Wigan Casino Saturday Nights 1979-1981

[Mark Oliver]

Thanks to Mark Freeman for encouraging me to dig out my Casino tapes and re-living my wonderful memories of the latter years of the Casino.

Although I use to go to the Oldies nighters and occasionally go in M's, it was the Saturday nights , main dance floor that always did it for me - oh if we could turn back time?

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

[Harry Crosby]

Thanks to Mark Freeman for encouraging me to dig out my Casino tapes and re-living my wonderful memories of the latter years of the Casino.

Although I use to go to the Oldies nighters and occasionally go in M's, it was the Saturday nights , main dance floor that always did it for me - oh if we could turn back time?

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

although in some peoples opinion the glory days were over, i had some great nights sat in the record bar with niel[nogger]allen, dave withers and rod shard, good thing was because it wasn`t heaving like olsies nights you could sit and talk records with these guys, great memories met loads of people who helped me a great deal as a young collector

[Ian Parker]

I only did 79 -81 , went as a spotty 17 yr old for the first time for the Christmas niter. loved the place, rain snow , thumbed, got lifts, coach, train ... we got there somehow..... it was a great all nighter.

from what i remember, the music was back on track the last couple of years, i dont remember hearing many nasty tunes in the main hall, but i do remember watching from the balcony as 100's of dancers moved in unison below to the sounds of 'anything i can do' by will Collins. now that will stay with me . top venue

[TOAD]

DID YOU USED PICK ME UP ON THE GLOUSTER/CHELTNAM COACH ON THE MOTERWAY SERVICES

THINK IT WAS CAROLINE WHO ORGANISED IT!

THEN DROPPED ME OFF NEAR WBA FC READY FOR THE LOCARNO ALLDAYERS IN BRUM

[Mark Oliver]

DID YOU USED PICK ME UP ON THE GLOUSTER/CHELTNAM COACH ON THE MOTERWAY SERVICES

THINK IT WAS CAROLINE WHO ORGANISED IT!

THEN DROPPED ME OFF NEAR WBA FC READY FOR THE LOCARNO ALLDAYERS IN BRUM

Toad we most certainly did, how could I forget you.

I have just done a cd for Nogger dee-jaying at The Locarno. As Borat would say - "Happy times"!

Great to hear from you.

Mark

[Rhino]

Thanks to Mark Freeman for encouraging me to dig out my Casino tapes and re-living my wonderful memories of the latter years of the Casino.

Although I use to go to the Oldies nighters and occasionally go in M's, it was the Saturday nights , main dance floor that always did it for me - oh if we could turn back time?

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

any chance u could put some of the tapes on refo 4 us all to have a listen please

[Mark Oliver]

any chance u could put some of the tapes on refo 4 us all to have a listen please

Will do, am currently putting them on to cd and will upload some in the coming weeks.

Thanks

Mark

[Zed1]

It's interesting that 'some' on here say Wigan was shite after 77 but IMHO some of Richards plays in particular from 79 produced arguably the best Music ever at the Casino..

Good post Mark.

[Rhino]

Will do, am currently putting them on to cd and will upload some in the coming weeks.

Thanks

Mark

cheers mark looking forward to listening to them

[Guest Scarborosoul]

I packed in going to the casino in 1980 when i joined the army, but was a regualar between 74-80 at both the Sat nights and the Oldies nighters.

Rick

[Prophonics 2029]

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

[Guest nffc]

Always a strong Nottingham contingent present, lots of names but mick and ian, tim fields, nick, phil worral, stibbo, blonde stella. I also remember john from halifax, mace from manchester/nottingham and I'm sure simone delany from haifax stuck a lucazade bottle in duncan's [rochdale] neck one morning in the car park.

[Guest geomcewan]

We traveled down from Edinburgh and surrounding areas from the mid 70's up until the final nights, met lots of great people and heard oh so many great sounds - I loved the record bar, talking to so many knowledgeable people and going up to M's - no mention of Gal who always played a great spot!

If it wasn't for the casino then the Clouds nighters in Edinburgh would never have happened - and I'm sure it's influence was felt in many other towns and cities the length and breadth of the nation.

