Mike

DEREK ALLEN ONE OF THE STALLWARTS OF THE NORTHERN SCENE COLLAPASED AND DIED ON STAGE WHILST DJ ing ON SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER 2004. DETAILS ARE SKETCHY AT THE MOMENT (1.30 am Sunday Morning) BUT IT APPEARS DEREK WAS DJing AT A MOD/SCOOTER EVENT AND HAD JUST FINISHED HIS SPOT WHEN HE COLLAPSED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE REVIVED. ITS SAD WHEN ONE OF THE MOST POULAR PEOPLE ON THE SCENE DIES IN THIS WAY AND THE SHOCK WAVES HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO SPREAD AROUND. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED WHEN I HEAR MORE BUT OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH DEREKS FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS. R.I.P DEREK Rob & Karen Wigley comments from the original article Poster Thread Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 7:07 Updated: 2004/12/5 10:04 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Shocking and very sad news, remember Derek making me laugh time and time again with his understated humour at Cleethorpes earlier this year when i had drinks and food with all the Hinckley crowd in their caravan.My thoughts go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 8:49 Updated: 2004/12/5 10:04 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY dreadful news one of the nicest guys around regards mark Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 10:31 Updated: 2004/12/5 11:09 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Devestating! Souliemolie. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 10:47 Updated: 2004/12/5 11:08 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Have had the pleasure of Dereks Freindship for Decades!cant put into words how sad i feel about the Sad loss!My condolences too his family and freinds!Peace too you my old pal!You will be missed by many. Love Rosy n Graham Dexter Reply biggray1 Posted: 2004/12/5 10:54 Updated: 2004/12/5 10:54 Just cant stay away Joined: 2003/8/15 From: kIRKBY-IN ASHFIELD EAST MIDS Posts: 123 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Very Sad News indeed! Derek was a close freind of ours and his contribution too our scene will be sadly missed! R.I.P Derek. Rosy n Graham Dexter. xxx Reply shute Posted: 2004/12/5 11:07 Updated: 2004/12/5 11:07 Home away from home Joined: 2004/8/1 From: Stafford Posts: 348 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Deepest regards goes out to all family of the nicest man you could ever want to know.. Sadley missed already.......RIP Shute Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 11:17 Updated: 2004/12/5 11:17 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I was told at the 100 last night...absolutely gutted. I truly doubt well see his like again on the scene...Ive never met a nicer, more enthusiastic, approachable, gentler man than Derek, he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family...from his adopted family .....the Northern scene. RIP Derek Winnie X Reply Supercorsa Posted: 2004/12/5 11:31 Updated: 2004/12/5 11:31 Home away from home Joined: 2004/3/15 From: Staines. England. Posts: 220 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I was going to have a rant this morning, about missing Lightwater last night, due to waiting in for the Gasman who never turned up! Then I read this, it puts my problems into perspective. Even though I never met Derek Allen, my thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 12:00 Updated: 2004/12/5 12:00 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Im deeply upset by the sudden loss of Derek.He was a great friend to me,although I have dropped off the scene,many will remember the hours derek spent dancing with myself and Jo,He always looked after me.I stayed with derek at blackpool weekender ,he was kind enough to give Jo and I the double room,a large banging sound was heard from dereks room,Jo and I rushed in to find poor derek stuck on the mini top bunk!!Iv got lots of happy memories of derek,and my heart and deepest respect go out to his family..God bless Derek ...kay from leicester Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 12:04 Updated: 2004/12/5 12:04 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Like many people I immediately want to send condolences to Dereks family. Whilst Ive only know him a short while, he has been a great guy to call a "friend" on the scene. Shocked and very saddened - best wishes to family and friends of one of the nicest guys around. When the time is right to contact me for funeral arrangements etc, please do so. Stephen Bounden www.soulmotion.co.uk Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 12:14 Updated: 2004/12/5 12:14 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY A true gentleman, and all round good guy, he was the number one draw at the Soul ole, condolences to all the family. We will miss him Wayne Andy & Dave (Peterborough Soulole) Reply mischief Posted: 2004/12/5 13:50 Updated: 2004/12/5 13:50 Home away from home Joined: 2003/12/14 From: Bromley Kent Posts: 208 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I never really knew Derek, I only really spoke to him properly one night when we both djd at Bisley, but Id like to send my condolences to his family. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 14:11 Updated: 2004/12/5 14:11 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY had seen him DJ loads of times and he never ever disapointed you, always smiling,always happy, will be sadly missed by everyone connected with this great scene of ours. RIP Derek. Ian. