Driving around Derby recently I have seen a sign for a venue advertised for every Friday on Gower street in town. It was posted on traffic lights and lamposts, nice.

Apparently the dj Lee Smart is DIRECT from Wigan Casino.

Does anyone know who he is? Sorry does my memory fail me, can't remember anyone of that name.

He's not a person. It's a question, they've just missed a comma and a question mark out.....It should read....Leigh, smart ?

And the answer of course if anyone has ever been to Leigh, is NO

I'll get my coat.

Perhaps he's a cross between Northern & Gansta Rap?

NWA were 'Straight Outa Compton' & Leigh's 'Direct From Wigan'

(I've already got my coat on!)

Your'e both slightly mad.

Leigh Smart is a collector and mini-promoter from Tamworth, Staffs. When I was 16 or 17 (1984/5) and just getting into northern, he was good enough to spend time showing me and playing me some of his records. He even gave me a tartan blanket with all his old soul patches on (I've since lost it which is a pity) and about 100 fanzines from the 70s (which I still have). He used to compose the crosswords in Blackbeat (or one of the other zines) as I recall.

Interesting character - not the easiest man to get to know and some found him rather cryptic, even sarcastic, at times - but he was OK to me. He was not, as I recall, a big fan of the midtempo stuff I was into and was a big proponent of the stomper. He currently DJs at the Bedworth oldies nights alongside the likes of Mark Freeman and recently Russ Winstanley. Great venue, nice people, slightly predictable sounds for my taste but usually very busy and good value.

As to whether Leigh actually ever DJd at the Casino, I can't say - I don't remember him saying so at the time.

Hippo,

Is that the kind of music you play on your show??

I am probably moving back to Dursley in the Autumn. Looking forward to some sweet soul for the masses to keep me entertained on my way to work.

Mike

Thanks Dan,

got a horrible feeling it was made up to attract people, using 'Wigan Casino' as a kind of Trade mark.