[Davetay]

It's interesting that 'some' on here say Wigan was shite after 77 but IMHO some of Richards plays in particular from 79 produced arguably the best Music ever at the Casino..

Good post Mark.

As I have said before the first two and the last two where Wigan,s best years.

Richard and Sam,s plays in the last two years where f++kin great.

[Guest mickeyb]

Always a strong Nottingham contingent present, lots of names but mick and ian, tim fields, nick, phil worral, stibbo, blonde stella. I also remember john from halifax, mace from manchester/nottingham and I'm sure simone delany from haifax stuck a lucazade bottle in duncan's [rochdale] neck one morning in the car park.

Yeah, I remember lots from Nottingham towards the end particularly Nick and Ian. I thought Mace was from Bolton (maybe Farnsworth). Also Dunc from Rotherham and Craig and Psycho. There was also a big crowd from the North East who also used to go to Rotherham and Todmorden at around that time - memory is failing me though, can't think where they were from - Darlington maybe?

Dave Tay's post isn't far wrong - Searling was bang on top of his game in the last year or two. Shame there weren't more people there.

[Wiganer1]

Thanks to Mark Freeman for encouraging me to dig out my Casino tapes and re-living my wonderful memories of the latter years of the Casino.

Although I use to go to the Oldies nighters and occasionally go in M's, it was the Saturday nights , main dance floor that always did it for me - oh if we could turn back time?

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

===========

hi mark

yes gr8 music -

for me wigan gave us (and other venues) brilliant stuff from all eras....

[Guest sarahleen]

Always a strong Nottingham contingent present, lots of names but mick and ian, tim fields, nick, phil worral, stibbo, blonde stella. I also remember john from halifax, mace from manchester/nottingham and I'm sure simone delany from haifax stuck a lucazade bottle in duncan's [rochdale] neck one morning in the car park.

typical simone going round terrorising and bullying people , the c***

Edited November 27, 2008 by sarahleen

[Guest SteveJohnston]

It's interesting that 'some' on here say Wigan was shite after 77 but IMHO some of Richards plays in particular from 79 produced arguably the best Music ever at the Casino..

Good post Mark.

No argument from me Teapot it was the best music the Casino gave us, 79/80 from Richard IMO

[Guest Nick Harrison]

No argument from me Teapot it was the best music the Casino gave us, 79/80 from Richard IMO

Got to agree 100% 1978 to 1981 was a very rich musical period for RS and the saturday nite regulars, the only downside was having to drop tombstones.... .

Regulars from Clitheroe, Skipton, Accrington, Derby, Blackburn, Burnley and Tim Casey from Settle........but what about those friday nites....warming up at the Spinning Jenny in Accrington

Nick.

Edited November 28, 2008 by Nick Harrison

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

I was there every Saturday at that time as I was living in Southport then. On the weekends of the Oldies nights, half of Scotland were staying at our place! So I would be with a mix of the Southport crowd, Scots, the Dudley crew (Pete Ricketts, Brillo and Dave Nowell and always Terry from Wrexham, Kev O'Brein.

Some of the Sat night main room sounds I remember are :

Eddie Holman - This could Be A Night To Remember

Alfie Khan Sound Orchestra - Law of The Land

Thelma Houston - Don't Leave Me This Way

When I hear them it always reminds me of a Saturday night downstairs.

[Barry]

That period was my time and I understand that it is impossible for me to say that my time was better than anyone elses, but it was a special time in NS history.

The introduction of varying forms of black music era's to a close knit underground musical fraternity (I know the introduction of newer productions caused ripples but it's all part of our history), killer sixties discoveries coupled with deserving 70's and 80's indies alongside the tried and tested 'Oldies' made it unmissable.

It was Searlings play-ground and Wigan went out on a high musically.

Without that lad leading the way, your Rotherhams and the other venues that followed his light wouldn't have kept the torch alive.

Knock Modern, Newies , 70's or whatever you would call it if you will, but I doubt that without the input of that form of music (or Searlings input) at the time, the NS scene would have faced a stiffer challenge and it may not have bridged the gap as well as it did when Wigan closed.

