News: BBC Radio 6 Music celebrates the 50th anniversary of Wigan Casino with a 'Northern Soul All-Nighter'

[Mike]

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[Woodbutcher]

At last they've learnt that NS didn't cease to be when the Casino closed ... 

[Mrmick]

28 minutes ago, Woodbutcher said:

At last they've learnt that NS didn't cease to be when the Casino closed ... 

Totally agree.  Wigan was good but post Wigan the diversity of niters and new sounds from Stafford, winter Gardens, oddfellows, queen's Hall, morecambe, Leighton buzzard,  and 100 club to name a few, opened my ears to the best music and the best years of my life . And if you stay away from oldies only niters you can still discover new sounds. IT DIDN'T STOP IN 81 IT WAS BORN AGAIN and kept the scene going for the people who came back 20 plus years later

Edited September 4, 2023 by mick

[Jessie Pinkman]

I think a Stafford hour would have been better and more interesting than The Torch one.

Don't get me wrong The Torch was my favourite all nighter but most of the big tunes were also carried forward & played at Wigan.

Or better still combine The Torch & Wigan as quite a few Wigan anthems were featured at the Proms night.

Having said that maybe The 100 club hour will incorporate some of The Stafford tracks but what do I know. 

Edited September 4, 2023 by Jessie Pinkman

[Mithras]

Oh dear oh dear where's the cats.......

[Happy Feet]

4 hours ago, Mithras said:

Oh dear oh dear where's the cats.......

Probably mixed in with the Wigan hour , as I remember there was a very large section of the hallowed famous sprung dance floor , full of the Wolverhampton/ midlands contingent, where only the first note of a tune packed the floor while the rest of us , waited for the chorus before recognising what the tune was , I can still see Gethro leading the way with his Celtic shirt on ,,,,,

Edited September 4, 2023 by Happy Feet

[Tim Richmond]

I think I recall visiting a club on Central drive in Blackpool, up two escalators if I remember correctly, two superb ground breaking chaps spinning tunes,

puzzled that there is no mention of this venue, OK, it wasn't an all nighter, but as I seem too recall it was quite influential.

Tim (in a cynical mood)

 

[Mithras]

A good observation, Market Harbourough, Bletsoe, Saints and Sinners, Torch,  Va Va's, Cleethorpes,  ,St Ives, Peterborough

a small list but great venues and also  some were not up north all were crackin' places  with top tunes and also that place in Blackpool...

[Roburt]

Drop the Torch spot BUT REPLACE IT WITH a Clifton Halls section. It was the Clifton Halls that drove the scene forward in the early 80's (& helped bring the Casino era to an end). 

[Bruce Offhishead]

What about a mention of Scottish nighters like Clouds Edinburgh ,Smokies Arbroath, the YMCA Glenrothes, Allanton miners welfare Shotts ( which was by  far better than Wigan for me  ( no attitudes , friendlier people & a crazy clientele,

[Paul-s]

The same flaccid presentation of decades of music, venues and changes. Compiled by lazy producers, using the same hackneyed leitmotifs and all chaperoned by two BBC faces who know very little about their subject and who i don't remember seeing much through those decades.

Of course the general punter (returnee) will love this Celeb(ration) and infantilisation of the scenes history. "In the country of the blind the one eyed Maconie is king".

It seems the BBC have smelt a buck or two here and, in fact, i can see how now is the time for them to hijack Northern Soul in a more effective manner than previously (when they were met with resistance) because they now (more than ever) primarily aim at an audience of pensioners. The younger generation refuse to pay the license because of the innocuous and manicured content on offer.

Yes, 3 clubs don't make no scene or represent its history, and people have mentioned the many that deserve a mention/listen.

It is, with good intent, and research ,and decent producer, very easy to do this and represent one hell of a brilliant and exciting montage of music that has emerged from many large and small, but highly significant, clubs over the decades. The problem is when they call someone like Binstanley, or even Richard, these individuals were never at most of the clubs post-Wigan and have not a clue about what went on, or the thousands of brilliant tunes that emerged, after they left. The 100 Club is a slight improvement and at least Ady (i'm assuming its him compiling?) went out and about as a punter too.
But i can see this being a lot of Top 500 stuff (The Torch, Twisted Wheel and Wigan, as someone mentioned, crossed over musically).

The Signatures.....Jeez...no comment.

