not on F B,is it come to a end ,if so sad day for many ,billy

Was going to do an article this weekend.  Andy and Mick have decided enough is enough for now.  A few factors having an effect but Lifeline will return next year hopefully, smaller venue a change to the music direction and a 4am finish.  I've retired now as a resident and Mick says there will be other changes to the line up.

Thanks for reply,roll on next year, if you dont mind me saying chalky, lifeline was losing that 60's underplayed but always a good night there.

cheers billy

The light through a fog of nostalgia scene dross.

Be interesting to see what next year brings. To be honest 4 am finish suits me fine.

Blimey !  So glad we made the last event , it's always focussed on quality !  Shame...

Finger crossed for next years Lifeline gigs. 

Chalky. Good luck with whatever the future holds for lifeline. From a personal point of view, I didn't get to enough of them but that's life unfortunately. 

Steve

BAD NEWS>>>>>>>>>>>i havent been able to attend the last couple due to family commitments around the dates ...the events held under this banner  which i went to at all the  various venues  were truly a great contribution to the rare ,quality and under the radar soul scene recently enhanced by the pow wow addition.

Had some fabulous nites out and some very hard weeks at work following those weekends....... THANKS TO ALL FOR KEEPING ON SO LONG........COME BACK SOON GUYS...ez

This is not good for the rare soul scene.... Shame.

 

Dazz

It's not good for Northern Soul full stop.

If 2 or 3 real events that stick to the ethos close we're left with a Darby and Joan replica which looks nothing like any Northern scene I've been on.

Everything has a shelf life, and everything must end. That's life.

Otherwise you end up like the Derby and Joan scene you despise so much.

I missed the last two lifeline niters due to personal stuff but to me personally lifeline was one of a very few venues playing quality upfront soul music, a niter where i always heard something new and as much as andy is one of my closest mates mick also total respect to them for having the balls to promote a venue playing upfront quality music ,I know Andy was not happy with the direction that some of the music was going at  some of the latest lifeline niters  ie, getting a bit too funky and garage sounding.I hope and pray that Andy and Mick  pull this new venue off for lifeline promotions  in Nottingham area in the new year as every type of music has to progress as without progression the music becomes stalwart same old thing week in week out  not for me thank you.Where are you gonna hear the likes of Andy spinning Speedlimits cant say no to my baby(courtesy of Tim Ashibende respect always mate) Richard Marks Did you ever lose someting,Bette Willis unissued track to name a few,RESPECT ALWAYS ANDY MICK and Chalky for keeping the progression of quality soul music alive thro Lifeline Promotions and I sincerely apologise for missing the last two as Ive had some of the best nights of my life at Lifeline promotions at Sheridans .the old bell ,stables and bidds and dont we know it Andy

14 hours ago, Quinvy said:

Everything has a shelf life, and everything must end. That's life.

Otherwise you end up like the Derby and Joan scene you despise so much.

Despise? Far too emotive; mildly embarrassed by would be a more apt description.

I don't agree that Lifeline had reached a shelf life that would make it indistinguishable from the nostalgia scene, that's why I'll wait with interest to see what the future holds.

Whilst everything does have a lifespan I personally don't think Lifeline had reached the end of its.  Other factors played their part in is demise.  There were still enough 60's unknowns and semi knowns although it is/was practically impossible to do a full set these days never mind a full night.  Those paying their money didn't seem to want traditional type 60's newies which is a shame.  It is demoralising to see an empty dance floor to some truly brilliant 60's discoveries, Andy's Sam Williams acetate being one recent discovery only to see the funky stuff fill the floor  It isn't for me the funky stuff, many weren't good enough years ago and are still not good enough.  Don't get me wrong there is some good stuff out there but there is far too much average at best in amongst it.....my opinion of course but many seem to get played cause they are either rare or different for the sake of being different..  I know it isn't the direction Andy wanted Lifeline to go in, not sure about Mick, maybe he will comment when he sees this, hopefully Andy will as well....

It is a sad indictment of the scene that there isn't room for a club like Lifeline, many records played there have filtered down to the so called nostalgia side of the scene.  But the whole nighter scene is either looking back or moving towards the funky side of soul.  Far too many treating the night out purely social with many sitting outside (weather permitting), some not even entering the venue yet paying their money.  Yes all love the music but the music is coming second for many where as it should be first for the future of the nighter scene (by that I mean away from the commercial ventures) to flourish.  By and large the nighter scene is an ageing scene and it is beginning to show more and more.

As Andy and Mick have said, Lifeline will return, smaller venue, earlier finish and a music policy that reflects the desires of Andy and Mick, when it does return it needs the support to continue well into the future.

Edited November 8, 20159 yr by chalky

Thank you & well done boys for creating one of the great nighters.

