Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

I think this is a brilliant thread, and it's really good to see a few young soulies posting on here with there opinions.....

I personally think that what James is doing is to be applauded, and if he succeeds in getting more converts to soul music in whatever form, then he's doing us all a favour. I think that Steve Cato was also trying to acheive this at his S.O.N. do's in Manchester. And I tried to support him as much as I could......

I think the location for these forward thinking venues is important, and London and Manchester are maybe the only places where this kind of venue can work. Hip and fashionable, vibrant and with lot's of young people looking for a scene to belong to......

I would love to see more young people at my allnighter, BUT.....

For example, one night last year, three young guys approached me while I was on the door. I explained to them what was going on, and that I didn't think they would enjoy it, and that it was a tenner in. No problem says one of the lads. It was obvious that they had been drinking quite heavily. But the spokesman says "we love northern soul" .....

So against my better judgement I let them in with my final words "we don't want any trouble" Unfortunately at that time I had to do my dj spot. But while behind the decks I could see that the lads were causing problems on the dance floor, and were being spoken to buy a mate of mine. After I had finnished my spot, I discovered that the lads had been ejected by the doorman, mainly for their own safety, as they had been getting handy with the ladies....

Needless to say I was not flavour of the month for having let them in. But isn't it a shame that so many young people don't know how to behave....

Good luck to young Mr. Trouble though, and well done for your efforts. I'm afraid for the future of our music, so don't just sit there playing mp3's. Get out and support a venue that does it for you. We are all gonna be a long time dead, so dance while you still can.

coudnt agree more, most clubs now are soul clubs and not northern soul clubs

All the more reason not visit them

Needless to say I was not flavour of the month for having let them in. But isn't it a shame that so many young people don't know how to behave....

Good post Phil, but i have to pull you up on this bit

I think this is generaly where the problem lies, not just with youngsters, but with general people who are not on the scene.

They are all seen as trouble making drunken whatsits. befor they have even been allowed to enter the venue and 'prove them selfs' so at the sign of any thing even just a harmless muck around (and dont tell me every one on the soul scene is an imacable well behaved robot, there is more tomfoolery goes on at nighters and soul nights than any where else) they are evicted or scorned at, it just because they are tarnished with a brush befor hand, a prime example was with my friend an old soul dude whos been around since day dot, he started pointing and snearing at some lads and lasses just having a bit of fun, i said leave them be, they're not causing any trouble and they didn't. i think in general a wider varity of clientel is accepted at nighters, but soul nights can be a mine field with the 'faithful' scourning at any give chance, these have been my observations any how, and after saturday it is so important we take a stance like James not just for the loningtivity of the scene but the atmosphere it creates also, on saturday i, imagened that was what the atmosphere was like at places like the casino, staford and other such venues, it was urgency all the way, i have never felt an atmosphere like i did on saturday, the only place that has come close is the 100 club, and it has given me a right boost.

All the more reason not visit them

Must admit it does worry me a bit, it'd be nice to have Soul clubs & Northern Soul clubs but if push comes to shove it's Northern Soul clubs for me that must survive.

Must admit James' do at the weekend sounds fantastic & more power to his elbow but i wouldn't want clubs like this to replace straight down the line Northern Soul clubs but hopefully co-exist side by side.

Simon

imacable

IMO, It'll take and need soul revolutions, like the one put on by James T on Sat night to keep the music alive and relevant for the youth of today.

imacable

=============

Is this the product of immaculate and impeccable having unprotected sex ?

Yes sorry Win, had a bit of a mental block in that bit

Hi Baz. It was great to meet you and the others on saturday!

Hi Baz. It was great to meet you and the others on saturday!

Like wise

I guess i havent articulated myself well enough! or maybe the pink pills are clouding my mind a little! Im not slagging the scene or the music and i dont mind the change either! it just pisses me off when people say its dying when its not! YES i am as enthusiastic about the scene as i have always been and if that is wrong then i apologise. Dan admits himself he doesnt go out that much and wishes more youngsters were involved. Do the ppl who are taking the piss get to the nighters regularly? i know soulgirl does but what about the likes of chrisseo? or do you just go to the local soul nights? I just think we should look at the positives of the scene and not the negatives.