The Prom(enaders) will adore it and dance their carpets raw, I suppose. Maybe some will gather and create an allnighter event based around the radio, film their soulfulness and then post all over social media. 

But for sure, a new sub-genre is fast emerging: 'BBC Northern Stroll Music' 

[Mark Bicknell]

Are they getting the Band back together? To help with the celebration.

[Jessie Pinkman]

3 hours ago, Paul-s said:

The same flaccid presentation of decades of music, venues and changes. Compiled by lazy producers, using the same hackneyed leitmotifs and all chaperoned by two BBC faces who know very little about their subject and who i don't remember seeing much through those decades.

Of course the general punter (returnee) will love this Celeb(ration) and infantilisation of the scenes history. "In the country of the blind the one eyed Maconie is king".

It seems the BBC have smelt a buck or two here and, in fact, i can see how now is the time for them to hijack Northern Soul in a more effective manner than previously (when they were met with resistance) because they now (more than ever) primarily aim at an audience of pensioners. The younger generation refuse to pay the license because of the innocuous and manicured content on offer.

Yes, 3 clubs don't make no scene or represent its history, and people have mentioned the many that deserve a mention/listen.

It is, with good intent, and research ,and decent producer, very easy to do this and represent one hell of a brilliant and exciting montage of music that has emerged from many large and small, but highly significant, clubs over the decades. The problem is when they call someone like Binstanley, or even Richard, these individuals were never at most of the clubs post-Wigan and have not a clue about what went on, or the thousands of brilliant tunes that emerged, after they left. The 100 Club is a slight improvement and at least Ady (i'm assuming its him compiling?) went out and about as a punter too.
But i can see this being a lot of Top 500 stuff (The Torch, Twisted Wheel and Wigan, as someone mentioned, crossed over musically).

The Signatures.....Jeez...no comment.

The Prom(enaders) will adore it and dance their carpets raw, I suppose. Maybe some will gather and create an allnighter event based around the radio, film their soulfulness and then post all over social media. 

But for sure, a new sub-genre is fast emerging: 'BBC Northern Stroll Music' 

Paul I can't defend Russ but Richard's done a lot for the scene, not only with his radio shows promoting contemporary/modern new releases, previously unreleased northern & crossover soul but some of the nights he promoted are still hailed to this day as ground breaking. 

Parkers Hotel in Manchester, The Howard near Chorley, The Ritz all-nighters rarest of the rare with Butch, Soul Sam, Dave Thorley, Andy Dyson, Tim Brown etc

Edited September 7, 2023 by Jessie Pinkman

[Steviehay]

Cannot for the life of me think why Blackpool has been completely missed by the Beeb, Curtis & Levine without them no modern scene ??? Some absolute gems found from the northern scene here too scandalous  

[Chalky]

26 minutes ago, Steviehay said:

Cannot for the life of me think why Blackpool has been completely missed by the Beeb, Curtis & Levine without them no modern scene ??? Some absolute gems found from the northern scene here too scandalous  

They also discovered between them some of the greatest Northern too.  The years 74, 75 & 76 featured some of the best the scene had to offer.  Colin has a blog with a pretty large list of what he played.

[Steve G]

19 minutes ago, Chalky said:

They also discovered between them some of the greatest Northern too.  The years 74, 75 & 76 featured some of the best the scene had to offer.  Colin has a blog with a pretty large list of what he played.

It all comes down to producers and researchers.  

[Jessie Pinkman]

58 minutes ago, Steviehay said:

Cannot for the life of me think why Blackpool has been completely missed by the Beeb, Curtis & Levine without them no modern scene ??? Some absolute gems found from the northern scene here too scandalous  

Don't forget Tony Jebb started the ball rolling, before Levine, Curtis & Minshull

On my first visit there I left the building completely blown away by the records Tony was playing.

I think Morecombe Pier is worthy of a 1 hour special too

[Tim Richmond]

First time I went it was Tony Jebb & Keith Minshull, blew me away, I had joined the 'big boys club'. !

Tim

[Steviehay]

1 hour ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Don't forget Tony Jebb started the ball rolling, before Levine, Curtis & Minshull

On my first visit there I left the building completely blown away by the records Tony was playing.