Better to step back take a breath & re-evaluate,then come back with batteries recharged rather then going on doing some thing you don't enjoy.

Good luck with the new Lifeline in the future.

Cheers

Martyn

2 hours ago, chalky said:

Whilst everything does have a lifespan I personally don't think Lifeline had reached the end of its.  Other factors played their part in is demise.  There were still enough 60's unknowns and semi knowns although it is/was practically impossible to do a full set these days never mind a full night.  Those paying their money didn't seem to want traditional type 60's newies which is a shame.  It is demoralising to see an empty dance floor to some truly brilliant 60's discoveries, Andy's Sam Williams acetate being one recent discovery only to see the funky stuff fill the floor  It isn't for me the funky stuff, many weren't good enough years ago and are still not good enough.  Don't get me wrong there is some good stuff out there but there is far too much average at best in amongst it.....my opinion of course but many seem to get played cause they are either rare or different for the sake of being different..  I know it isn't the direction Andy wanted Lifeline to go in, not sure about Mick, maybe he will comment when he sees this, hopefully Andy will as well....

It is a sad indictment of the scene that there isn't room for a club like Lifeline, many records played there have filtered down to the so called nostalgia side of the scene.  But the whole nighter scene is either looking back or moving towards the funky side of soul.  Far too many treating the night out purely social with many sitting outside (weather permitting), some not even entering the venue yet paying their money.  Yes all love the music but the music is coming second for many where as it should be first for the future of the nighter scene (by that I mean away from the commercial ventures) to flourish.  By and large the nighter scene is an ageing scene and it is beginning to show more and more.

As Andy and Mick have said, Lifeline will return, smaller venue, earlier finish and a music policy that reflects the desires of Andy and Mick, when it does return it needs the support to continue well into the future.

Bang on Chalky. I'm saving 'wetting the baby's head' night out until the new Lifeline rises from the ashes.

I agree entirely with Chalky that funk has taken over, Burnley has gone the same way.

I don't agree that there are enough 60's northern newies to continue, but that's just my opinion.

I only know this, if I wanted to start again, I would end up buying most of the same records that we played during the four and a half years of Burnley. And I'm not sure on dates, but that must be going on for ten years ago now. Many of those records I still see on play play lists at so called up front venues. So there's not too many quality new discoveries come to light in ten years has there?

I don't know why people get so obsessed by anniversaries and the longevity of certain allnighter's. Change is inevitable and good. You can't bring back the past no matter how good it was. It should always be about passion, so start something new if you think it's possible.

Have a break then start afresh.

When did you last see a playlist for Andy, Mick, Cliff, Butch, Sam and many others who are at the top of the upfront game?  I've not seen a playlist for Lifeline for some years now.  Most of the playlists I see are from Dj's behind the curve wanting to show off expensive purchases.

I agree the quantity isn't there anymore, some imagination is needed.  I agree the quality isn't there either in some cases but some DJ's are still playing decent unknowns and semi unknowns.  At the end of the day though it is irrelevant.

Lifeline will be back after a break, refreshed and ready to further the cause.

1 hour ago, chalky said:

When did you last see a playlist for Andy, Mick, Cliff, Butch, Sam and many others who are at the top of the upfront game?  I've not seen a playlist for Lifeline for some years now.  Most of the playlists I see are from Dj's behind the curve wanting to show off expensive purchases.

I agree the quantity isn't there anymore, some imagination is needed.  I agree the quality isn't there either in some cases but some DJ's are still playing decent unknowns and semi unknowns.  At the end of the day though it is irrelevant.

Lifeline will be back after a break, refreshed and ready to further the cause.

But the reason that people are sitting outside and talking is that they have heard it all before. Bloody hell, I was off the scene for twenty years but it didn't take me long to get bored of the same old people playing the same old records when I started going out again.

Some people have been active on the scene non stop since the seventies. How the hell they keep motivated is beyond me.

I don't like the funk, but I understand why lots do. It's something new and fresh, and no matter how good the records you play are, if folk have heard them many times before they aren't gonna jump up and dance. 

Good luck with the new venture, but don't call it Lifeline, new name, new beginning.

Edited November 8, 20159 yr by Quinvy

Ban the funk . If I saw  the future at a recent venue I attended then I,m sorry its not for me either. Lifeline is dead long live Lifeline

Steve

Edited November 8, 20159 yr by Winsford Soul

Hi Chalky,

‘Re-branding’ is done for good reason (I’ve done it many times) ‘Same coffee / different jar’ most definitely creates fresh interest (New ideas follow that for some reason)

I’m not saying changing the name is crucial though (there’s a lot more to a ‘brand’ than just a name)

One suggestion for your consideration - You could put on a heavily promoted ‘Life-line Final Night’ to celebrate what the team and everyone who has supported it over the years have been a part of. Never forget, it was during a very difficult time for the Rare Soul Scene (The 100 Club also struggled for a while during this period)

If you have the motivation to re-think things and move forward, well that’s great - and good luck!

