Could this virus cause the end of the live NS scene as we know it, And how can we help to save it, the clock is ticking, and the Night time economy will never return as it was before the writing was on the wall 5 years ago this virus has put the icing on the cake faster than was thought, Ideas anybody, ?

KR

ML

On 26/08/2020 at 17:19, Monny1916 said:

You weren't even there at the beginning when it was underground, 

I assumed that implied you thought you were there at the beginning. Apologies if you meant something different but that’s how it reads 

30 minutes ago, Ady Croasdell said:

I assumed that implied you thought you were there at the beginning. Apologies if you meant something different but that’s how it reads 

One of the first things I learned as a young apprentice was ( never work on assumption) Apologies accepted, thanks

can we get back to the original thrust of this topic

here's the original post...

On 11/08/2020 at 12:56, Hooker1951 said:

Could this virus cause the end of the live NS scene as we know it, And how can we help to save it, the clock is ticking, and the Night time economy will never return as it was before the writing was on the wall 5 years ago this virus has put the icing on the cake faster than was thought, Ideas anybody, ?

KR

ML

 

As more weeks pass with an increasing infection rate (albeit a decreasing death rate) I can't see the Gov't lifting the restrictions on dancehalls or night clubs anytime before Christmas now. I know some events like Richard Searling's Blackpool tower are still hedging their bets and not cancelling until it's absolutely obvious that they will not go ahead and I understand this; some ticket sales means some money coming in even if it gets transferred to next year, but it would seem incredibly unlikely that they'd allow an indoor event of 2,000 people, with loud music, no distancing and dancing to take place in just over two months time.

In the meantime, though, it will inevitably mean many venues will close, probably permanently - furlough scheme ends October, loan schemes November; people just don't have the reserves to wait for another 2, 3, 4 months or more. So I reckon unless there is either a radical change in Gov't policy regarding financial support or the virus just miraculously dies out then the number of venues will drastically reduce. 

This will obviously affect the scene but who knows how far or for how long?

Edited August 30, 20204 yr by Timillustrator

1 hour ago, Timillustrator said:

As more weeks pass with an increasing infection rate (albeit a decreasing death rate) I can't see the Gov't lifting the restrictions on dancehalls or night clubs anytime before Christmas now. I know some events like Richard Searling's Blackpool tower are still hedging their bets and not cancelling until it's absolutely obvious that they will not go ahead and I understand this; some ticket sales means some money coming in even if it gets transferred to next year, but it would seem incredibly unlikely that they'd allow an indoor event of 2,000 people, with loud music, no distancing and dancing to take place in just over two months time.

In the meantime, though, it will inevitably mean many venues will close, probably permanently - furlough scheme ends October, loan schemes November; people just don't have the reserves to wait for another 2, 3, 4 months or more. So I reckon unless there is either a radical change in Gov't policy regarding financial support or the virus just miraculously dies out then the number of venues will drastically reduce. 

This will obviously affect the scene but who knows how far or for how long?

Yea not sure about that, because the venues are there, the djs are there, the people are there, once every thing opens up i think the soul scene and pretty much everything else will rebound back very quickly,  just my opinion. 

4 hours ago, Mike said:

can we get back to the original thrust of this topic

here's the original post...

 

Sorry didn't see the original thrust of this topic, so my answer is NO ,,, Reason ,, we are resilient 50+ years and counting,, God Bless Monny 

7 minutes ago, Leicester Boy said:

Yea not sure about that, because the venues are there, the djs are there, the people are there, once every thing opens up i think the soul scene and pretty much everything else will rebound back very quickly,  just my opinion. 

My sentiments exactly, 

Back in the day when things were much less complicated, we would all arrange a lift to wherever for a soul doo. Distance wasn't a prob. The venues were small dark and dingy Brill atmosphere, not like the floodlit venues of today crap dance floor, extortionate bar prices, divvs everywhere, ect. So maybe it's about time and hope we can get back to these places, one of my fav place is the sink in Liverpool totally dingy and the atmosphere is great. So maybe playing tunes in your house isn't such a bad thing, get some friends round, and annoy all those so called soul djs off who just play there northern disco tunes like wade in the f#water 

I think we should be optimistic, and regard the current Covid19 pandemic as something of an opportunity.