I think Morecombe Pier is worthy of a 1 hour special too

I'm not old enough to remember him  unfortunately 

A piece I copied 

 

 

Blackpool Mecca’s Highland Room

Ian Levine played Blackpool Mecca with Colin Curtis (Tony Jebb was before my time), and the difference between the Mecca’s Highland Room and Wigan Casino is tricky to synopsise (as many of us went to both), but I’ll have a go.

In addition to hardcore Northern soulies, the Highland Room attracted a relatively small band of trendy Blackpool kids, plus regulars from further afield, who rarely went to Wigan, didn’t do much speed and who basically came along because the scene was different from the usual Saturday night vomit.

These lot were refreshingly cool dressers, and from ’73 to 1977 Blackpool Mecca pretty much trounced everywhere else for imaginative, groundbreaking dancers, because – unlike Wigan, from perhaps ‘75 onwards – these people both dared and wanted to be different, as opposed to being fearful of not fitting in with the daft dance code forming in the wings (those fcuking cling-on Conservatives again).

[Mithras]

Remember the BBC had all the British releases on nice demo's  Ray Pollard ,Invitations, Jerry Jackson and more   and what did they do play utter rubbish best night ever was at the Casino first oldies night on a Friday 7th 71976 it was empty behind the decks with  Keith Minshull playing Just what we liked went home back to Bedford and was Back for Jr.Walker on the Saturday dedication, now what have we got a complete re write of what went on, also why not  what was played at Stafford  ????? 73,74,75,76 best years....

[Agentsmith]

3 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Paul I can't defend Russ but Richard's done a lot for the scene, not only with his radio shows promoting contemporary/modern new releases, previously unreleased northern & crossover soul but some of the nights he promoted are still hailed to this day as ground breaking. 

Parkers Hotel in Manchester, The Howard near Chorley, The Ritz all-nighters rarest of the rare with Butch, Soul Sam, Dave Thorley, Andy Dyson, Tim Brown etc

Yep, there's my #1 venue: Manchester Ritz and....the best Rare Soul All Nighter EVER, May Day Bank Holiday....worth a fiver ( as it was 2k ) of anyones money.

[Paul-s]

6 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Paul I can't defend Russ but Richard's done a lot for the scene, not only with his radio shows promoting contemporary/modern new releases, previously unreleased northern & crossover soul but some of the nights he promoted are still hailed to this day as ground breaking. 

Parkers Hotel in Manchester, The Howard near Chorley, The Ritz all-nighters rarest of the rare with Butch, Soul Sam, Dave Thorley, Andy Dyson, Tim Brown etc

Yes, i recognise that Richard is a seminal figure, and i went to the Ritz a lot. It's just the repetition of the same old stuff when its BBC curated. Lets see what Richard plays and if hew resists that.

[Geeselad]

11 hours ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Paul I can't defend Russ but Richard's done a lot for the scene, not only with his radio shows promoting contemporary/modern new releases, previously unreleased northern & crossover soul but some of the nights he promoted are still hailed to this day as ground breaking. 

Parkers Hotel in Manchester, The Howard near Chorley, The Ritz all-nighters rarest of the rare with Butch, Soul Sam, Dave Thorley, Andy Dyson, Tim Brown etc

He's also made a decent living from it. You might say he had a vested interest

[Mickey Finn]

What's wrong with that? If punters feel ripped off then it won't be long before promoters won't be making a decent living, especially when there's so much choice out there.

We all have a vested interest in having a thriving and prosperous scene. If some people with the time, energy and imagination are able to make a living from organising events that by definition must be popular enough to cover all costs and then provide some income for the organiser, then good for them. Until we live in a different kind of economic system this is what we've got and no point blaming entrepreneurs for it. We've all got to eat.

[Jessie Pinkman]

18 hours ago, Geeselad said:

He's also made a decent living from it. You might say he had a vested interest

Paul-s wrote Richard was never at any clubs post Wigan, so I named 3 of them, I could have mentioned Stafford, 100 Club, Cleethorpes, Morecombe, Sheffield, Lowton, Prestwich plus loads more, none of the ones I've mentioned are his own  promotions so I'm not sure how he makes his living Geeselad is any of your business.

[Geeselad]

8 minutes ago, Jessie Pinkman said:

Paul-s wrote Richard was never at any clubs post Wigan, so I named 3 of them, I could have mentioned Stafford, 100 Club, Cleethorpes, Morecombe, Sheffield, Lowton, Prestwich plus loads more, none of the ones I've mentioned are his own  promotions so I'm not sure how he makes his living Geeselad is any of your business.