Oh, if by chance ‘Afterlife-line’ (You’re welcome to use that btw) goes from strength to strength the moment you personally have announced you are stepping back from D.Jing - Try not to focus on it!  he he x

‘ave a rest first 

All the best,

Len 

P.s - Feel free to call my promoters help-line, we meet every month - Lot’s do struggle with the initial rejection, but talking really helps. Our next P.A (Promoters Anonymous) meeting is next Tuesday at the church hall 

just curious (as I live over in California), what are some of the offending funk tunes that are creeping in?

2 hours ago, ljblanken said:

just curious (as I live over in California), what are some of the offending funk tunes that are creeping in?

Good question, I haven't been to Lifeline since it finished at the stables, so I would also like to know

some of the titles of these offending 'funk' tunes that have killed Lifeline

I agree that Lifeline ending is a real shame. Have supported it for most of it's life in all it's different locations. But some need to calm down, all this blaming funk etc. reminds me of the late 70's and the modern, northern split. Mecca verses Wigan, this did more damage than many realise and the scene took a good 10 years to recover.

A good mix of all styles is healthy, I went to the last Lifeline, how many of you that are so sorry it's gone, did ? and funk didn't dominate the night think it was less than a third of the records played. I've said this on so many occassions, when Wigan was at it's height or when Stafford was on top of it's game the mix across the night would be extensive. Music that now is categorized as traditional 60's northern, funk, modern, crossover, beat ballads all being played in one room. Those that want it to be some sort of version of the truth, all 60's northern, well it was never that, not the the venues I grew up with anyway, Wigan, Cleethorpes, early Mecca, Yate.

So lets all calm down, the scene has overcome many a change, loss of venue, DJ leaving, it's not the apocalypse. Other venues will rise to the top, new DJ's will appear and Lifeline may return, new fresh, but different. Lets not start turning old friends into enemies, let's learn from history, not repeat it.................

 

Edited November 9, 20159 yr by Dave Thorley

I rarely get along to niters, and as a funk collector I'm also curious what tracks got played at Lifeline.

 

I always find the demonising of funk quite amusing since two of my favourites (Frankie Crocker "Ton Of Dynamite" and Delegates of Soul "I'll Come Running Back") to MY ears ARE just straight up funk records. Eloise Laws "Love Factory" is straight up disco. The purists love to moan about the sound changing, but as previously mentioned, the sound has always been pretty diverse but if a tune is played long enough it just morphs into "northern"...

PS, those that are now saying 'that's it, I'm not going any more', 'this is the end for me' etc, etc. Sounds very like the end of the 70's when many stopped going only to return many years later and to be heard saying, 'I wish I was around in the 80's I missed some many sounds being played', 'I had stopped going when all this great crossover stuff started getting played' and other such remarks. embrace change and give all soul music styles a chance.

Lastly if you take the time to read Andy's post elsewhere fully you will see that this was only a small part of why it ended, a major part was that he felt that many of you abandoned Lifeline for other venues or simply stopped supporting it.

Edited November 9, 20159 yr by Dave Thorley

 

8 minutes ago, Dave Thorley said:

Lastly if you take the time to read Andy's post elsewhere fully you will see that this was only a small part of why it ended, a major part was that he felt that many of you abandoned Lifeline for other venues or simply stopped supporting it.

Where's Andys' post Dave? (I haven't seen it)

I personally don't think anyone has abandoned Life-line, but if some have (or any venue for that matter) a promoter should ask himself why? (Looking inwards, not outwards), speak to people, and address any feed-back they think necessary / helpful....It's hard for some people to give constructive criticism / their opinions if they're not sure how it will be received. 

As always too many venues is a big factor - That in itself tells me that 4 All-nighters (of this type / size) a year is the most you could ever expect to be well enough attended. 

But yes Dave, it's not The Apocalypse - It's a positive that people care 

I'll get the funk out of here now 

Len 

 

 

22 minutes ago, LEN said:

 

Where's Andys' post Dave? (I haven't seen it)

I personally don't think anyone has abandoned Life-line, but if some have (or any venue for that matter) a promoter should ask himself why? (Looking inwards, not outwards), speak to people, and address any feed-back they think necessary / helpful....It's hard for some people to give constructive criticism / their opinions if they're not sure how it will be received. 

As always too many venues is a big factor - That in itself tells me that 4 All-nighters (of this type / size) a year is the most you could ever expect to be well enough attended. 