[Barry]

The King Is Dead - Still!

[Davetay]

Got to agree 100% 1978 to 1981 was a very rich musical period for RS and the saturday nite regulars, the only downside was having to drop tombstones.... .

Regulars from Clitheroe, Skipton, Accrington, Derby, Blackburn, Burnley and Tim Casey from Settle........but what about those friday nites....warming up at the Spinning Jenny in Accrington

Nick.

And lets not forget the all-dayer at the Spinning Jenny, all the lads playing football outside

Back to the Jenny (1st time around) 1972 Major Lance live on stage.

P,S, Nick is Deano from Skipton still around?

Edited November 29, 2008 by davetay

[Guest Nick Harrison]

P,S, Nick is Deano from Skipton still around?

Edited November 29, 2008 by Nick Harrison

[Guest Nick Harrison]

The introduction of varying forms of black music era's to a close knit underground musical fraternity (I know the introduction of newer productions caused ripples but it's all part of our history), killer sixties discoveries coupled with deserving 70's and 80's indies alongside the tried and tested 'Oldies' made it unmissable.

Bob on Barry with your accurate and well scripted definition - made it unmissable during a period of rich musical avaliability .

[Guest]

I was there every Saturday at that time as I was living in Southport then. On the weekends of the Oldies nights, half of Scotland were staying at our place!

Ever meet a lad called Paul Sheriff from Dunfermline, Una? He told me he started going to Wigan when stationed with the forces at Catterick.

[Guest Una Scot-Oz]

Ever meet a lad called Paul Sheriff from Dunfermline, Una? He told me he started going to Wigan when stationed with the forces at Catterick.

The name doesn't ring a bell. There were a few from Dunfermline who were adopted by the Edinburgh crowd so maybe some of them would know him. There is a guy over here now in Queensland who went to Wigan when stationed at Catterick.

[Guest sandi]

That period was my time and I understand that it is impossible for me to say that my time was better than anyone elses, but it was a special time in NS history.

The introduction of varying forms of black music era's to a close knit underground musical fraternity (I know the introduction of newer productions caused ripples but it's all part of our history), killer sixties discoveries coupled with deserving 70's and 80's indies alongside the tried and tested 'Oldies' made it unmissable.

It was Searlings play-ground and Wigan went out on a high musically.

Without that lad leading the way, your Rotherhams and the other venues that followed his light wouldn't have kept the torch alive.

Knock Modern, Newies , 70's or whatever you would call it if you will, but I doubt that without the input of that form of music (or Searlings input) at the time, the NS scene would have faced a stiffer challenge and it may not have bridged the gap as well as it did when Wigan closed.

Well said, you are obviously someone who shares my views.

[Guest sandi]

Thanks to Mark Freeman for encouraging me to dig out my Casino tapes and re-living my wonderful memories of the latter years of the Casino.

Although I use to go to the Oldies nighters and occasionally go in M's, it was the Saturday nights , main dance floor that always did it for me - oh if we could turn back time?

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

Mark, Harpo (Paul) is telling me as l reply how he remembers you well,and what a nice guy you are.

I too was one of the Wolves contingent,you may remember me for my lethal full circle skirts, l was excellent at bringing many a poor guy down to the ground with a thud especially if they got entangled in my skirt while l was in full spinning mode and they were doing their fancy foot work and high kicks.............sorry to anyone who fell fowl to my onslaughts.

Sat nights that followed the oldies niter on the previous fri were always a great opportunity for me to chill out a bit before going onto the Lacarno dayer in Brum, they were the days, yet nothing has really slowed both me or Harpo down,we still stay up all over the weekends, my view is we all have plenty of time to sleep when we is dead! live life to the full,thats what l say.