How very dare I! No room for cynicism here.

[Geeselad]

8 hours ago, Mickey Finn said:

What's wrong with that? If punters feel ripped off then it won't be long before promoters won't be making a decent living, especially when there's so much choice out there.

We all have a vested interest in having a thriving and prosperous scene. If some people with the time, energy and imagination are able to make a living from organising events that by definition must be popular enough to cover all costs and then provide some income for the organiser, then good for them. Until we live in a different kind of economic system this is what we've got and no point blaming entrepreneurs for it. We've all got to eat.

Even if that's by the crass exploitation of the scene? 

[Chalky]

9 hours ago, Mickey Finn said:

What's wrong with that? If punters feel ripped off then it won't be long before promoters won't be making a decent living, especially when there's so much choice out there.

We all have a vested interest in having a thriving and prosperous scene. If some people with the time, energy and imagination are able to make a living from organising events that by definition must be popular enough to cover all costs and then provide some income for the organiser, then good for them. Until we live in a different kind of economic system this is what we've got and no point blaming entrepreneurs for it. We've all got to eat.

Totally agree and at least they are professional in what they do regardless of our own personal opinion of what they do.  Beats some of the mickey mouse promoters out there.

[Geeselad]

Yes far be it from me to critique calender and tea towel sellers from exploiting the scene, it's totally different from the BBC, or some bloke who never went to Wigan playing cd's at the dog and duck. These people obviously need to be respected, after all nobody else was willing to be fed the best imports coming into the country at the time. 

[Carty]

This relentless recycling of the same old stuff from professional  Northerner  Maconie is painful to watch , didnt he say somewhere last week that the Wigan All nighters  started at 11 ?    a small thing maybe , but not a mistake anyone who attended would have made.    Richard is the guy that should be fronting this stuff in my opinion ,Also when the scene was at its heights , he was at the helm , and has been actively involved in various ways all the way through , So  what if he has  made a few bob along the way , criticizing this sounds like sour grapes.     But I guess we are stuck with ole Stewpot.

[Steve G]

.

Edited September 9, 2023 by Steve G

[Roburt]

On 07/09/2023 at 15:35, Mithras said:

Remember the BBC had all the British releases on nice demo's  Ray Pollard ,Invitations, Jerry Jackson and more   and what did they do play utter rubbish .... now what have we got a complete re write of what went on, also why not  what was played at Stafford  ????? 73,74,75,76 best years....

Beg to differ to your closing statement.

WORST YEARS FOR NS QUALITY >>    75, 76, 77, 78 .....  obviously some good sounds were discovered & played, but in general the quality was sh*te. Decent stuff started to take over again in the early 80's (Clifton Halls) & continued thru the Stafford / 100 Club years.  

[Steve G]

46 minutes ago, Roburt said:

Beg to differ to your closing statement.

WORST YEARS FOR NS QUALITY >>    75, 76, 77, 78 .....  obviously some good sounds were discovered & played, but in general the quality was sh*te. Decent stuff started to take over again in the early 80's (Clifton Halls) & continued thru the Stafford / 100 Club years.  

77, 78 for sure but there was still loads of great discoveries first played in 75 / 76 and I don't remember the quality being sh*te at all until 77. Offset of course by the commercial cash in stuff that was still coming in from Soussan et al and played by his "agents" here and some of the UK record companies who wanted a piece of the pie (or should that be Pye?). Decent stuff was back with a vengeance though by 79-80 with all the new "rare" 70s finds and some great 60s discoveries as well from John Anderson and played by Richard, Nurons, Appointments, Ernestine Eady Jackie Beavers etc. It was a real purple patch in terms of the quality of music played and definitely Wigan.

Edited September 9, 2023 by Steve G

[Chalky]

13 hours ago, Geeselad said:

Yes far be it from me to critique calender and tea towel sellers from exploiting the scene, it's totally different from the BBC, or some bloke who never went to Wigan playing cd's at the dog and duck. These people obviously need to be respected, after all nobody else was willing to be fed the best imports coming into the country at the time. 

I think most of us disagree with the exploitation, especially with the tat that is offered for sale.  I was referring to the way the venues are run with regards to professionalism.