But yes Dave, it's not The Apocalypse - It's a positive that people care 

I'll get the funk out of here now 

Len 

 

 

When I said 'elsewhere' I meant not on this site .......... But anyway here is his full set of comments in a post elsewhere

 

Good day to everyone.. After speaking to Mick , Mace and Chalky we have decided to make the October Lifeline the last one. Many factors have contrubuted to our decision , in particular the saturation of the callender in general - most niters have a " something different " room also the upfront soul nights (there was one on same night as lifeline in October)... then there is the weekenders which all have side rooms. Looking back when we were at the Stables we had a full house of upfront and oldies crowd, all embracing great music then along came Bridlington weekender , this in reality killed lifeline for good half of our regulars drove past the Stables to go to Brid (fine it's a free country) when i spoke to one of the promoters about it he said well it was either clash with 100 club or you ! I said why not move to another date ? shrugged shoulders was the reply one of his partners offered for Lifeline to run a theme room or some of our djs to play there ... I'd sooner show my arse in Binns window on a Saturday afternoon i said. Another factor is the changes in musical trends Lifeline was and is about multiple styles of quality music but the present funky style that is at its height is fine in moderation but not what we are about besides Burnley and Soul-Funktion caters for that genre admirably with great lads behind it - we don't want to be either of those places obviously. The writing is on the wall when in our view great upfront northern and 70's 45's are leaving the floor empty it really is that simple. As it goes i collect and own many of these current trend 45's but i think they should complement not control the environment ( at Lifeline in any case) All that to one side the introduction of fresh plays to the larger mainstream venues was always one of the reasons for Lifeline and hopefully we introduced a few, i certainly have concerns as to which venues will filter good new northern through, after all that is what enables progression and longevity for the scene ? There has to be room for maybe a 8 till 4am venue that can play good quality northern / stafford stuff , a joint that holds 70 people, in reality that is the top and bottom of it,it always was and always will be.We had some cracking nights of madness and are gratefull to all the folk who turned out and all the dj's who played + the many folk who helped out and of course the long suffering ladies Wendy Rawson ,Mandy Walker and more recently Denise Ray North. Mick ,mace and chalky may have a word to add but that's my take ..
Oh yeh thank fuck i no longer have to listen to mick and chalkys cover ups and endure having my arse burned by Allan Coney well at least not untill next time we are out !

No one has said funk killed Lifeline.  Many factors are involved, certainly the support is an important one.  But I know for a fact that then current trends musically were also a factor, Andy has said as much above in his post from the Club's FB page and also to me personally in discussions we both had.  Also it appeared that traditional style 60's dancers seemed to be going out of favour, again Andy says this above.  I personally got a lot of complaints about the funky stuff, and as I said it isn't personally to my taste and that wasn't just my opinion either.  As said there are venues that cater well for the funky stuff run by a great set of lads.  But I also got complaints about too many slow records at certain times of the night, complaints about 70's, too many oldies etc etc, you can never please anyone all the time let alone a couple of 100.  

I don't know who has said they are not going anywhere anymore?

Lifeline isn't dead, it is taking a break, taking stock and it will be back refreshed and ready to do what it did best.

Edited November 9, 20159 yr by chalky

Ok,on Saturday ,i had my Quality of Soul rare soul night,packed to the Rafters,so in took the Opportunity to ask quite a few of Lifeline attendees on the night

what was missing ,what can we do,etc had some good feedback from quite a few of them.Andy was there on the night,and must say nice to see him foot tap

having a great night,also  Andy did a fab set of rare 60,s at the last lifeline and to empty floor  i find this a total disgrace to one of uks top rare soul djs

so,moan over let me move on ,i have noticed a big divide  in Lifeline over the last year a split crowd ,is it there is a bit to much disco & funk people staying away because of it ?these are the issues me and Andy discussed again on sat night,

so there will be a few changes to Lifeline first a smaller venue ,a change to the residency line up,and lastly a 8pm to 4am finish

the music policy will back to 60,s & 70s rare and underplayed ,we will return but for now we are taking a break untill spring or summer next year

with a new venue,which i currently having talks with the managment

also Saturday Feb 27th i will be using our Lifeline Date for my Quality of soul rare night,to be held at  the Irish club ,wilford road ,Nottm

My Guests will be Andy Dyson & Arthur Fenn,joining me and Mark Hopes & Nige Mayfield ,8pm till 4am

please feel free to come up to Myself and Andy and tell us what you feel and what missing,we will take will take on board your comments 

after all you are the ones that support us and we feel you have a say in Lifeline to

 

wishing you all a merry xmas and best for 2016

 

Mick H

 

 

 

Edited November 9, 20159 yr by trentsoulman

53 minutes ago, trentsoulman said:

