Wigan 78 - It Was As Bad As This?

[Pete S]

True.

 

79 was where the comeback started I think.  Quality of records in unbelievable compared to 78.

[KevH]

79 was where the comeback started I think.  Quality of records in unbelievable compared to 78.

 

True again.Makes you wonder what would have happened if the quality hadn't have picked up.

[Guest MrC]

I thought Harley Hatcher sounded great then, and I got a shag thanks to Paul Anka once........ 

[Pete S]

I thought Harley Hatcher sounded great then, and I got a shag thanks to Paul Anka once........ 

 

Was her name Diana?

[Guest MrC]

Was her name Diana?

Strangely..... No.

[night nurse]

if  wigan and its music policey was so bad why do do some folk bang on about it as if was the best thing since sliced bread . must say i never went so cant judge it . i believe we have far better venues today. as for the music the dance floor was always packed in the videos i have seen

Edited March 18, 2014 by night nurse

[Bo Diddley]

I didn't realise that both you and Mr Anka were that way inclined!

 

Still each to their own

Quote Mr C "I thought Harley Hatcher sounded great then, and I got a shag thanks to Paul Anka once........ "

Edited March 18, 2014 by bo diddley

[Guest MrC]

 

I didn't realise that both you and Mr Anka were that way inclined!

 

Still each to their own

Quote Mr C "I thought Harley Hatcher sounded great then, and I got a shag thanks to Paul Anka once........ "

 

I said 'thanks to', not 'with' Bod!

[Modernsoulsucks]

if  wigan and its music policey was so bad why do do some folk bang on about it as if was the best thing since sliced bread . must say i never went so cant judge it . i believe we have far better venues today. as for the music the dance floor was always packed in the videos i have seen

 

There was more record buying and selling going on in the first 30 minutes of Wigan than you get all night at any of today's venues.

 

And for every duff 45 there was a great 45 spun.

 

That's why for me it was better than most present day venues.

 

ROD

[Mike Lofthouse]

Richard was playing some not so great stuff at this time as well, Wakefield Sun, Harley Hatcher, John Gary, Paul Anka for a start

Everything bad about Wigan was Russ  -  everything great was Richard.  I still find it strange that two people could work together for 8 years - at Wigan, on their roadshow and guesting at other venues -  and be poles apart !

[KevH]

I thought Harley Hatcher sounded great then, and I got a shag thanks to Paul Anka once........ 

 

Who said romance was dead.

[Labeat]

There was more record buying and selling going on in the first 30 minutes of Wigan than you get all night at any of today's venues.

 

And for every duff 45 there was a great 45 spun.

 

That's why for me it was better than most present day venues.

 

ROD

Rod, I have done it all like you but i have to say that the present day is more refined, tons more quality around

[Pete S]

There was more record buying and selling going on in the first 30 minutes of Wigan than you get all night at any of today's venues.

 

And for every duff 45 there was a great 45 spun.

 

That's why for me it was better than most present day venues.

 

ROD

 

Can't argue with any of that.  With this topic I was just highlighting that there can't have been many spots with so many duffers in as this one.  And I don't say that in retrospect, did you ever meet anyone who liked Joe 90 being played?

[Soultown andy]

Even a shite wigan with russ on would still piss all over any venue today.The trip there and back open ears to new sounds the atmosphere,proper gear and being young and slim with plenty of hair to name a few good reasons it was better than some are making out  .

Edited March 18, 2014 by Soultown andy

[Kjw]

Everything bad about Wigan was Russ  -  everything great was Richard.  I still find it strange that two people could work together for 8 years - at Wigan, on their roadshow and guesting at other venues -  and be poles apart !

 

I've always thought that Russ Winstanley was simply in the right place at the right time. If it hadn't been for the Casino he would have probably run a mobile disco covering events like weddings.

 

Compare him and Richard Searling present day - one is a long respected DJ who still has a passion for the music and the other is running around with a box of re-issues and CD's milking the scene for every last penny he can.

[Pete S]

Even a shite wigan with russ on would still piss all over any venue today.The trip there and back open ears to new sounds the atmosphere,proper gear and being young and slim with plenty of hair to name a few good reasons it was better than some are making out  .

 

I agree with you Andy, what would we pay just for one night there, and Russ' first spots were usually really good, he'd always play anything you asked him to (was usually Lee Roye for me!) but as time went on, things went a bit downhill.  But he had all the sounds, and people shouldn't forget he broke Tobi Legend as well.

[Soultown andy]

I've always thought that Russ Winstanley was simply in the right place at the right time. If it hadn't been for the Casino he would have probably run a mobile disco covering events like weddings.