Collectors with access to funds or credit may well be filling their hot-boxes right now. Auction sales reveal no shortage of big-hitters, whilst there are bargains galore to be had online. I suspect there are plenty of wannabe DJ’s out there, itching to spin their latest acquisitions in public.

When life returns to normal, let’s hope that some of the collectors turn to promoting local venues. It would be good to see dealers and DJ’s promoting fewer, but larger events that attract record buyers and dancers alike. Surely, the owners of venues will be willing to help support events that boost bar takings.

Letting my imagination go wild, I can even see weekend events in Cleethorpes, Prestatyn and Blackpool becoming giant foam parties as youngsters abandon Magaluf, Ayia Napa and Tenerife to embrace the hedonism of Northern Soul as it sweeps around the globe. At last, the era of the super-well-paid Northern DJ finally arrives as sums of £100,000 are paid to those with the finest collections of rare sounds...

2 hours ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Collectors with access to funds or credit may well be filling their hot-boxes right now. Auction sales reveal no shortage of big-hitters, whilst there are bargains galore to be had online. 

I think that statement can be applied to any week since the late 90s from my personal experience and probably for much longer in the experience of others.  I can’t remember a week go by where a big hitter hasn’t been finishing in an auction.  It’s a constant cycle.

 

regarding Covid I was told today no hospital admissions in Leicester since lockdown was implemented again so was it necessary ? Is the virus mutating and weakening will it come back stronger ?

 

i am remaining cautious and careful but feel ready to get back to normal now.

 

large capacity sport crowds and nightclubs probably the 2 environments that carry the most risk IMO.

Perhaps we are missing something here.

Could this be the climate and the opportunity for closing down clubs and events held within residential areas where local councils have plans for redevelopment.  Prior to Covid it was business as usual but now the financial burden and loss of earnings could close them down through this “no business -starvation “ waiting game.

Just a thought......

 

1 hour ago, Bossfourpart1 said:

Perhaps we are missing something here.

Could this be the climate and the opportunity for closing down clubs and events held within residential areas where local councils have plans for redevelopment.  Prior to Covid it was business as usual but now the financial burden and loss of earnings could close them down through this “no business -starvation “ waiting game.

Just a thought......

 

A very good point, personally I think it will be the very large venues with massive overheads and the very small venues with little income that'll go. The middle range clubs - British Legions, social clubs and the like will probably make it though, many are open anyway as pubs. 

All I can say is some of you don't know the UK scene as well as you think.  If you think there will be much different you are seriously mistaken.  Yes some clubs and pubs might shut but the promoters, long term and Johnny come lately, serious and divvy alike will find somewhere.  There is plenty of evidence on social media of little change with people chomping at the bit with venues up and down the country up and running, out not following the guidelines and laws that are in place.

5 hours ago, Frankie Crocker said:

Letting my imagination go wild, I can even see weekend events in Cleethorpes, Prestatyn and Blackpool becoming giant foam parties as youngsters abandon Magaluf, Ayia Napa and Tenerife to embrace the hedonism of Northern Soul as it sweeps around the globe. At last, the era of the super-well-paid Northern DJ finally arrives as sums of £100,000 are paid to those with the finest collections of rare sounds...

I was with you all the way until the foam parties and Bob Sinclar ... 

I think we need at least one winter before we can tell how the virus is evolving. Possibly 2. As much as I am hoping that we get events back for next summer there's every chance that there will be serious disruption then too, considering what's happening in some other countries right now. 

Especially considering the age group which most of us belong to, for any scene to continue we all need to stay well - punters, promoters, deejays, everybody. A couple of years of little or no going out is a small price to pay for ensuring there's enough people to revive the scene once things get better. Then I think it will bounce back pretty quick. We just need to look after ourselves - eat more fruit, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, get regular exercise, wash hands, etc.

Getting to that magical moment will also require some thought and planning from people who are paid to have that kind of responsibility, but that's another story.

 

Noticed a few low key dos at the weekend  people dancing away saw on Facebook etc . I say low key with a hint of sarcasm because one looked pretty well attended the other was more a collectors thing ? 

If people flaunt the guidelines it’s on them if anything happens it’s not like fat overweight soulies are not a vulnerable group ? 

Just had a thought have another Spike Island instead of the Stone Roses put a weekender on for the Idiots , Flat Cappers Bootleg DJ s Johnny Come Latelys etc and let them all fall by the sword 🗡! 
 