Ok,on Saturday ,i had my Quality of Soul rare soul night,packed to the Rafters,so in took the Opportunity to ask quite a few of Lifeline attendees on the night

what was missing ,what can we do,etc had some good feedback from quite a few of them.Andy was there on the night,and must say nice to see him foot tap

having a great night,also  Andy did a fab set of rare 60,s at the last lifeline and to empty floor  i find this a total disgrace to one of uks top rare soul djs

so,moan over let me move on ,i have noticed a big divide  in Lifeline over the last year a split crowd ,is it there is a bit to much disco & funk people staying away because of it ?these are the issues me and Andy discussed again on sat night,

so there will be a few changes to Lifeline first a smaller venue ,a change to the residency line up,and lastly a 8pm to 4am finish

the music policy will back to 60,s & 70s rare and underplayed ,we will return but for now we are taking a break untill spring or summer next year

with a new venue,which i currently having talks with the managment

also Saturday Feb 27th i will be using our Lifeline Date for my Quality of soul rare night,to be held at  the Irish club ,wilford road ,Nottm

My Guests will be Andy Dyson & Arthur Fenn,joining me and Mark Hopes & Nige Mayfield ,8pm till 4am

please feel free to come up to Myself and Andy and tell us what you feel and what missing,we will take will take on board your comments 

after all you are the ones that support us and we feel you have a say in Lifeline to

 

wishing you all a merry xmas and best for 2016

 

Mick H

 

If your night is "packed to the rafters" Mick, you must be doing something right. So why do you need another night?

Sorry, just don't get it.

 

 

6 hours ago, Dave Thorley said:

 

So lets all calm down, the scene has overcome many a change, loss of venue, DJ leaving, it's not the apocalypse. Other venues will rise to the top, new DJ's will appear and Lifeline may return, new fresh, but different. Lets not start turning old friends into enemies, let's learn from history, not repeat it.................

 

The reality is though Dave that Lifeline was recognised as the beacon of upfront music in this country, so no wonder people are upset. How often was it on? 4-6 times a year? On todays "scene" there are weekenders going on 50 weeks of the year (except Xmas / New Year) many purporting to offer "upfront / rare" rooms (a number of which are nothing of the sort). And as Andy eluded to in his text the clashing of venues is more ridiculous than ever.

Then there is the ageing thing which you can't get away from. I can't be alone in making a conscious decision to stop going to Niters  - about 15 months ago at Lifeline as it happens, purely because driving up north and staying up all night then driving home was f@cking up the whole weekend and creeping into a jaded Monday morning start. Even at weekenders I am usually done by 2-3 these days.

 

  

As i was banging some bricks down today i was thinking about lifeline. There have been some really good nights there, few people said to me there they where playing to much funk. I personally didn’t think so, just a good mixture all round. I do like my raw 60s and under play. I done a couple of nights at grumpy's musics superber. Its a long way to go for a mini nighter. Grumpy's reminded me of the early days of sherridians. whoever picks the djs should know what their music policies is. Imo i think grumpys and the 100club just got it right. A break from life line will do every one good. Give it about 8weeks lol. come back as life line part 2. you big boys know whats going on ill leave it in your hands. cheers billy ps i forgot to mention burnley top nights there also

18 hours ago, Steve G said:

The reality is though Dave that Lifeline was recognised as the beacon of upfront music in this country, so no wonder people are upset. How often was it on? 4-6 times a year? On todays "scene" there are weekenders going on 50 weeks of the year (except Xmas / New Year) many purporting to offer "upfront / rare" rooms (a number of which are nothing of the sort). And as Andy eluded to in his text the clashing of venues is more ridiculous than ever.

Then there is the ageing thing which you can't get away from. I can't be alone in making a conscious decision to stop going to Niters  - about 15 months ago at Lifeline as it happens, purely because driving up north and staying up all night then driving home was f@cking up the whole weekend and creeping into a jaded Monday morning start. Even at weekenders I am usually done by 2-3 these days.

 

  

Hi Steve 

I hear where your coming from, but this just goes to demonstrate that for promoters it is a impossible task. I've heard on more than one occasion about the same venue these sort of comments.

'I love these 8-2 events best as we can't stay up late anymore'

'Love to come to your venue, but not going to travel if it's isn't an allnighter'

or on music policy, same venue

'We had a great night, but a few to many oldies'

'We had a great time, but a little to much of this new funky stuff'

I know many years ago, was many years ago, but back then we were just grateful to have somewhere to go. If a DJ played something I didn't like I'd just wonder off and chat to some mates or go look through sales boxes. Nowdays it seems like people want the whole night to be exactly what they want or nothing, what happened to tolerance.

 

Edited November 10, 20159 yr by Dave Thorley

50 minutes ago, Dave Thorley said:

Hi Steve 

I hear where your coming from, but this just goes to demonstrate that for promoters it is a impossible task. I've heard on more than one occasion about the same venue these sort of comments.

