Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Mick Smith, John Anderson and so on - all got so many stories to tell - surprised nobody's offer to help them write a book.  Mick always tells me stories and says "That'll be going in the book" but he'll never do it..

I would like to read John Andersons (Soul Bowl era) book.

 

Would love to know all the facts about the record finds etc!

Edited June 20, 201311 yr by Guest

A ghost written book by a collection of nighter people (who,ve been about a bit) would be good reading.Tales i,ve heard over the years have been fantastic...there are plenty out there with loads of great tales of nighter escapades....woven in with equaly good tales of american record hunts....this book would do well methinks.....as long as it,s warts and all/tell it how it is.....even right up to whats happening at some venues now.

So a number of folk each doing a chapter each,a collection of tales from the?....an appropriate title.such a co operative effort could be fairly easily done and would include the wide spectrum of perspectives and aspects of the scene from then till now with darkside balanced by the not quite so darkside.

So a number of folk each doing a chapter each,a collection of tales from the?....an appropriate title.such a co operative effort could be fairly easily done and would include the wide spectrum of perspectives and aspects of the scene from then till now with darkside balanced by the not quite so darkside.

 

I keep toying with the idea of going round and interviewing people on video about their experiences on the scene and with collecting records, just to get it preserved.  Even locally I can think of half a dozen interesting people.  Budget would be zero and all could be uploaded so everyone could watch them.

That's exactly the sort of thing,whether in video or writng a chapter say,theres so many folk could do a  chapter on just one aspect of the scene ,an event,,a record they got,chased down,travelling to and fro,dancing ,changes over time,a djs perspective,a newie to the scene,returnee old soldier never left all perspectives given an airing, arranged intl one very entertaining and hopefully factual and informative video or book.Theres a wealth of info,a gold mine of it lying stored away in folks memories.The good the bad the dark the light,biggest task would be trying to decide what goes in and what6 stays out,for another bok or video  mumber two in the series and indeed many more numbers down the line.I would love to watch or read such a bit of work

Edited June 20, 201311 yr by manusf3a

 

So a number of folk each doing a chapter each,a collection of tales from the?....an appropriate title.such a co operative effort could be fairly easily done and would include the wide spectrum of perspectives and aspects of the scene from then till now with darkside balanced by the not quite so darkside.

yep.....call it tales from ...."the children of the night"

 

yep.....call it tales from ...."the children of the night"

Spot on title.

Picking up on the fictional approach suggested earlier, this brought to mind a book I bought mid 70's, which to me is in the style that I think an NS novel could borrow from......namely "The Jones Men" by Verne E Smith....(lent my copy out BITD and never seen it since) bit about it here;

 

https://www.spinetinglermag.com/2010/12/17/fridays-forgotten-book-the-jones-men-by-verne-e-smith-review/

 Enjoying reading the thread, lots of interesting points and ideas in a calm environment ..There is no doubt at all that a book is extremely time intensive like Steve G points out,our digging book is coming along fine - but we are somewhat at the mercy of contributers who fit things in around a busy life schedule.One in particular is a private collector in europe who was going to the states in the late 60's and has documented taking Tommy Ridgeley,Sammy R + a handful more out for some food back in the day,he kept handwritten radio playlists including a northern monster that features that there is still only a handfull of copies known today. Then there is the sad side of things Mickey Cruise wrote a short story ,also just days before he passed got some film of him talkin bout racism in music etc if Annie is ok with it i'll try to transcribe it for inclusion .Also Tony Janda (R.I.P ) was putting something together for the book sadly that is lost (would be grateful if any of the guys who dug with Tony over the years could write some stories  for the book - just leme know) really wanted him in there.The book will treat every contributer equally whether a well known dealer or the guy with a short tale to tell... will keep youi informed a cut off date has to be soon!

Jock suggests a book about the 80s scene. I think that's a good idea, since there are so many who still don't know or understand what happened in that decade. I know Glyn was thinking of doing something on the modern scene in the 80s, which would have been good too, and not sure if he is still working on that project. A northern one would also be good - title "The day after WIgan died"

 

still a work in progress Steve - basic outlines done , labels available for scanning  - believe it or not thin on the ground for old flyers from late 70 s- up to mid 80s - some are around on the internet , but a plea on here two years back or so fell on deaf ears and made me full of self doubt the possibility of anyone even buying the book . 

