Reading about the recent Northernsoul Weekender and I must say right from the off that I wasn’t there but looking at the comments, have we as the Northernsoul Community reached critical mass and we are no longer a real underground scene of which we once were? Now some, the uninitiated will not ever understand the desire to keep the music “Secret” and many will think nothing of sharing and enjoying and this is a very hard argument to win unless you fully understand why it was, and is, so important for some to have an escape route from the “norm” and the “benign”.

 

I think most, not all, of the venues are merely Nostalgia Trips that now resemble a Derby and Joan Coach trip that is as removed from my idea of Northernsoul as you could possibly think of. I may be to cynical but there is a real and measurable change in the etiquette, it has gone from a underground dance scene to a New Years Eve type party that resembles the tackiest of weddings, the main differences that I have noticed creeping in are Beer swilling men and women who get loaded at the bar or encamp around their chosen tables with Trev and Sharon who at the designated time attack the dance floor taking no prisoners whilst clutching their ubiquitous hand bags. I like stilettos, that’s another story for a different web site but when I watch the inappropriately dressed ladies tottering around doing that “I'm just about to fall over” dance it makes me cringe.

 

Beer and drinks on the dance floor, well this make me weep and I am afraid that neither the punter nor the Nouveau Promoter seems bothered about this disgusting practice that dogs so many venues of late.

 

All is not lost though! There are still some blinding Allnighters and I have no interest or desire to do a Soul Night nor an Alldayer now days but we do have an extremely healthy Allnighter Scene and for this I thank my lucky stars.

Nearly spot on,the only thing I take slight exception to is the "cause no trouble & follow etiquette" bit?From previous answers on this thread we are to dissolve all previous rules that has taken us the best part of 40+ years to put in place & respect in a spirit of including all,because we should be open to all & not expect people to behave in the way we have been brought up to do.So if they want to fight & throw beer on the dancefloor so be it,because they're new & we want to include them & put no pressure on them with our elitist ways..........yes I'm been pedantic & I'm sorry I've used your answer to make my point because you make some very good points.

We seem to be pussy footing around here..........I'm proud to be elitist,I'm proud I'm dedicated,I'm proud I'm not like everyone else,I'm proud I don't have to make apologies for that.

I'm aghast that some people think it's OK for people to come in and not learn our ways & start dictating how we behave?Why if someone turns up at a couple of soul night's should they expect the same respect that those who have shown the dedication & commitment over time get.I would hope they would aspire to want such respect,so to get that they would learn our ways & after time they will get it.........just like we had to.

Cheers

Martyn 

Im with ya Mart on that all the way well said that man

 

Wicksy

Nearly spot on,the only thing I take slight exception to is the "cause no trouble & follow etiquette" bit?From previous answers on this thread we are to dissolve all previous rules that has taken us the best part of 40+ years to put in place & respect in a spirit of including all,because we should be open to all & not expect people to behave in the way we have been brought up to do.So if they want to fight & throw beer on the dancefloor so be it,because they're new & we want to include them & put no pressure on them with our elitist ways..........yes I'm been pedantic & I'm sorry I've used your answer to make my point because you make some very good points.

We seem to be pussy footing around here..........I'm proud to be elitist,I'm proud I'm dedicated,I'm proud I'm not like everyone else,I'm proud I don't have to make apologies for that.

I'm aghast that some people think it's OK for people to come in and not learn our ways & start dictating how we behave?Why if someone turns up at a couple of soul night's should they expect the same respect that those who have shown the dedication & commitment over time get.I would hope they would aspire to want such respect,so to get that they would learn our ways & after time they will get it.........just like we had to.

Cheers

Martyn 

 

Spot on Martyn. However, the reality is that some tosser who had a tourist visit to Wigan in 1977 and saw Wigans Ovation on top of the pops thinks he's a returnee soulie who always kept the faith and has a right to go soulin' in the way he see fit. Complete with beer towel, adidas bag, long  leather (pvc) coat, beer stained clown trousers et al. And sadly some promotoers will take their money and let it all happen.

