We all have our favourite DJ, favourite venue, favourite label etc but if you look closer to home, who over the years influenced you the most with their knowledge, passion and genuine commitment, so much so they became not only lifelong friends but your biggest heroes? Mine has got to be Micky Cruise, my biggest vinyl collecting influence but then Dave Molloy, my true hero for his prolific commitment, taste, dedication and the joy he displays sharing his knowledge, educating so many people over 4 decades... True soul man and legend.. *no bias just genuine admiration and gratitude.

Edited January 4, 201510 yr by Mrs M

For me ,it's not a Dj or promoter ,it was a dancer,back around 72 give or take ,I was a Nottingham lad ,and If you were any good on the the floor you had to be the best ,I thought I was the king of the floor ,but there was this one fella ,never knew his name, because if he was in the same club as me ,it always turned into an unoficial dance off ,seems a bit daft now ,but we were kids really ,I think we both thought " He's trying to steel my thunder " so we never bacame friends ,wish we had now ,I still remember some of his moves ,absolutely brilliant ,No idea who who he was ,but just watching him ,gave me so much pleasure ,who ever you are thank you   

 

Bazza 

 Dave Molloy, my true hero for his prolific commitment, taste, dedication and the joy he displays sharing his knowledge, educating so many people over 4 decades... True soul man and legend.. *no bias just genuine admiration and gratitude.

Hi Julie

I think you only said that in case Bolton beat Wigan today in the F.A. Cup.......

 

Louis

hanging around with brad , steve green, bob cornock  and dereck  from bristol changed  and broadened my outlook on the northern  scene completly,

 

while on  the R &b scene ...linda and ted coulstone and bob morriss from stoke did the same a few years earlier.

 

still meet new people almost every time i go out who have something to add to the enjoyment of it all

.ez

Tony Rounce

(I don't have any heroes - well maybe Steve Bull - but Tony is someone I listen to and take notice of because I know I'm going to learn something)

Edited January 3, 201510 yr by Pete S

Good thread, was only thinking about this the other day whilst listening to some records. Here's my top three!

 

Mace - Can mix it up with all the big boys on all fronts. Never fails to fill the floor and always has a few newies up his sleeve.

Mik Parry - A real DJ, one of those DJ's that has the ability to make a record in-demand by spinning it. Puts sets together in his own unique style. I have never heard him play a bad record!

Karl Heard - IMO is responsible for the funky edged soul sound that is played out so much today. Shaped a lot of people's musical taste including mine! So many great nights dancing to Karls sets!

 

I do agree with what Ezzie said "still meet new people almost every time I go out who have something to add to the enjoyment of it all"

 

Callum

Tony Rounce

 

  Where is he these days?

Mr. Searling and dare I say it Ian Levine.

Good thread, was only thinking about this the other day whilst listening to some records. Here's my top three!

 

Mace - Can mix it up with all the big boys on all fronts. Never fails to fill the floor and always has a few newies up his sleeve.

Mik Parry - A real DJ, one of those DJ's that has the ability to make a record in-demand by spinning it. Puts sets together in his own unique style. I have never heard him play a bad record!

Karl Heard - IMO is responsible for the funky edged soul sound that is played out so much today. Shaped a lot of people's musical taste including mine! So many great nights dancing to Karls sets!

 

I do agree with what Ezzie said "still meet new people almost every time I go out who have something to add to the enjoyment of it all"

 

Callum

meeting you pow wow lads was a big influence on me to callum, infectious enthusiasm for different kinds of our brill and varied[should be] dance music  renews my interest every time..

Edited January 3, 201510 yr by ezzie brown

  Where is he these days?

 

meeting you pow wow lads was a big influence on me to callum, infectious enthusiasm renews my interest every time..

He's still around and selling records. https://www.facebook.com/tony.rounce?fref=nf

  Where is he these days?

 

 

Facebook if anywhere on social media/forums.

  Where is he these days?