On 07/09/2023 at 15:35, Mithras said:

Remember the BBC had all the British releases on nice demo's  Ray Pollard ,Invitations, Jerry Jackson and more   and what did they do play utter rubbish best night ever was at the Casino first oldies night on a Friday 7th 71976 it was empty behind the decks with  Keith Minshull playing Just what we liked went home back to Bedford and was Back for Jr.Walker on the Saturday dedication, now what have we got a complete re write of what went on, also why not  what was played at Stafford  ????? 73,74,75,76 best years....

For the low down on Stafford years…

https://www.soulunderground.co.uk

[Chalky]

3 hours ago, Steve G said:

77, 78 for sure but there was still loads of great discoveries first played in 75 / 76 and I don't remember the quality being sh*te at all until 77. Offset of course by the commercial cash in stuff that was still coming in from Soussan et al and played by his "agents" here and some of the UK record companies who wanted a piece of the pie (or should that be Pye?). Decent stuff was back with a vengeance though by 79-80 with all the new "rare" 70s finds and some great 60s discoveries as well from John Anderson and played by Richard, Nurons, Appointments, Ernestine Eady Jackie Beavers etc. It was a real purple patch in terms of the quality of music played and definitely Wigan.

You only have to look at Colin’s list and see what the Mecca churned out.  Then you have Cleethorpes etc, the proper stuff Wigan played. As you say 79/80 some of the best Northern ever and not just from Richard.
 

Every era, every venue of note has its good and bad. 

[Happy Feet]

I know there are at least 39 live venues happening tonite up & down the country , possibly more but as a BBC event ? , is anyone of the opinion, apart from the obvious out takes , that this ( I'll leave that to your own imagination) is not that bad , so far , more after the proms ,,,

[Mark W]

Listened to the first 3 hours and thought most of it was decent, though like most, not at all interested in the cover version bands.

What was however superb was hearing RS selection; William Powell, Cecil Washington, John & The Weirdest, Little Ann, etc on mainstream radio- that’s fantastic, so fair play to them getting RS in and to him for focusing his selections as he did.

I’ve turned off for now as already heard the proms thing before, but will dip back in later for more. Looking forward to the 100 Club set.

[Happy Feet]

5 minutes ago, Mark W said:

Listened to the first 3 hours and thought most of it was decent, though like most, not at all interested in the cover version bands.

What was however superb was hearing RS selection; William Powell, Cecil Washington, John & The Weirdest, Little Ann, etc on mainstream radio- that’s fantastic, so fair play to them getting RS in and to him for focusing his selections as he did.

I’ve turned off for now as already heard the proms thing before, but will dip back in later for more. Looking forward to the 100 Club set.

Me too , catch up later 

[Happy Feet]

Missed first 23 mins , Colin Curtis , internet blackout , here in the  Wyre Forest,  should I put a claim into BT?

[Mark R]

Comedy gold right there, Russ reeling off a list of Casino DJ's with one notable omission.

Playground stuff isn't it?  And I'm not singling out RW there.......it's no worse than the others not having him on at the 50th celebrations.

Deary me......what has it all come to?

Egos and/or money it seems.

 

Cheers,

Mark R

[Steve G]

6 hours ago, Mark R said:

Comedy gold right there, Russ reeling off a list of Casino DJ's with one notable omission.

Playground stuff isn't it?  And I'm not singling out RW there.......it's no worse than the others not having him on at the 50th celebrations.

Deary me......what has it all come to?

Egos and/or money it seems.

 

Cheers,

Mark R

You were even up late listening Mark? 

Yes all rather small minded. But I guess when people don't like each other, there is no getting round that.  

 

Edited September 10, 2023 by Steve G

[Catsprint]

Mark R…….

“Deary me......what has it all come to?

Egos and/or money it seems”

Sad, isn’t it.

[Owd Codger]

So RW "discovered" " There's a ghost in my house".

