just got a tape of mr mm's with the most eloquent dj ive ever heard - turns out its mick rollo who i think has passed away since,,sounded like a nice chap..

anyone got memories of mr m's good or bad??

remember on my first visit to the casino (of 3 ) and went in mms and the first record was a stomper and had to come off after a minute,,,as id stomped me self out of breath!!! learned to pace meself since...

sorry for all these reflective posts..

regards

mark

just got a tape of mr mm's with the most eloquent dj ive ever heard - turns out its mick rollo who i think has passed away since,,sounded like a nice chap..

anyone got memories of mr m's good or bad??

remember on my first visit to the casino (of 3 ) and went in mms and the first record was a stomper and had to come off after a minute,,,as id stomped me self out of breath!!! learned to pace meself since...

sorry for all these reflective posts..

regards

mark

Always got the impression Mr Ms was for forgotton oldies but I went in once and heard whoever it was playing Spaceark- Do what you can do God that was weird and Yes I was knackered doing a fast shuffle to it! AH memories!

Used to go to the early sessions prior to the all-niters on the saturdays - not oldies dj's but probably people given a chance to spin some stuff, used to hear some great stuff in there at the time. Then during the all-niter it used to re-open about 3-ish to take the pressure of the main room. Mainly oldies in there - Youngblood Smith, Ace Cannon, Shalimars, always spring to mind. Didnt really spend much time in there as was too small and always overcrowded. Preferred the main room at the time due to Mr Searling and Alan Rhodes plays at the time.

The corridor outside M's was always a good chill-out area if you wanted to have a conversation with someone without having to shout above the speakers in either room!

Also remember buying some cheapies in there one night during the pre-allniter session - Carl Spencer-Cover Girl/Turley Richards-I Feel Alrite /Dawn-Baby's Gone Away/Inspirations - Your Wish Is My Command & Ronnie Forte - Whiskey Talkin' - to name but a few - all less than a tenner each!

Grant

SEEM TO RECALL THAT MR M'S WASNT OPEN DURING THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THE CASINO,

THEN WHEN IT WAS, IT WAS KNOWN AS THE "OTHER ROOM". DONT KNOW WHEN IT BECAME M'S .

I REMEMBER NEARLY BEING "ROLLED" (AH, HAPPY DAYS, THIS QUAINT LITTLE CUSTOM DOESNT SEEM TO HAPPEN MUCH THESE DAYS), BY A NOTORIOUS BIG TIMER FROM STOKE, IN THERE IN '74.

spent most of my time at the casino in Mr M with a big coloured lad from the north east,big ray aka ray butters,if you dont remember him you have never seen him,easily the tallest guy to frequent the place,the music to my memory was mostly sh*t with some great bits in between,what a way to spend your youth though.

Edited April 13, 200619 yr by uni ted

I remember the first time "Ms" was opened during an allnighter was at the first anniversary. It really fecked it up for our crowd from Ormskirk/Southport, because that was "our" corner at the top of the stairs by Mr Ms door(we used to think that at the other side of those plush padded doors must be the real casino bit with all the roulette tables ). a lot of our lot then started staying in Mr Ms at the far end on the right. I never liked it much in there. I have read some write ups that said they played more soulful oldies etc in there, but all I remember hearing is "Hey Hey Bunny" John Fred, "Gimmee Some Lovin" Spencer Davis, "Opus 17" Four Seasons and Paintbox "Better Get Ready For Love".

I also knew Mike Rollo from DJing at the other nights at the Casino. Nice Guy. Other DJs at the time were Ste Whittle, Kenny Spence Alan ?.

Some photos in my gallery taken in Ms with My sister, Wacker & Billy Mac. Plus some at the top of the stairs with some of the crowd.

Paul

Hi Mark,

MR Ms was brilliant in the early days. Great sounds, great young DJs and the even then, forgotten oldies being aired.

I think, and I'm not 100% on this, but I remember hearing Dave Evison say around 74 or 75 that Mark (or Mike, not sure) Rollo had been killed on holiday in Greece, or something like that. Now it may not have been Mark, but certainly a Mr Ms DJ was killed and it was announced over the mike.

You had to be aware of the potential for a situation to happen, not only Mr Ms but in the main room, in the Beachcomber afterwards (where I first heard Dena Barnes), and on your way there and home!

Remember this was the 70s! Plenty of fights everywhere, drugs, beer and local half wits were found everywhere in abundance, and football rivalvry was evident all the time.

Having said that, common sense usually prevailed, and I only saw one fight in the Casino over the years.

Mr Ms also was a place in the early days where new sounds could be broken, so I don't remember it being a poor mans Casino, in fact in 76/77 it was probably better than the big room.