4 minutes ago, Baz Atkinson said:

Noticed a few low key dos at the weekend  people dancing away saw on Facebook etc . I say low key with a hint of sarcasm because one looked pretty well attended the other was more a collectors thing ? 

If people flaunt the guidelines it’s on them if anything happens it’s not like fat overweight soulies are not a vulnerable group ? 

Just had a thought have another Spike Island instead of the Stone Roses put a weekender on for the Idiots , Flat Cappers Bootleg DJ s Johnny Come Latelys etc and let them all fall by the sword 🗡! 
 

Spike Island. West Bank.  My home town of Widnes. The now infamous Stone Roses concert, I should have been part of the security team for the gig but I was awol having not got home from the nighter the previous night 🤔😁😇. I can't even remember what the nighter was🤔😁

9 minutes ago, Winsford Soul said:

Spike Island. West Bank.  My home town of Widnes. The now infamous Stone Roses concert, I should have been part of the security team for the gig but I was awol having not got home from the nighter the previous night 🤔😁😇. I can't even remember what the nighter was🤔😁

That’s why I worry about you pal 😂

Got a glimpse of current 'northern soul' scene djing at a couple on the Isle of Wight over BH weekend . Both went ahead following  inspections from the licencing authorities ( albeit another was cancelled at short notice following intervention by the authorities ) . Covid mitigation  measures evident including tables and chairs on dance floor, different entrance and exits , social distancing advice, sanitisers etc.  Good behaviors from attendees. No restrictions on music levels and in many ways atmosphere similar some of the Sunday Soul chillout sessions pre covid .... djs being under no pressure to fill a dance floor and enabled a wide variety across the soul genres to be played.....it was a good restart 👌 

Edited August 31, 20204 yr by Andybellwood

7 hours ago, Baz Atkinson said:

That’s why I worry about you pal 😂

Just been over to Widnes to see my Son and grandson before he starts school and yes you guessed it called into Spike Island 🏝  to see if anyone was fishing on the canal and to have a little walk round 😉.  Couldn't resist it Baz😁

Hoochie Coochie re opens , yippee! 

Latest info....

Friday Night Live - Smoove & Turrell (unplugged)  Friday October 2nd.

Welcome back to live music at Hoochie Coochie, albeit a little different ! 

Friday Night Live, is a series of gigs which are all seated, fully table serviced, socially distant , intimate events, to an audience of only 80 people. 

We are delighted to bring our oldest friends, Smoove & Turrell , for what will surely be a unique experience. The guys will be playing unplugged, as they have here before, but this time to an all seated, intimate audience. Not quite the norm for Smoove & Turrell & their fans ! 

Seating can only be booked in 2's, 4's or 6's. There will be no standing at the event & no walk up tickets available. 

So if you want to support one of the best bands around, in an independent venue, here's your chance. But, don't wait . We are giving our newsletter subscribers  a head start, but these will be gone in 24hrs or less. 

 

Please note Hoochie Coochie is now open Fri, Sat Sun every week .  We will be an all seated venue with our DJ's playing the best in music of black origin, around. Entry is FREE , however with only 40% of capacity, we would recommend reserving a table through our website. Tickets for this are available there. Last weekend we were fully sold out. Due to legislation changes ,we are only advertising a few weeks in advance, apart from Friday Night Live gigs. 

Luxury bar in Newcastle playing hard funk, solid soul and cool jazz.
Hoochie Coochie is simply all about the music.

  

 

Surely with today's new restrictions anything live for the rest of 2020 will have to be cancelled? There are still events up.

10 hours ago, Timillustrator said:

Surely with today's new restrictions anything live for the rest of 2020 will have to be cancelled? There are still events up.

a bbc page here details the latest restrictions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729

15 hours ago, Timillustrator said:

Surely with today's new restrictions anything live for the rest of 2020 will have to be cancelled? There are still events up.

It's just 6 to a "bubble" isn't it.  So you can have 20 "bubbles" making attendance 120 ?

No idea how we're getting away with having events on. Same rules as a pub ? 

I did notice guy who posted he was at an IOW weekender mentioned the event was allowed by relevant authority.

2 hours ago, Modernsoulsucks said:

It's just 6 to a "bubble" isn't it.  So you can have 20 "bubbles" making attendance 120 ?

