Frank Elson

[Wiganer1]

Been plowing throught Blues AND soul mags ive been lent and it truly is fascinating read especially from the vava niters to the beginning of wigan and all the venues of the day claiming to be the no.01

one major part for the northern soul is frank elsons 'check it out' column invaluable info ref events/venues of the time and the playlists of the day

how important is frank to the history of northern soul,,is he still alive,,active on the scene

anyone know?

as i said fab reading...still only half way through

best

mark

[Guest vinylvixen]

Been plowing throught Blues AND soul mags ive been lent and it truly is fascinating read especially from the vava niters to the beginning of wigan and all the venues of the day claiming to be the no.01

one major part for the northern soul is frank elsons 'check it out' column invaluable info ref events/venues of the time and the playlists of the day

how important is frank to the history of northern soul,,is he still alive,,active on the scene

anyone know?

as i said fab reading...still only half way through

best

mark

Yep, Frank's still alive and kicking and lives in Cowpe in Lancashire - the village where my mother was born

He still writes as a journo....

How important was Frank back in the day? He was a conduit for all the bits of paper handed to him at nighters with details of people's gigs which were duly reported in B&S - if he found the bit of paper at the bottom of his gasmask bag...he cut a strange dash at Wigan...longish hair, John Lennon glasses and a combat jacket...but a thoroughly nice bloke. He'd be very touched to realise that he was being chatted about...

Jo

[Pete S]

Been plowing throught Blues AND soul mags ive been lent and it truly is fascinating read especially from the vava niters to the beginning of wigan and all the venues of the day claiming to be the no.01

one major part for the northern soul is frank elsons 'check it out' column invaluable info ref events/venues of the time and the playlists of the day

how important is frank to the history of northern soul,,is he still alive,,active on the scene

anyone know?

as i said fab reading...still only half way through

best

mark

I don't think he was that well regarded - I've got a Wigan tape somewhere and you can clearly hear someone say "f&cking Frank Elson's here again"

someone I knew spotted him a couple of years back at a Land Rover rally

[BrianB]

I don't think he was that well regarded - I've got a Wigan tape somewhere and you can clearly hear someone say "f&cking Frank Elson's here again"

someone I knew spotted him a couple of years back at a Land Rover rally

Wherever he went from 73 onwards he was surrounded by hangers on. As Pete says, everyone threw bits of paper at him with their names on, or wanting a plug for their venue.

How big was he? 5ft 8". LOL. He was not as big or as well regarded as Mr Godin, but probably more popular than Tony Cummings from Black Echoes, certainly on the Northern scene.

The cool guys avoided him, only the newbies or hangers on spoke to him as a general rule.

Mark

Thanks again mate!!!

[Guest Netspeaky]

Remember getting my pic taken with him for B&S in the early to mid 70's as he was handing out prizes for dancing comp at the Royal in Rhyl, I came third and received a contempo 45.

I guess he championed the scene in the early days in B&S, so was a big driver in his day to knock him now is stupid and I guess pointless, but that's what we tend to do on here.

And as for the COOL guys giving him a miss, yeh.

[Dave Moore]

I must have known a different bloke.

Frank came to most gigs I was involved in in the 70s. Always asked about DJs/Playlists etc and never failed to plug local clubs/places like The Concorde (Burnley) in his column. Remember....there was no internet, no flyers as such and Blues and Soul was the main conduit for info back then.

He was never a Dave Godin clone, they did different jobs. Think it's a bit churlish to knock him now....times change,...as has the "scene".

As for the "cool guys" avoiding him....gues I wasn't as cool as I thought!

Regards,

Dave

www.theresthatbeat.com

www.hitsvillesoulclub.com

[soulfulsaint]

Frank ceratainly had influence on the scene across Lancashire. He was a regular at events in Rochdale Tiffs, Motown in Shaw, 7 Stars in Heywood etc. Maybe his influence was less pronounced as the scene spread across UK. Agree with Dave M that his role was very different from Dave Godin's. Frank was a diarist of the scene, Dave Godin was more of a visionary and for my money a better writer. Different strokes.