I guess i havent articulated myself well enough! or maybe the pink pills are clouding my mind a little! Im not slagging the scene or the music and i dont mind the change either! it just pisses me off when people say its dying when its not! YES i am as enthusiastic about the scene as i have always been and if that is wrong then i apologise. Dan admits himself he doesnt go out that much and wishes more youngsters were involved. Do the ppl who are taking the piss get to the nighters regularly? i know soulgirl does but what about the likes of chrisseo? or do you just go to the local soul nights? I just think we should look at the positives of the scene and not the negatives.

Due to financial restraints no I don't get out as much as I would like to, but I DON'T think the scene is dying, if you read my post again you will see that my point is prevention rather than cure.

QoFxx

I guess i havent articulated myself well enough! or maybe the pink pills are clouding my mind a little! Im not slagging the scene or the music and i dont mind the change either! it just pisses me off when people say its dying when its not! YES i am as enthusiastic about the scene as i have always been and if that is wrong then i apologise. Dan admits himself he doesnt go out that much and wishes more youngsters were involved. Do the ppl who are taking the piss get to the nighters regularly? i know soulgirl does but what about the likes of chrisseo? or do you just go to the local soul nights? I just think we should look at the positives of the scene and not the negatives.

thing is, the original post asked a question which begged an answer and therefore i answered. i'm not 'negative' for the sake of it - i just believe that the northern scene is dying because, to put it bluntly, northern fans are dying. literally. i wish it wasn't like that and i am glad to hear so many younger people speaking up; more power to their elbows. it's the greatest music ever made and it would be nice to think it's being spread to future generations.

I can only comment on the changes I have seen over the years

in the late 60s soul ,R&B ,Ska and Reggae were all being played

very early 70s Ska and reggae disapeared....one change

early 70s Soul and R&B were played and what I would call R&B/soul , tunes that were both a sort of soul and R&B mix, another change

middle 70s R&B lost ground to the more modern sound , another change

80s and 90s ,I cant comment on

I feel now, it is in the middle of another change.

but through the years Soul has always been at the heart of it

just a rough view of the changes I have seen over the years

Bazza

, I discovered that the lads had been ejected by the doorman, mainly for their own safety, as they had been getting handy with the ladies....

.

its not just the young and foolishly drunk that get handy with the ladeez... that night there were quite a few old 'uns with octupus arms

personally I don't want any new youngsters on the scene, but thats purely out of vanity and because at 36 I like being one of the young 'uns

when emotions reached fever pitch at Wigan Casino. I remember well the huge banner being hung over the balcony - Keep the Faith Not the Funk - which was clearly aimed at Sam, and to a lesser degree Richard

I was there that night too, it was a Scottish flag and I remember Richard saying 'The only good thing about that flag is it's colours!' and laughing (obviously a Spurs quote ).

It was unfurled at the beginning of Richards set and I'm sure it was Roy Dawson that he opened with.

Northern, although majoritively in it's 70's Modern carnation is alive and well, up and down the country in backrooms to Soulful House events, although mainly played alongside disco and funk.

The main reason nighters suffer, obviously, is the age group in attendance - the back rooms of House venues playing soul and disco offer a little more opportunity for youngsters to enjoy soul music with more of their own age group - I think Soulful House rooms can only do the Northern scene good, although I'm sure some would disagree.

Edited February 27, 200718 yr by Barry

thing is, the original post asked a question which begged an answer and therefore i answered. i'm not 'negative' for the sake of it - i just believe that the northern scene is dying because, to put it bluntly, northern fans are dying. literally. i wish it wasn't like that and i am glad to hear so many younger people speaking up; more power to their elbows. it's the greatest music ever made and it would be nice to think it's being spread to future generations.

=========

it aint dying as far as im concerned ....been to 4all niters this year and buzzing as ever..

long term ure probably right dan

but til the meantime ill have me northern 60 onwards uptempo

personally u can forget ska and the like,...not needed!

only in my opinion of course..

I was there that night too, it was a Scottish flag and I remember Richard saying 'The only good thing about that flag is it's colours!' and laughing (obviously a Spurs quote :rolleyes: ).

Did I get round to asking you to sign the petition - I remember more than a few of the 60's die hards telling me to go turnip myself!

I was there that night too, it was a Scottish flag and I remember Richard saying 'The only good thing about that flag is it's colours!' and laughing (obviously a Spurs quote :rolleyes: ).