Other people not had a mention yet are Sean, Poma,Phil Shelton,Martin Randall,Crispy,Dave Lewis,Diane Lewis,Rover,Julie Lewis(nee Jones),Bryn Lane,Pedro,Drippin,Azza and Jayne,Harg'y and Kerry,Jennifer,Gill from Crewe,Steff,Lyn,Diane Moody,Pete Smith,Cleo, Gary Stubbs,Elaine Soley,Wally and Caroline,Mick Davis,Russell and Julie,Mouse,Fish(Penny),Sammy Dee,Cappa Dave,White H,David Hulmes,Bazza,Pardo,Mac Pitt,Neil Russell,Ronnie Cooper,Miffy,Dave Welding,Tess,Cheryl,Dawn Caswell,Ginger,Angie,Andria,Jackie Wright,Micky Taylor,Snakearms,Rod Orbody,Steve Morgan,Jez,Jimmy Mguire,Sully.Tina,Estelle,Steve and Phil Wilkes,Beanhead,Bod and Nicky,Billy Frisby,Rictic,Kev Burden,Steve Slater,Carl and Angie,Hotdog, Bruno, Gunner,................The list is endless, but all remembered warmly.

[harpo1]

-First.....how the devil are you Mark, was it Burslem when i last saw you....."times guy"

Second......total agreement i think musically those last 2 years of Sat. nights were the best, we were very much involved with the £modern" scene when it emerged in early '79, with the Tuesdat night Laffeyette sessions with Sam Pep Ian Tyrer and myself playing, with Hargy n Mick Holdsworth all devouring those wonderous tunes, far too many to mention i'll just name drop a few

Bobby Thurston

Bobby King

Peabo Bryson

etc....etc.....

Richard n Sam were awsome ably assisted by Pat....playing new stuff

And then there were the 60's newies....wow

Richard n Gary R and Pat of course

Keith emerged from a bad patch to rein supreme on the mega oldies, with Evo Bri n Steve.

There were those two guest spots Dave Thorley 'n' Chris Plant.......that went down a storm too.

Great times had by us all either on the dance floor, verballing or playing "crash" in the little room behind the stage......."i swear guy"

But whats best of all is 27 years on we are still at it in 2008, i'm loving it just as much today, thats the legacy of those nights....i missed the Wheel, Torch and Cats, wish i'd done the Mecca more, buy Wigan was my venue.....well after 76 oldies only for 3 years as the poppy white thing ran its course, with me heading to Yate P'boro etc....to get some soul!!!

Far too many mates to mention individually, our crowd were me, phil, azza, dave shaw, twins etc...................

Ill never forget those times i dont want a shopping centre farce or three before eight, over n over again, just rememberind the times the caps etc......is good for me!

To misquote Dickens

"it was the best of times, it was the best of times"

Harpo

[Soultown andy]

Nowere like it loads frm bolton and manchester there started goin in 77 with pat and elaine cluxton steve livesy and the horwich boys gazo hans carl dave molloy from farnworth,shirley and fran from stockport,lee sean and the heywood crew knew duncan john frosty frm rochdale salty and pete from prestwich good days,to easily dismissed by some and searling the best in those years that there has ever been or ever will be.

Edited November 30, 2008 by Soultown andy

[Zed1]

That period was my time and I understand that it is impossible for me to say that my time was better than anyone elses, but it was a special time in NS history.

The introduction of varying forms of black music era's to a close knit underground musical fraternity (I know the introduction of newer productions caused ripples but it's all part of our history), killer sixties discoveries coupled with deserving 70's and 80's indies alongside the tried and tested 'Oldies' made it unmissable.

It was Searlings play-ground and Wigan went out on a high musically.

Without that lad leading the way, your Rotherhams and the other venues that followed his light wouldn't have kept the torch alive.

Knock Modern, Newies , 70's or whatever you would call it if you will, but I doubt that without the input of that form of music (or Searlings input) at the time, the NS scene would have faced a stiffer challenge and it may not have bridged the gap as well as it did when Wigan closed.

Beautifully put Barry...

The above post should be made 'sticky' me thinks.....

[Guest Byrney]

As a kid who was just started on the scene 78 I only made local doos and nighters in Notts so only got the chance to go to the last nighter at Wigan which was Oldies as you all know.