[soulsalmon]

Frank ceratainly had influence on the scene across Lancashire. He was a regular at events in Rochdale Tiffs, Motown in Shaw, 7 Stars in Heywood etc. Maybe his influence was less pronounced as the scene spread across UK. Agree with Dave M that his role was very different from Dave Godin's. Frank was a diarist of the scene, Dave Godin was more of a visionary and for my money a better writer. Different strokes.

He was just a journo,his visits to venues were just for material for his column,he went on to write about other things he pretended to be interested in.Inever saw him at tiffs

[Guest Soultown andy]

He now writes the look back page in the bolton evening news,which is about times gone by in bolton which is quite interesting if you live in bolton .

[Julianb]

Used to see Frank regularly at the Mecca - he used to write an events type 'diary' for Blues and Soul ( I seem to remember) + details of the events he visited + the people he met. For the folk on here with the old B&S ( Rob Wigley got all mine!!!) you should be able to find a reference to my wife's bottom being nice!!! ( all these years later, it's still not bad).

Last time I saw Frank was at the filming of SWONS at the Victoria & Albert Hotel in Manchester - had a good chat about the old days and also met up with the likes of Kegsy, Andy Simpson, Rob Bellars etc etc before doing our bit for Mr Levine!

Julian

[soulfulsaint]

He was just a journo,his visits to venues were just for material for his column,he went on to write about other things he pretended to be interested in.Inever saw him at tiffs

....Must have been another guy with a beard and a bomber jacket who was taking notes for his Blues and Soul column. My mistake. Strange things happened in Lancashire back then - 7 Stars had a mural of Alvin Stardust on the wall as I remember.

[Soulsmith]

I remember him originally being almost a champion of the NS scene.

But he was seduced by the emerging Jazz Funk scene.

From then on he wrote sometimes in a disparaging way about our beloved scene.

As far as I was concerned he was batting for the opposition.

But I think he did later write a column apologising for his lack of faith.

Which sort of makes it ok

Col.

[Soulsmith]

....Must have been another guy with a beard and a bomber jacket who was taking notes for his Blues and Soul column. My mistake. Strange things happened in Lancashire back then - 7 Stars had a mural of Alvin Stardust on the wall as I remember.

I don't think Frank Elson could ever be confused with Alvin Stardust

[macca]

I met frank at peterborough one night, might have been 77 or 78.

I found him to be a decent sort, always up for a natter with his cup of tea.

& like dave godin, he was also a bonafide bob dylan fan, which kind of pours poop on the argument about 'so called icons' not appealing to the soul fraternity.

in short, poppycock. but I won't go there, nay, nay & thrice nay...

mac (unspeakably cool)

p.s. who the f*** is amy winsome anyway?

Edited September 21, 2006 by macca

[Guest]

I don't think Frank Elson could ever be confused with Alvin Stardust

Frank Elson was indeed one of THE champions of / for the scene back in the 70s . The inclusion of a write up about your venue in his " Check It Out " column in Blues & Soul , meant that it had earned the seal of approval , and therefore , was well worth a visit .

Frank did a lot of sterling and creditable work on behalf of myself when I was operating the Wakefield Unity All - Nighters in 1977 . He came to every nighter , and always favourably mentioned it in the next edition of B&S . His support of , and the respective scribings about the Unity during that time , definately earned it credibility on the scene .

Frank Elson : Top Man .

Malc Burton

[Sean Hampsey]

Frank Elson : Top Man .

Malc Burton

Very much agree Malc,

Frank was just 'one of the guys' in many ways in an enviable position in being able to dedicate almost his entire 'Check It Out' column to N.Soul events.

But his endorsement, mention or review, leant a lot of credibility to even the smallest gig, normally resulting in increased numbers.

He also had a pretty good 'ear'. I often went on his recomendations and was rarely disappointed.

Looking back, he even once reviewd the '2001 Black Essence "Change In My Life" 45 as avirtual new release... a record that wasn't 'discovered' or played on the scene until some 25 years later....So maybe not as uncool as some might have thought!

Frank also popularised Beards... and I've been ever grateful to him for that... as were you Malc at one time!

Sean Hampsey

[Godzilla]

His Blues & Soul column was crucial reading if you needed to compare the pie prices across various venues.

