),The Top Twenty in Manchester & The String o' Beads In Bradford too. I went to all of them - but most weekends I was at The Wheel & then up to The Top Twenty on Sunday. The Wheel was just the best nighter EVER - wish I could turn back the clock & do it all again! Happy days!🙂

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