Len

I can't comment on the Grumpy management (no pun intended there btw!) The staff seemed nice at least. But over the years I have worked with many different venues, and have experienced the added stress of not having the management 100% behind what I was doing. In actual fact, quite the opposite (and this is the incompetence aside) There's me bringing business to their venue! It's unbelievable really, and most annoying. It does make you really appreciate it when the people you are dealing with are supportive though. Anyway, hope all sorted ok for the anniversary. Len

'What fun' aye? Hey, it may be a blessing in disguise, and benefit the Anniversary - I know I shall be making an extra effort to get to that, and hopefully other folk will too. I had to cancel Octobers 'Lennys' due to being moved to make room for a wedding, but that made me think 'b*llox to it' (that along with so many other events happening) Glad it hasn't put you off - Keep going guys, Grumpy is one of very few venues that I plan on attending (even with Carl F being involved!) All the best, Len

'Great minds' an' all that Len

What a silly thread - Well done that man Len

.........was it something I said Winston? Len

‘It’s a Northern Knockout' People have to D.J with f*ckin’ huge gloves on, whilst a dance Competition takes place where the contestants have to wear f*ckin' huge shoes! Len

‘Northern Ireland’ A new reality programme where different tribes compete for survival - The Oldies Tribe, The Newies Tribe, The Modern Tribe, and The R’n’B Tribe. Ends in one big mad fight! Len

'The Decks Factor' 4 stalwarts of the Scene judge D.J's.............now who would play 'Northern equivalent' Simon Cowell? Len

I went to a record shop in Traders Victorian Arcade in Reading, looking through some records, got chatting (The guy had a Wigan Casino membership behind his counter)......."Blah, blah, blah"..........."We did have loads, but someone came in and completely cleaned me out a week ago".........."I don't suppose you got the guys name did you?"........"Yes, John Manship"......... Argh! God luv him Len

Be great to hear more from these unsung heroes 'The Feeders' - How nice for them to see one of their discoveries working well. So much more satisfying than paying a million pounds for a record that has already been 'processed' - Good on em Len

I was under the impression that there were quite a few 'feeders' behind the D.J's 'in the olden days'. Isn't it true that Butch for instance was one of those 'feeders' (record bar people sounds better actually), and only D.Jed the first time because someone hadn't turned up - Pat Brady suggested it apparently. I agree that it's important to give credit where credit's due to people who have done the 'work'. I've always been interested in who discovered what, who played it first, who broke it ('sold' it to the dancers), and where something was first played (not always going together as is what your post is about) All the best, Len

Or you can ring me direct Len

Good point, and yes very true. Len

If only you knew me - Confidence! Ok, to be fair, that is true to a point, but only in my opinions / taste in music / choice of people / choice of venue "why no dj spots anywhere?"........Slightly wrong that, I am more than happy, and feel very lucky to have had the opportunities that I have had over the years at various places. I don't feel I should list them because I believe that would be crass (the people who were there know) All I'll say is this - no they were not all 'local' (Far from it) "it's the mood of the night and luck for the attributes"........ Hey I'm only putting my views across, 'even I' get it wrong from time to time - Yes even 'moi' All the best, Len

A D.J has been successful if he 'connects' with the people, whether they be on the dance floor, at the bar, or on the roof! Everyone knows when that connection has happened. IMHO of course mate Len

Read my signature below, just above where it says "MIDTEMPO ACTIVIST!" Len

Nice one Mick, I've said for years that the same record can sound completely different when played by someone else (having a different effect as you put it) It goes back to - It's the way you play them (Or 'tell em') Same joke told by two different people - Only the one with the 'timing' gets the laugh.....Now why is that?......'Magic' Another interesting point you make is the having a colourful life, and that coming through - Without going into detail, my life definitely reflects my sets.......Everyone goes home depressed, but at least it's soulful! Len

What I meant was, your reply came across as somewhat aggressive / sarcastic as if you get the impression that I think I'm an expert, and the only one who understands. So I was reassuring you that if this was the case, it wasn't intentional. I do believe I know what I'm talking about though, as I have learnt something in the 30 years that I have been D.Jing / seeing other D.J's. I still take my D.Jing extremely seriously (I want to do a good job of it every time) I still get criticism, but excepted a very long time ago that it comes with the territory. Sometimes lesser experienced D.J's don't handle critism very well because they take it so personally - It is simply a difference of opinion. I can relate to that though, I am always disappointed if just one moan out of a hall full of people comes my way (after putting in everything I’ve got to make it work) All the best, Len

That comes across as if you get the impression I am saying all D.J's are useless - I'm not, I'm saying D.Jing is an art, and not everyone can do it.....If you gave me the best hand made set of paint brushes, my 5 year old daughter could still paint a better picture than me with just her fingers. I hope that explains it. I suppose that 'somat else' I keep mentioning is actually the D.J's personality. That's the best I can do mate - Feel free anyone else, to explain it another way (Mick?) All the best, Len

As I said in an earlier post with ref someone playing 'seemingly' the same records as someone else (but it not 'working' for them) There is a way of playing them, but it's impossible to explain - More so, because different D.J's have different ways of making it work for them (their individual unique 'somat else') All the best, Len

......There's a subtle difference between 'more mature' and 'older' Len

.....There wasn't until you said The only 'qualification' I would put to it is 'Gusto', meaning at least showing confidence in the tunes you are choosing to play. A D.J's personality does shine through - If he's enjoying himself so will the crowd All the best, Len

I'm sure there is a thread with lots of great stories on this subject. Btw, my find was 'Chapter 5 - You Can't Mean It' CBS Demo at a Car Boot Sale........"How much are the records love?"........"Oh hello dear, they are 50p for the big ones, and 20p for the small ones".......(Meaning L.P's and Singles) Bless her All the best, Len

.....So are you saying it is 'wishful thinking' on my part by chance? Laters, Len

Easy Len