 

As well as OVO, it appears three other little letters are coming to the fore - D I V,

 

 

Travesty!

Edited October 2, 201311 yr by phild

Handbaggers tend to have their own sounds as well...they love midtempo.Just loving you...When We get there...No one there.They seem to go into spasms and hold their arms in the air to just loving you.Bob sinclair is big on the handbag scene as well.Any other handbiggies?

chris Farlowe! I know! but its massive in certain circles, there are loads of 'I went to the wheel' ers too.  

Which Chris Farlowe?

Walking Up A One Way Street ..massive handbiggie.

Walking Up A One Way Street ..massive handbiggie.

 

That's 'cos it's the perfect tempo for 50+ ers..... 

 

Ian D 

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site. Intolerance seems to be the keyword.

 

I hardly drink, do not wear fancy dress and I'm at the 'Dad Dance' end of the scale. However I love the music and have done for 15 years since re-discovering it, I support the events and also like to have a good time and certainly don't object to others who have paid a lot of money to attend to enjoy themselves even if Chuck Woods floats their boat. The Skegness promoters did try to keep beer and stupidity off the dancefloor very actively and largely succeeded

 

I would say to Ady Croasdell that there are some reviews of the weekend on the Yahoo Motown Treasures website. However I understand the risk of generating a range of elitist back-wash by mentioning this since the M-word is probably sacrilege to some.

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly: you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch. (btw at the risk of further fury, I'm a Chelsea fan but appreciate greatness in whatever colour shirt it comes)

Sounds like the latest incarnation of Parr Hall, Warrington, to a tee.

I avoid, even though its on my doorstep.

Radcliffe is quality by all reports.

Prob my next destination of choice, now Lowton seems to be off.....(again) :-(

Lowton most deffo on............Friday Oct 11th then every other month]

I attended KGH on Saturday night for my ten yearly nostalgia trip.  I must admit, a lot has changed in the ten years since I went to the 30^th Wigan Anniversary at the same venue.  Although I’ve attended hundreds of soul nights in between, when I compare Saturday’s event with the 30^th, things have definitely gone downhill in my opinion.

I can remember having a great time at the 30^th, dancing most of the night, the DJs doing some great spots.  On Saturday I had to wait until the last hour for the floor to clear of the inebriated Dad Dancers, Grab a Grannies et al, and for the DJ to start playing some of the better sounds from the Wigan era.  To my knowledge, the DJ line-up was similar to the 30^th, with Richard Searling being the notable absentee (although he was advertised on the bill).  Most of the DJs could have put a Wigan compilation CD on and I wouldn’t have known the difference.  In fact, their playlists could have been lifted straight from any of the latest epidemic of 40^th Anniversary CDs.

 

It would have been nice to see the clips of the Northern Soul film that were being screened, but some over enthusiastic pensioner decided to get up and start "dancing" on the spot directly in front of me.

 

Maybe I’m just turning into a grumpy old bastard.  The one ray of light was the youngsters who were in attendance, who conducted themselves better than some of the “grownups”, and showed real passion and enthusiasm.

 

Edited October 2, 201311 yr by nsoulxx

I attended KGH on Saturday night for my ten yearly nostalgia trip.  I must admit, a lot has changed in the ten years since I went to the 30^th Wigan Anniversary at the same venue.  Although I’ve attended hundreds of soul nights in between, when I compare Saturday’s event with the 30^th, things have definitely gone downhill in my opinion.

I can remember having a great time at the 30^th, dancing most of the night, the DJs doing some great spots.  On Saturday I had to wait until the last hour for the floor to clear of the inebriated Dad Dancers, Grab a Grannies et al, and for the DJ to start playing some of the better sounds from the Wigan era.  To my knowledge, the DJ line-up was similar to the 30^th, with Richard Searling being the notable absentee (although he was advertised on the bill).  Most of the DJs could have put a Wigan compilation CD on and I wouldn’t have known the difference.  In fact, their playlists could have been lifted straight from any of the latest epidemic of 40^th Anniversary CDs.