When I look back at the legend that is the Casino it is this period that musically stands out for me. Yet looking at the play lists from all the revival / nostalgia events the music from this period seem to be in the main not reflected - really cannot understand that.

My one regret is having missed Searling, Rushbrooke et al during this period.

Edited November 30, 2008 by Byrney

[nubes]

That period was my time and I understand that it is impossible for me to say that my time was better than anyone elses, but it was a special time in NS history.

The introduction of varying forms of black music era's to a close knit underground musical fraternity (I know the introduction of newer productions caused ripples but it's all part of our history), killer sixties discoveries coupled with deserving 70's and 80's indies alongside the tried and tested 'Oldies' made it unmissable.

It was Searlings play-ground and Wigan went out on a high musically.

Without that lad leading the way, your Rotherhams and the other venues that followed his light wouldn't have kept the torch alive.

Knock Modern, Newies , 70's or whatever you would call it if you will, but I doubt that without the input of that form of music (or Searlings input) at the time, the NS scene would have faced a stiffer challenge and it may not have bridged the gap as well as it did when Wigan closed.

Couldnt have put it better myself....get's on my nerves when folk slag the latter years at the Casino...yes...there was that period of the crappy pop played...but the last couple of years Richard Searling really did reign supreme...i have only got to think about his DJ spots even now during that time and i still get goosepimply ....Delxxx

[Mark Oliver]

Mark, Harpo (Paul) is telling me as l reply how he remembers you well,and what a nice guy you are.

I too was one of the Wolves contingent,you may remember me for my lethal full circle skirts, l was excellent at bringing many a poor guy down to the ground with a thud especially if they got entangled in my skirt while l was in full spinning mode and they were doing their fancy foot work and high kicks.............sorry to anyone who fell fowl to my onslaughts.

Sat nights that followed the oldies niter on the previous fri were always a great opportunity for me to chill out a bit before going onto the Lacarno dayer in Brum, they were the days, yet nothing has really slowed both me or Harpo down,we still stay up all over the weekends, my view is we all have plenty of time to sleep when we is dead! live life to the full,thats what l say.

Other people not had a mention yet are Sean, Poma,Phil Shelton,Martin Randall,Crispy,Dave Lewis,Diane Lewis,Rover,Julie Lewis(nee Jones),Bryn Lane,Pedro,Drippin,Azza and Jayne,Harg'y and Kerry,Jennifer,Gill from Crewe,Steff,Lyn,Diane Moody,Pete Smith,Cleo, Gary Stubbs,Elaine Soley,Wally and Caroline,Mick Davis,Russell and Julie,Mouse,Fish(Penny),Sammy Dee,Cappa Dave,White H,David Hulmes,Bazza,Pardo,Mac Pitt,Neil Russell,Ronnie Cooper,Miffy,Dave Welding,Tess,Cheryl,Dawn Caswell,Ginger,Angie,Andria,Jackie Wright,Micky Taylor,Snakearms,Rod Orbody,Steve Morgan,Jez,Jimmy Mguire,Sully.Tina,Estelle,Steve and Phil Wilkes,Beanhead,Bod and Nicky,Billy Frisby,Rictic,Kev Burden,Steve Slater,Carl and Angie,Hotdog, Bruno, Gunner,................The list is endless, but all remembered warmly.

Sandi

Firstly great to hear from you and thanks for your kind comments.

I used to love the Saturday nights and then down to Birmingham Locarno.

Thank you also for listing some more of the Saturday night soulies that like you remember in such a positive way.

All the best

Mark

[Mark Oliver]

-First.....how the devil are you Mark, was it Burslem when i last saw you....."times guy"

Second......total agreement i think musically those last 2 years of Sat. nights were the best, we were very much involved with the £modern" scene when it emerged in early '79, with the Tuesdat night Laffeyette sessions with Sam Pep Ian Tyrer and myself playing, with Hargy n Mick Holdsworth all devouring those wonderous tunes, far too many to mention i'll just name drop a few

Bobby Thurston

Bobby King

Peabo Bryson

etc....etc.....