Godz

[Guest in town Mikey]

His Blues & Soul column was crucial reading if you needed to compare the pie prices across various venues.

Godz

As a 13 year old kid, his column was always unmissable. My head was turned by reading wierd words I'd never heard before. Congleton, Keithly, Bingley and the fantastically named Todmorden. They were my Majorca or Benidorm. While my school friends dreamed of going somewhere more exotic than Minehead, I dreamt of fantastic events that Cam Youth club could only dream of.

And it never left. As I grew up I read it religously. Only moving on to Black Echoes after I'd left school. I think Pat Brady might have been doing BE, then.

[Guest martinsbox]

Been plowing throught Blues AND soul mags ive been lent and it truly is fascinating read especially from the vava niters to the beginning of wigan and all the venues of the day claiming to be the no.01

one major part for the northern soul is frank elsons 'check it out' column invaluable info ref events/venues of the time and the playlists of the day

how important is frank to the history of northern soul,,is he still alive,,active on the scene

anyone know?

as i said fab reading...still only half way through

best

mark

Published in a mag. years ago, taking the p*** out of old Frank E. Not meaning to take offence, at the time I thought it quite funny. His obvious style of journalism helped (in my view) get extra people at the northern do's of the day!!

Read and weep.

Frank Olson's Column. . . . . . The bare facts from Frank himself.

Yes, my readers here I am again taking time from Abuse & Soul to bore the pants off you in typical Frank Olson style. Thought you might like to know that my recent operation went very well and from now on please address all mail to Mrs. Frank Olson! As you know I've been beetling around M/C visiting shops and molesting young children, and jumping off high buildings in order to bring you the Northern news only 3 weeks after it happens. I've been a bit behind lately so I'll catch up in my next column and let you have a report on The Torch, The Pendlum and an exciting exclusive story about a new all-nighter possibly starting at Wigan Casino, so read my next column. Dave Godin has just told me that he's a vegetarian and as soon as I find out what that means I'll become one too, as you all know I'm Dave's biggest fan, which isn't bad when you remember I'm only 4'6". I may be quitting my post as Chief Rat Catcher, as there is a vacancy for a bouncer at Mothercare and I'm applying, alongside Ronnie Corbett and Arthur Askey. I'm more likely to get the job as they're 10 years older than me. I haven't much room left so I'll just briefly tell you of a few disco's I've recently checked out. Warrington over 40's Brass Band Annual Stomping Contest. Absolutely brilliant, full of vibes, great brasswork and smashing cheese sandwiches. Come here every year, (now there's a novelty!) never disappointed. Mrs Winterbottom's hot cocoa is unbeatable and she's got a smashing pair of bookends. DJ's Ageold Archie and Orson Welles brother -in-law Orson Carriage. Luton Girl's Choir End Of Term Rat Bashing Celebration. What can you say about this? Rat bashers from all over Salford arrive at Three in the morning, rub gravel into their brains, read Melody Maker and finally on horseback chase Des O'Connor for three miles before cutting off his dreadlocks. Coronation Street looks pale after this. Don't forget to stand well back when they screw his leg to a coffee table. The Stockport Dirty Old Men's Annual Flash On The M1 Bypass Near Chipping Sodbury. And I thought the Torch was lively. I arrived early to catch sight of Ian Levine's entry, it was a magnificent specimin and looked smashing in that glass case. Don't forget your dirty mac, and apart from that wear nothing but a smile. At 5 in the afternoon, walk to the edge of the motorway, unbutton your coat and show the startled motorists what you're made of, and fellas, rise to the occasion. Then it's straight back to the pavillion for a spot of paraffin tasting. Too much, call me 12" Frank. The Fish Counter At W.H.Samuels (M/C Branch). Probably the event of the year. I sat patiently and waited for the first customer to arrive. A grubby looking transvestite sauntered over at 9 o'clock moving at a very fast pace. The crowd rose in anticipation but at the last minute he veered off to the Ladies Underwear Stall. Everyone sat down dissapointed. Then over by the Powder Puff Tent I spotted a small man with a bowler hat and scarf crawling along the floor in the direction of the Fish Counter. I didn't want to build up my hopes as there was nothing unusual about that. Then, when I least expected it he leapt up and ran to the counter. The crowd went wild as he took out his wallet and bought 2lb of Haddock, yes 2lb! People were falling round everywhere, so I put my shoes back on. Right behind him came Elsie the tea lady. She pushed her trolley over to the counter and said in a low voice "Supposing I was to say 2lb of Cod?". The girl behind the counter turned to the crowd and they nodded with glee (this was fun) Elsie made her purchase and then said in an even lower voice "Supposing I was to say Tony Blackburn?" Once again the young assistant turned to the crowd, but they'd already made a run for it, they were horrified. So that was that, pretty dissapointing on the whole. Now for the real meaty stuff. So there you are, I've had a letter from a reader in St Helens so I'll read it to you. "Dear Dave Godin, you know how much I fancy you . . . . . . ." oops!!! sorry, wrong page (I must remember to post that one). Here it is "Dear Frank, I say Dear, but you know how much I joke, I just thought you might like to know that it takes me 5 minutes to read your column these days (Does this guy read it twice?), you are completely out of touch with the northern scene, one would think you'd understand grassroots as you're nearer the floor than anyone else, but your coverage of the northern scene is little more than abysmal" signed IVOR, Melton Mobray . . . . . . . . . Mind you I do get some bad letters, they don't always praise me! Finally here are a few things that I like: SMALL WOMEN, DAVE GODIN, BOBBY BLAND, DAVE GODIN, LAMONT DOZIER, DAVE GODIN, DRINKING CIDER THROUGH A STRAW, 10 WOODBINES, DAVE GODIN, BOB MILLS, DAVE GODIN and of course my memories which I have been asked to write by Goat Breeders News. I often think about the old clubs, in particular The Wheel, which I helped build as I was a hod-carrier for Lego at the time. What happened to that last line? Keep the faith.