No idea how we're getting away with having events on. Same rules as a pub ? 

I did notice guy who posted he was at an IOW weekender mentioned the event was allowed by relevant authority.

You can only have spaced out tables as in a pub, no dancing and not supposed to be any music. It was only 30 at an event before

2 minutes ago, Chalky said:

You can only have spaced out tables as in a pub, no dancing and not supposed to be any music. It was only 30 at an event before

30 but not in a pub or restaurant ?

Know about the music and dancing which is why I said don't see how these events are going ahead.

9 minutes ago, Chalky said:

You can only have spaced out tables as in a pub, no dancing and not supposed to be any music. It was only 30 at an event before

You can have music BUT 

"Refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.  This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission, particularly from aerosol transmission.  Loud background music, communal dancing, group singing or chanting should be prevented."

That explains getting away with playing music.

1 hour ago, Chalky said:

You can only have spaced out tables as in a pub, no dancing and not supposed to be any music. It was only 30 at an event before

Spaced out tables. kin el the gear must be good 😁

1 hour ago, Timillustrator said:

You can have music BUT 

"Refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.  This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission, particularly from aerosol transmission.  Loud background music, communal dancing, group singing or chanting should be prevented."

It should be nothing more than background music, not a full set of decks and a DJ.  

1 hour ago, Modernsoulsucks said:

30 but not in a pub or restaurant ?

Know about the music and dancing which is why I said don't see how these events are going ahead.

You can have thirty in a pub, but in groups of 6 only and plenty of space between the tables.  But I would imagine this is meant for eating out or just a group of 6 out for a drink, not 40 or 50 etc out for a soul night. That is how I read it

SoSa at Hoochie Coochie (last Sunday of month ) going ahead . This is how ....

https://www.hoochiecoochie.co.uk/

'Hoochie Coochie

SOSA …Soul On Sunday afternoon

Sunday 27 September 2020

Doors 4:00 pm

Tickets £10

SOSA …Soul On Sunday afternoon

Come join us for the UK’s longest running Sunday Soul Session.A great mix of Northern & Modern Soul with a touch of nu-soul throw in.

3 DJ’s, £10 per reservation including 2 free drinks for arrivals. All seated, SD compliant, full table service. We do not have a dancefloor at this time.

Walk-ups welcome, tickets are not required, but if you wish to guarantee entry & a seat they are £10 & include 2 free drinks for arrivals. Must be seated by 5pm'

 

Edited September 10, 20204 yr by Andybellwood

6 minutes ago, Chalky said:

You can have thirty in a pub, but in groups of 6 only and plenty of space between the tables.  But I would imagine this is meant for eating out or just a group of 6 out for a drink, not 40 or 50 etc out for a soul night. That is how I read it

I think you can have more than 30 in a pub if space allows ?

Which is how events are being held I guess. It's not 50 out in a group. It's say 25 socially distanced two person bubbles

As I said just bemused we're getting away with it.

Edited September 10, 20204 yr by Modernsoulsucks

1 minute ago, Modernsoulsucks said:

I think you can have more than 30 in a pub if space allows ?

Which is how events are being held I guess. It's not 50 out in a group. It's say 25 socially distanced two person bubbles

As I said just bemused we're getting away with it.

Yep as long as space allows as many as you can get in.  But we all know all those in attendance know each other, are mixing and no social distancing.   Enough phots on social media to prove this.

as you say puzzling how they get away with it especially as they are running an event with more than 30 in attendance.  50 lots of 6 eating out or having a drink in their own bubble aren’t attending an event.

It’s all a bit ridiculous with double standards everywhere and now talk of 10 million tests a day by January next year . 
The issue imho adding fuel to the fire is that the crossed messages are given eager promoters licence to make it up as there go along ? 
The  new take an address and inform the police was originally the plan when pubs opened again ( that has not worked ) . 

Only a vaccine will Render  the venues safe imho and as a asthmatic I will be staying at home for the foreseeable future . 

 

1 hour ago, Winsford Soul said:

Spaced out tables. kin el the gear must be good 😁

Be Rare Soul nights at Stonehenge next 😂! 