 

Compare him and Richard Searling present day - one is a long respected DJ who still has a passion for the music and the other is running around with a box of re-issues and CD's milking the scene for every last penny he can.

 

Russ did run a mobile disco and did weddings lol,he was spinning cds the other week when I took over from him at a venue.As for milking the scene for every last penny he is but not half as much as rs .

[Modernsoulsucks]

I sold Richard Peter Jarrett and Night Watch back then as unknowns. He played them. Was Silver Bullet and Maya Fernick his spins too.

 

I think it was just the time.

 

LaBeat, kinda agree with that but '78 you had 10 years of the scene say. Today 45 years back catalogue to choose from.

 

I still hear dire 45s though.

 

ROD

[Modernsoulsucks]

Can't argue with any of that.  With this topic I was just highlighting that there can't have been many spots with so many duffers in as this one.  And I don't say that in retrospect, did you ever meet anyone who liked Joe 90 being played?

 I think it was the UK collectors who went for it.

 

ROD

[Jordirip]

Russ did run a mobile disco and did weddings lol,he was spinning cds the other week when I took over from him at a venue.As for milking the scene for every last penny he is but not half as much as rs .

 

But RS always puts quality events on.

[Soultown andy]

But RS always puts quality events on.

 

So do a lot of people without milking every last cent they can out of you.

[Mike Lofthouse]

 If it hadn't been for the Casino he would have probably run a mobile disco covering events like weddings.

 

Compare him and Richard Searling present day - one is a long respected DJ who still has a passion for the music and the other is running around with a box of re-issues and CD's milking the scene for every last penny he can.

If it wasn't for Russ would there have been a Casino?      

[Pete S]

If it wasn't for Russ would there have been a Casino?      

 

No I don't think so.

[Soultown andy]

No I don't think so.

 

not to sure about that,remember mick lyons telling me about havin a discussion with Gerry marshall to start niters.But what ever happened russ did start em so credit were its due.

[Iancsloft]

Wigan casino was a great nite long before the All Niters started in Sept 73 Fridays & Saturdays where always great nites with a great mixture of sounds played including sounds that where played at the country's top soul clubs Major Lance ,Edwin Starr where amongst many artist that appeared at the Casino before the Niters started thus when Russ started the Niters it had a good young crew of regular punters that carried on going to the Niters Wigan in the 70s was the Top Alniter / Disco after the Torch shut musically after 75 until 79 ish it was pretty poor but after  78 Richard S Pat Brady, Gary Rushbrook,  ect ect started playing some terrific tunes that ave stood the test of time as rare northern soul ie Walter & the Admerations , Court Davis Ray Agee Admirations You left me Paris , William Powell, Jnr McCants try me King a Pat Brady spin and many many rare 45s that are still to this day sort after by the Collecters Worldwide Love Him or Loathe Him Russ Winstanleys Wigan Casino Alnighters have left a legacy that cannot be overlooked in the Worlds Music History great venue in its day right time in history .Personally I find it really bizzare that some folk keep trying to recreate the past with Wigan Casino this and Casino that but hey Differant Strokes for Differant folks some find it bizzare that I go match angling LOL But for the Casino we would,nt have met so many nice people and become life long friends with so many ..

Love, Peace & Happiness

Ian Cunliffe

[Winsford Soul]

You all seem to forget that where started is not where we were going to end up!!. In 1978 i would have danced to these tracks and i would bet that a lot of would have but now don't want to admit it.

Gogs. There,s ( too many people ) who wont admit it. Pun intended.

 

Steve

[Pete S]

Wigan casino was a great nite long before the All Niters started in Sept 73 Fridays & Saturdays where always great nites with a great mixture of sounds played including sounds that where played at the country's top soul clubs Major Lance ,Edwin Starr where amongst many artist that appeared at the Casino before the Niters started thus when Russ started the Niters it had a good young crew of regular punters that carried on going to the Niters Wigan in the 70s was the Top Alniter / Disco after the Torch shut musically after 75 until 79 ish it was pretty poor but after  78 Richard S Pat Brady, Gary Rushbrook,  ect ect started playing some terrific tunes that ave stood the test of time as rare northern soul ie Walter & the Admerations , Court Davis Ray Agee Admirations You left me Paris , William Powell, Jnr McCants try me King a Pat Brady spin and many many rare 45s that are still to this day sort after by the Collecters Worldwide Love Him or Loathe Him Russ Winstanleys Wigan Casino Alnighters have left a legacy that cannot be overlooked in the Worlds Music History great venue in its day right time in history .Personally I find it really bizzare that some folk keep trying to recreate the past with Wigan Casino this and Casino that but hey Differant Strokes for Differant folks some find it bizzare that I go match angling LOL But for the Casino we would,nt have met so many nice people and become life long friends with so many ..