 

It would have been nice to see the clips of the Northern Soul film that were being screened, but some over enthusiastic pensioner decided to get up and start "dancing" on the spot directly in front of me.

 

Maybe I’m just turning into a grumpy old bastard.  The one ray of light was the youngsters who were in attendance, who conducted themselves better than some of the “grownups”, and showed real passion and enthusiasm.

 

The last hour as always was Pete Eccles. His set was by far the best...as always. Can't understand why he is on last as often at KGH, a lot of the dancers have given up long before 2am when Pete comes on because they've been peed off by the piss heads and high heels with bottles and G and T's on the dance floor. Change the line up at KGH, put Pete on earlier...just not too early

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site. Intolerance seems to be the keyword.

 

I hardly drink, do not wear fancy dress and I'm at the 'Dad Dance' end of the scale. However I love the music and have done for 15 years since re-discovering it, I support the events and also like to have a good time and certainly don't object to others who have paid a lot of money to attend to enjoy themselves even if Chuck Woods floats their boat. The Skegness promoters did try to keep beer and stupidity off the dancefloor very actively and largely succeeded

 

I would say to Ady Croasdell that there are some reviews of the weekend on the Yahoo Motown Treasures website. However I understand the risk of generating a range of elitist back-wash by mentioning this since the M-word is probably sacrilege to some.

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

 

Not scary at all Bob...just on a very different scene....Now might I be so bold as to suggest that you venture back to Skeggy and the original weekender there in a couple of weeks time. There are four rooms of soul music, and a great friendly crowd who all get along. And you won't have to dance next to a bunch of Kermit the Frogs.....or p*ssheads waving blow up bananas etc. And the music will be great too.

 

Had to chuckle at the Butlins poster.....

Edited October 3, 201311 yr by Steve G

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly: you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch. (btw at the risk of further fury, I'm a Chelsea fan but appreciate greatness in whatever colour shirt it comes)

 

You've used a football analogy so here's one - you've been watching Chelsea for years, you've seen top quality football, won trophies and witnessed some of the best players in the world on the Stamford Bridge pitch. Then your mate says come on were going to watch a football match and takes you to watch the local pub team on a Sunday morning. Half the players are still pissed from the night before and most couldn't trap a sandbag.

Its still a football match but you're hardly gonna be enthralled by it are you?

So regarding your invitation to attend the next Dustbinstanley circus or similar event... er, no thanks.

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site. Intolerance seems to be the keyword.

 

I hardly drink, do not wear fancy dress and I'm at the 'Dad Dance' end of the scale. However I love the music and have done for 15 years since re-discovering it, I support the events and also like to have a good time and certainly don't object to others who have paid a lot of money to attend to enjoy themselves even if Chuck Woods floats their boat. The Skegness promoters did try to keep beer and stupidity off the dancefloor very actively and largely succeeded

 

I would say to Ady Croasdell that there are some reviews of the weekend on the Yahoo Motown Treasures website. However I understand the risk of generating a range of elitist back-wash by mentioning this since the M-word is probably sacrilege to some.

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly: you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch. (btw at the risk of further fury, I'm a Chelsea fan but appreciate greatness in whatever colour shirt it comes)

I would have clicked like to this, but can't bring myself to like anything Chelsea

 

Truth is, these kind of retro weekenders aren't for me, and judging by the posts, probably not for most of the contributors to this thread, but because I'm mobile and can go where I like they don't offend me 

Reuben Howell...You can't stop a man in love ....end of the night handbiggie

Anna King's  Mama's got a (hand)bag of her own on End  future handbiggie ?

Hardly a new statement Andy, it's at least 5 years old

 

 

this is true Steve but I was referring to its recent resurrection

 

anyway, now to a more pertinent issue...whats your take on reissues?

Anna King's  Mama's got a (hand)bag of her own on End  future handbiggie ?

 

 great record.....way too good for hand bagging.....

 

Yum Yums "It's gonna be a bag thing"....

Edited October 3, 201311 yr by Steve G

chris Farlowe! I know! but its massive in certain circles, there are loads of 'I went to the wheel' ers too.  

I repeat, which Chris Farlowe?