Self publishing as mentioned by Pete Smith is the avenue to investigate..... Like you stated Steve the sheer volume of work into preparing the book should never be underestimated.

Two years work that could be dismissed by critics within a five minute glance at the finished article....  

Wouldn't mind then Steve when you get time. Thanks.

  

One old Blackbeat mag has me reviewing the in - demand Doc Peabody 45 back in early 80 's . Was discussing with Richard Searling a few months back.

Had three copies @ that time - no takers over here , two went the way Far East to Japanese collectors..they always have been on the ball with knowledge and foresight eh .

I believe that Mickey Stevenson has written his autobiography & it should hit the shops next year.

To answer Pete's opening question -

 

Why hasn't Berry Gordy written an autobiography or why hasn't anybody ever really interviewed him in depth warts an' all without his lawyer constantly looking over every word? Maybe he has and I've missed it.

 

Derek

One old Blackbeat mag has me reviewing the in - demand Doc Peabody 45 back in early 80 's . Was discussing with Richard Searling a few months back.

Had three copies @ that time - no takers over here , two went the way Far East to Japanese collectors..they always have been on the ball with knowledge and foresight eh .

Don't worry Glyn, I then hunt them down, purchase and send them right back to the UK

Mr.Dyson...I have another story for you...will make you laugh...must type it out and send you some pics!

Don't worry Glyn, I then hunt them down, purchase and send them right back to the UK

Mr.Dyson...I have another story for you...will make you laugh...must type it out and send you some pics!

 Now then Dave ,of course feel free mate ..it will sit well next to your other  cracking tales ! Hope all's well on the other side !

To answer Pete's opening question -

Why hasn't Berry Gordy written an autobiography or why hasn't anybody ever really interviewed him in depth warts an' all without his lawyer constantly looking over every word? Maybe he has and I've missed it.

Derek

You did Derek. It was called To Be Loved and came out in (I think) 1995. Not a great book to be honest. A very good PR piece for Berry Gordy but you got the feeling he kept quite a lot out to protect the good name of Motown. Which arguably was the point of the exercise. Certainly not a warts and all expose if I recall correctly.

Edited June 26, 201311 yr by sweeney

 HI ALL  In 2005 I started to put pen to paper, and write my book, based around the sub-youth cultures that I grew up in, the good & the bad, fashion style, gangs crews dance hall fights, girls, sorts & love, DC BORSTAL & PRISON, DRUGS CHEMICAL ADDICTION, DRUG TAKING & DRUG SELLING, MUSIC, LIVE MUSIC, BLACK MUSIC FROM TTHE BLUES TO TODAY, SPITIT OF 69 my participation at WHUFC NORTH BANK 7 CHICKEN RUN, BOOT BOY v SKINHEAD, GIRLFREINDS, HIPPIES, SOHO, WORKING AT HOLIDAY CAMPS CLACTON PUB FIGHTS GREAT YARMOUTH PUB FIGHTS, SAND IN MY FORESKIN, THE OLD BILL, MY FAMILY, MODS, HOW TO SREW A CHEMIST, WHY YOU DON'T GRASS, HOW TO THROW A PISSPOT OVER A NONCE AND NOT GET CHARGED, MATES, MICK SMITH NORTHERN SOUL, REGGAE 68 69 70 71, STABBING AND BEING STABBED, HEP C AND HOW IT GETS YOU, DJ & WORKING AS A ROADIE, WHY EVERYBODY SHOULD SPEND 1 YEAR LIVING ON A COMUNE, GOING STRAIGHT AND MUCH MUCH MORE,

MUST HAVE WRITTEN 50000 WORDS ON MY BOOK "MORE THAN SKIN DEEP, BUT DID NOT BOTHER TO GET IT PUBLISHED, AS THE TRUTH IS QUITE SHOCKING TO READ, AS VIOLANCE COMES VERY HIGH IN MY LIFE, BUT NOT IN MOST OF YOURS SO NOT WANTING TO OFFEND, I HAVE SHELVED THE BOOK,

MY BROTHER DID PUBLISH HIS BOOK "THE STORY OF F" (F BEING FRANKIE FRASER"}

 DAVE (the blade) K

Good. If you need em I can certainly lend you stuff from the old Blackbeats - Guys Goodies etc....