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 16:43 Updated: 2004/12/5 16:43 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY DEEPLY SHOCKED BY THE NEWS OF DEREKS DEATH, WAS INFORMED THIS MORNING BY MICK .H AS MICK AND MYSELF ONLY D.J.ED WITH DEREK FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE UNION WERE DEREK WAS A RESIDENT HE WAS HIS NORMAL CHEERFUL ,HAPPY GO LUCKY SELF , SEEN BOUNDING AROUND THE DECKS AND I FOR ONE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM THIS WAY .DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TOO HIS FAMILY FROM ALL WHO ATTENDED THE UNION FRIDAY NIGHT ,HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY EVERYONE ON THE SCENE IN NOTTS &ALL OVER THE COUNTRY .A NICER GUY YOU COULD NEVER MEET DEEPEST REGUARDS STEVE PHILLIS Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 17:41 Updated: 2004/12/5 17:41 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY The scene has lost one of its regular DJs over many years. I met Derek at various venues and djd on the same bill (100club etc) a few times. I found him to be a very genuine man and always very polite. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Greg Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 18:11 Updated: 2004/12/5 18:11 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY NORTHERN DOS WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT DEREKS SINGING AND DANCING ON STAGE. NEVER BEFORE HAVE I MET ANYONE SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT DJING. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY. REST IN PEACE DEREK. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/5 20:16 Updated: 2004/12/5 20:16 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY many thanks to rob wiggley for putting the post up about the sad loss of derek allen,and to all the people for there posts.Derek was a very close freind to me we had so many good times running alfreton and shirland soul nights with him,god ill miss him so much he was one of only a very few guenuine people on the scene i knew,always happy ,always cheerful ,dancin derek were going to miss you mate dereks wife paula is going to get in touch tomorrow with arrangements,she wants all his freinds who knew him to attend the funeral as he would have wanted them there,its hoped to be at bramcote crem in notts,ill keep you posted on it. his wife dosnt have a clue how to get intouch with all the people he knew,sure this will help ian marriott(alfreton) Reply pekaydub Posted: 2004/12/5 23:28 Updated: 2004/12/5 23:28 Just popping in Joined: 2003/9/21 From: Posts: 1 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY sad sad news, followed this guy everywhere, never seen anybody with so much enthusiasm on stage he was a legend and sight to behold he will be greatly missed by all at Kings Lynn God rest his SOUL Paul Whiting / Steve Flint / Dave Joy Reply hatman Posted: 2004/12/6 9:12 Updated: 2004/12/6 9:12 Just popping in Joined: 2004/11/24 From: Posts: 1 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Absolutely devasted when I heard the news One of the most polite men you could ever wish to know. Boundless enthusiasm and an absolute proffessional I have many many memories to cherish and loads of conversations to recall My thoughts at this time are with his family Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/6 9:57 Updated: 2004/12/6 9:57 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I didnt know Derek well, only saw him DJ a handful of times, and spoke to him a couple of times. However despite this, I still feel compelled to post a message to say how sad Im that the Northern scene has lost a great bloke, and to pass on my condolences to Dereks family and friends. Everytime I was lucky to witness Derek DJing I had a fantastic time. As well as playing top tunes, I loved the actions and little dances he did on stage along with the music. It was great to see a DJ enjoying the songs with as much enthusiam as us out on the floor. Once, when hed finished a set, I told him how good it had been and how much Id enjoyed it. Modestly he struggled to accept the praise and seemed very embarrassed by it. A terrific bloke, and nice to encounter a DJ without a huge ego. A sad sad loss, Derek will be missed by many. Rest in peace Derek. AndyP Leeds Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/6 10:08 Updated: 2004/12/6 10:08 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Hard to take in that the scene has lost one of the nice guys.derek has been a resident for me for the past five years.friday night at the union soul night nottm was our last one there.derek his normal self jumping smiling punching the air was his trademark when djing.i will be holding a tribute night to derek at our next new venue friday 7th jan. which will be held at the trent bridge inn just 100 yards from the union club a host of djs who have worked with derek will be joining me for this speical occasion in memory of gentleman who gave so much joy to people for over 35 years behind the decks. Mick H Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/6 13:13 Updated: 2004/12/6 13:13 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I came back on the scene five years ago, Derek was one of the many who welcomed me back, a great DJ and a true gent who will be saddly missed. pat Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/6 17:40 Updated: 2004/12/6 17:40 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Dear Derek, Im so sad to hear this news of your departure from us, we go back 30 years or more and it honestly wont be the same without you, always a smile and a laugh and not forgetting the latest gossip, I will miss you dear friend. For those who didnt know you so well, can I add that Derek was a gentleman in the true sense of the word, not many of them around now, always helfull, he would always ask me if he could take My flyers to venues he was going to, and Phil K and I always looked forward to Derek doing a spot at our place in Mansfield, well never forget him dancing away whilst D Jing, totally enjoying himself and entertaining the crowd. One of the Greats of the Human Race, GOD BLESS YOU DEREK.R.I.P My sincerest