We've had threads about Ian Levine, Richard Searling and many great venues. But to many who's first allniters were Yate or The 100 Club, he was the man. Ian's situation means he doesn't get out much nowadays, but it would be nice for you guys to put up your memories (Top Tunes) and plaudits to the great man. Then at some stage, I'll get him to read it or send it to him. Just thought it would be nice to let him know that many of us miss him.

For many years he was one of my closest friends, he staying at my place every weekend that Yate was on and me at his every time we went up the smoke. He gave me loads of encouragement as a young DJ, helped me find tunes and was a alround top bloke. I always think of him as one of the most important dj's the scene has had, particular achievement, as he did not come from the midlands or north of england.

So come on lets be having ya.

Edited October 31, 200717 yr by Dave Thorley

Ian always has been a top fella and still is

Steve G

Spoken to him a fair bit of late, he is blown away by the great comments on here, really has raised his spirit. Now all we have to do is get to come and and dj somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!

I did wonder why hes not on at Yarmouth SE in the day times ?

My favourite DJ of all time and a top guy too.

Would love for him to spin some tunes again.

When we started There's That Beat! Ian sent me a lovely letter of encouragement with some artist picks and a check for subs. Old school and a gent to boot. Some of the 'DJ' threads on here would have him laughing that's for sure.

My favourite DJ of all time and a top guy too.

Would love for him to spin some tunes again.

Ian used to make the 100 club for me in the 80s..

So many brilliant records played.. Young Brothers.. Whats your game . took some beating !

A true gent of the scene.

WHEN I VISITED THE 100 CLUB LATE EIGHTIES EARLY NINETIES[REGULARISH] ,HE WAS THE MAN I TRAVELLED FOR ,HIS INFLUENCE SHOULD NOT GO UNNOTICED,BLOODY INCREDIBLE SIXTIES SOUL TRACKS ONE AFTER ANOTHER!HE DESERVES THE PLAUDITS IMHO.

BAZ A

Ian at Yate, with The Wid, Tony and Rowland

Nice to have the opportunity to put something on here Dave. Sorry to be a straggler, still its only 12 years! For me as a young aspiring DJ Ians taste & delivery on the decks were a masterclass.  His spots at the 100 club were the best I ever heard anywhere. A lovely man, always encouraging and always on the level, made you feel like you belonged. Brilliant and subtle. My utmost respect & very definately my fave Northern Soul DJ of all time, based on my experiences in the 80s. That just about covers it 😁

Best wishes 

Pete Crampton

Jackie Beavers - I Need My Baby, Eric Mercury - Lonely Girl, Nicky Newarkers - Woman

 

   

Edited August 11, 20195 yr by Soul Hippy

He certainly was the man at Yate, up with the best of them. Always had time for people, a great roll model and someone to look up to, he did miss the train a few times so Yate lacked on those nights. Got a few nice group photos away from nighters when he would visit Burton on Trent 

All can be said excellent dj spots at 100 club & not forgetting TOP OF THE WORLD Stafford . Jst a genuine compliment to Dave Thorley .I can't think of a bad dj that was ever booked at TOTW.without exception 👍👍👍.& for those unlucky enough to have not attended.take it from me !!! Had Dave not had the vision back then with the quality of music played then the scene today would not be as it is today !!!

9 hours ago, Phathom Janitor said:

All can be said excellent dj spots at 100 club & not forgetting TOP OF THE WORLD Stafford . Jst a genuine compliment to Dave Thorley .I can't think of a bad dj that was ever booked at TOTW.without exception 👍👍👍.& for those unlucky enough to have not attended.take it from me !!! Had Dave not had the vision back then with the quality of music played then the scene today would not be as it is today !!!

Totally agree with you on that,for me Stafford put soul back into the scene. Chris. 

Very under rated dj and collector who could have given any dj a run for his money. A great guy to buy records from and always had great stuff from him. The vast array of obscure 45s that were in his sales boxes was a thing to behold and if you picked them out he appreciated the fact that like him you were after the more off the wall obscure tracks like him. An all round good bloke and always liked the odd chat we had.

When living in Guilford Ian would often come up to Norwich and either support or dj at local gigs in in Norwich, having roots in Norfolk I got to know him better when he moved back and often popped to see him and buy a few records, he would often have titles I had not seen before, some of which I have not really seen since. Ian is also into his military memrobilia, I remember joking with him and asked if he was having trouble with the neighbors, he only had this giant shoulder mounted bazooka in his hallway! he laughed whispering 'don't tell anyone'. Sort of lost touch really, which is a shame as he is only half an hour's drive away. Always looked to be inavative with the music, just how I like it. A significant contribution to the scene.

Top bloke. I first met Ian at various venues pre 100 club. I also went a couple of times to Yate but  never chatted, but I also met him many times at various Record Tape & Exchange shops and we exchanged record talk he was helpful & friendly.. I don't know what he bought, but  45's-  & 12"- both imports & the soul funk  UK promos were in abundance. A funny story one night at 100 club allnighter Adey let a load of non DJ's have a spot, me included, as I went up to Ian to say hello he said " there's a right bunch DJing tonight. "I know" I replied "I've a spot." He was right but I enjoyed myself and even early doors a few danced. I've also bought quite a few sales of him  in recent years always excellent condition and packaged. A true gent.

And not forgetting the Red Spec's too 😜

 

.....and the white and red socks, I think the white one was on his left foot, the red one on the right foot. A lovely man and always great to talk to. He helped a lot with Blackbeat on the art side with what he called "Crappographics" - so Ian that - when he was at Imperial College, a long time ago. I hear he has retired from the B&B business a few years ago.  

Ian is a legend .. we used to write to each other a lot .. proper letters on paper sent through the post .. still got all of our correspondence filed

A

Pic of me, Ian and Lorraine Chandler

 

Clarky top man at Yate and 100 club early 80ts - brought off him SS Demo Long After tonight is all over he told me the run in is warped but plays ok £7 later got it - over 35 years later still play it 2 record from end of spot 👍🏻👍🏻

Am sure Ian djed at the Wooden Bridge soul nights Guildford about 76 ? 

Edited August 10, 20195 yr by Zoomsoulblue

Would get the occasional record listings off of him...would run through them as quick as i could before phoning and hoping that the stand out items hadn't been snapped up. On a few occasions i ordered quite a few sounds and upon receipt of the delivery, there would be a 'freebie' that Ian had included! I felt quite privileged....a nice guy to talk to aswell!!

A kind, selfless father and a decent man . Sadly not seen him since his Brighton visits . Was in his home town last year but felt it had been too long to call but I remember him with affection. 

A top DJ and man, spent many a lunch hour chatting to him in Bens/Collectors records in Guildford.