I repeat, which Chris Farlowe?

 

 

If I was a betting man, I'd go for   "Out Of Time "

 

 

but  you never know,

If I was a betting man, I'd go for "Out Of Time "

but you never know,

Moaning or Headlines?

Edited October 3, 201311 yr by Haydn

I repeat, which Chris Farlowe?

Handbags & gladrads ????

Anna King's  Mama's got a (hand)bag of her own on End  future handbiggie ?

 

Hey thats a good record.

That's 'cos it's the perfect tempo for 50+ ers..... 

 

Ian D 

 

For some 50+ er's.

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site. Intolerance seems to be the keyword.

 

I hardly drink, do not wear fancy dress and I'm at the 'Dad Dance' end of the scale. However I love the music and have done for 15 years since re-discovering it, I support the events and also like to have a good time and certainly don't object to others who have paid a lot of money to attend to enjoy themselves even if Chuck Woods floats their boat. The Skegness promoters did try to keep beer and stupidity off the dancefloor very actively and largely succeeded

 

I would say to Ady Croasdell that there are some reviews of the weekend on the Yahoo Motown Treasures website. However I understand the risk of generating a range of elitist back-wash by mentioning this since the M-word is probably sacrilege to some.

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly: you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch. (btw at the risk of further fury, I'm a Chelsea fan but appreciate greatness in whatever colour shirt it comes)

Intolerance is the keyword and rightly so.

It as surely an intolerance of bland spoon-fed commercial mainstream culture and sheep-like unimaginative conformity of the majority which caused the phenomenon of normal british people seeking out these treasures of past, forgotten music from another culture in the first place.

Intolerance of crap music, or of moribund nostalgia doesnt make you a fascist, just sensible.

It's a very fair sort of elitism though, the elite is just those who love the music the most.

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site.

 

 you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch.

 

Don't be scared, they don't bite mate - well most don't!  

 

'Heal from within' is also a phrase used by someone (Nick Clegg on Europe I think) 'Heal' may be the wrong word in this case, 'change' (for everyone's benefit) would fit better - Here in Northants we have done just that, everyone getting involved - we are now at the stage where most people respect each others different views, and more importantly we are all listening to different music from different era's, one being the very early Northern that Glen Bellamy is bringing to the table as resident at 'Soul in the Bowl'. Also, loads from the main room at least visit 'The Den' at some point in the evening.

 

We're never gonna get rid of the rivalry, no one seems to wants to - but we have turned it into fun!  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited October 3, 201311 yr by LEN

For some 50+ er's.

 

You mean the one's that can no longer compete with their 18 year old selves from 45 years back dancing to "You're Gonna Make Me Love You" and "Too Late" Kev? 

 

You can get away with a mild sway to Willie Tee. Plus, it's a brilliant record as well......

 

Ian D 

I repeat, which Chris Farlowe?

'out of time' Adey, it was 3 times a night round local (stoke/ cheshire) nights, think its come from the later day wheel crowd.     

'out of time' Adey, it was 3 times a night round local (stoke/ cheshire) nights, think its come from the later day wheel crowd.     

 

Blimey, "Out Of Time", brilliant record though it is, was a pop hit. I thought you were talking about "Don't Just Look At Me".......

 

Ian D 

Yikes, there's some scary guys on this site. Intolerance seems to be the keyword.

 

I hardly drink, do not wear fancy dress and I'm at the 'Dad Dance' end of the scale. However I love the music and have done for 15 years since re-discovering it, I support the events and also like to have a good time and certainly don't object to others who have paid a lot of money to attend to enjoy themselves even if Chuck Woods floats their boat. The Skegness promoters did try to keep beer and stupidity off the dancefloor very actively and largely succeeded

 

I would say to Ady Croasdell that there are some reviews of the weekend on the Yahoo Motown Treasures website. However I understand the risk of generating a range of elitist back-wash by mentioning this since the M-word is probably sacrilege to some.

 

Why not come out and attend some of these events? You'd be welcomed and no doubt the promoters would respond by playing the sort of music you are looking for. Unworthy newcomers like myself could also learn the error of their ways from such distinguished company and the music could be kept on track by your deep knowledge.