[Guest vinylvixen]

I met frank at peterborough one night, might have been 77 or 78.

I found him to be a decent sort, always up for a natter with his cup of tea.

& like dave godin, he was also a bonafide bob dylan fan, which kind of pours poop on the argument about 'so called icons' not appealing to the soul fraternity.

in short, poppycock. but I won't go there, nay, nay & thrice nay...

mac (unspeakably cool)

p.s. who the f*** is amy winsome anyway?

LOL Macca...Amy Winehouse said the same thing about you You're right Macca, Frank is a decent bloke who loves landrovers and still has an interest in soul. Dave Godin also liked trams...although I've never got Bob Dylan.....

To be fair, Pete, there were a few soulies who didn't approve of Frank being at 'their' gig as he didn't follow the accepted dress code of nighters - and god forbid, had a beard But, as also pointed out in a couple of posts, in the pre-internet age, one had to pay for a small ad in B&S to advertise a gig and Frank's column was a boon to the smaller nights who were on a tight budget. This practice may seem quaint and amateur to many people on SS who weren't around at the time but bits of paper to Frank were the norm....I guess all those uncool people were promoters Kim Style's church hall gig in Tunbridge Wells got mentioned in Frank's piece once....a far cry from Bury or Preston but it gave the night kudos - and that mention put it on the Northern Soul map... Anyway, let's not go down the negative route of discreditting someone's past efforts on the scene if they're not here to defend themselves. Shall I invite Frank to contribute?....Jo

[Guest vinylvixen]

He now writes the look back page in the bolton evening news,which is about times gone by in bolton which is quite interesting if you live in bolton .

Don't you, Andy You must be glued to it LOL. Jo

[Guest vinylvixen]

Published in a mag. years ago, taking the p*** out of old Frank E. Not meaning to take offence, at the time I thought it quite funny. His obvious style of journalism helped (in my view) get extra people at the northern do's of the day!!

Read and weep.

Frank Olson's Column. . . . . . The bare facts from Frank himself.

I've recently checked out. Warrington over 40's Brass Band Annual Stomping Contest. Absolutely brilliant, full of vibes, great brasswork and smashing cheese sandwiches. Keep the faith.