Did I get round to asking you to sign the petition - I remember more than a few of the 60's die hards telling me to go turnip myself!

Haha, sorry???

Haha, sorry???

That wasn;t aimed at you mate - I couldn't remember who signed it and who told me to go carrot myself if I tried. It was a good night though - as usual. Apart from being really, really ill at some services. I think it was watching D Raistrick eating a full english that did it!

Haha, sorry???

That wasn;t aimed at you mate - I couldn't remember who signed it and who told me to go carrot myself if I tried. It was a good night though - as usual. Apart from being really, really ill at some services. I think it was watching D Raistrick eating a full english that did it!

Ahhh, the petition, got you now.

Top right balcony as you looked at the stage wasn't it, near the ladies bogs - and yes, it was a great night, Searling in full flow.

personally I don't want any new youngsters on the scene, but thats purely out of vanity and because at 36 I like being one of the young 'uns

36 already Kirsty...bloomin' heck...you'll be soon be catching up to me at this rate ....

Searling in full flow.

Good post Phil, but i have to pull you up on this bit

I think this is generaly where the problem lies, not just with youngsters, but with general people who are not on the scene.

They are all seen as trouble making drunken whatsits. befor they have even been allowed to enter the venue and 'prove them selfs' so at the sign of any thing even just a harmless muck around (and dont tell me every one on the soul scene is an imacable well behaved robot, there is more tomfoolery goes on at nighters and soul nights than any where else) they are evicted or scorned at, it just because they are tarnished with a brush befor hand, a prime example was with my friend an old soul dude whos been around since day dot, he started pointing and snearing at some lads and lasses just having a bit of fun, i said leave them be, they're not causing any trouble and they didn't. i think in general a wider varity of clientel is accepted at nighters, but soul nights can be a mine field with the 'faithful' scourning at any give chance, these have been my observations any how, and after saturday it is so important we take a stance like James not just for the loningtivity of the scene but the atmosphere it creates also, on saturday i, imagened that was what the atmosphere was like at places like the casino, staford and other such venues, it was urgency all the way, i have never felt an atmosphere like i did on saturday, the only place that has come close is the 100 club, and it has given me a right boost.

Good post Baz .....and extra points awarded for the use of 'tomfoolery'

Got to agree about the buzz going round on Saturday, not experienced anything like that in London before!

If it turns out that this is the style of event to keep the scene alive , or indeed take it forward, then I for one am looking forward to the next few years!

Well said Bazza!

I don't get out that much and I have to say that people at venues I've been to more than once are generally friendly but as a "part-time soulie" when I go to new places I get all sorts of funny looks and scowls at first and feel like I've interrupted them or something. Saying that though, usually someone will strike up a conversation later in the night and then I feel at ease. I've no problem with anyone going to a soul do as long as they like the music and behave.

As for the scene dying, I doubt it. There's dozens of places to go every weekend and not just in the UK. I just wish that I could get out more.

Lastly, ska and reggae may have vanished for a while in the 70s but the ska and reggae scene these days is just as big as the soul scene!

Cheers

Gordy

If it turns out that this is the style of event to keep the scene alive , or indeed take it forward, then I for one am looking forward to the next few years!

Me too, like some chart act sang...........Things can only get better

You watch! 'cool soul' will take the london club scene by strom, i'll put money on it

Edited February 27, 200718 yr by Baz

=========

it aint dying as far as im concerned ....been to 4all niters this year and buzzing as ever..

long term ure probably right dan

but til the meantime ill have me northern 60 onwards uptempo

personally u can forget ska and the like,...not needed!

only in my opinion of course..

i don't think we disagree mark. i'm saying it's dying, not that it's dead. i gave a timescale of 10 years. hope i'm wrong, though.

Must admit it does worry me a bit, it'd be nice to have Soul clubs & Northern Soul clubs but if push comes to shove it's Northern Soul clubs for me that must survive.

Must admit James' do at the weekend sounds fantastic & more power to his elbow but i wouldn't want clubs like this to replace straight down the line Northern Soul clubs but hopefully co-exist side by side.

Simon

Yes a good point Simon...I was a small part of the promotion on Saturday and really loved the event but i too would want the more traditional club to co-exist also,i like both formats and a different kind of choice sometimes when we go out..