'I love these 8-2 events best as we can't stay up late anymore'

'Love to come to your venue, but not going to travel if it's isn't an allnighter'

or on music policy, same venue

'We had a great night, but a few to many oldies'

'We had a great time, but a little to much of this new funky stuff'

I know many years ago, was many years ago, but back then we were just grateful to have somewhere to go. If a DJ played something I didn't like I'd just wonder off and chat to some mates or go look through sales boxes. Nowdays it seems like people want the whole night to be exactly what they want or nothing, what happened to tolerance.

 

That was fine when there was only one nighter on in the country. Competition is fierce now and people are spoilt for choice.

Sorry to hear Life lines taking a break not been to any since the move from the stables due to work commitments  , but live and die by the ethos that Mick and Andy set out with . I did a revue of the second nighter they did at Sheridans  it's on here some were  will try and find it . but to me the musical policy never changed .It's just that over the years  musical tastes have changed . Looking forward to see where the New venue in Nottingham will be in the new year

 

im truly sorry to hear of the temporary end to lifeline..

as an allnighter promoter i know how hard it is to get an event going and even harder sustain it over a contant time..

i ve said many times i take my hat off to promoters who put their hard earned money into events,,its not easy and they have my total respect  (i still dread the coop thinking is anyone gonna come)

as people know im not a big r n b ,latin or slow funk  fan but respect others that do and as a dancer ill always try  and support the djs where i can

had many a good night at lifeline,,the promoters are good honest soulies trying to put on a class event

hope it returns bigger and better

atb

mark

 

 

 

Great night run by top guys, the times i managed to get up to it (and especially at the Stables) i had a brilliant time to the best records you could want to hear regardless of r&b, funk, northern, yadda yadda. Here is hoping it is back with a bang asap. Huge thanks to Mick, Andy & Chalky for the hard work and amazing records throughout.

Best,

Joel

I've only just seen this thread and am truly sorry that Lifeline is taking a break, although I did hear some things at the last one that makes this news not a big surprise.

Firstly I'd like to thank Andy, Mick, Cliff, Sam, Chalky, Mace, Butch and all others who've DJ'd there, you've played some amazing music and introduced me to loads of tunes that I didn't know before, plus great hearing many of my favourites.

I was a latecomer to Lifeline, first went with Steve G on a trip back from a Crossover night in Cheshire, stopped off at the Stables and I was hooked, even though it was only a short visit. Since then I've made every endeavour to attend and I'd like to thank my friends John McClure, Irish and Danny for lifts.

Musically I've always found it good and varied. The subject of funk is tricky, personally like some of the funky records but often find them tricky to dance to, but no doubt that's just me. Sam was the funkiest last time, but he has generally good taste. But I do think some DJs at some soul nights play records with a “funky” feel that often aren't that good but are unknown, perhaps just to play something different. I call them the Emperor's New Cloths. Also hear Disco tracks I remember from the 70s when I wasn't really going anywhere. However each to their own. Quite a few of my friends like the music to be fast and furious all night, personally I like a mix of tempos, again each to their own, but it does make it hard for DJs, can't please everyone.

If I recall correctly Andy was the second DJ on at the last Lifeline, not always an easy spot. I did dance to a few, but I must admit they were ones that I knew, don't think I'm that different from a lot of others in that respect. I love to dance but these days my body and legs give up after a while. I'd add that even if people aren't dancing most will still be enjoying the records played.

Others have said that we're an ageing group, that is true, don't really feel that old at Lifeline, although I'm probably one of the oldest there, but nighters aren't easy as you age, I'm fortunate in the respect that I'm no longer working but do remember how I used to be on a Monday morning going into work and being all over the place, although I did my best to appear “normal”. Also not easy if your partner isn't into the music, my late wife didn't like me doing nighters for various reasons even though she did like the music.

If Lifeline or whatever it is decided to call it returns and I really hope it does, and if the plan is to finish at 4am, please find a venue with some reasonable B&Bs nearby, it'd be better to get one's head down afterwards rather than hang around waiting for a train home.

Apologies for rambling on.

good 2 hear it will b back  and not much later than the lifeline winter break 

not sure about 4 fin if ur travelling from Scotland ect  

On 9 November 2015 17:02:48, billywhizz said:

As i was banging some bricks down today i was thinking about lifeline. There have been some really good nights there, few people said to me there they where playing to much funk. I personally didn’t think so, just a good mixture all round. I do like my raw 60s and under play. I done a couple of nights at grumpy's musics superber. Its a long way to go for a mini nighter. Grumpy's reminded me of the early days of sherridians. whoever picks the djs should know what their music policies is. Imo i think grumpys and the 100club just got it right. A break from life line will do every one good. Give it about 8weeks lol. come back as life line part 2. you big boys know whats going on ill leave it in your hands. cheers billy ps i forgot to mention burnley top nights there also