I was there Although the crusts on the sandwiches were a little stale.... Priceless Martin....thanks for posting. Jo

[Guest martinsbox]

I was there Although the crusts on the sandwiches were a little stale.... Priceless Martin....thanks for posting. Jo

Glad you liked it. Obviously an old venue very close to your heart!!

Martin

p.s. taken from a hidden page in https://martins_box.tripod.com/ . More gems to be found within.

[Guest vinylvixen]

Glad you liked it. Obviously an old venue very close to your heart!!

Martin

p.s. taken from a hidden page in https://martins_box.tripod.com/ . More gems to be found within.

I used to look after the Brass Band section in HMVs in Oxford St in 1977....I had my finger on the pulse of teenage taste All I can remember about Warrington is that it smelt of washing powder when you got off the train.... Jo

[Guest martyn]

His Blues & Soul column was crucial reading if you needed to compare the pie prices across various venues.

Godz

[Guest]

To re-iterate what has already been said F.E. was just a guy who grew up i the Oldham area and was into N.S.,He wasn,t particularly"cutting edge" but was a friendly,likeable guy and(as has been mentioned) in those days getting your little mid-week soul gig busy,relied much on word of mouth--no Soulsource,Mark Bicknell,etc. --so a mention in his column was like Manna from Heaven.I met him twice and he came across as an o.k. guy.

[Guest]

Very much agree Malc,

Frank was just 'one of the guys' in many ways in an enviable position in being able to dedicate almost his entire 'Check It Out' column to N.Soul events.

But his endorsement, mention or review, leant a lot of credibility to even the smallest gig, normally resulting in increased numbers.

He also had a pretty good 'ear'. I often went on his recomendations and was rarely disappointed.

Looking back, he even once reviewd the '2001 Black Essence "Change In My Life" 45 as avirtual new release... a record that wasn't 'discovered' or played on the scene until some 25 years later....So maybe not as uncool as some might have thought!

Frank also popularised Beards... and I've been ever grateful to him for that... as were you Malc at one time!

Sean Hampsey

Often thought I would like to rejoin the ranks of the bearded ones again , dear friend ; but the only problem is that if I did , I would now bear a striking resemblence to Kenny Rodgers .....

Malc Burton

[Guest melandthensome]

I didnt rate him personally........especially after reading some of his reviews and stating that the 'vougues' were a cross between Bobby Bland and someone else.This after reviewing 'thats the tune'

Mind you he had a tough act to follow in DAVE GODIN.

He came to a venue just outside Ormskirk in a place called Burscough to hear and write about the soulspinners 4.A group of guys on the scene and pretty good at spinning the 45s.

T hat night I think either when he was there or just after he Left a big fight broke out with tables chairs beer bottles etc flying everywhere.

I remember as our kid dropped a few that night.

Anyway

He would always criticise the gear taking/etc and tried to cover the real scene as it was.I remember him publicly naming pete lawson and Keith Bradley for cutting emi-discs at the time which were being done since the early days down at Carnforth.But he never named any of this.

I never knew him personally

but saw him a lot and he was rather alert as they say when he knew a few of the boys were around.He is probably a nice guy but I am just giving my personal opinion from my experiences with him.

Mel-at the daily Bugle'

[Guest SteveM]

Often thought I would like to rejoin the ranks of the bearded ones again , dear friend ; but the only problem is that if I did , I would now bear a striking resemblence to Kenny Rodgers .....

Malc Burton

Don't you mean Roy Rogers horse Maic ?

[Modernsoulsucks]

Published in a mag. years ago, taking the p*** out of old Frank E. Not meaning to take offence, at the time I thought it quite funny. His obvious style of journalism helped (in my view) get extra people at the northern do's of the day!!

Read and weep.

Frank Olson's Column. . . . . . The bare facts from Frank himself.