There is gonna be northern soul nights around for a many years to come but they won't be every week on the doorstep...Not sure thats a bad thing at all,the waiting bit is what gets me buzzing and lets be honest,there aint a lot of buzz for many folk anymore...

One of the main problems is gonna be staying up all night for some,many are well well past youth and the rest period after a weekender/all niter is getting longer and there is a problem then if it gets in the way of work...We could all fall out of bed still pissed on a Monday morning when we were spring chickens and work a full day..Not the case anymore..I know some who have a poor Monday,suicide Tuesday,ropey Wednesday and then better by Thursday afternoon,just enough time to make the phone calls and polish the shoes for a full weekend again The soul brigade are made of iron but it can't last forever...We aint teenagers anymore but the medication lets some think they are

There will be plenty soul nights for another 10/15 years and then we will see them fall away...The all niter is a different question...They will be less of a crowd and a need for promoters to come together and run joint events,some already do that now...Central based all niters to bring people from all over the country,just like the Ritz in Manchester did and others before that...

Word of warning though,we will need at least 7 different rooms to take all music styles and then you will still have some moaning ..We all know some right wet drips,why do they do come out at all,i would not get into a car with these f"ckers,yet some put up with them week in week out...I thought going out was to have a good time and not listen to some miserable c"£t telling us about the days of the ark,we all look back sometimes with great memories but its the future that counts..Yesterday is yesterday and lets look forward to tomorrow...Stop all the negative shit,go the places you wanna go and why comment or look down on nights that you aint attending...

Some folk on here make comments about the state of the soul scene and they don't go out anymore, ..

We all have some passion fot this thing called soul,channel the passion and embrace the music and some of the great people you have met along the way to the promise land...Don't dwell on the dickheads,they too will always be around but just leave them skulking in the dark corners and get out on the floor...

"if you ever walk out of my life"....

Edited February 28, 200718 yr by little-stevie

lots of good points Stevie,good post

my opinion is this,the scene used to be all about change,new sounds and styles,I dont mean as in modern day new,I mean finding the old tunes that had not been played

traditional soul nights,I dont think there was such i thing ,because as I said ,it was constantly changing,it was what made the scene interesting and exciting,you never knew what you were goint to hear,to the promoters and DJs it was important to find the unusal and different tunes ,thats what made the scene great, I left the scene around the late 70s,family and so on,on returning to the scene ,I was surprised to find it had hardly changed from then,it has become a little stagnant in places,it is time for some changes.

Tradition and nostalgia,these are the ideas holding back the scene,I am as guilty as next in this tho'

the scene used to be about rare 'ish underplayed unusual Soul music and R&B Dance tunes,it will live on,but it has got to change

if you have 20 somethings to 60 somethings in the same room listening/dancing to the same tunes ,the tunes have got to be across the board ,uptempo ,mid tempo.R&B,and modern

just my opinion of course

Bazza

Edited February 28, 200718 yr by bazza

if you have 20 somethings to 60 somethings in the same room listening/dancing to the same tunes ,the tunes have got to be across the board ,uptempo ,mid tempo.R&B,and modern

just my opinion of course

Bazza

I don't necessarily agree with this, i don't really see that R & B & Modern really has a lot to do with Northern Soul, the only style of music that really fits in with NS is 6ts Tamla imho.

I think also maybe it's a little patronising sometimes to assume youngsters can only get into the Northern Soul scene if we water it down for them to make it more eclectic.

Simon

I don't necessarily agree with this, i don't really see that R & B & Modern really has a lot to do with Northern Soul, the only style of music that really fits in with NS is 6ts Tamla imho.

I think also maybe it's a little patronising sometimes to assume youngsters can only get into the Northern Soul scene if we water it down for them to make it more eclectic.

Simon

My personal preferances crept in to this bit,Im a fan of R&B,but also R&B type tunes did play a big part in it ,at the start of it all

I didnt mean modern for the youngsters or to water it down,it is like it or not ,part of todays scene

Bazza

Edited February 28, 200718 yr by bazza

Lets not get on the RnB debate again....Its all RnB.... ....Its just that you need 5 rooms for some and they still aint happy..A nice mix of all styles in one room for me...