 

Am I right in thinking that Guy's Goodies was a feature in Blackbeat then Steve?  I'm interested because I have a cassette at home with "6T's Kebb" one side and "Guy's Goodies" the other.  I thought Guy's Goodies may be a one off for the tape so it's interesting to know it was related to some regular thing in Blackbeat.

 

As an aside, the tape, and particularly Guy's side, is recorded real lo-fi...........a deliberate ploy maybe???

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

Edited June 27, 201311 yr by Mark R

 HI ALL  In 2005 I started to put pen to paper, and write my book, based around the sub-youth cultures that I grew up in, the good & the bad, fashion style, gangs crews dance hall fights, girls, MUST HAVE WRITTEN 50000 WORDS ON MY BOOK "MORE THAN SKIN DEEP, BUT DID NOT BOTHER TO GET IT PUBLISHED, AS THE TRUTH IS QUITE SHOCKING TO READ, AS VIOLANCE COMES VERY HIGH IN MY LIFE, BUT NOT IN MOST OF YOURS SO NOT WANTING TO OFFEND, I HAVE SHELVED THE BOOK,

 

I'd have bought that mate, it's a piece of real history that needs to be documented for posterity, and probably everyone "on the scene" would relate to some aspects of it.

 

OK maybe not of interest from a purely musical perspective but relevant to the way NS has evolved nonetheless. 

Am I right in thinking that Guy's Goodies was a feature in Blackbeat then Steve?  I'm interested because I have a cassette at home with "6T's Kebb" one side and "Guy's Goodies" the other.  I thought Guy's Goodies may be a one off for the tape so it's interesting to know it was related to some regular thing in Blackbeat.

 

As an aside, the tape, and particularly Guy's side, is recorded real lo-fi...........a deliberate ploy maybe???

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

 

Hi mark, yes a regular column, as I wanrted someone to write about the stuff being played at Stafford. Only rule was no cover ups so Guy actually first uncovered quite a few of the biggies in that column....Saw Guy Saturday by the way. Steve

Well my book, such as it is, and if its what you want, will be availible in a week or two, in some form. Taken 12 years...Hope somebody likes it. Lots of soul content bit not your usual soul book. I'll post something when the technical ducks are hearded.

dean

Edited June 27, 201311 yr by dean jj

Am I right in thinking that Guy's Goodies was a feature in Blackbeat then Steve?  I'm interested because I have a cassette at home with "6T's Kebb" one side and "Guy's Goodies" the other.  I thought Guy's Goodies may be a one off for the tape so it's interesting to know it was related to some regular thing in Blackbeat. As an aside, the tape, and particularly Guy's side, is recorded real lo-fi...........a deliberate ploy maybe???  Cheers,Mark R

What's on the tape Mark? And what year?

 HI ALL  In 2005 I started to put pen to paper, and write my book, based around the sub-youth cultures that I grew up in, the good & the bad, fashion style, gangs crews dance hall fights, girls, sorts & love, DC BORSTAL & PRISON, DRUGS CHEMICAL ADDICTION, DRUG TAKING & DRUG SELLING, MUSIC, LIVE MUSIC, BLACK MUSIC FROM TTHE BLUES TO TODAY, SPITIT OF 69 my participation at WHUFC NORTH BANK 7 CHICKEN RUN, BOOT BOY v SKINHEAD, GIRLFREINDS, HIPPIES, SOHO, WORKING AT HOLIDAY CAMPS CLACTON PUB FIGHTS GREAT YARMOUTH PUB FIGHTS, SAND IN MY FORESKIN, THE OLD BILL, MY FAMILY, MODS, HOW TO SREW A CHEMIST, WHY YOU DON'T GRASS, HOW TO THROW A PISSPOT OVER A NONCE AND NOT GET CHARGED, MATES, MICK SMITH NORTHERN SOUL, REGGAE 68 69 70 71, STABBING AND BEING STABBED, HEP C AND HOW IT GETS YOU, DJ & WORKING AS A ROADIE, WHY EVERYBODY SHOULD SPEND 1 YEAR LIVING ON A COMUNE, GOING STRAIGHT AND MUCH MUCH MORE,MUST HAVE WRITTEN 50000 WORDS ON MY BOOK "MORE THAN SKIN DEEP, BUT DID NOT BOTHER TO GET IT PUBLISHED, AS THE TRUTH IS QUITE SHOCKING TO READ, AS VIOLANCE COMES VERY HIGH IN MY LIFE, BUT NOT IN MOST OF YOURS SO NOT WANTING TO OFFEND, I HAVE SHELVED THE BOOK,MY BROTHER DID PUBLISH HIS BOOK "THE STORY OF F" (F BEING FRANKIE FRASER"} DAVE (the blade) K