Yes, my readers here I am again taking time from Abuse & Soul to bore the pants off you in typical Frank Olson style. Thought you might like to know that my recent operation went very well and from now on please address all mail to Mrs. Frank Olson! As you know I've been beetling around M/C visiting shops and molesting young children, and jumping off high buildings in order to bring you the Northern news only 3 weeks after it happens. I've been a bit behind lately so I'll catch up in my next column and let you have a report on The Torch, The Pendlum and an exciting exclusive story about a new all-nighter possibly starting at Wigan Casino, so read my next column. Dave Godin has just told me that he's a vegetarian and as soon as I find out what that means I'll become one too, as you all know I'm Dave's biggest fan, which isn't bad when you remember I'm only 4'6". I may be quitting my post as Chief Rat Catcher, as there is a vacancy for a bouncer at Mothercare and I'm applying, alongside Ronnie Corbett and Arthur Askey. I'm more likely to get the job as they're 10 years older than me. I haven't much room left so I'll just briefly tell you of a few disco's I've recently checked out. Warrington over 40's Brass Band Annual Stomping Contest. Absolutely brilliant, full of vibes, great brasswork and smashing cheese sandwiches. Come here every year, (now there's a novelty!) never disappointed. Mrs Winterbottom's hot cocoa is unbeatable and she's got a smashing pair of bookends. DJ's Ageold Archie and Orson Welles brother -in-law Orson Carriage. Luton Girl's Choir End Of Term Rat Bashing Celebration. What can you say about this? Rat bashers from all over Salford arrive at Three in the morning, rub gravel into their brains, read Melody Maker and finally on horseback chase Des O'Connor for three miles before cutting off his dreadlocks. Coronation Street looks pale after this. Don't forget to stand well back when they screw his leg to a coffee table. The Stockport Dirty Old Men's Annual Flash On The M1 Bypass Near Chipping Sodbury. And I thought the Torch was lively. I arrived early to catch sight of Ian Levine's entry, it was a magnificent specimin and looked smashing in that glass case. Don't forget your dirty mac, and apart from that wear nothing but a smile. At 5 in the afternoon, walk to the edge of the motorway, unbutton your coat and show the startled motorists what you're made of, and fellas, rise to the occasion. Then it's straight back to the pavillion for a spot of paraffin tasting. Too much, call me 12" Frank. The Fish Counter At W.H.Samuels (M/C Branch). Probably the event of the year. I sat patiently and waited for the first customer to arrive. A grubby looking transvestite sauntered over at 9 o'clock moving at a very fast pace. The crowd rose in anticipation but at the last minute he veered off to the Ladies Underwear Stall. Everyone sat down dissapointed. Then over by the Powder Puff Tent I spotted a small man with a bowler hat and scarf crawling along the floor in the direction of the Fish Counter. I didn't want to build up my hopes as there was nothing unusual about that. Then, when I least expected it he leapt up and ran to the counter. The crowd went wild as he took out his wallet and bought 2lb of Haddock, yes 2lb! People were falling round everywhere, so I put my shoes back on. Right behind him came Elsie the tea lady. She pushed her trolley over to the counter and said in a low voice "Supposing I was to say 2lb of Cod?". The girl behind the counter turned to the crowd and they nodded with glee (this was fun) Elsie made her purchase and then said in an even lower voice "Supposing I was to say Tony Blackburn?" Once again the young assistant turned to the crowd, but they'd already made a run for it, they were horrified. So that was that, pretty dissapointing on the whole. Now for the real meaty stuff. So there you are, I've had a letter from a reader in St Helens so I'll read it to you. "Dear Dave Godin, you know how much I fancy you . . . . . . ." oops!!! sorry, wrong page (I must remember to post that one). Here it is "Dear Frank, I say Dear, but you know how much I joke, I just thought you might like to know that it takes me 5 minutes to read your column these days (Does this guy read it twice?), you are completely out of touch with the northern scene, one would think you'd understand grassroots as you're nearer the floor than anyone else, but your coverage of the northern scene is little more than abysmal" signed IVOR, Melton Mobray . . . . . . . . . Mind you I do get some bad letters, they don't always praise me! Finally here are a few things that I like: SMALL WOMEN, DAVE GODIN, BOBBY BLAND, DAVE GODIN, LAMONT DOZIER, DAVE GODIN, DRINKING CIDER THROUGH A STRAW, 10 WOODBINES, DAVE GODIN, BOB MILLS, DAVE GODIN and of course my memories which I have been asked to write by Goat Breeders News. I often think about the old clubs, in particular The Wheel, which I helped build as I was a hod-carrier for Lego at the time. What happened to that last line? Keep the faith.