Richard n Sam were awsome ably assisted by Pat....playing new stuff

And then there were the 60's newies....wow

Richard n Gary R and Pat of course

Keith emerged from a bad patch to rein supreme on the mega oldies, with Evo Bri n Steve.

There were those two guest spots Dave Thorley 'n' Chris Plant.......that went down a storm too.

Great times had by us all either on the dance floor, verballing or playing "crash" in the little room behind the stage......."i swear guy"

But whats best of all is 27 years on we are still at it in 2008, i'm loving it just as much today, thats the legacy of those nights....i missed the Wheel, Torch and Cats, wish i'd done the Mecca more, but Wigan was my venue.....well after 76 oldies only for 3 years as the poppy white thing ran its course, with me heading to Yate P'boro etc....to get some soul!!!

Far too many mates to mention individually, our crowd were me, phil, azza, dave shaw, twins etc...................

Ill never forget those times i dont want a shopping centre farce or three before eight, over n over again, just remembering the times the caps etc......is good for me!

To misquote Dickens

"it was the best of times, it was the best of times"

Harpo

Harpo

Respect to you and the good times I have had at Nighters etc when you have been there.

Infact, when I manage to pop up at the occasional venue in what ever part of the country - I always know that Harpo will be there. But how do you always remember when and where you last saw me, sometimes years later?

Recently have been listening to the live tapes of the Casino on a Saturday night and was just wowed by the great things that were being played that so many people now don't realise how many top nighter spins were being played for the first time in those few years by Richard, Garry, Pat etc.

Also thoroughly enjoyed both Dave Thorley and Chris Plant's guest spots and both deserved to dee-jay alongside the elite crew at the Casino.

It was quite strange that a lot of the Gloucester crowd would go to Yate but I was always drawn to the Casino and went to Yate only a few times.

Anyway keep in touch and talk soon.

Mark

[Guest nffc]

dave molloy from farnworth

Been trying to remember that name for years, was a really nice guy, thanks.

[harpo1]

Yes Mark there will be no escape now iv'e got your add'y.

Wonderful times we've had over the years...and even if its a few years between our meets, its always a pleasure and anyone not knowing would assume it was only days.

Yes i did lose the will to go on Satyrdays for a couple of years, to much 60's beat driven non soul stuff played, sorry i dont want to hear Helen Shapiro, amongst others, had to watch em on tv or on radio at my nans when they had their POP careers.

I enjoyed Yate, also P'boro, KGB, Cleethorpes and even Redditch to mention a few, but i neverb missed an oldies duting that time, and then early '79 that rennaisance occured and that was it did 'em all to the end(sat's)

It was not a case of us all realising at a later time just how spoiled we had been, it was so awesome it could not be ignored.

The fire that had been lit at local events by the likes of Pep Max and Neil R, just went ballistic on my first visit to t' Casino, that now almost 34 years later it still empowers my soulful quest.

To all of those either mentioned in here, or indeed those not thanks for making it so special

What did that last night flyer finish with ?

Was it something like this

"WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, WE HOPE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET US"

Harpo

Edited November 30, 2008 by harpo1

[Munchkin]

Russ, Richard, Soul Sam, Gary Rushbrooke, Pat Brady, Keith Minshull, Brian Rae and Dave Evison etc. - Respect to you all for such wonderful memories!

On some nights there was only a few hundred people in so am hoping that this is a great opportunity to re-live a moment in time.

A few examples are:

Neil Allen, Chris Plant, Tim Ashibende, Dave Thorley, Atlas, Geoff Oakes, Dave Shaw, Waggsy, Trusser, Harpo, The twins, Rob Marriott, Vernon, Martin Maylor, Blondie, Ricky Brown, Pete French, Fletch, Tracey, Pip and the rest of the Stroud contingent. The Gloucester crowd and so many more from Worcester, Redditch, Crewe, Manchester, Scotland etc.

Also the people that I didn't meet at the Casino but then met afterwards and found out they were also there, Guy, Keb, Butch, Gilly etc.

Also to the wonderful soulies that we no longer see around Dave Alcock, Pete Lawson, Tommo, Mudd and others R.I.P.