1 hour ago, Baz Atkinson said:

It’s all a bit ridiculous with double standards everywhere and now talk of 10 million tests a day by January next year . 
The issue imho adding fuel to the fire is that the crossed messages are given eager promoters licence to make it up as there go along ? 
The  new take an address and inform the police was originally the plan when pubs opened again ( that has not worked ) . 

Only a vaccine will Render  the venues safe imho and as a asthmatic I will be staying at home for the foreseeable future . 

 

Be Rare Soul nights at Stonehenge next 😂! 

Given the traffic on the A303 better make it a weekender.

Been working on a site , 16 houses , the other weekend one lad buggered off to Ibiza to a rave ( like you do when there’s a virus pandemic) came back with covid , 2 weeks isolation for him and his co worker , site had to shut for 2 days (25 men lost time ) also the houses they were going to build , they no longer are going to as they’re not wanted back . Which I’m ok about ( we were away for the week when this happened by the way ) . My question is this , although I see why they aren’t wanted back , I also see that they Had the sense and informed the site manager they may think twice about going clubbing or maybe god forbid , think twice about admitting it ( that they’ve caught the virus) and lose another job . I’m amazed they could attend a rave but then again it was probably illegal. I reckon big sentences for organisers is going to have to happen. 

19 hours ago, Andybellwood said:

SoSa at Hoochie Coochie (last Sunday of month ) going ahead . This is how ....

https://www.hoochiecoochie.co.uk/

'Hoochie Coochie

SOSA …Soul On Sunday afternoon

Sunday 27 September 2020

Doors 4:00 pm

Tickets £10

SOSA …Soul On Sunday afternoon

Come join us for the UK’s longest running Sunday Soul Session.A great mix of Northern & Modern Soul with a touch of nu-soul throw in.

3 DJ’s, £10 per reservation including 2 free drinks for arrivals. All seated, SD compliant, full table service. We do not have a dancefloor at this time.

Walk-ups welcome, tickets are not required, but if you wish to guarantee entry & a seat they are £10 & include 2 free drinks for arrivals. Must be seated by 5pm'

 

More Hoochie measures - makes you wish everywhere else was to this standard !

'Come & enjoy a night out with friends, safely,  @ Hoochie Coochie ! 

We understand many folks are apprehensive about returning out for a night out, this is why we have worked so hard, to ensure our customers have a great night, but Safely. 

Hoochie Coochie have put numerous measures in place to give you the best possible night out in the circumstances whilst enjoying the great music selection we have for you........Temperature checks on entry, no details, no entry. Our capacity is cut to only 40% of normal, this is why we now take bookings, but walk-ups are welcome ! 

All customers are seated, full table service, no one allowed at the bar & our staff are all fully masked to protect you & ourselves. We have removed our dance-floor . We are constantly cleaning surfaces, our air exchange system is operating at all times, refreshing the air in the whole venue, every 15mins. Customers are reminded & requested to respect SD between tables . 

Having said all that we want you & your friends to enjoy it, just within your own table space. Having said all that, here are our customers views on their return ...

"Brilliant day, felt totally safe music fantastic as usual and thought the staff were outstanding"

"The staff worked very hard providing excellent table service and cleaned handrails etc at every opportunity. Fully enforced SD which gave me confidence to go back.As always, the music is second to none. Welcome back to the church! "

"Really organised seating great,staff so professional ,quick table service, thank you for a great 3 hours,but it went really fast," '

 

I'm sorry if I upset anyone but there seems to be a lot of selfish sods about who just want to make money, put on a venue and sod the concequences. I too want to attend venues  again  I've danced since I was 14 and love djing, But I'm not prepared to pray on other's weaknesses. We're all in this together, the more we mingle the more chance of a second wave. Let's just all be sensible do the right thing we can hold out till the  new year 😁😁😁.  I too have seen umpteen photos on social media of folk dancing. Greedy Promoters and weak management for not enforcing the rules should pull the plug  if they dance. We've lost too many already. The government should have brought the new restrictions in straight away not leave it till Monday, as for the fines they should be instant, not friendly warning then fined if caught a 2nd time, this just shows weakness on governments behalf. Anyway rant over stay safe, 

51 minutes ago, Andybellwood said:

More Hoochie measures - makes you wish everywhere else was to this standard !

'Come & enjoy a night out with friends, safely,  @ Hoochie Coochie ! 

We understand many folks are apprehensive about returning out for a night out, this is why we have worked so hard, to ensure our customers have a great night, but Safely. 