You should finish it Dave. A lot of stories there. Just about read all their is that could shock me so I wouldn't be offended. Real life is far better than fiction. You can publish for free these days via e likes of iTunes and ebooks etc.

What's on the tape Mark? And what year?

Hi mate, year is a bit sketchy pal.............contents.............Little John, Little Nicky Soul, Ghetto Boys........I'll give it a listen and come back with more.....haven't listened to it for a long time.

I have another which is just Keb...........Big Frank, Lenis Guess, Soul Set, Ron Baxter, Richard Anthony, Gordon Keith, Rose St. John............wicked.......and it's always amused me that the case has some stick on big cartoon eyes on it and the words "You Are Here"...............can't think why! LOL

Cheers,

Mark R

Edited June 27, 201311 yr by Mark R

D get it published...!! I thought you should have been an advisor on the new northern soul film although Ben hur got made quicker than this one.

Once I've done with the podcasts I'm doing for the Stafford Story I'm hoping to get something down in writing with the help of Dave (hopefully) and as many others as possible. It would probably incorporate the later 80's as well as the ethos and attitude was still there.

 

Well chalky I know you have been an avid collector of the Cover up stories who played em first & where, then who broke them & when. Like you I seem to have formed a firm interest in this field. I know Flynny has a fine list but from watching what questions you’ve been asking I know yours is a much bigger list & like me I know you have the full details true track names & label numbers, but I also know that you know of a few that haven’t broke yet so I hope you will telling all as they say.

Kirsty

I remember being told that the real darkside of the scene could not be published while so many people are still alive.. I guess thats true..  Legal implications and otherwise..

 

I hope Dave does put out a book on all the topics he talks about, now that would be the film to make too....

Would a book on all the different venues not prove to be of interest?

I know there has been one or two on the Casino and of course the excellent one on the Wheel, but there are many more clubs and venues out there, the majority of which are long since gone, although still talked about today.

Breaking the country down area by area, it would be an interesting volume.

Good idea, like it..... but it'd have to be Niters / Dayers only since there are thousands of soul nites and weekenders everywhere.......

Edited July 15, 201311 yr by Steve G

Richard Searling, Ian Levine, Mick Smith, John Anderson and so on - all got so many stories to tell - surprised nobody's offer to help them write a book.  Mick always tells me stories and says "That'll be going in the book" but he'll never do it..

 

Because I cant F++king remember any of it

although I know it would have filled more than one book.

Kegsy

Good idea, like it..... but it'd have to be Niters / Dayers only since there are thousands of soul nites and weekenders everywhere.......

Yes. Although there were plenty of big venues that spawned a 1000 tunes, plus countless smaller ones who had a 'name' on the scene.

I certainly think it would be something that would sell, while also being a legacy to the music. 

As many of you know I have been writing my book on and off for more years than I care to remember. There is no problem with remembering what happened , cos I stored notes both on paper and in my head.

What is important is that my book is real facts, Unlike the other  books that have been written, I was there almost right from the start, in fact there won't be many who saw the entire nighter scene right from the Twisted Wheel days all the way to the 90's.

I know all about the gear, the chemists, the bent drug squad, the gear they planted, the set ups, the rolling,  like , for example, when a chemist was screwed, how the drug squad AND  the rollers would vie to get to the chemist screwers first to roll them, (in case of the rollers) or to jail them (in case of DS).