Anyway if you were there between 1979-1981 please leave a comment.

Mark (Gloucester) - Don't look at the picture as I looked quite different then, like more hair, and definitely less weight

Hummmm no girls on the list.

Chris Jones Used to go out with geoff Oakes, mick vickers and Sue,Dareth Bonnel(dell) Crewe, Sammy from Sandbach, Wagsy + Cheril, Harpo + Jenny, Plus Vanda Orlanski, Louise Culley(procter)from preston, Sharon Furnival (My wife) Alison Fogarty, Kim Stelle just a few off my head....

[Munchkin]

We traveled down from Edinburgh and surrounding areas from the mid 70's up until the final nights, met lots of great people and heard oh so many great sounds - I loved the record bar, talking to so many knowledgeable people and going up to M's - no mention of Gal who always played a great spot!

If it wasn't for the casino then the Clouds nighters in Edinburgh would never have happened - and I'm sure it's influence was felt in many other towns and cities the length and breadth of the nation.

Not heard anyone mention Gal in years, Saw him a few years ago in a car parts warehouse(Euro) in manchetser, had a good chat with him, he now is an ELVIS impersonater LOL, always remember Gal Knocking Gary Foster from Congleton out in Mr M coz he was Barbed up, still there 3 hrs later

[Guest StuartRigby]

79-81 was my main blooding into the NS scene.I travelled every Saturday from Edinburgh on the train with Stevie Smith and Dale Pender both no longer with us,RIP,and Jimmy Kaye and many others that were regular travellers at that time, those were the days of the persil tickets as I recall.I agree with many that for me the music at that time was superb and set me up for the likes of Stafford etc afterwards.Met loads of great people over that period from all over the country.

Stu

[Guest SteveJohnston]

The three pictures have been in my gallery for some time but are apt for this topic. The Hindley lads from 79/80 only holidays keep us away from Friday & Saturday nights!

Richard with Dave and another anyone know? Near the end of 1980 (16/12/80 on the back in print) so it would have been from the Saturday before.

Taken in 79 (02/06/79 on the back in print) at the cloakroom in the Casino. If you see this Girls BIG HUGS & KISSES Steve J

Fantastic times!

Steve J

[Harry Crosby]

Couldnt have put it better myself....get's on my nerves when folk slag the latter years at the Casino...yes...there was that period of the crappy pop played...but the last couple of years Richard Searling really did reign supreme...i have only got to think about his DJ spots even now during that time and i still get goosepimply ....Delxxx

Hi del this list says it all really, i`m only going from memory so please feel free to correct me if i`m wrong

VEL-VETS-GONE WITH THE WIND-C/U

ROSE VALENTINE & THE SISTERS THREE-WHEN HE`S NOT AROUND-C/U

EDDIE SEABERG-WANTED-C/U

FRANK WILSON-GUESS WHO LOVES YOU-C/U

SPYDER TURNER & THE WEBS-CAN`GET OVER THESE MEMORIES-C/U

HERBIE WILLIAMS-THE LOVER WHO LOVES YOU NOT-C/U

DETROIT WHEELS-LIKE A GOOD GIRL SHOULD-C/U

RANDOLPH WALKER-WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN-C/U

ROBERT L MARTIN-GOTTA GOOD THING GOIN-C/U

JOE MATHEWS-I DON`T LIKE TO LOSE-C/U

CHRISTINE COOPER-COUNTRY GIRL-C/U

BETTY BOO-SAY IT ISN`T SO-UNRELEASED

EDDIE JEFFERSON-I WON`T THINK TWICE-C/U

HERMON HITSON-LOVE SLIPPED THROUGH MY FINGERS-C/U

TAMALA LEWIS-YOU WON`T SAY NOTHING-MARTON

ROBERT L MARTIN-COME GO WITH ME-C/U

AL WILLIAMS-I AM NOTHING-LA BEAT

LESTER TIPTON-THIS WON`T CHANGE-LA BEAT

DON GARDNER-CHEATIN KIND-SEDGRICK

and the list goes on, imho the start of the rare soul scene as we know it today, we certainly were treated to some fantastic music in the latter years of the casino, and a lot of the records listed above have stood the test of time, and are some of the most desired by todays collectors, certainly glad i went those last few years

Edited December 2, 2008 by HARRY CROSBY

[Zed1]

Agreed Harry....