Love, Peace & Happiness

Ian Cunliffe

 

I really do have to disagree Ian, I do know exactly what was played throughout the years, I'd been enough and I've heard enough and learned enough, but the music through 75 to 77 was equally as good as any other time on the scene, and I would go one to one with you that period vs post 78.  78 was bad, we all know that, but before it, it was as good as anything.  You'll always have the Soussan instrumentals and various tailor mades, any era.

[Iancsloft]

I really do have to disagree Ian, I do know exactly what was played throughout the years, I'd been enough and I've heard enough and learned enough, but the music through 75 to 77 was equally as good as any other time on the scene, and I would go one to one with you that period vs post 78.  78 was bad, we all know that, but before it, it was as good as anything.  You'll always have the Soussan instrumentals and various tailor mades, any era.

Pete I went to the first niter at Wigan and the last and most inbetween nothing what was played at Wigan after 75 ish was has good as what was being played by Searling Rushbrook & Brady until the later years in my opinion but we all have Differant tastes you like stuff like Benzine Village of tears which in my opinion is the biggest load of tosh every played at any soul club LOL Me I like Jnr McCants Try me Nomads Something Bad Ray Agee losing again Cashmeres Showstopper  Court Davis Magnetics ect ect ect like I said different Strokes... Goodbye Nothing To Say Pete hav a gud day xx

[Pete S]

Pete I went to the first niter at Wigan and the last and most inbetween nothing what was played at Wigan after 75 ish was has good as what was being played by Searling Rushbrook & Brady until the later years in my opinion but we all have Differant tastes you like stuff like Benzine Village of tears which in my opinion is the biggest load of tosh every played at any soul club LOL Me I like Jnr McCants Try me Nomads Something Bad Ray Agee losing again Cashmeres Showstopper  Court Davis Magnetics ect ect ect like I said different Strokes... Goodbye Nothing To Say Pete hav a gud day xx

 

I don't like Ben Zine, it's rubbish, where did you pull that one up from???...I like all the records you mention but I also like Lou Pride, Eddie Parker, Bernie Williams, Tomangoes, George Blackwell, Pointer Sisters, Tommy Bush, Garnet Mimms, Dean Courtney, Billy Woods, Larry Santos, Adams Apples, Paul Sindab, Pookie HUdson, Herbert Hunter, the list is endless and the argument is pointless..

[Iancsloft]

I don't like Ben Zine, it's rubbish, where did you pull that one up from???...I like all the records you mention but I also like Lou Pride, Eddie Parker, Bernie Williams, Tomangoes, George Blackwell, Pointer Sisters, Tommy Bush, Garnet Mimms, Dean Courtney, Billy Woods, Larry Santos, Adams Apples, Paul Sindab, Pookie HUdson, Herbert Hunter, the list is endless and the argument is pointless..

Only winding ya up about Benzine mate I also love all the 45s mentioned by you but most where played pre 1975 at venues like Highland Room ect and of course Wigan Cas what I have,nt got over is the run of new discoveries that was being played at Wigan by Searling Brady Rushbrook 79 81   75 to 78 the new music played at Wigan was poor in my opinion compared to the later years 79 81 ..

Edited March 18, 2014 by IANCSLOFT

[Guest in town Mikey]

i loved Ben Zine. It used to get some of the loudest handclapping action at Yate.

 

I didn't go to Wigan because unfortunately i listened to the guys telling it it was bad and not to waste a night there when i could be somewhere else.

 

I wish I had gone at least once to say I'd been. But then I was quite happy going to Yate, Swanage, Hinckley and probably Leicester before the Casino closed.

[KevH]

Iv'e been critical of Wigan on here before,best year/worst year ,etc etc..but the one thing we do well in the UK is irony.Yes it was shite at times,but we still went.

[Zed1]

The music at Wigan in 78 was just pop crap, unlike the quality rare soul tracks that are played on today's scene such as  'Tribute to Betty' and 'Standing on Solid ground' or even the awesome Northern Soul track that is 'Tribute'......

 

 

Come back Muriel Day - All is forgiven.....

[dedji1955]

But RS always puts quality events on.

I'm not too sure KGH Blackburn could be considered a quality event, more quantity than quality

[Guest Mart B]

Late Wigan attendee my self,agree some tunes was dire but had the privilege to hear searlings finest hour and to hear Frank Wilson play for the first time overplayed now but @ the time arwsome.