 

To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly: you can't influence play if you're not on the pitch. (btw at the risk of further fury, I'm a Chelsea fan but appreciate greatness in whatever colour shirt it comes)

you might call it intollerance, I'd just cal it passion.

Blimey, "Out Of Time", brilliant record though it is, was a pop hit. I thought you were talking about "Don't Just Look At Me".......

 

 

spot on again penny! but anyone who loves the this kind of weekender would find it hard to understand. He'd probably wouldnt mind if his local pub was taken over by weatherspoons or the BBC sold off to mr murdock either. Viva the underground in any form. 

Intolerance is the keyword and rightly so.

It as surely an intolerance of bland spoon-fed commercial mainstream culture and sheep-like unimaginative conformity of the majority which caused the phenomenon of normal british people seeking out these treasures of past, forgotten music from another culture in the first place.

Intolerance of crap music, or of moribund nostalgia doesnt make you a fascist, just sensible.

It's a very fair sort of elitism though, the elite is just those who love the music the most.

 

Hahaha. Brilliant Penny. I love your posts. 

 

Ian D 

You've used a football analogy so here's one - you've been watching Chelsea for years, you've seen top quality football, won trophies and witnessed some of the best players in the world on the Stamford Bridge pitch. Then your mate says come on were going to watch a football match and takes you to watch the local pub team on a Sunday morning. Half the players are still pissed from the night before and most couldn't trap a sandbag.

Its still a football match but you're hardly gonna be enthralled by it are you?

So regarding your invitation to attend the next Dustbinstanley circus or similar event... er, no thanks.

 

 

My local club is Maidenhead United who I go to watch as often as the Blues. Not quite pub football but well on the way seeing the state our centre-forward turns up in following Friday night in Stripes. I enjoy it, different crowd and atmosphere, much more personal. So the footballs not so good but it's a good crack. In a strange way i enjoyed Chelsea also when they were getting beat 6-0 at Rotherham in the old Division 2. I like the success of course but even if it disappeared, I'd still be there.

 

The same with the music. It's not only about being intense, it's also to be enjoyed. I love finding rare records and debating the hell over matrix numbers and is this a first pressing etc. But the Do I Love You moment at Skeggy was an incredibly emotional release which I wouldn't have missed for the world.

 

THe weekend was much more than the stereotypes portrayed on this thread by people who didn't go. I had never been to Butlins in my life until last weekend but would recommend it. The only caution i would offer is that one needs to go with a smile and not an introverted snarl to get somethnig out of it.

Was it/is it an "underground scene" though ?

Mill towns like Preston , Keighley , Blackburn , Burnley , Bradford , Bolton , Rochdale , Halifax, Dewsbury , Huddersfield , St Helens , Stockport , Oldham , Wakefield ect . I always thought in these kind of places it has always been pretty much overground ? Played everywhere in those towns for decades . Youth clubs , cafes , pubs , shops , weddings , working mens clubs and so forth ?

Maybe Krissii,maybe..... but when are you talking about?........Truthfully?

Is Lowton finishing?!!!!   I knew they should have kept that Modern Room going    (Only kidding, before anyone jumps in, & shoots me down in flames)

 

What a great shame A  

lowton is on the 11th october  and wont be finishing , i think it will be every few months from now on , btw  gracking win for wigan  dont you think lol 

Intolerance is the keyword and rightly so.

It as surely an intolerance of bland spoon-fed commercial mainstream culture and sheep-like unimaginative conformity of the majority which caused the phenomenon of normal british people seeking out these treasures of past, forgotten music from another culture in the first place.

Intolerance of crap music, or of moribund nostalgia doesnt make you a fascist, just sensible.

It's a very fair sort of elitism though, the elite is just those who love the music the most.