I know all about the sounds and labels and fake labels, and rip-off merchants, and who stole out of who's record box. I know all about the birds (and others ) who stole hand bags etc)

I knew loads who are now dead, and its a lot a very lot, believe me.

I have hundreds of letters from my great friends both men and women who went to borstal and prison.

Letters from mates and girls who adored me (sigh!)

I know about the price fixing with records, and gear, and the people who sold fake gear.

I know what it was like to be smashed out of my mind for 3 or 4 days on the trot and cracking up to fuck. (I lost jobs cos of this)

I learned who were real aces and who were c**** .

I know about the strong bond , ULTRA STONG BOND  that us who were right honest and strong formed. Bonds that will live till the day we die in our hearts forever.

I have decided I will never name anyone whether, squad, rollers, grassers, or friends unless they spefically say so, but , obviously, I have to alter dates names and details, so this can be that way.

So you can see what a difficuult task it is to write it as it was, HOW IT REALLY WAS1.

Writing a book takes a LOT more hours than lay people think.  There are hundreds of hours of thinking about how it will fit together cherently (in the best order).  More on self-editing, even if your publisher will do the final editing.  But, most books with limited audiences like those that would interest our forum members, will have to be self published,, and printed based on pre-ordering.  As stated above, it might take 12 years.  Not many people are willing to use up all their free time for 3-7 years only to "break even", or make a few thousand Quid.  The only people willing to do that are people who are bursting to get their story out to the public.  There are very few such people.  It is reserved mainly for retired people, who have a lot of free time, and people who write for a living.  I've got a few books in me, but they've got to wait until I'm retired with a comfortable income (which, I can see already, will NEVER happen). Until then, I'll have to spend the time it takes to finish writing books on books I think have a pretty good chance of selling to a mass audience, and will be picked up by a successful publishing house, rather than self-published niche-market books.

Just a test to se if I can find what I am looking for

A ghost written book by a collection of nighter people (who,ve been about a bit) would be good reading.Tales i,ve heard over the years have been fantastic...there are plenty out there with loads of great tales of nighter escapades....woven in with equaly good tales of american record hunts....this book would do well methinks.....as long as it,s warts and all/tell it how it is.....even right up to whats happening at some venues now.

Sounds even better for an idea after reading this second time around Teza,still say Brian Taylor,Wilky etc  those who were in the middle of and part of the many crews from up and down the land that gave the scene its cutting edge and atmosphere at the nighters themselves.The chases the bust ups,the disputes the legends,the gear,the extent people went to to get to where it was at.Recently read a book Kimbo sent me called the "Soul Stylists",in the chapter about the scene they have got a collection of short tales and rememberings of a few folk,Brian Taylor was one of them and one of his contributions among others was the tale of being in the process of doing a chemist,had got the gear and went to get the money from the till so this being in the front of the shop he put on the chemists white coat he found in the dispensary and proceeded to do the deed.By this time it was early morning and had got light,he heard a knocking at the door and turned to look and there was a woman waving a prescrition at him through the glass,in response he walked over dressed still in the pharmacists coat and shouted through the glass,"Sorry love were not open yet  you will have to come back later",at this she turned round and walked away.Then theres the tale of Roy and his pal doing the locals up at yate and then driving into the services car park where the engine fell out of the car(not seen by myself but you and Gav I believe were there).Phook I would read a collection of such stories over and over If I ever wanted a really good laugh I would turn to such a book straight away,theres been loads done about the records and the djs but not so very much about the punters and the very big personalities that they were as without them a huge chunk of that special feeling about the scene would be missing and would never had happened.I am waiting for you to do the biz and write one Tez,I would buy it and so would more than afew others.