Lets not get on the RnB debate again....Its all RnB.... ....Its just that you need 5 rooms for some and they still aint happy..A nice mix of all styles in one room for me...

I know i've said this before but it all used to seem a lot simpler, you'd get a few R & B tunes played at NS dos like say Dusty Wilson but noone would blink an eyelid because it just seemed natural, i think it's because now you get some djs playing a whole set of R & B or Modern that makes it stand out more.

I'm quite happy though if i hear the odd tune of the likes of Dusty Wilson or more on the Modern side (although it's obviously not recent) Al Hudsons' 'Spread love' mixed in amongst the more 4 4 beat NS stuff.

Simon

it was what made the scene interesting and exciting,you never knew what you were goint to hear

I agree.

I was a kid at the end of the Wigan era but was brought up thinking Northern could be anything from The Deadbeats, Mari Wilson, Cecil Washington, ZZ & Co, The Vibrations, The Seeds, Charles Mann, L Allen, Charlie Gracie, ... whatever, just great black music.

Other nights that followed pushed the boundaries of certain area's of underground soul - Stafford, 100's Club, Rotherham, Morecambe, Bradford etc but I was grateful for the grounding I got at Wigan. Fair enough, there was a lot of unrest with the punters re what was being played I suppose, but thank Christ the lads playing the music stuck to their guns - surely no one on this scene isn't grateful for hearing something outside their normal 'soulful sphere' at a nighter.

I agree.

I was a kid at the end of the Wigan era but was brought up thinking Northern could be anything from The Deadbeats, Mari Wilson, Cecil Washington, ZZ & Co, The Vibrations, The Seeds, Charles Mann, L Allen, Charlie Gracie, ... whatever, just great black music.

Other nights that followed pushed the boundaries of certain area's of underground soul - Stafford, 100's Club, Rotherham, Morecambe, Bradford etc but I was grateful for the grounding I got at Wigan. Fair enough, there was a lot of unrest with the punters re what was being played I suppose, but thank Christ the lads playing the music stuck to their guns - surely no one on this scene isn't grateful for hearing something outside their normal 'soulful sphere' at a nighter.

The days of one room are gone for a lot of people now,some aint happy to hear 20% of tunes they don't like in one night,that makes it hard to please all......I love one room events sometimes,2/3 room events also...Like i said before,we have plenty choice at the moment and many people still around and going out all over the uk and Europe..

Its the future that needs to be thought about..That will be a time for certain promoters to put heads together and look at joint promotions..They will have to stop spitting the dummy out and put the toys back in the prams too..Some hope

The days of one room are gone for a lot of people now,some aint happy to hear 20% of tunes they don't like in one night,that makes it hard to please all......I love one room events sometimes,2/3 room events also...Like i said before,we have plenty choice at the moment and many people still around and going out all over the uk and Europe..

Its the future that needs to be thought about..That will be a time for certain promoters to put heads together and look at joint promotions..They will have to stop spitting the dummy out and put the toys back in the prams too..Some hope

This brings about a question for me - an age old one, and no doubt one that has been discussed here many times - the question is, 'How much difference is there between a danceable 1964 soul track and a 1965 track?'

The progression of black music, like any other has to be so subtle, state to state, year on year, as to be un-noticeable, surely.

If you like something from '64, you'll no doubt like something from '65, then from '66....and so on.

I'm playing devils advocate here a little - but I do feel for people that have a cut off point in soulful black music, wherever that point may be.

Apart from a few Lowtons I haven't been out in ages, so I suppose I'm in a minority here.

Is the music still so vociferously argued over as it was in the 70's, 80's and 90's?

I'm playing devils advocate here a little - but I do feel for people that have a cut off point in soulful black music, wherever that point may be.

Hi Barry,

Don't think it's so much of a cut off point as to a style of music, i quite like Frank Popps' 'Hip teens' which was made fairly recently but has that traditional NS feel to it imo but won't necessarily like something made in the 8ts that may be a two stepper etc.

Simon

Hi Barry,

Don't think it's so much of a cut off point as to a style of music, i quite like Frank Popps' 'Hip teens' which was made fairly recently but has that traditional NS feel to it imo but won't necessarily like something made in the 8ts that may be a two stepper etc.

Simon

Hi Simon, thanks for the wlecome.