condolences to your family at this very sad time Chris & Rita (Collins ) Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/6 22:34 Updated: 2004/12/6 22:34 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY When informed of the very sad and shocking news that Derek had died i was gutted, i had lost a good friend and so has the Northern Soul scene.My wife Carole and my thoughts go out to Dereks wife and family and friends.I shall never be able to listen to Cody Blacks "Im Slowly Moulding" without thinking of Derek.Here in the East Midlands from Hinkley to Alfreton and from Leicester to Notts and far beyond Derek will be sadly missed by all who knew him and heard him Dj.Derek was one of the nice Guys. RIP Derek Deepest Regards Steve & Carloe & The Melton Mafia Reply asoulfulgal Posted: 2004/12/7 10:00 Updated: 2004/12/7 10:00 Just popping in Joined: 2004/12/7 From: Posts: 0 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY derek allen.One of a kind.This has got to be a great loss to the scene.I have never met a guy like derek before and don,t expect to meet another.He was to me one in a million.i never saw this man looking down in the mouth .he constantly wore a smile and his smile was contageuos,even if you were not feeling on top of the world yourself ,as soon as you saw derek with that smile ,dancing away behind the decks he lifted your spirits without saying a word.always good for a chat and a giggle .he had great humour .we will certainly feel the loss of derek and our thoughts are with his wife paula and his family.This is the second d.j to pass over in the last month.i hope derek and billy are playing sweet soul sounds together in that soul venue in the sky.god bless you derek.R.I.P carole and tony bish Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/7 12:04 Updated: 2004/12/7 12:04 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Totally gutted when i heard about this. Derek was a regular DJ at opur Alfreton Soul Nights and he helped get ourselves on our feet in the first place. Hes the olny guy I ever met who still got enthusiastic about playing Bobby Hebbs Love Love Love for the 3000th time! Ill miss ya Derek and cant believe ill never see that cheeky grin again. Condolancies to all the family There will be some sweet music in heaven when him and Edwin meet up! Glyn & Daphne Williams Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/7 13:07 Updated: 2004/12/7 13:07 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY if anyone as funeral details could they please post them as soon as they have them ,i have sketchy details probably friday at bramcote cremitoriam notts but dont quote me i know mny people whom would like to pay there last respects to the scenes nicest and friendlest guy from all in st ives & huntingdon r.i.p old friend k.t.f. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/7 21:53 Updated: 2004/12/7 21:53 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Really very sad to hear of the loss of one of the nicest blokes ever. I met Derek for the first time about 10 years ago when I hadnt long been back on the scene. Seeing Derek with all his enthusiasm dancing behind the decks and entertaining us all is a great everlasting memory. I feel very honoured to have stood beside him djing and shared some great nights over the years. Derek you will be sadly missed, all the best mate. Hammie Reply SOUL SYNDICATE Posted: 2004/12/7 22:10 Updated: 2004/12/7 22:10 Just popping in Joined: 2004/12/7 From: Posts: 0 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY Derek was a cracking DJ who never really realised how accomplished he was at what he loved doing.He had a way of getting the most reticent of crowds up on the dancefloor enjoying themselves to the full.His musical taste, foresight, delivery and friendly unassuming character are the very qualities of soul scene legends. We will remember Derek with the utmost respect as a true gent and lovely bloke who shared his knowledge and talents so enthusiastically on our scene. STEVE & HEATHER DOWLING Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/8 8:39 Updated: 2004/12/8 8:39 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY ok i know this isnt a subject i want to have to talk about but it has to be done. regards the funeral arrangements for derek,things seem to have been held up at the moment due to a post mortem all i can tell you is it will be at bramcote crem and also that kev roberts is talking about everyone going to ilkeston co-op afterwards,as bramcote manor wont be big enough.i should know more either later today or tomorrowi and ill post any info asap unless its already been done ian marriott Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/8 9:07 Updated: 2004/12/8 9:07 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I cant really add any more but just agree with every one elses comments . Both me and the wife were devastated when we were told last Sunday. I cant remember Karen ever sitting down to any record he played. Derek played a major part in putting Nottinghamshire back on the Northern Soul map. He will be sadly missed. Steve Brown Reply soul58uk Posted: 2004/12/8 16:24 Updated: 2004/12/8 16:24 Just popping in Joined: 2004/12/6 From: Posts: 1 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY I agree with the above, re the funeral but concur that there will be hundreds wanting to go myself included. Can someone who knows make sure details are posted here. It still feels like we have lost a "family" member. Reply Guest Posted: 2004/12/9 7:47 Updated: 2004/12/9 7:47 Re: DEREK ALLEN NOTTS DJ DIES SUDDENLY A Funeral service will be held at Bramcote Crematorium, Nottingham on Friday December 17th at 12.20pm, details of the get together afterwards will be announced shortly.http://www.goldsoul.co.uk/your-ns/derekallen.html check the link out theres a book of condolances there too ian marriott Reply