Even 30 years on they would still make a decent spot........ inc the covers

Edited December 2, 2008 by Teapot

[22ndsoul]

Saturday wigan nighters were superb,newly discovered records played that blew me away every week.Some of my best memories were at Wigan 79 - 81

One i was reminded of the other week was - Judy Hughes - FIne Fine Fine

Edited December 2, 2008 by 22ndsoul

[nubes]

Hi del this list says it all really, i`m only going from memory so please feel free to correct me if i`m wrong

VEL-VETS-GONE WITH THE WIND-C/U

ROSE VALENTINE & THE SISTERS THREE-WHEN HE`S NOT AROUND-C/U

EDDIE SEABERG-WANTED-C/U

FRANK WILSON-GUESS WHO LOVES YOU-C/U

SPYDER TURNER & THE WEBS-CAN`GET OVER THESE MEMORIES-C/U

HERBIE WILLIAMS-THE LOVER WHO LOVES YOU NOT-C/U

DETROIT WHEELS-LIKE A GOOD GIRL SHOULD-C/U

RANDOLPH WALKER-WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN-C/U

ROBERT L MARTIN-GOTTA GOOD THING GOIN-C/U

JOE MATHEWS-I DON`T LIKE TO LOSE-C/U

CHRISTINE COOPER-COUNTRY GIRL-C/U

BETTY BOO-SAY IT ISN`T SO-UNRELEASED

EDDIE JEFFERSON-I WON`T THINK TWICE-C/U

HERMON HITSON-LOVE SLIPPED THROUGH MY FINGERS-C/U

TAMALA LEWIS-YOU WON`T SAY NOTHING-MARTON

ROBERT L MARTIN-COME GO WITH ME-C/U

AL WILLIAMS-I AM NOTHING-LA BEAT

LESTER TIPTON-THIS WON`T CHANGE-LA BEAT

DON GARDNER-CHEATIN KIND-SEDGRICK

and the list goes on, imho the start of the rare soul scene as we know it today, we certainly were treated to some fantastic music in the latter years of the casino, and a lot of the records listed above have stood the test of time, and are some of the most desired by todays collectors, certainly glad i went those last few years

Deffo Harry... ...some top tunnage there...also The Wanderers - Man in Love....The Peformers( I think)-You Gonna Pay....Koffee-Casanova...when Richard started to introduce the Modern sounds in between the 60s that he was also breaking....incredible times..... i use to feel cheatd that i wasnt at Wigan in the early years...but when you now look back....makes ya glad to have been there around them last couple of years....Delxxxx

[Harry Crosby]

Deffo Harry... ...some top tunnage there...also The Wanderers - Man in Love....The Peformers( I think)-You Gonna Pay....Koffee-Casanova...when Richard started to introduce the Modern sounds in between the 60s that he was also breaking....incredible times..... i use to feel cheatd that i wasnt at Wigan in the early years...but when you now look back....makes ya glad to have been there around them last couple of years....Delxxxx

Story behind the new wanderers dell, one of those i messed up on, i allways thought because of the chorus line it was called "SOUL TIME" Also did it with sue lynn-don`t pity me, thought it was called TALK TO ME

[nubes]

Story behind the new wanderers dell, one of those i messed up on, i allways thought because of the chorus line it was called "SOUL TIME" Also did it with sue lynn-don`t pity me, thought it was called TALK TO ME

...classic!!!!...be nice if some of these tunes can get posted up on here....please dont ask Harry coz i still havnt located em!!!!!......Delxxxx

[Munchkin]

HARRY CROSBY said:

Theres one dell, listen to the chorus

sorry h you beat me too it

[Munchkin]

Rita + Tiaras - Gone With The Wind Is My Love - Dore


Gone With The Wind Is My Love
Dore


play soul


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