I remember the first time "Ms" was opened during an allnighter was at the first anniversary. It really fecked it up for our crowd from Ormskirk/Southport, because that was "our" corner at the top of the stairs by Mr Ms door(we used to think that at the other side of those plush padded doors must be the real casino bit with all the roulette tables ). a lot of our lot then started staying in Mr Ms at the far end on the right. I never liked it much in there. I have read some write ups that said they played more soulful oldies etc in there, but all I remember hearing is "Hey Hey Bunny" John Fred, "Gimmee Some Lovin" Spencer Davis, "Opus 17" Four Seasons and Paintbox "Better Get Ready For Love".

I also knew Mike Rollo from DJing at the other nights at the Casino. Nice Guy. Other DJs at the time were Ste Whittle, Kenny Spence Alan ?.

Some photos in my gallery taken in Ms with My sister, Wacker & Billy Mac. Plus some at the top of the stairs with some of the crowd.

Paul

Hey up Paul,

If you knew Billy Mac and Wacker (RIP), you must know me.......... Bri Jolley.

We all used to mate together along with the St. Helens crew.

I've tried to access your gallery but unfortunately there's no link to it mate.

I used to know Mike Rollo quite well. Some others who used to DJ at the early sessions were Steve Gallezi & Malc Maguire. Mike Walker the manager did a couple of sets sometimes when the DJ's didn't turn up also.

One of the real early DJ's from the Beachcomber, well before the Nighters started, was a guy called Lord Barrington. He was a character of about 18 stone dressed like Demis Roussos. I remember he used to have a strobe light right on the edge of the tiny stage.

Mr Floods got loads of plays in Ms bit of a favourite in there but it was allways a bit hectic on the floor,You would get a sweat on just standing there!

And i allways made my way for that corridor if things got a bit too fast!

I mean LOUD!

Edited April 13, 200619 yr by Mr M

link to Paul r's Gallery...

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.p...album&album=349

link to Paul r's Gallery...

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.p...album&album=349

Cheers.

Hey up Paul,

If you knew Billy Mac and Wacker (RIP), you must know me.......... Bri Jolley.

We all used to mate together along with the St. Helens crew.

I've tried to access your gallery but unfortunately there's no link to it mate.

Yeh, I did know you. I was from Burscough and I first got to know the St Helens lot when they were all on scooters and called the "Backstabbers" Paul Crookes(JB), Showy(Paul Shaw), Joey Sines. I also used to come up to the Court School Of Dancing(smashed there one Thursday night, and ended up staying at Pilkeys house after driving round with Pilkey, Terry Hastings & Billy Mac). A good night, but I missed school the next day!!!! ) ah, the innocence of youth. Then there was the Geraldo. I used to get the bus from Ormskirk up to St Helens. One summer I was staying round for a few days at someones house(Shirley). At the edge of some park in St Helens. Good days, but looking back, a bit insane.

Anyway, Mr Ms, I was actually more of a main room person, until I escaped and joined the Navy.

There doesn't appear to be any photos of me from those days, all I had were destroyed when I got divorced.

One person who I met at a rare appearence on the scene, for me, was Janet From Shevington (used to go out with JB) and knocked about with Ann Rogers of Footsee fame.

Paul

Edited April 13, 200619 yr by Paul r

Yeh, I did know you. I was from Burscough and I first got to know the St Helens lot when they were all on scooters and called the "Backstabbers" Paul Crookes(JB), Showy(Paul Shaw), Joey Sines. I also used to come up to the Court School Of Dancing(smashed there one Thursday night, and ended up staying at Pilkeys house after driving round with Pilkey, Terry Hastings & Billy Mac). A good night, but I missed school the next day!!!! ) ah, the innocence of youth. Then there was the Geraldo. I used to get the bus from Ormskirk up to St Helens. One summer I was staying round for a few days at someones house(Shirley). At the edge of some park in St Helens. Good days, but looking back, a bit insane.

Anyway, Mr Ms, I was actually more of a main room person, until I escaped and joined the Navy.

There doesn't appear to be any photos of me from those days, all I had were destroyed when I got divorced.

One person who I met at a rare appearence on the scene, for me, was Janet From Shevington (used to go out with JB) and knocked about with Ann Rogers of Footsee fame.

Paul

Yep, I knew all the one's you mention and used to hang out with them sometime or other.

Mr Ms some great memories,it was nice to get out of the main hall sometimes for a break when Mr Ms opened at 2 ish,my main meories would be dancing at the back of the balcony(think there used to be a old bar and when they removed it the left the old lino down).