 

Facebook mate

Friends - a couple of them yes

Heroes - Not quite

 

I take my hat of to those early pioneers who dared spend there hard earned cash on flights to the states

to search out the tunes we all love so much. Some times putting them selves at risk all in the name of soul.

 

Ady Croasdell

John Anderson 

Kev Roberts 

Rix /Thomas

Dave Rastrick

Ian Lavine 

Butch

etc

Facebook mate

 Any particular reason why he's not on here?

 

Always good value from his postings.

 Any particular reason why he's not on here?

 

Always good value from his postings.

 

Not really, but he is pretty prolific on facebook so probably just decided to leave...

Very difficult to compile a short list

Some who stand out in no particular order

Dave Withers/Rod Shard neither get the recognition they truly deserve

Butch for setting the standard whilst remaining one of the lads

Steve Whittle for his professional & honest approach

Tim Ashibende for his massive knowledge that he freely shares

Plus many many more........

Triode

Great thread and time to embarrass some people

 

I could name DJs and collectors etc... but I'll go for personal influences and heroes.

 

Early Influence: Probably Mick Cope and Rich Hall from Nuneaton. Both much more determined diggers than I ever was and pointed me in the direction of the future of the scene post-Wigan.

 

Recent Influence: Adam Topping, another digger who in the last five or so years has opened my eyes to loads of new things.

 

Hero: Mark Freeman (sorry mate). A man who's dedication to the scene and the music for so many years is an example to us all, and a great bloke as well.

Siz  otherwise known as steve sale,dj promoter mag writer from manchester in the 70,s.Was a good dj promoter very knowledgeable and  introduced me to loads of people,was a bit mad as well.

Hi Julie

I think you only said that in case Bolton beat Wigan today in the F.A. Cup.......

Louis

Louis if Bolton beat us then I'm going to violently kick off and trash his records and all his A-Z files full of label discographies, DJ playlists and chronological listings of cover up names and who played what. I will also draw a black marker pen Hitler tash on his favourite Searling photograph and stubble and moles all over Dee Dee Sharpe's pic! Who are ya?? Who are ya??

Any particular reason why he's not on here?

Always good value from his postings.

He was on here as I sold him a record via SS a year or so ago.

Great thread and time to embarrass some people

I could name DJs and collectors etc... but I'll go for personal influences and heroes.

Early Influence: Probably Mick Cope and Rich Hall from Nuneaton. Both much more determined diggers than I ever was and pointed me in the direction of the future of the scene post-Wigan.

Recent Influence: Adam Topping, another digger who in the last five or so years has opened my eyes to loads of new things.

Hero: Mark Freeman (sorry mate). A man who's dedication to the scene and the music for so many years is an example to us all, and a great bloke as well.

Spot on as I meant for personal friends to be named as big influences. No point naming promoters and DJ people as like I said we all have a list of guys who deserve recognition and respect for what they have put into the soul scene continuously for years and years. Truly dedicated and forever respected.

Dave Rigby school mate and still best mate Nottingham

 

Charlie Roome for all the tapes he gave me Nottingham

 

Graham Coates workmate great knowledge of the scene

 

Three great guys

 

Lance

Tony Coleby, Ron Pedley, Nogger, Dave withers & Rod Shard. These guys taught me a lot in my early days of record buying. Not forgetting Ian Ohara also.

Alex lowes (yep southport weekender Alex)

Edited January 3, 201510 yr by Mick Reed

Glen Bellamy so much knowledge, been on the scene for years and still doing it!

Alex lowes (yep southport weekender Alex)

Pretty handy on A motorbike 2 !!

Roger Eagle and my mate Dave.

Hero's really? Unless you're going to pick someone like Stevie Wonder, it's difficult to consider anyone in the UK a hero for playing records or putting on events.

Hero's really? Unless you're going to pick someone like Stevie Wonder, it's difficult to consider anyone in the UK a hero for playing records or putting on events.

Really? You don't think anyone in the UK deserves this type of accolade for their influence on the rare soul scene - come on - you havin a bloody laugh - if you read Mrs.M's original post, she has tried to use the term "heros" loosely and most people have recognised that!!

