Davetay

Va Va's Bolton was 73.

Yes that pretty well sums it up. I got robbed twice in the early days once in beachcomber and once on the car park. After a record buying trip to the states in 77, I had done really well in sales, money in every pocket. I went for a dance and a wad came out of one of my pockets, and one of the other dancers picked it up and give it it to me.

You should know, Agent Smith.

Not really northern as such. Tamla Motown, Atlantic etc, It was also before Dave Godin's soul of the north quote. I told some of the older lads in town that I liked soul, so on my 16th birthday they took me to the Mecca. So to Paul King, Joe & Pete Sol, Tony Hurd and Mick Fish. Thanks.

Funny thing Darwin Tiffs, room they used for the soul room was called nocturne as well. It run on a Wednesday night from summer of 74 to the summer of 76. Had all-dayers there as well, most of the big name DJs at the time where on at one time or other.

Got into soul at school disco and new era youth club, what 1969. 1st real exposure to northern, Blackpool Mecca Oct 1971. That was the point of no return for me. I don't really know what the 1st record that stood out.

Mandrill is on a 45, nice cover to the LP.

I had them all than. Someone said "Seven days of loving you" I think Wigan had it by than, played at the Mecca in 74. also new to Wigan than was Mickie Champion

J D Martin was 1st played in 74, but still being played in 75, I got John Bowie after hearing it in march or april of that year.

There might have been only one not sure, but at one Levine did a oldies set which was a rare thing back than.

Knowing Gary he would have had a buyer ready at a nice mark up.

I can imagine Gary pestering you as well. His he still about not seen him for about 5 or 6 years. Dave. BTW Yvonne Daniels very underated record, well worth playing out again.

Thursday nights I think and All-Dayers as well. We used to pay half fare on the bus from town, it was something silly like 4p. Ya it was a good night, but back than it was soul nights out 7 days a week. North West back than really was the place to live. Dave.

[ Guys from Uncle, Johnny Ross & Soul Explosions, J D Martin, Ronnie & Robyn, John Bowie, Donna Coleman. A few more

Surely Kev, they must have dropped Gary Lewis by 75. Floor packer in the summer of 74 with the likes of Keith, Javels etc.

Off top of my head Lou Pride, Lorraine Chandler, Bobby Jason, Eloise Laws, Gloria Parker, Skull Snaps, Smokey & Fab Blades. Don Thomas, Betty Baker, Natural Four, Harold Melvin, Three Degrees, Tobi Legend, Danny Wagner A few to get you started.

Let's not forget when Dave McCadden left Dickie's copy of The Jades, on the top of the range in the chippy.

I was gonna sell Carl Willingham a copy of The Tomangos, a mate had borrowed off me. However when I got it back it was F**ked, to be fair my mate ended up paying for it. B.T.W. This was about 20 years ago.

Hi Dave, just put up played in the north-west, but was it summer of 73 or 74 not sure now. See you tonight at Radcliffe.

Played in the north west as well, back in the day. Not one of the biggies but I have always liked it.

Sure looks like she ready to breakaway. Always nice to see photos of artists.

Hi, we are both well thanks, we saw Ron at Radcliffe on Boxing-day nighter.

I don't think I have seen a stock copy?

Are you having a f**kin laugh.