News has reached the Prestatyn web site that one of our performers from 2003 and northern Soul legend LOU PRIDE has suffered a heart attack whilst in Europe. Lou had arrived in Switzerland to perform and luckily had the heart attack whilst he was in his hotel so David Earl president of Lous label Severn records was able to rush him to hospital in Luzern where he underwent surgery to place two "stints" near his heart. After just over a week in hospital lou was allowed to "come home in the mornin" and fly back to Chicago last week where he is now recuperating. oLus prognosis is very good and with care, exercise and no back drops he is expected to make a full recovery. lou had just finished recording a new album for Severn records and will now put the finishing touches to it in February for release in the spring 2005. Anyone wishing to send a get well message to lou can do so via myself at robw@yelp.fsnet.co.uk and i will forward them on to Lous management team.

AYANNA HOBSON&THE SOULMATES: Looking For A Home Too - FREE [wmp=480,111]http://www.cdbaby.com/allmp3/ahts.m3u?cdbaby=771a1e7646600ffb488d8bb7e3c5b52a[/wmp] or STREAMING at CD BABY http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ahts. AYANNA&THE SOULMATES "Looking For A Home Too" BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO, MARY 4 BLUES © NOVEMBER, 2004 I cant quite put my finger on it, but there is obviously a reason I felt so compelled to review this CD. Usually I shy away from the R&B style of the blues and stay more focused on the real mainstream blues. Yet, during the several listens that I give a CD before making the final decision, each listen of "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO", caused me to listen closer the next time. Ultimately, I was able to put the "style preference" behind me and when I did, what I heard was nothing short of shear excellence. On AYANNA&THE SOULMATES CD "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO", all of the songs music and lyrics are written by BUSTER "LITTLE BUSTER" FOREHAND, and the title of the CD is directly taken from a previously released CD by LITTLE BUSTER called LOOKING FOR A HOME" - but the similarities stop there. Everything about this band, which consists of AYANNA HOBSON on vocals; CHRIS HIATT on guitar; RICH ALFANO on bass; JOHNNY FLORES on drums; special guests JOHN CAZAN on organ and guitar; KATHERINE QUINIF on background vocals; and DEAN MURPHY on guitar, is original Throughout the CD, AYANNAS vocals are one of its highlights. Her voice is so strong, commanding and articulate that you cant help but think she could carry the song without a microphone. It didnt surprise me one bit when I read in her bio that she has an operatic 4.5 Octave vocal range and that she performed in many musical theater productions. "MY DARLING", is one of the CDs bluesier tracks. CHRIS HIATT gets in his share of blues licks on this one. His playing throughout the CD impressed me enough to wish I could here him flat out play nothing but the blues. This track also features JOHNNY FLORES on a very nice drum solo. "TOUGHER THAN TOUGH" may be the best track on the CD. The whole band is peaking and the vocals and background vocal are superb. The song has a bit of a gospel sound to it as it progressively gets faster and faster after each verse. This was a hot one. The whole CD is hot. The Production Department deserves a nod here also. The mixing is perfect. Each instrument can be heard well enough to realize that respective musicians excellent talent, which "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO" is abundant with. Thats it, it took me till the end of the review to realize what the compelling force of the CD was - TALENT!