Richard Searling, for telling me to stick to dancing, after my debut DJ appearance in Mr M's. John Vincent for playing weird stuff that was mostly wonderful ( Peanut Duck is not included). Dancers, none of whom are the usual suspects, (Gethro, Booper, Sandy etc.), but respect those real guys who pushed dance to it's limits, (They know who they are). Dave Evison for his enthusiasm. Ian Levine for his ears, his honesty and fragility. Merrell for Tenuate Dospan ( Chalkies), proper dancers gear, with a come-down like Armageddon. The HR, Casino and Ritz for being ace venues. Dave Godin for introducing me to other types of black music. Alexis Korner ...ditto. Wigan DS for pulling me 3 times and failing. A decade and a half that I'll never forget.

Matt Male......so great to see Rich Hall mentioned on here. Good for you mate!

And I kind of agree with Dave D. The older I get the less I think of anyone as a 'hero.' I like 'mutual respect' and 'influence' much better........

The closest I will get to hero is anyone of influence that continues to evolve musically and who does it all for the right reasons and certainly not for the money. If you do a Venn diagram of the various factors then you can count on far less than the fingers of one hand who qualify as heroes.

Cheers,

Mark R

Hero's really? Unless you're going to pick someone like Stevie Wonder, it's difficult to consider anyone in the UK a hero for playing records or putting on events.

My post was about the people in my life who influenced me as a person, gave me support, educated me further to gain more confidence, loved me unconditionally, inspired me but above all made me proud of the many years spent with them. Nothing to do with spinning a record or promoting a venue. It was to honour and respect our 'relationships'.

If the tag Hero is how I see them then that's my prerogative. I'm not asking to pin a medal on them or get them to dress like a Superhero. All more difficult considering Micky passed away nearly two years ago.

As for Stevie Wonder what makes him a hero? Please, enlighten me?

Really? You don't think anyone in the UK deserves this type of accolade for their influence on the rare soul scene - come on - you havin a bloody laugh - if you read Mrs.M's original post, she has tried to use the term "heros" loosely and most people have recognised that!!

Jim, thank you. Exactly how it reads mate x

Very difficult to compile a short list

Some who stand out in no particular order

Dave Withers/Rod Shard neither get the recognition they truly deserve

Butch for setting the standard whilst remaining one of the lads

Steve Whittle for his professional & honest approach

Tim Ashibende for his massive knowledge that he freely shares

Plus many many more........

Triode

Nice to see Rod and Dave get some credit!

Nice to see Rod and Dave get some credit!

 

Nice to see Rod and Dave get some credit!

Rightly so both are very knowledgeable guys

Levine / curtis

Matt Male......so great to see Rich Hall mentioned on here. Good for you mate!

And I kind of agree with Dave D. The older I get the less I think of anyone as a 'hero.' I like 'mutual respect' and 'influence' much better........

The closest I will get to hero is anyone of influence that continues to evolve musically and who does it all for the right reasons and certainly not for the money. If you do a Venn diagram of the various factors then you can count on far less than the fingers of one hand who qualify as heroes.

Cheers,

Mark R

Influence and respect is a more generic way of looking at it. I use the word 'Hero' from a more personal preference. That's how I see these guys especially as Micky is no longer with us. Each to their own ways x

There have been many venues & DJ's that have influenced me over the years, & still do, my ears & mind are open constantly, but some 20 years ago i met a lovely couple who had a huge influence on my musical journey.  I think that i always had a leaning towards the dark side, cos even in the 7ts i danced to pretty much anything that i thought sounded any good, but MAXINE & KEITH WOON took this to another level completely, i think that because they hadnt followed the same musical journey that many of us have, thier outlook was very different & whilst embracing the Rare Soul Scene sounds, thier knowledge, collections & enthusiasm to pass on everything (i was/am a sponge)made me realise there was so much more to hear, even within that Rare Soul criteria, Modern & Crossover, whilst i had never excluded it, became as important to me as had Northern & Rare Soul.  Two of the most unassuming, but fantastic people & soul music afficionados i have ever come across & great friends too.