That's gotta be Dave McCadden. Think he wrote that cos Frank's column was more or less a rehash of the ads found elsewhere in B&S.

I've seen Frank in the past 12 months at a do around Burnley. My wife recognised him right away and said that he'd hit on her when she was younger. Although it was several years and lbs ago I find it slightly disconcerting that Frank and I share the same taste in women.

ROD

[Guest]

Don't you mean Roy Rogers horse Maic ?

Like it , like it ......

Malc Burton

[mark ellis]

Frank Elson was indeed one of THE champions of / for the scene back in the 70s . The inclusion of a write up about your venue in his " Check It Out " column in Blues & Soul , meant that it had earned the seal of approval , and therefore , was well worth a visit .

Frank did a lot of sterling and creditable work on behalf of myself when I was operating the Wakefield Unity All - Nighters in 1977 . He came to every nighter , and always favourably mentioned it in the next edition of B&S . His support of , and the respective scribings about the Unity during that time , definately earned it credibility on the scene .

Frank Elson : Top Man .

Malc Burton

He was also rather partial to the buttered scones available at the Wakefield Unity All - Nighters & mentioned it in at least one of his reviews, I found them a bit on the dry side myself.

Mark.

[Paul R]

I didnt rate him personally........especially after reading some of his reviews and stating that the 'vougues' were a cross between Bobby Bland and someone else.This after reviewing 'thats the tune'

Mind you he had a tough act to follow in DAVE GODIN.

He came to a venue just outside Ormskirk in a place called Burscough to hear and write about the soulspinners 4.A group of guys on the scene and pretty good at spinning the 45s.

T hat night I think either when he was there or just after he Left a big fight broke out with tables chairs beer bottles etc flying everywhere.

I remember as our kid dropped a few that night.

Anyway

He would always criticise the gear taking/etc and tried to cover the real scene as it was.I remember him publicly naming pete lawson and Keith Bradley for cutting emi-discs at the time which were being done since the early days down at Carnforth.But he never named any of this.

I never knew him personally

but saw him a lot and he was rather alert as they say when he knew a few of the boys were around.He is probably a nice guy but I am just giving my personal opinion from my experiences with him.

Mel-at the daily Bugle'

Hello Mel, how are you mate. Yes,. I remember the night Elsie Frankson came down to Burscough football club. I was 15 and it was just before The 1973 August bank holiday Whitchurch dayer which was my first real do. Jeff Cheatham of the Soul spinners introduced me to Elsie & and I was going to get a name check in B&S. Unforunately the only slight mention I got was when he said, That people didn't look down on you because you were 15.. They feckin did, I was only 5 Foot 5 at the time . A few months after that it was Va Vas, Wigan and no sleep till Monday. Happy days.

He certainly was not happy with Pete & Kieth was he. Didn't he threaten report them to trading standards?

Paul Rimmer

[Steve G]

I think in the early days when I first got into Northern he was quite influencial, as his columns captured a vibrant scene with loads happening and it was all a bit of a mystery to a young 15 year old. Living in Kent I could only imagine how great some of these weekly soul nights "oop't norf" sounded. And his early reviews of the Casino and elsewhere captured the spirit of togetherness that everyone seemingly had. You got the impression from reading his columns that the scene was huge, and that once you passed the Watford gap there was nothing but "northern" wherever you went, when in reality it was always a minority sport, even in Wigan and Manchester.

With time, age, travel and increasing sophistication / knowledge the column did lose it's appeal, and by 1977/8 just looked like a name check for the good, the bad and the ugly of the scene. Real information was sparce, and it was really just a pluggers paradise - bit like the Wambler in Echoes, only with a couple of pics of soul girls in clubs to add interest. I remember one column from that era where he erroneously transcribed some of Russ's titles , that was really when I saw it for what it was. And as others have said, the move to Jazz Funk which was happening post the Mecca split, and which Elson championed over all else.

Seemed a nice enough cove though whenever I spoke to him.

[Guest melandthensome]

All right Paul

a long long time since we last saw each other mate.How ya doing and hows your CHRISTINE.