Edited April 15, 200619 yr by Neil-ok

Edited April 14, 200619 yr by Neil-ok

Mr Ms some great memories,it was nice to get out of the main hall sometimes for a break when Mr Ms opened at 2 ish,my main meories would be dancing at the back of the balcony(think there used to be a old bar and when they removed it the left the old lino down).

Atr one time you could lean over thye upstairs bar and pour yourself a beer.

Paul

Great memories from my youth were stomping away the hours in Mr M's, also remember the condensation dripping from the ceiling it was so hot.

A memory that's alway's stayed with me was one night I took 5 mins shut eye on M's balcony before going back in main hall, I woke to the intro of "Sidras theme" , it sounded absolutely awesome. Aah them were the day's.........

Karen

Am I the only one who never went into Mr. M's? in all the times I went to the Casino I just never did! Still not exactly sure why, maybe I was happy enough with what was going on in the Main room...

Hippo.

just got a tape of mr mm's with the most eloquent dj ive ever heard - turns out its mick rollo who i think has passed away since,,sounded like a nice chap..

anyone got memories of mr m's good or bad??

remember on my first visit to the casino (of 3 ) and went in mms and the first record was a stomper and had to come off after a minute,,,as id stomped me self out of breath!!! learned to pace meself since...

sorry for all these reflective posts..

regards

mark

Hey up Mark. Mr m,s. Used to go in there for a chill once you had stumbled and tripped over peoples legs in the corrider,go through the doors after the stage and the first few chairs was was where the Widnes lads used to doss down. Even took my ex wife there on our first date. the Elgins was on in the main room so escaped up to the balcony in m,s for a snog and grope. Quite a few people only ever went in there and never bothered with the main room at all.

Steve

AHHH my favourite subject MrMs, memories of a miss spent youth. Out yer head on duramin, chalkies, green and clears etc etc. I almost lived in Ms, i went in when it opened and came out when it shut. Last time i saw Ray Butters was actually at the casino before i joined the army. The guys who used to frequent the upstairs balcony dancefloor were from scarboro and the north east it seemed we had a monopoly on that floor.

Me (then Scarboro)

Vernon (good night at steam m8) (bradford)

Paul Murphy (Bradford)

Robbie Skidmore (Middlesboro)

Ray (Peterlee)

Brian (Hartlepool)

Richie (what happened to him?)(Peterlee)

Paul Cullington(Blackhall)

Ted White (Newcastle)

Nick Carter (Scarboro)

Mick hussey (Scarboro)

Stu Locke (Scarboro)

Stan (Scarboro)

apologies to anyone i miss im knackered after Steam but im sure some of you will be able to add more names!

I never remember any fights in the casino, but i remember one of the bouncers giving me grief in the cafe next door before a nighter. I was 17 and could take on the world so i smacked him and before he had got up off the floor the others had kicked me out lol he never gave me grief again tho!

The sounds OMG did we actually dance to that shyte lol

Love Sitars - Paint it black

Wynder K frog - Green door

Taj Mahal - Gimme a little lovin

Wish i still had the records i had then jewas i would be worth more than Andy Mac

Can anyone remember another room they opened once or twice that was sort of behind Mr Ms at the end of the corridor where the bogs were.............Or is it me?

yeah its you,they were the bogs,

ted white

i was a official ms knacker ned.

just got a tape of mr mm's with the most eloquent dj ive ever heard - turns out its mick rollo who i think has passed away since,,sounded like a nice chap..

anyone got memories of mr m's good or bad??

remember on my first visit to the casino (of 3 ) and went in mms and the first record was a stomper and had to come off after a minute,,,as id stomped me self out of breath!!! learned to pace meself since...

sorry for all these reflective posts..

regards

mark

I was a late starter! only started going to the nighters around 78. Did go into M's a few times but to be honest it was a bit of a sweatbox with the nasty stuff dripping from the ceiling!

So unfortunately really never gave it a proper hearing.

The room behind Mr. M's was called Gerry's Inn and had an alternative entrance.

Doess ayone remember the girl who used to cut hair in M's foyer whilst waiting for it to open??

I am sure I didn't dream it

Carolyn

try again to post the omly pic i have of mr ms(had problems with the server last time)

Edited April 18, 200619 yr by Neil-ok

Richie is all sensible now :angry: not seen for years but did see Andy Vela from Boro at Wallys 40th last year.so is Skid, except when his wife is not out some more Ms people, from Gateshead and the Toon. Graysy , Ray Callan , Stutz , Cranny to name but a few.

Edited April 19, 200619 yr by headsy

yeah its you,they were the bogs,

ted white

i was a official ms knacker ned.