I know mate, just stimulating a little conversation that's all, each to their own and all that.

In answer to the question..Yes its changing all the time for some,less for others and never for some ...

Read in yeterdays paper that the world is going to end on the 21st december 2012.

This would solve the problem of who is going to take on the Northern Soul mantle and carry the flame forward. Some South American tribe also believe that the New World starts on the 22nd December 2012.

So 2 points to make here

1) none of us are getting any younger, so enjoy the scene in whatever form takes your fancy whilst you can.

2) Sell all your records, buy a space ship, come back on the 23rd Decemeber 2012 and run an exclusive Northern Christmas "Do" off the same records you sold by playing them on your i Pod.

in a nutshell Northern Soul/modern Soul is a great night out with a FANTASTIC backing track !!

Enjoy it !

Rob

My opinion, as an outsider to the Northern scene, is that the future is a Soul scene, not a 'northern soul' scene.

I want to shout it from the rooftops. The amount of people I bore with my incessant celebration of this genre is numerous. I think it's great when new people stumble in to a venue and end up loving it... sadly, there are some that don't take kindly to 'obvious' newbies. What a shame - it scares them away.

I had an email from one girl who wasn't going to attend my venue for fear of there being too many university students! How blinkered and selfish

trouble with university students is they put piles of bags on the floor, dance like the drunken tossers they are and tip beer all over the floor 'cos they are scared someone will pinch their drink. keep them out or teach them some manners before you let them in, they ruin the night for serious dancers.

thats all of them ... every single one .

One main thing you lot forgot. We are an ageing society, and as Elder lemons effectively we need less sleep, So long as we get a nap in the afternoon , I envisage All nighters to be the way forward Plenty of parking spaces for those electric scooters, and liquid Ginseng available at the bar I cant wait to retire More time for soul...... Soul nites will be renamed Reality Orientation Sessions, and include all those lovely tunes that we once danced to as youngsters, we will know all the words, and we shall dance cos it wont be some dodgy remix

trouble with university students is they put piles of bags on the floor, dance like the drunken tossers they are and tip beer all over the floor 'cos they are scared someone will pinch their drink. keep them out or teach them some manners before you let them in, they ruin the night for serious dancers.

I went to a do on friday night. Quite a few students came in. At first they were a royal pain in the arse, one especially who after being asked to take his drink off the floor, decided to wave it above his head and be a prat. Once he realised people there didnt think he was the cleverest, bestest, and coolest, and his girlfriend stopped laughing and began cringing, he stopped.

Another lad was taking the mickey out of the dancers at first too.

But by the time I left, they were all behaving in a far more 'acceptable way', and the pishtaking dancer, was dancing and really looking like he was enjoying himself. The friends of these two were stood beside the dancefloor, shaking their shoulderrs, tapping their feet, and taking in a bit more of what was going on.

One or two people were ready to stick their fists down these kids throats, and the promoters were getting a bit of stick for 'allowing them in'. But in the end I would say a good dozen or so people enjoyed their first experience of Northern Soul, and maybe when the next do is held in the same venue, they will come back, and behave properly from the outset.

I thought that everyone was new to the scene at some stage and if so it takes a bit of time to learn the ettiquette and the RULES set by the soul police. just out of curiosity who owns northern soul ?

Why dont promoters stop taking anyones money on the door and letting them into the scene if they dont know nothing about it, is it greed driven or open to anyone with a slight intrest, is it a closed shop scene if so it wont last forever and the value of records will plummet as there will be on one to buy them, im willing to take a gamble and purchase them all of off anyone at 2017 year prices

I am willing to put up with a very tiny minority of non suitable folk at venues ( cant remember any to be honest ) if it means i can still go out and enjoy myself and get out of the scene what im after, ie- music, venues, friends, atmosphere etc.

Of course it only my opinion on the subject not a fact or anything.

Bearsy

I couldn't agree more, without new blood the scene will die.

Some of the best audiences I've played to have been non-soul crowds, because the music is new to them and everything is fresh. Nothing beats the excitement of hearing a brilliant song for the first time.

trouble with university students is they put piles of bags on the floor, dance like the drunken tossers they are and tip beer all over the floor 'cos they are scared someone will pinch their drink. keep them out or teach them some manners before you let them in, they ruin the night for serious dancers.