Hoochie Coochie have put numerous measures in place to give you the best possible night out in the circumstances whilst enjoying the great music selection we have for you........Temperature checks on entry, no details, no entry. Our capacity is cut to only 40% of normal, this is why we now take bookings, but walk-ups are welcome ! 

All customers are seated, full table service, no one allowed at the bar & our staff are all fully masked to protect you & ourselves. We have removed our dance-floor . We are constantly cleaning surfaces, our air exchange system is operating at all times, refreshing the air in the whole venue, every 15mins. Customers are reminded & requested to respect SD between tables . 

Having said all that we want you & your friends to enjoy it, just within your own table space. Having said all that, here are our customers views on their return ...

"Brilliant day, felt totally safe music fantastic as usual and thought the staff were outstanding"

"The staff worked very hard providing excellent table service and cleaned handrails etc at every opportunity. Fully enforced SD which gave me confidence to go back.As always, the music is second to none. Welcome back to the church! "

"Really organised seating great,staff so professional ,quick table service, thank you for a great 3 hours,but it went really fast," '

 

How do you get round the Dj and music when there isn’t supposed to be either? Music should be background and quiet, so quiet no one has to raise their voice or lean in to tne other to hear?

21 hours ago, Winsford Soul said:

Spaced out tables. kin el the gear must be good 😁

Hi Ste

See if you can contact them tables and if they have any spare gear

Mick L

25 minutes ago, Hooker1951 said:

Hi Ste

See if you can contact them tables and if they have any spare gear

Mick L

 Hi Mick. 🤣🤣🤣. 

Ste 

2 hours ago, Speedlimit said:

I'm sorry if I upset anyone but there seems to be a lot of selfish sods about who just want to make money, put on a venue and sod the concequences. I too want to attend venues  again  I've danced since I was 14 and love djing, But I'm not prepared to pray on other's weaknesses. We're all in this together, the more we mingle the more chance of a second wave. Let's just all be sensible do the right thing we can hold out till the  new year 😁😁😁.  I too have seen umpteen photos on social media of folk dancing. Greedy Promoters and weak management for not enforcing the rules should pull the plug  if they dance. We've lost too many already. The government should have brought the new restrictions in straight away not leave it till Monday, as for the fines they should be instant, not friendly warning then fined if caught a 2nd time, this just shows weakness on governments behalf. Anyway rant over stay safe, 

Hi Steve,

I doubt any promoter is making money, most don't make any when there's no restrictions on numbers, so at 40% capacity, there is either a loss, or they a have a nice deal with the venue owner (They get the custom)

This was bound to get worse (a second time) before it gets better - personally I am more concerned about people's livings over going to a do.

Patience is a virtue - We're watching Star Wars (In the correct order) 

Len 

2 hours ago, Len said:

Hi Steve,

I doubt any promoter is making money, most don't make any when there's no restrictions on numbers, so at 40% capacity, there is either a loss, or they a have a nice deal with the venue owner (They get the custom)

This was bound to get worse (a second time) before it gets better - personally I am more concerned about people's livings over going to a do.

Patience is a virtue - We're watching Star Wars (In the correct order) 

Len 

Hi Len

I'd did that in furlough 😂😂can't beat bit of star wars, also watched all 4 ip man films stay safe mate see you soon 😊😊👍👍

On 11/08/2020 at 15:28, Winsford Soul said:

Mick. Trust your well and safe. I personally think that venue's will be open before Christmas.  If that's not going to happen then I can see the scene going underground and going the way the illegal rave scene did in the 80,s . I would definitely be up for that. But I can just see all the head shaking going on with all the people who have deemed themselves above all the illegal stuff. 

Bloody hell Steve that would be great. Clubs like Sheridan's aswell ect would brilliant. Would probably get rid of a lot of the plastic population to.

Hugh X Yvonne

XX to Lou.