 

I know this isnt about venues, but i have to mention a couple.

 

100 Club

Stafford

Soul Essence

 

There are many others, but these are the post 7ts clubs i think have influenced my musical journey more than most, together with the DJ's & the diggers n tastemakers in the record bars.

 

HNY Russ

I feel a bit of an orphan compared to many of the above in that much of my early interest was self-made. A friend told me about how great Tamla was so I bought Motown Chrtbusters Vol 5 back in the day. He went off into progressive music but I was infected. From then on the influences were the local record shop Janes and Adams who tried to stock soul for me, then Blues and Soul and Black Music magazines when I discovered them and pushed Northern onto my agenda.

living abroad for many years, French and BElgian record dealers such as Daniel Delorme, William Berrebi, Patrick Benassia, Marcel Moersman were great influences. Piers Chambers is probably the closest dealer from a UK viewpoint.

my wife Rachael encourages and supports me liking the music but also telling me to buy that record that I think is too expensive saying that I'll always regret not following my 'me moments' as she calls them.

today living back in the UK, the combination of sites such as this, visits to record fairs around Europe and occasionally the U.S. and weekenders at Prestatyn, Brid and Skeggy are the bedrock.

Hero's really? Unless you're going to pick someone like Stevie Wonder, it's difficult to consider anyone in the UK a hero for playing records or putting on events.[/quote

This. 'Hero' cringe...

Words fail me!

Read Mrs M's original post and subsequent replies and the way she is using the term "Hero"

Why don't you cynical critics actually read the original post and take it in the way it is written.

Too many people on here get all serious and critical when they have stupidly missed the whole concept of the thread and how it is originally personified...

It's not the name dropping cringe that goes on all too often but genuine respect and admiration for two very special people to me for genuine reasons. Have some respect for someone else's opinions and beliefs. You don't have to negatively comment.

Back in the day Polly (Aĺan Pollard) . Nowadays probably the biggest influence of my current tastes is Chalky Soul underground is awesome .

Great thread and time to embarrass some people

 

I could name DJs and collectors etc... but I'll go for personal influences and heroes.

 

Early Influence: Probably Mick Cope and Rich Hall from Nuneaton. Both much more determined diggers than I ever was and pointed me in the direction of the future of the scene post-Wigan.

 

Recent Influence: Adam Topping, another digger who in the last five or so years has opened my eyes to loads of new things.

 

Hero: Mark Freeman (sorry mate). A man who's dedication to the scene and the music for so many years is an example to us all, and a great bloke as well.

ya daft sod!

My brother Paul who got me into northen in the first place, we travelled to lots of venues together in the 70's

My first day at work in 1968 I was teamed up with this guy, within 20 minutes he had told me about this club he used to go to, The Twisted Wheel. Six months later he was off the scene, not me.

Many thanks Mick

Back in the day Polly (Aĺan Pollard) . Nowadays probably the biggest influence of my current tastes is Chalky Soul underground is awesome .

 

Why thank you very much, makes it all worth while to get comments like this. 

It will probably have to be continental 4 the way I love you baby it's the song that influenced me to get into northern soul in the first place!

Edited January 11, 201510 yr by Joey Collins

For my brief period throughout the 90's.....I met all the shakers and groovers be they Promotors...DJ's...Soulies and speed freaks. After that intense and exciting involvement.....I came away with 3 folk who I would have a day out with anytime and who match the criteria set out and come to mind instantly!x  No order....Derek Allen (RIP)....Ady Croasdell....and Mick Lyons. 'Heroes' for differing reasons. But all impacted the scene in a way that I believe made a better one for all....at its roots during the 90's.........thanx to their efforts above and beyond...X

 

LUV
SOOTY
X

Edited January 12, 201510 yr by SOOTY

...and after thinking.....DI's...Bob Hinsley...Big Scotty and Irish Greg used to get my legs moving EVERYTIME.....LEG ENDS....and make my DJ hero list!x

@@
~
LUV
SOOTY
X