===========

A bit harsh, it's not just students who get drunk, it's not just students who dance like tossers, it's not just students who take bags with them, it's not just students who spill beer on the floor etc. Maybe they're not just thinking someone will pinch they're drink, they may be worried about someone spiking it, which is something that happens in their normal club environment and occasionally on the northern scene. Fathers spend a lot of time explaining to their daughters about the dangers of leaving drinks unattended, I'm glad they're being listened to. Whilst I'm a firm believer in etiquette, I am talking in terms of general politeness, not the handbook, "A handy guide to being a soulie".

I like to see people dancing in a more traditional way, but even that has evolved through the wheel, Wigan, Stafford and the 100 club, so it's easy to understand how in 2007 it's still evolving. Ultimately its about appreciating the music, the dancing style is immaterial, and in truth I'd rather see people dancing than standing about, as that's much more likely to attract a younger crowd.

Winnie:-)

Reading some of the reports over the weekend it seems certain people have a differing view of where the Soul scene is at & where it is going?

Some people seem more than happy with an eclectic bunch of people & musical styles where others seem a bit miffed at newbies & passers by.

Is the future a mix of people & musical styles or would people rather it was a straight down the line Northern Soul night with people who get it?

I look forward to your replies!

Simon

I think the future of the scene will be where ever the scene goes that works and attracts the people who pay on the door. The scene changes itself because it is made up of an extremely diverse set of people from all walks of life.

Just reading many of the threads on Soul-Source illustrates that at the moment the scene is pulling a number of different ways, probably as it has always done, with people agreeing, disagreeing, saying modern is the thing, 60's newies, Soulful House, R&B, Only Oldies please, etc etc. Venues with 2, 3 or more rooms segregating the various perceived genres, whilst other venues have one room where anything can be played. The Northern Soul scene of the 70's was a clearly identifiable scene whereas today it probably isn't, even then arguments raged about what should/shouldn't be played. What's good is that there are so many enthusiastic people who want to play and hear and possibly dance to the music.

People will go where they can hear what they want to hear and do what they want to do, if what is played (and what happens) interests a younger crowd then they will come too, but you will never actively "get younger people interested" they will make the choice themselves (the cocky little sods) or peer pressure will make it for them.

I don't think we should try and predict the future of the scene cos the only certainty is that everyone is getting older (and that includes the twenty-somethings ...... yes I'm afraid it does) and so change is inevitable.

Personally, I've jumped on and am still enjoying the ride so I'll try and continue for as long as I can whichever way it goes. I might even try and influence the direction at some point.

I might want to wear my bowling shirt again too cos it's really cool and I only bought it 5 years ago.

Sorry, I'm rambling now. 49 going on 20.

yes, people love the music, because it's great, they just can't be doing with going to crappy village halls to hear crackly old records played too loud on distorted sound systems while feeling they've somehow wandered into their uncle george's retirement party.

Just stumbled across this quote and have to say it hits the nail on the head.

Congratulations Dan on the Soul-Source comment of the year so far!

===========

A bit harsh, it's not just students who get drunk, it's not just students who dance like tossers, it's not just students who take bags with them, it's not just students who spill beer on the floor etc. Maybe they're not just thinking someone will pinch they're drink, they may be worried about someone spiking it, which is something that happens in their normal club environment and occasionally on the northern scene. Fathers spend a lot of time explaining to their daughters about the dangers of leaving drinks unattended, I'm glad they're being listened to. Whilst I'm a firm believer in etiquette, I am talking in terms of general politeness, not the handbook, "A handy guide to being a soulie".

I like to see people dancing in a more traditional way, but even that has evolved through the wheel, Wigan, Stafford and the 100 club, so it's easy to understand how in 2007 it's still evolving. Ultimately its about appreciating the music, the dancing style is immaterial, and in truth I'd rather see people dancing than standing about, as that's much more likely to attract a younger crowd.

Winnie:-)

I agree Winnie,I think that the bottom line is that some older people on the soul scene feel threatened about younger people infiltrating their clique! When I started going to niters 20 years ago it was totally different as ,even though the scene had been going for ages, the average crowd was 20 or even 30 years younger than it is now and people were nothing but friendly. I know that the drunken dancing can be annoying but no more so than people knocking 60 off their heads on gear