Sounds even better for an idea after reading this second time around Teza,still say Brian Taylor,Wilky etc  those who were in the middle of and part of the many crews from up and down the land that gave the scene its cutting edge and atmosphere at the nighters themselves.The chases the bust ups,the disputes the legends,the gear,the extent people went to to get to where it was at.Recently read a book Kimbo sent me called the "Soul Stylists",in the chapter about the scene they have got a collection of short tales and rememberings of a few folk,Brian Taylor was one of them and one of his contributions among others was the tale of being in the process of doing a chemist,had got the gear and went to get the money from the till so this being in the front of the shop he put on the chemists white coat he found in the dispensary and proceeded to do the deed.By this time it was early morning and had got light,he heard a knocking at the door and turned to look and there was a woman waving a prescrition at him through the glass,in response he walked over dressed still in the pharmacists coat and shouted through the glass,"Sorry love were not open yet  you will have to come back later",at this she turned round and walked away.Then theres the tale of Roy and his pal doing the locals up at yate and then driving into the services car park where the engine fell out of the car(not seen by myself but you and Gav I believe were there).Phook I would read a collection of such stories over and over If I ever wanted a really good laugh I would turn to such a book straight away,theres been loads done about the records and the djs but not so very much about the punters and the very big personalities that they were as without them a huge chunk of that special feeling about the scene would be missing and would never had happened.I am waiting for you to do the biz and write one Tez,I would buy it and so would more than afew others.

Tell ya what Manus these tales are happening even nowadays .....like the time we went to burnley and one of our group  over indulged.....and went blind for about  2.5 hours...we had to walk him in the venue like blind pugh lol

Tell ya what Manus these tales are happening even nowadays .....like the time we went to burnley and one of our group  over indulged.....and went blind for about  2.5 hours...we had to walk him in the venue like blind pugh lol

Remember it well, was quite worrying at the time

Remember it well, was quite worrying at the time

 

yes, he was driving back.

yes, he was driving back.

Worse...he drove us there!

Ady Croasdell never has (probably too busy) I recon he will one day.

 

Stories from people like our Kimbo, entwined with record digging stories would be a great read (as stated above) and yes, up to present day - not only about the 70's.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited January 28, 201411 yr by LEN

Ady Croasdell never has (probably too busy) I recon he will one day.

 

Stories from people like our Kimbo, entwined with record digging stories would be a great read (as stated above) and yes, up to present day - not only about the 70's.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

In your case len it,ll be in comic format

That's got me thinking Terry, maybe I should write a Children's Northern Soul Book 'to attract more youngsters to the Scene'...........mmmmmm...........

 

........'Farmer Suitacle Goes To Wigan'  

 

I do wish more was covered about the 90's Scene, that was a really healthy time. Mark Gibbs started one, but it's on the back burner at present.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited January 29, 201411 yr by LEN

Ady Croadsel was one of the people in soul stylists along with Brian Taylor talking about the all nighter scene in soul stylists,in fact only recently read that chapter I would say its the best Ive come across about the sene,anecdotes about Alon Day frisbeeing records across the floor that no one danced to,falling down the steps from the decks blocked,chemists,the music,scoring a thousand dex in London,outwitting the flying squad,all to short though,one chapter.Ian Dewhirst and Gilly are in.it even a love interest between Sue Bushby and Passy,.I know it might sound a bit like plugging the book but its not really its me saying we need a whole book covering the whole shooting match as both your self and Terry say right up to the present day.Thing is it wouldnt be to difficult a project to gather together a dozen or so folk to do a chapter each and then youve got the goods ready to publish,you could get a chunk of that dozen here on soul source . tales from the maddest,baddest and the best.

Edited January 29, 201411 yr by manusf3a

Can confirm that Richard was writing a book as I spoke to him about it......but as someone who is also writing a (fact) book, I think it's all too easy to underestimate what the sheer effort it takes. And patience, tons of it. 

 

As for "scene" related books, I guess it's a bit easier if you are writing about yourself and your experiences, but even so checking dates, facts etc takes time and effort. John has always been a guy that doesn't like to be in the limelight. Snowboy did a fabulous interview with him in Daddy Bones some years ago, but it just about scratched the surface on a few things. He has plenty of fantastic stories to tell - an hour with him at Cleethorpes you'll learn stuff about soul music and records for sure.  

 

Just tried to check on the magazine's page but they've no search function. Any chance of a link or a date for the interview?

Just tried to check on the magazine's page but they've no search function. Any chance of a link or a date for the interview?

 

 

 

the first page (only)  featured as a part of a news article back in the days of  fun

 

its issue 7