Some observations in reply

 

- The music on offer at Skegness was all Northern Soul and no doubt enjoyed by all on this site at one time or another. To call it crap implies a convenient loss of memory

- some of your comments show the same sheep-like unimaginative conformity you are intolerant of,   

- Northern Soul does not belong to a select group of self-appointed Brits. The music comes generally from African American artists who seem to appreciate greatly the recognition that their efforts are bringing albeit 40-50 years too late

- I love the music and do not consider myself elite in doing so. How you can judge whether someone loves it more than me when you have never met me nor know me leaves me puzzled

- that the music was brought to life by a number of people on this site (but also by the much maligned Mr Winstanley) is not in dispute and much appreciated. It does not give these people a monopoly on it's use nor the right to prescribe the manner in which it is used. (unless I've misunderstood copyright law all these years)

- Since many of the sounds we all love come from the 60s and 70s, I do not know where you consider moribund nostalgia begins and ends. To suggest it belongs to people who went to Butlins but not to people who claim to be the Northern Soul elite is open to debate. I wouldn't say that the term belongs to either of them.

- it's not only fascists that are intolerant

- music is to be enjoyed and by the more, the merrier

I would have clicked like to this, but can't bring myself to like anything Chelsea

 

Truth is, these kind of retro weekenders aren't for me, and judging by the posts, probably not for most of the contributors to this thread, but because I'm mobile and can go where I like they don't offend me 

Reading the replies to my thread, some do bite!

 

Your scene sounds fun and Northants is not out of my wavelength.

 

If you have any dates, I'll see if me and the missus can make one. (However don't tell that Penny I'm coming, I want to get home in one piece)

Not scary at all Bob...just on a very different scene....Now might I be so bold as to suggest that you venture back to Skeggy and the original weekender there in a couple of weeks time. There are four rooms of soul music, and a great friendly crowd who all get along. And you won't have to dance next to a bunch of Kermit the Frogs.....or p*ssheads waving blow up bananas etc. And the music will be great too.

 

Had to chuckle at the Butlins poster.....

Fair comment.

 

Unfortunately Skeggy is a long haul for me so i'll have to pass on going back so quickly.

 

I did come to a Skeggy weekender 4/5 years ago in a hotel in the town and really enjoyed it.

 

There were no Kermits at Skeggy but my attention was drawn to a hen party dressed up as Marilyn Monroe in her white 'blown up by the underfloor air blast' dress. Had me on the dancefloor quicker than a rat up the drainpipe. The missus helpfully reminded me that 'you look with your eyes and not your hands' in that tone that leaves no doubt. Looking back she probably did me a favour and saved me from making a bigger fool of myself than I normally do.

I would have clicked like to this, but can't bring myself to like anything Chelsea

 

Truth is, these kind of retro weekenders aren't for me, and judging by the posts, probably not for most of the contributors to this thread, but because I'm mobile and can go where I like they don't offend me 

As a fellow football supporter you can probably understand how difficult it was for me to write something positive about Liverpool.

 

THat said, whenever I come to Anfield, I put flowers at the gate for the 96 and pay my respects. In the end, we are all the same even if we like to pretend otherwise.

you might call it intollerance, I'd just cal it passion.

you could be right.

 

but there is a point where passion and intolerance become intertwined.

 

passion is following a cause and I understand that because i'm passionate about the music myself,

 

intolerance is belittling others because they do not follow your cause, that I don't understand, everyone has the right to follow their path.

 

That point has been passed in several of the posts to this thread.

 

spot on again penny! but anyone who loves the this kind of weekender would find it hard to understand. He'd probably wouldnt mind if his local pub was taken over by weatherspoons or the BBC sold off to mr murdock either. Viva the underground in any form. 

 

You don't know me so how can you prejudge what I understand and my views on pubs and the BBC?

 

BTW who is 'mr murdock'?

Moaning or Headlines?

 

Not sure I understand.

 

I would have won the bet though..

Not sure I understand.

I would have won the bet though..

They were two of his songs. Blimey 'out Of Time' I love the record but wouldn't want to hear it out much. Mind you the Free's 'All Right Now' was a massive skinhead/mod record around 1969/70 we would moon-hop to it in our DMs; a tenner on that being a big record in 6 months time.