I couldn't possibly comment on what's happened since the stables as I've not been since, but I was fairly regular at the stables. I have had some of my best nights out musically at lifeline as I'd always go home having heard something new which I found very refreshing. As Billy has said above about Grumpys which is a long way for a 4am finish but again it was musically a great night, if the quality is there doesn't matter about the distance in my book. Hopefully you will get the right crowd as Grumpys does from what I saw, it's a strange time for any soul promoter I'm guessing & I suppose it's not hard to get disillusioned in the current climate. I'm sure whatever form it takes it will be a success for whoever whatever your catering for 

Edited November 11, 20159 yr by rasfoz

On ‎09‎/‎11‎/‎2015‎ ‎10‎:‎02‎:‎33, cover-up said:

I rarely get along to niters, and as a funk collector I'm also curious what tracks got played at Lifeline.

 

I always find the demonising of funk quite amusing since two of my favourites (Frankie Crocker "Ton Of Dynamite" and Delegates of Soul "I'll Come Running Back") to MY ears ARE just straight up funk records. Eloise Laws "Love Factory" is straight up disco. The purists love to moan about the sound changing, but as previously mentioned, the sound has always been pretty diverse but if a tune is played long enough it just morphs into "northern"...

Being picky, Eloise Laws was cut in early 1973 well before the era associated with disco it was more a progression of Motown with Philly sound influences

I don't think the proposed 4am finish is a good move. I found that when we opened the 100 Club at 10 instead of 1.30 people still didn't bother to turn up until midnight. I think there are only a few hundred people around the country who want to hear the newer discoveries and they are used to attending all-nighters, I think they would prefer to know its there until 6am even if some left at 4.

 

I think the problem is there aren't the "troops on the ground" as Keb might have described them who almost dance to new plays as a point of honour in encouraging the progression of the scene. Both Butch and myself reckon it takes at least two years now to get a record properly recognised by a crowd even if you're playing it every 100 Club. Butch does have a brilliant technique of putting the new ones in at the right place when the dancers are enjoying it so much they don't walk off the floor. I'm still working on it!

 

The other thing is that most newies fans are getting on and don't do the non-stop dancing like they used to, indeed many are record bar frequentees and gold-medal verballers.

I can see the quandary of funk and have found it hard to manage its progression at the 100 Club but it has kept the scene going and in our case enriched it greatly , it's just getting the balance right and hoping DJs are flexible enough to have a varied box they can tailor for the crowd that turns up on any given night.

 

I only managed Lifeline a couple of times (at the Stables) but felt it would benefit from a slightly smaller venue. The organisers, DJs and crowd are absolutely top notch so I hope they can reconvene in 2016 in a bonza venue that satisfies the poorly-served rarities fans up-north.

……”Instead of going to ‘A N Oldies’ event this weekend, let’s try one of them there Upfront events, I’m always hearing we should at least give them a go as they just want to share more great sounds with us”……….”Ok, let’s do it!”………..

………..”Well this is pretty good isn’t it? This record’s amazing I wonder what it is”……….”Go and ask”………”Ok, I will”…………

…………..

…………..”And?”…………..”He wouldn’t tell me, and on top of that, he’s covered the label up so I couldn’t look to see what it was!”……….

 

Have a good weekend wherever you go folks 

All the best,

Len 

"He told me what it was and then when I went to buy one I found it costs £5000 pounds and there's only 1 of them"

 

Edited November 13, 20159 yr by corbett80

1 minute ago, corbett80 said:

"He told me what it was and then when I went to buy one I found it costs £5000 pounds and there's only 1 of them"

 

........"I ain't going there again".......

6 minutes ago, LEN said:

 

 

………..”Well this is pretty good isn’t it? This record’s amazing I wonder what it is”……….”Go and ask”………”Ok, I will”…………

 

 

Len

That's wishful thinking,more like..........."Don't know this it's shit............where never coming here again"

Cheers

Martyn

2 hours ago, hullsoul said:

Len

That's wishful thinking,more like..........."Don't know this it's shit............where never coming here again"

Cheers

Martyn

Sadly there's truth in that. I remember ages ago before I went to Lifeline someone described the records I liked, which weren't that unusual I think, as "London sh*t".

He he. Yup, I've had similar - Len's rare sh*t was the phrase...

Well I'll see some of you at the next 'Sh*t All-nighter' - Can't wait! 