 

Thinking long and hard about the question put forward,i think it would be a good thing to say no it won't,there were hundreds of events on before lockdown and some of them have gone into liquidation already,december is too early to even think about after new restrictions going into place recently which would maybe open the floodgates again in mid november for the 2nd opening but how many venues will survive ??People are itching to get back which i fully understand but the threat is still out there,people are getting older so will we go back to an underground scene once again, getting rid of the so called "soulies" (kin hate that word),who will go back to their goldfish bowls,of course the Dj's are still out there but i know now of at least 6  top ones that have retired from the scene,also when it and if it does come back will it be a case of you could walk instead of drive into a venue in your area because it will be flooded with them all over again??Allnighters will i think suffer ,weekenders might be the new venue to prosper, soul nights will definitely suffer because of the closures of venues...this is all just supposing who knows and my own personal thoughts which the thread asked ....stay safe and be lucky.............  stevie

Edited October 20, 20204 yr by Steviehay

1 hour ago, Steviehay said:

Thinking long and hard about the question put forward,i think it would be a good thing to say no it won't,there were hundreds of events on before lockdown and some of them have gone into liquidation already,december is too early to even think about after new restrictions going into place recently which would maybe open the floodgates again in mid november for the 2nd opening but how many venues will survive ??People are itching to get back which i fully understand but the threat is still out there,people are getting older so will we go back to an underground scene once again, getting rid of the so called "soulies" (kin hate that word),who will go back to their goldfish bowls,of course the Dj's are still out there but i know now of at least 6  top ones that have retired from the scene,also when it and if it does come back will it be a case of you could walk instead of drive into a venue in your area because it will be flooded with them all over again??Allnighters will i think suffer ,weekenders might be the new venue to prosper, soul nights will definitely suffer because of the closures of venus...this is all just supposing who knows and my own personal thoughts which the thread asked ....stay safe and be lucky.............  stevie

Good post Steve. Could i ask which 6 top djs have just retired ? 

Edited October 20, 20204 yr by Andybellwood

Plenty of experts on YouTube giving predictions.

Common to all is that until a vaccine is developed that works on the vast majority of those who need it most...the vulnerable need to avoid it at all costs. 

So its unlikely that mass gatherings of any kind are happening soon.

Anybody who relied on the live scene for their living will be really under the cosh as we enter year 2.

Ed

And will the venues still be open after all this?? I think there will be a lot of clubs, pubs, civic halls etc that will sadly close. Might be better having less places, I really don't know. There will always be a soul music scene though....Thank you....Rob

2 hours ago, Andybellwood said:

Good post Steve. Could i ask which 6 top djs have just retired ? 

John poole,Ted, a couple whom have passed away on the welsh coast and manchester wont name them out of respect 

John Poole didn't retire through covid ,, he told me over a year ago that this was his final year ,, Stephen 

On 20/10/2020 at 10:45, Steviehay said:

there were hundreds of events on before lockdown and some of them have gone into liquidation already,

 

Personally I'm hoping the break will do the scene overall some good though I doubt it. I think for every promoter and Dj who calls it a day there will probably be two waiting to jump in. The problem I see with that scenario is what were good established nights and Dj's who had experience and knew what they were doing they will be replaced by people thinking it's easy.

 I know several Dj's and promoters as I'm sure we all do but the feeling I get from talking to them over the years is a lot of punters think events happen by magic not realising there is an awful lot of work involved in putting a night on, setting up and breaking down the equipment, promotion, in some cases getting the room ready, all taking time. Maybe some will have enjoyed the break and wonder is it worth the effort purely for the love of the music as we know very few are in it or in fact make a profit once the venue and Dj's have been paid.

  I'd like to think  scene once re started the emphasis will shift to quality over quantity but I doubt that will happen. Maybe the venues that survive will be only too willing to entertain a Soul night needing to recoup lost revenue and I'm pretty sure there will be no shortage of would be promoters ready to put on a night. Peoples opinions of what constitutes a good night will always differ, for myself I've missed seeing friends that I only see on the scene and one venue in particular but I can't say hand on heart I've missed going to a soul night mainly I guess due to starting buying again ,being furloughed then retiring giving me more time to listen to podcasts, play my own records and chat regularly with a few close friends from the scene about the music. 

  If I could have one wish granted for when things get back to whatever normal we see it would be for a soul club in striking distance with the emphasis on "soul", not being able to dance as I once did a convivial night or even an afternoon not necessarily at the weekend spent in the company of like minded people in an upstairs room somewhere playing music from every genre Deep to Ska ,RnB, 60's Soul, Funk etc etc , can't see it happening unless it's Wednesday Afternoon round at mine on the decking weather permitting, bring your own drinks 🤔