I remember when I was aged 13/14 and was going to the casino when at a wed or friday night soul night I was dancing to the Salvadors 'stick by me baby' when do you remember that clown that was always in Ormskirk with Simmo/tommy/etc etc the local all-nighter crew about 73ish who was from Kettering I think and always had a 'Howard Mallatts Soul Club ' badge on his keks.

Thought he was TOP punter.

He took the piss out of me in Ormskirk for only being a Kid and what did I know etc.

Well that night at wigan

he came over to me on the dancefloor and was all over me like a Rash.I think it was probably because he found out who our kid was plus the old wheel guys/women I was with from Southport etc all well older than me and he was shaking my hand etc.

I told him to piss off.

Too right there was crap given to the younger punters then but fortunatley or unfortunatley LOL I was with the 'old crew' from way back and seeing this a lot was never ever said.TOSSERS...............

Elson threatened Pete n Bradfs but never went through with it after a meeting or two with certain unscrupulous punters at the time having a word in his ear like.

I remember being at yours in burscough aged 14 with Simmo etc and all ready to go the Casino and I have fond memories of your Christine especially from the way she backed me up etc when she worked in the record bar for Rumbelows........

Which I wont divulge as I will be getting my collar felt LOL.

keep in touch mate

Mel.

[Guest martinsbox]

That's gotta be Dave McCadden. Think he wrote that cos Frank's column was more or less a rehash of the ads found elsewhere in B&S.

I've seen Frank in the past 12 months at a do around Burnley. My wife recognised him right away and said that he'd hit on her when she was younger. Although it was several years and lbs ago I find it slightly disconcerting that Frank and I share the same taste in women.

ROD

Yes you got it, Dave Mc.Cadden to a tee wouldn't you say!! When the royal family get a mention I'll post his brilliant script on them as well. Alas, only Dave could tie them in with Northern Soul.

Martin

[Paul R]

All right Paul

a long long time since we last saw each other mate.How ya doing and hows your CHRISTINE.

I remember when I was aged 13/14 and was going to the casino when at a wed or friday night soul night I was dancing to the Salvadors 'stick by me baby' when do you remember that clown that was always in Ormskirk with Simmo/tommy/etc etc the local all-nighter crew about 73ish who was from Kettering I think and always had a 'Howard Mallatts Soul Club ' badge on his keks.

Thought he was TOP punter.

He took the piss out of me in Ormskirk for only being a Kid and what did I know etc.

Well that night at wigan

he came over to me on the dancefloor and was all over me like a Rash.I think it was probably because he found out who our kid was plus the old wheel guys/women I was with from Southport etc all well older than me and he was shaking my hand etc.

I told him to piss off.

Too right there was crap given to the younger punters then but fortunatley or unfortunatley LOL I was with the 'old crew' from way back and seeing this a lot was never ever said.TOSSERS...............

Elson threatened Pete n Bradfs but never went through with it after a meeting or two with certain unscrupulous punters at the time having a word in his ear like.

I remember being at yours in burscough aged 14 with Simmo etc and all ready to go the Casino and I have fond memories of your Christine especially from the way she backed me up etc when she worked in the record bar for Rumbelows........

Which I wont divulge as I will be getting my collar felt LOL.

keep in touch mate

Mel.

Yeh, we had quite a scene going round Ormskirk in those days. and I remember the Rumbelos/ Russ incident. I think it revolved around some pressings including Walk In My Shoes by the "Magnificents".

I also remember the Howard Mallett guy. Glad your, still around. Some mutual friends didn't make it.

Paul

Edited September 26, 2006 by Paul r

[Guest melandthensome]

Yeah you said it mate

a lot of brothers n Sisters are not here today that have since passed on.I know a lot from over the years anyway I will keep in touch paul

us youngsters gotta stay together ya dig........LOL.

I have no idea about this 'Pressings malarky' thing you are referring too LOL

I am a respected and well honoured ex-member of the brigade of guards I will have you know........ .

Take it easy paul

you jolly old jack tar you.

[Guest martinsbox]

a lot of brothers n Sisters are not here today that have since passed on.I know a lot from over the years . . .

And us youngsters are getting no younger either. Time can be very cruel.

Martin