[Steve G]

Its not really realistic to compare the DJs now to how they were back in the 70s. RS was streets ahead of RW in many people's opinion including mine. And RS also had a long run on radio, ran clubs like Parkers, alldayers, etc. Russ seemingly disappeared and reappeared in the 90s, plays CDs etc. But aren't these old Wigan guys more about working their pensions up now rather than a burning passion for breaking new music?

[Steve S 60]

Its not really realistic to compare the DJs now to how they were back in the 70s. RS was streets ahead of RW in many people's opinion including mine. And RS also had a long run on radio, ran clubs like Parkers, alldayers, etc. Russ seemingly disappeared and reappeared in the 90s, plays CDs etc. But aren't these old Wigan guys more about working their pensions up now rather than a burning passion for breaking new music?

 

I'm sure a few on here would be willing to contribute towards RW's early retirement.

[Jordirip]

I'm not too sure KGH Blackburn could be considered a quality event, more quantity than quality

 

Yes I know what you mean. I suppose I was thinking more in terms of the more modern events such as Parkers and the modern weekenders he was involved with and the types of acts that would appear- all quality, not forgetting his radio shows and album compilations.

[Dave Rimmer]

Yes I know what you mean. I suppose I was thinking more in terms of the more modern events such as Parkers and the modern weekenders he was involved with and the types of acts that would appear- all quality, not forgetting his radio shows and album compilations.

 

And his 7" Motown Singles Box, yes, that was quality

[dedji1955]

Yes I know what you mean. I suppose I was thinking more in terms of the more modern events such as Parkers and the modern weekenders he was involved with and the types of acts that would appear- all quality, not forgetting his radio shows and album compilations.

Yeah I am a big fan of Richards and he is a a very nice guy and there is no doubt of his heritage on the scene

KGH could be one of the best events in the Country and just wish they would sort out the Beer Monsters and Disco Divas who frequent the venue

On a positive note I heard there where improvements at the last one so we will try it for ourselves again soon

[Jordirip]

And his 7" Motown Singles Box, yes, that was quality

 

Yes I forgot about that particular debacle Dave.

[Labeat]

I really like that.  And I really like Stemmons Express.

 

Come on Peter, lets be friends, What will you offer me for my Stemmons? (Wand, not Karma)

Edited March 19, 2014 by Labeat

[Pete S]

Come on Peter, lets be friends, What will you offer me for my Stemmons?

 

I don't collect records anymore, I just buy and sell them, can't afford to keep them..

[Carlf]

Late Wigan attendee my self,agree some tunes was dire but had the privilege to hear searlings finest hour and to hear Frank Wilson play for the first time overplayed now but @ the time arwsome.

Also got going in 78, I think  - 

 

Bobby Paris - i walked away

Holly St James - thats not love

Christine Cooper - heartaches away my boy

Construction - hey little way out girl

Rita and the Tiaras - gone with the wind

Ambassadors - too much of a good thing

Johnny Hendley - my baby came from out of nowhere

[KevH]

Also got going in 78, I think  - 

 

Bobby Paris - i walked away

Holly St James - thats not love

Christine Cooper - heartaches away my boy

Construction - hey little way out girl

Rita and the Tiaras - gone with the wind

Ambassadors - too much of a good thing

Johnny Hendley - my baby came from out of nowhere

 

Wasn't CC pre '78.?

[Dave Rimmer]

Yes I forgot about that particular debacle Dave.

 

In fairness the bit he was involved in was all very good, it was the actual manufacturing by Universal that was crap

[Carlf]

Wasn't CC pre '78.?

Funny you should say that. I was going to put in brackets, could be earlier on the CC, but forgot.  

The first time I could have heard it would be late 77, but was probably played before that. 

Edited March 19, 2014 by CarlF

[Ric-tic]

Funny you should say that Dave. I was going to put in brackets, could be earlier on the CC, but forgot.  

The first time I could have heard it would be late 77, but was probably played before that. 

5/6 years before that

[KevH]

Funny you should say that Dave. I was going to put in brackets, could be earlier on the CC, but forgot.  

The first time I could have heard it would be late 77, but was probably played before that. 

 

Not the first time Dave R and me have been mixed up.

[Geeselad]

Yeah I am a big fan of Richards and he is a a very nice guy and there is no doubt of his heritage on the scene

KGH could be one of the best events in the Country and just wish they would sort out the Beer Monsters and Disco Divas who frequent the venue

On a positive note I heard there where improvements at the last one so we will try it for ourselves again soon

probably more likely that they sort out those 'weirdo music fans, who want to dance in that old fashioned way'.

Edited March 19, 2014 by geeselad