Steve S 60

1977 sounds about right Mark. I can remember a mate of mine with the 7" single in early '78. Steve S.

As far as I know, the BBC have no financial interest in the film, which is privately funded, the lion share of the funding coming from Elaine Constantine. As part of the promotional work, it's easy to see why the film producers would approach the Culture Show, given Paul Mason's connections with the scene. Or maybe it was the other way round and the BBC approached the film makers. Either way, if I had sank £800,000 of my own money and years of my life into a project, I'd want as much publicity as possible in order to secure its success, and I don't believe Elaine's motives are purely financial. Alternatively, the release of the film and the screening of the Culture Show's Northern Soul feature may be purely coincidental, as the original release was supposed to be Spring / Summer of this year.

Previews now available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01gy7z7

Try dancing to a slightly pitched down record that you've danced to at the normal pitch hundreds of times before. Its very hard to slow down to the new tempo, and when you do, it just feels weird.

I particularly like the "hand made" feel the graphic designer has managed to achieve with this poster.

One thing they definitely got right was the temperature. It was redders in there.

Butch is the Music Supervisor, according to the original brochure that was put together as part of the prospectus. I witnessed some of the filming at KGH last year and it looked good from where I was standing. The post production has taken some time, as Elaine Constantine wants the film to look and sound right. Whether it looks and sounds right to those who were there will be very much down to individual memories. I attended the Casino from '78 until it closed, and I can remember certain aspects, but not others. Everybody will have their own memories and recollections from that era.

Luckily I didn't mention the war, because I wouldn't have got away with it.

I was the first to mention the "film" (post 5) in response to Macca's original post. I was recalling what the extras were told during filming at KGH in August last year, so was hoping to add something to the discussion. I certainly don't want the film to fail and hope it's as well received by SS members as the book appears to be (did I just mention the "book"?).

Seen some reproductions of this poster but here's the genuine (signed) article: https://youtu.be/OE5NkN3yRSM

I think the film audience will be the judge of that. I do know that the film makers took advice from people who were part of the scene at the time, Richard Searling being one of those. I for one won't be going to watch the film in order to pick holes in it.

During the filming of the nighter scenes, I believe the extras for the Northern Soul film were told not to applaud the records. The film is set in the mid 70s and the practice didn't start until the late 70's, so trying to maintain the authenticity.

William "Smokey" Robinson Gladys Knight

Agreed Geordie, one incident wouldn't (and shouldn't) close a venue. I think the problem with the venue I mentioned was that it started out with a few idiots, nothing was done about it, so next time more idiots turned up, and so on, until tempers eventually flared and the inevitable punch up ensued. Don't know who called the police, possibly the venue manager, but that sounded the death knell. If it had been nipped in the bud early, the place would probably be still on the soul map, but when people have got a choice, they're going to opt for a venue where that bollocks doesn't occur, especially when having to travel.

Geordie, My comment (assuming that was what you were referring to), was not intended to paint an unfair picture of Easington. In fact, the entire comment was "Easington's days are numbered as a soul venue unless the promoter gets a handle on it." It was meant to illustrate what can happen if things are allowed to get out of hand, based on what happened at another venue. In fact Kev Sowerby, who did a spot at Easington on Saturday night, was witness to the incident at the venue I referred to in my post, as we had travelled there together. Nobody on the scene likes to see good events closing because of dwindling attendance for whatever reason (with the possible exception of rival promoters), and I applaud Bob's open and honest post explaining what happened on the night, and wish him every success in the future. Steve S.

Easington's days are numbered as a soul venue unless the promoter gets a handle on it. Marine Hall in Fleetwood went the same way. The final straw was when fighting broke out and the local plod were called in.

Brought this up in a recent discussion "What Gives A Soul Night Direction - Punters Or Promoters?" (Post 74) and had a few responses including bringing in members only or ticket only nights. Personally I agree with closing the doors at a reasonable time (10-30 / 11 ish), as long as this is advertised on the flyers.

With Your Love?

Just been informed by Amazon that my copy has been despatched and should arrive tomorrow. That's ten days earlier than the original release date quoted when I pre-ordered. Just need the film to be released now, along with the realistically detailed Northern Soul action figures.

The book to accompany the film "Northern Soul" now available on Amazon for £13.20, follow the link for a few excerpts: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0753541912/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very sad indeed. The royalties from "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" alone would have set him up comfortably for life. Should have read the small print.

Slightly more laid back - King Curtis "Memphis Soul Stew"

Sorry Bazza, I was referring to the scene being over 40 years old, not the attendees, being the wrong side of 50 myself (a mere lad).

People have been predicting the demise of the scene for years now, and here we are, over forty years old and still going strong. There's been a lot of new blood on the scene in recent years, and they'll carry the torch forward. The making of Elaine Constantine's film has done much to introduce a younger generation to the scene, as can be witnessed at various soul nights, and hopefully on release, it will attract a lot more.

I know you've seen me watching you baby, for quite some time And it's written all over my face, just what's on my mind I wanted to ask you for your love, in some sweet little way Oh but every time I see you girl, not a word can I say. I Can't Speak - Jimmie Bo Horne Great lyrics that really resonate, and just asks the question "What if....." Steve S, Cumbria