Len 

Edited November 13, 20159 yr by LEN

"Rare shit" = I've never heard this before

On 11/9/2015, 11:06:03, Dave Thorley said:

When I said 'elsewhere' I meant not on this site .......... But anyway here is his full set of comments in a post elsewhere

 

Good day to everyone.. After speaking to Mick , Mace and Chalky we have decided to make the October Lifeline the last one. Many factors have contrubuted to our decision , in particular the saturation of the callender in general - most niters have a " something different " room also the upfront soul nights (there was one on same night as lifeline in October)... then there is the weekenders which all have side rooms. Looking back when we were at the Stables we had a full house of upfront and oldies crowd, all embracing great music then along came Bridlington weekender , this in reality killed lifeline for good half of our regulars drove past the Stables to go to Brid (fine it's a free country) when i spoke to one of the promoters about it he said well it was either clash with 100 club or you ! I said why not move to another date ? shrugged shoulders was the reply one of his partners offered for Lifeline to run a theme room or some of our djs to play there ... I'd sooner show my arse in Binns window on a Saturday afternoon i said. Another factor is the changes in musical trends Lifeline was and is about multiple styles of quality music but the present funky style that is at its height is fine in moderation but not what we are about besides Burnley and Soul-Funktion caters for that genre admirably with great lads behind it - we don't want to be either of those places obviously. The writing is on the wall when in our view great upfront northern and 70's 45's are leaving the floor empty it really is that simple. As it goes i collect and own many of these current trend 45's but i think they should complement not control the environment ( at Lifeline in any case) All that to one side the introduction of fresh plays to the larger mainstream venues was always one of the reasons for Lifeline and hopefully we introduced a few, i certainly have concerns as to which venues will filter good new northern through, after all that is what enables progression and longevity for the scene ? There has to be room for maybe a 8 till 4am venue that can play good quality northern / stafford stuff , a joint that holds 70 people, in reality that is the top and bottom of it,it always was and always will be.We had some cracking nights of madness and are gratefull to all the folk who turned out and all the dj's who played + the many folk who helped out and of course the long suffering ladies Wendy Rawson ,Mandy Walker and more recently Denise Ray North. Mick ,mace and chalky may have a word to add but that's my take ..
Oh yeh thank fuck i no longer have to listen to mick and chalkys cover ups and endure having my arse burned by Allan Coney well at least not untill next time we are out !

Firstly Andy I'd like to point out that the Bridlington weekender has been running for 10 years this coming summer & also only clashes once a year with your events that are over 150 miles away so to blame them is surely a bit of a slow death I think.
Secondly Andy none of the Bridlington promoters said anything about a clash with either you or the 100 club at all (my source? A Bridlington Weekender promoter on the phone tonight).
Thirdly you may have made a comment about showing your arse in a shop window at some time but you certainly did not say it to their face when they offered your event a room at their weekender (my source again was from the horses mouth as mentioned above).
 

Edited November 16, 20159 yr by Cunnie

On 11/16/2015, 10:18:54, Cunnie said:

Firstly Andy I'd like to point out that the Bridlington weekender has been running for 10 years this coming summer & also only clashes once a year with your events that are over 150 miles away so to blame them is surely a bit of a slow death I think.
Secondly Andy none of the Bridlington promoters said anything about a clash with either you or the 100 club at all (my source? A Bridlington Weekender promoter on the phone tonight).
Thirdly you may have made a comment about showing your arse in a shop window at some time but you certainly did not say it to their face when they offered your event a room at their weekender (my source again was from the horses mouth as mentioned above).
 

 .  I ain't interested in getting into spats over such scenarios that aren't too important, but that said i don't post comments up if they are not true. When reffering to Bridlington weekender perhaps the context was a little jumbled on my part when i said "along came the Brilington weekender"  you say it has been running for 9 years - that is great,but not something that i ever questioned .  Lifeline had been going for 11 years with the same fixed dates - before the "clash " you mentioned there had not been any clashes so i assume your dates must have changed at some point ? But a free country like i commented .. Anyhow this is why i mentioned  the weekender (s) !  Brid in particular because it was a turning point... really nothing more or nothing less.  Now Rob Wigley was the guy i spoke to about the clash the place was Dumfries weekender and there was a couple of people stood during or at least part of the the time the conversation took place  - Dave Box was one of them because we carried on with the general chatter about the state of the callender when Rob had left ! so Rob is one of the horses mouths that isn't being straight with you ! Next one is Pat Brady who i spoke to on the phone he called me regarding a matter  that was between Pat and me but has it goes connected with Brid, the call was taped because of the nature of the matter so again your other horses mouth isn't being straight with you !  So the best of luck with Brid in the future i'm sure it will go from strength to strength,  Lifeline couldn't stand the heat so it got out of the fire no dramas or bad feelings to any other promoters, in the slightest simple as that.  That said a spade is a spade with me and for the record i have no problem speaking to Rob Wigley or Pat Brady face to face on any kind of terms  . I really am suprised that Rob can't remember standing talking to me that day, There was other people around i will have to think back , like i say if Pat really does wanna go over that taped call i will be more than happy !