No,beyond the bogs!!!

I was a late starter! only started going to the nighters around 78. Did go into M's a few times but to be honest it was a bit of a sweatbox with the nasty stuff dripping from the ceiling!

So unfortunately really never gave it a proper hearing.

The room behind Mr. M's was called Gerry's Inn and had an alternative entrance.

Doess ayone remember the girl who used to cut hair in M's foyer whilst waiting for it to open??

I am sure I didn't dream it

Carolyn

Carolyn,was the alternative entrance down the bog corridor ?............No,you didn't dream it,there was a girl cutting hair-only remember seeing it once though

oops sorry,headsy if no one remembers you it must be cos your emminently forgetable

Edited April 19, 200619 yr by uni ted

OMG ive just seen the pic of Mr Ms, really brought a tear to eyes and goosebumps I always had the best times of my life in there and you have also reminded me of some of the other guys headsy! great great days!!

Ayone got any pics when the room was full and sweaty? or of the balcony dancefloor?

OMG ive just seen the pic of Mr Ms, really brought a tear to eyes and goosebumps I always had the best times of my life in there and you have also reminded me of some of the other guys headsy! great great days!!

Ayone got any pics when the room was full and sweaty? or of the balcony dancefloor?

No, but there are a few articles and other bits on my old website 'martinsbox' . . . a whole page just on M's.

https://martinsbox.tripod.com/id43.htm

Martin

Edited April 19, 200619 yr by martinsbox

Carolyn,was the alternative entrance down the bog corridor ?............No,you didn't dream it,there was a girl cutting hair-only remember seeing it once though

Martyn,

The other entrance to Gerry's Inn was from outside the building down another road called Millgate, this could be reached by following the small cobbled alleyway alongside the casino to the rear of the building. Gerry's Inn led into Mr. M's.

Carolyn

just got a tape of mr mm's with the most eloquent dj ive ever heard - turns out its mick rollo who i think has passed away since,,sounded like a nice chap..

anyone got memories of mr m's good or bad??

remember on my first visit to the casino (of 3 ) and went in mms and the first record was a stomper and had to come off after a minute,,,as id stomped me self out of breath!!! learned to pace meself since...

sorry for all these reflective posts..

regards

mark

Mark,

Mr Ms was my favourite place in the world 75/76. Always had great atmosphere, good crowd & great oldies. Heard a lot of the older stuff in there, very good times. Got me bloody shivering now!!!!

I have a photo of Mike Rolo about 74 ish at Top Rank Reading, with hand cupping a girls right boob!! Nice

guy, RIP.

Alan

Am I the only one who never went into Mr. M's? in all the times I went to the Casino I just never did! Still not exactly sure why, maybe I was happy enough with what was going on in the Main room...

Hippo.

Shame on you Hippo, my happiest nights mate - Mr Ms & Yate!!!

Alan

anybody remember a DJ called billy paul,seem to remember him from the early days,from ashton under lyne I think,never heard of him since

Mick

anybody remember a DJ called billy paul,seem to remember him from the early days,from ashton under lyne I think,never heard of him since

Mick

I remember Billy Paul, dont recall his dj spots, but do remember him helping us out when we had the car broken into one Sat night. Had window smashed, jacket & £5 nicked - nice bag of records not nicked!!!

Alan

PS. Anyone remember a guy from Lostock, Bolton - not a DJ - called Dave Perry? Was one of my best mates in M's in those days.

Martyn,

The other entrance to Gerry's Inn was from outside the building down another road called Millgate, this could be reached by following the small cobbled alleyway alongside the casino to the rear of the building. Gerry's Inn led into Mr. M's.

Carolyn

I remember walking down the corridor past the loo's & ending up in a smaller room being used as an 'overflow',this must have been Gerry's Inn then .......or possibly a case of Mr Riker (on the night) & middle age (now) playing tricks with me

they could have used an overflow,for all the sweat in ms,and the piss coming out the toilets at the bottom of the stairs in the main hall,

still good times though

they could have used an overflow,for all the sweat in ms,and the piss coming out the toilets at the bottom of the stairs in the main hall,

still good times though

Very true ,the only reason I took to doing gear was so I didn't have to sit down anywhere

Very true ,the only reason I took to doing gear was so I didn't have to sit down anywhere

Oh how true

Fantastic times Ted! Why were we so nutty when we were young? I BLAME YOU!!!!! and the rest of the NE looneys that we used to hang with

Oh how true

Unlike the sheer luxury afforded at Yate,KGB,The Fleet,Reditch,The wirrina(piranah),Cleethorpes etc in those days