CICERO BLAKE was involved in a serious car accident on Friday, November 26th, sustaining multiple injuries. The accident happened as Cicero was returning from church in his home town of Chicago. He had been booked to perform at a club in St. Louis, MO. on the Saturday. Following surgery, Cicero is recovering in Mt. Sinai hospital where his condition continues to improve. Grapevine consultant Edward Keyes visited him and was happy to report that Cicero was feeling hungry. "Thats a good sign," said Keyes. "Cicero is optimistic and he wants to get back to work as soon as possible." Grapevine Music Group will continue with the release of Ciceros album Here Comes The Heartache. The scheduled release date is December 13th. News of the accident was received just as the Grapevine staff were finishing the liner notes for Ciceros forthcoming album. In his notes, Paul Mooney had described Cicero as a "survivor", having recently battled against a serious illness. "We really believe Cicero is a survivor," said Mooney. "And of course we all pray that he makes a full and fast recovery." Messages can be sent to Cicero care of the Grapevine office. Send an e-mail message to Cicero Blake: cicero@grapevine-soul.com LATEST NEWS: www.grapevine-soul.com

PRESS RELEASE Heres news of a very limited edition 7" single: DOTTIE PEARSON A House Made Of Love / Bring It Over Baby (Grapevine G2K 45-152) This monster modern soul anthem is now crossing over to the northern soul crowd, coupled with the new modern soul favourite as played by DJ Richard Searling etc. This vinyl edition is released due to huge public demand following the release of Dotties album (Grapevine album GVCD 3011) last year. The official release date is mid December but a few copies are available NOW. E-mail your orders to garry@grapevine-soul.com or phone Garry J. Cape on 01924 299461 Best regards, Paul Mooney paul@grapevine-soul.com Visit our website: www.grapevine-soul.com

2 nights at the Mint Lounge..djs Steve Cato plus guests.. 60/early 70s deep soul/funk/jazz/ghetto blues.. launch night..thursday 2nd dec..8pm to midnight.. free entry... Oldham Street,Manchester.. details...www.cooloff.net...07752084878

Email trentsoul@aol.com Comments Mick H just passed on reminder for this Friday the union soul club trent bridge nottinham 8pm -1am door tax £4.50 top d.js Mick.H plus special guests Carl Fortnum&Dawn plus regulars Derek Allen&Steve Phillis top quality rare soul plus underplayed oldies great atmosphere

FRIDAY, December 10th at the famous KINGS HALL, Stoke Main-KINGS HALL 8.30pm-2am Motown, Oldies, 70s Celebrating one of the Potteries famous venues of the past. 8.30pm Kev Roberts 10pm Chris Williams 11pm VIOLA WILLS Live 11.30 Chris King 12 mid Charity Raffle Win 2,000 quid in prizes. 2 disabled children on stage with Viola 12.15 Chris K continues 1.15am Chris Williams the original Top Rank, Hanley DJ closes the show. Upstairs-JUBILEE suite 9pm-2am Torch Revival 9pm Keith Minshull 11pm Pep 12.30 Colin Curtis 2 am Close Tickets on sale at Discount Disc,Hanley Tel; 01782-26688 on line at www.goldsoul.co.uk

The NORTHERN SOUL Hall of Fame Radio info WEEKENDS UK and WORLDWIDE Join Kev Roberts for 2 great hours of Oldies, Anthems, Unreleased gems, competitions plus a special GUEST weekly. LISTEN ; Friday 8-10pm SAGA 106.6FM(East Midlands) www.saga1066fm.co.uk Saturday 10am-Noon SOLAR Radio, Channel 879(SKY Digital, Channel 879) www.solarradio.com Sunday 12 noon(USA East Coast time, 5pm UK) WNFI 105.3(Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) www.beachshag.com 5-7pm Mansfield 103.2FM (North Notts/North Derbys) www.mansfield103.co.uk 7-9pm Sunshine 855(AM) (Shropshire/Worcs) www.sunshine855.com FORTHCOMING GUESTS; Roy C Dec 3-5 Denise Laselle Dec 10-12 Gwen Mcrae Dec 17-19