I'm sure many people  in the UK like myself  " discovered "  it in the UK in 1968 via Motown Memories vol  2

Edited September 10, 2023 by Owd Codger

[Rhino]

Thought it was good in parts but thought dustbin Stanley was shocking and mentioning everyone else but Richard was very petty from russ but there plenty of bad feelings still to this day with them since the last night at the casino the extra one they did. Richard booked Tiffany's in Wigan and Richard had lots of threats I've been told by reliable source and didn't even know about the extra casino night as was on holiday and got barred and wasn't allowed in the casino  for the last ever allnighter at casino. In my opinion Richard was only trying to keep the scene moving after the casino was finished and russ pulled in heavys in on Richard.  That's why they never spoke since I wouldn't blame him.didnt go to Wigan but the records like the theme from Joe 90 and the likes were shocking records . Was strange he mentioned soft cells version he got of Marc almond and said it was a WOW MOMENT. Russ did a free soul night in morecambe pub and only got 20 people to attend and then was booked for a event at kanteena in Lancaster but got cancelled due to lack of interest. Speaks volumes about the records he still plays as for Richard the set he did at the alambra morecambe pier anniversary in April was excellent

Edited September 10, 2023 by Rhino

[Catsprint]

In a couple of weeks RS is on a ‘panel’ along with others; Paul Sadot, Tim Ashabende, Gary Rushbrook, Tim Brown, Ian Wills, talking about their Casino experiences. Probably not a thing to ask about the ‘rift’ between certain individuals then.

[Steve G]

1 hour ago, Rhino said:

Thought it was good in parts but thought dustbin Stanley was shocking and mentioning everyone else but Richard was very petty from russ but there plenty of bad feelings still to this day with them since the last night at the casino the extra one they did. Richard booked Tiffany's in Wigan and Richard had lots of threats I've been told by reliable source and didn't even know about the extra casino night as was on holiday and got barred and wasn't allowed in the casino  for the last ever allnighter at casino. In my opinion Richard was only trying to keep the scene moving after the casino was finished and russ pulled in heavys in on Richard.  That's why they never spoke since I wouldn't blame him.didnt go to Wigan but the records like the theme from Joe 90 and the likes were shocking records . Was strange he mentioned soft cells version he got of Marc almond and said it was a WOW MOMENT. Russ did a free soul night in morecambe pub and only got 20 people to attend and then was booked for a event at kanteena in Lancaster but got cancelled due to lack of interest. Speaks volumes about the records he still plays as for Richard the set he did at the alambra morecambe pier anniversary in April was excellent

Wasn't aware of the "heavies" I must admit. As I recall it the Casino had closed, but someone had the idea of running "just one more" at the Casino to try and make some more money out of the brand. Reports of the time told of the club having fallen into disrepair etc. by the time of this "final final just one more" all nighter. All very sad and undignified as an ending to an era really.  

Edited September 10, 2023 by Steve G

[Fred Benson]

On 04/09/2023 at 17:05, Woodbutcher said:

At last they've learnt that NS didn't cease to be when the Casino closed ... 

And of course it didn't start when the casino opened......   

[Roburt]

1 hour ago, Fred Benson said:

And of course it didn't start when the casino opened......   

Of course it did; everything played before the Casino was just 'youth club' records; not niter sounds ... 

Edited September 10, 2023 by Roburt

[Chalky]

2 hours ago, Rhino said:

Thought it was good in parts but thought dustbin Stanley was shocking and mentioning everyone else but Richard was very petty from russ but there plenty of bad feelings still to this day with them since the last night at the casino the extra one they did. Richard booked Tiffany's in Wigan and Richard had lots of threats I've been told by reliable source and didn't even know about the extra casino night as was on holiday and got barred and wasn't allowed in the casino  for the last ever allnighter at casino. In my opinion Richard was only trying to keep the scene moving after the casino was finished and russ pulled in heavys in on Richard.  That's why they never spoke since I wouldn't blame him.didnt go to Wigan but the records like the theme from Joe 90 and the likes were shocking records . Was strange he mentioned soft cells version he got of Marc almond and said it was a WOW MOMENT. Russ did a free soul night in morecambe pub and only got 20 people to attend and then was booked for a event at kanteena in Lancaster but got cancelled due to lack of interest. Speaks volumes about the records he still plays as for Richard the set he did at the alambra morecambe pier anniversary in April was excellent

Louis (R.I.P.), one of the Cybermen was the manager of the Tiffs which Richard booked believing the Casino was closing.  Russ and one other promoter tried to book it but Louis hid from them so that only Richard and Bernie got the place.  Of course when Russ heard bout thw October wvent Richard was promoting to keep Northern in Wigan Russ had “one” more night

2 hours ago, Owd Codger said:

So RW "discovered" " There's a ghost in my house".

I'm sure many people  in the UK like myself  " discovered "  it in the UK in 1968 via Motown Memories vol  2

He also discovered the three before eight as well  

[Owd Codger]

The Casino must have had wide doors...