My 80's Scene.

I come from Newcastle on Tyne where Northern Soul has always had a massive following. I fell in love with Soul when I used to listen to stories about the Casino at the age of 9. A few years later at the tender age of 16 the passion was still with me, so in '84 I went to my first allnighter and continued throughout the 80's. The regular venues were, Shaun Gibbons with his soul promotions all-nighters at Newcastle Mayfair suite and Morecambe pier etc. I loved 60's soul, did not like the later 70's or 80's sounds and I hated pop music of any type. I was not alone with my love for the music and I traveled around the UK searching for Soul nights (most weekends) with a 20 strong Faithful crew.
The best all-nighters for me were: First, the Warrington Parr hall in the mid 80's. Second, Glenrothes Miners Welfare up in Scotland during the late 80's. The Jocks were playing a lot of Shrine label and Doug Banks had just been discovered. Third, The Queens Hall Bradford in 90. The DJ's included Steve Whittle, Keith Minshall, Pat Brady, Steve Croft and a youngish lad who discovered The Tempests 'Someday' some years earlier.
The most expensive record I ever bought was George Blackwell's 'Can't loose my head' on the original Smoke label. I sold it to Pete Lawson before he died for £400.00. My favourite tunes are Ike & Tina Turner 'Dust my broom', Eddie Parker 'I'm gone' as well as most top rarities like the Magnetics 'Lady in green'
In my opinion the 80's scene saw the re-birth of the scene as it is today. We made a stand not accepting disco, funk or high energy music. In fact we even turned our backs on some of the 'manufactured' so called Northern of the late 70's, we wanted rare genuine 60's stuff. So the 'crusades' back to the States began again for the dedicated DJ's.
I am pleased to say that scene is still going strong in Newcastle area. Over the years I have developed a taste for other Soul based music like House Music etc. But I have never lost the faith. I could write all day but my typing skills are not as good as my Northern knowledge.
Finally may I take this opportunity to mention the Newcastle crowd who gained so much respect wherever we traveled for our dedication: Gassa White, Dave Snowdon, Derek Johnstone, Jeff Patterson, Mike Paolozzi, Brian Dodds, Guy & Peter Roberts and myself. Also a big thanks to Peter Johnstone and Paul Rowe, without them I would never have discovered the faith.
Keep keeping on....Rod Richardson
rod@cavsoft.demon.co.uk