They were two of his songs. Blimey 'out Of Time' I love the record but wouldn't want to hear it out much. Mind you the Free's 'All Right Now' was a massive skinhead/mod record around 1969/70 we would moon-hop to it in our DMs; a tenner on that being a big record in 6 months time.

 

Chris Farlowe's rather nice version of this Garnett Mimms classic ...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hOrbTGK_lE

Edited October 4, 201311 yr by sunnysoul

Fair comment.

 

Unfortunately Skeggy is a long haul for me so i'll have to pass on going back so quickly.

 

I did come to a Skeggy weekender 4/5 years ago in a hotel in the town and really enjoyed it.

 

There were no Kermits at Skeggy but my attention was drawn to a hen party dressed up as Marilyn Monroe in her white 'blown up by the underfloor air blast' dress. Had me on the dancefloor quicker than a rat up the drainpipe. The missus helpfully reminded me that 'you look with your eyes and not your hands' in that tone that leaves no doubt. Looking back she probably did me a favour and saved me from making a bigger fool of myself than I normally do.

 

There's another one next spring.....anyway hope you go back. yes the hotel one was probably The Grosvenor. It's now a much bigger event....and even better too....

 

......

 

Anyway back to intolerance......the only intollerance I have ever witnessed on the soul scene hasn't come from the "rare soul" or "progressive" whatever you want to call it elements. In the 90's I once made the mis-judgment of taking a booking "up north"  in the NW which despite being told by the promotor to "play what you want they're a good open minded crowd", was just a local social night for wigan oldies fans. I did a 60's set but of course I didn't have Judy Street, Younghearts, holly st James, Paul Anka in my box.

 

Feck me you should have heard the noise...... "Why haven't you got Drizabone?", "Call yourself a DJ?", "Get this sh8t off","Every self respecting DJ has Barbara McNair" etc etc....That evening I met the most ignorant, unpleasant and musically retarded bunch of knobs I have ever encountered! (now there's a bit of intollerance from me!) Since then I have had one or two mis-matches of expectation over the years same as all DJs, but nothing as unpleasant.

 

Edited October 4, 201311 yr by Steve G

 

 

 I had never been to Butlins in my life until last weekend but would recommend it. 

 

Neither had I until this summer.  We're still trying to get some compensation!   (This was a holiday not a weekender though)

My local club is Maidenhead United who I go to watch as often as the Blues. Not quite pub football but well on the way seeing the state our centre-forward turns up in following Friday night in Stripes. I enjoy it, different crowd and atmosphere, much more personal. So the footballs not so good but it's a good crack. In a strange way i enjoyed Chelsea also when they were getting beat 6-0 at Rotherham in the old Division 2. I like the success of course but even if it disappeared, I'd still be there.

 

The same with the music. It's not only about being intense, it's also to be enjoyed. I love finding rare records and debating the hell over matrix numbers and is this a first pressing etc. But the Do I Love You moment at Skeggy was an incredibly emotional release which I wouldn't have missed for the world.

 

THe weekend was much more than the stereotypes portrayed on this thread by people who didn't go. I had never been to Butlins in my life until last weekend but would recommend it. The only caution i would offer is that one needs to go with a smile and not an introverted snarl to get somethnig out of it.

 

Fair dues but most football fans would describe Maidenhead as crap compared to Chelsea when they're on top form

You mean the one's that can no longer compete with their 18 year old selves from 45 years back dancing to "You're Gonna Make Me Love You" and "Too Late" Kev? 

 

You can get away with a mild sway to Willie Tee. Plus, it's a brilliant record as well......

 

Ian D 

 

Mild sway's good for me.

Cheers Baz, thanks for clearing that up, got some duff info from someone it appears.

Glad to hear all systems go then.

See ya there.

Neither had I until this summer.  We're still trying to get some compensation!   (This was a holiday not a weekender though)

Brilliant! nearly spat me spat me tea out.

Neither had I until this summer.  We're still trying to get some compensation!   (This was a holiday not a weekender though)

 

if Billy Butlin was alive,i wouldn't have liked to ask him for compensation.Always looked a hard nut to me.