Life & Style

How did you get into Soul music?

For me I suppose by accident really. I was asked to work at one of the pier all nighters back in 1982/83 when the manager of the Morecambe Central Pier was short staffed so I worked in the main room bar a very small bar which was only open till 2.00am. I had worked across the road at the then Queens Hotel pub, did my shift there and then worked the all nighter after that. This was my job when I came back from University. I watched the dancers, listened to the music and I was hooked after that. I’d always liked some of the mainstream stuff motown, etc. but this music was very uplifting exciting and simply wonderful and its been a downhill slide ever since!

You're repeating the North Lancs Soul Festival...what have you got lined up this year?  

A weekend of Sunday soul selection crossover gems, 70s modern movers beered up monsters and mid tempo madness and some Blackpool Mecca/soulful dance spins. It will be staged over three venues on 25-27 April in Morecambe - the York Hotel, Bath Hotel and the Seaside Soul Club.

Is it just for Northern Soul devotees? 

Everyone who likes uplifting music Soul music from the 60s right through to 2008 its not just for northern soul devotees far from it. It’s a real celebration of soulful music and we would like to see as many people come along and join in the fun which is all free!

Tell us about the origins of Northern Soul in the North West...

Where do you start?! A recommendation is David Nowell’s book “Too Darn Soulful” which chronicles the history of the bigger more successful clubs starting at The Twisted Wheel Manchester in 1965 and then going right through to the events of today such as King Georges Hall Blackburn quarterly soul nights. It's an excellent read and I’m sure that many listeners will have experienced some of the great moments written about in David’s superb read from the legendary venues of Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca (the birthplace of modern soul) to the hundreds of events over the last 40 years in this part of the country.

What is so special about Northern Soul?

I think it was a cult. It was an underground scene and had all nighters so it always had a certain 'cool' factor. It was always dark venues which just added to the atmosphere.

The music is everything at the events. It's very uplifting and a feel good beat and the rhythm - it draws people back.

From the all nighters I've been to it was so exciting to hear stuff for the first time and it was like tribes all coming together. You'd see groups from all over arriving at events - say from Aberdeen, Manchester, etc and it was a magical experience.

It is such a great experience.

Was it a music revolution?

I'd say so, definitely.

Is it still as popular?

It's still massive...you still get 2000+ at events.

Tell us about the dancing.

Well, men had to be very fit! Blokes would really show off their moves with spins, backdrops and there were a lot of hand clapping to the beat.

Were they wild nights?

Oh yes! It's taken days to recover.

Do you still see the same crowd?

Yes. I still see the DJs at events and a lot of the old crowd still come - some bring their kids now!

You promote events as well as DJing and your day job. How do you fit it all in?

I work for Blackpool Council as a Customer Specialist dealing with all kinds of enquiries from the public which is never a dull moment. I also produce Morecambe Football Club’s match day programme and have been doing that in a voluntary capacity for the last seven years.

I have been involved with promoting the Seaside Soul Club for the last five years...so I'm a busy chap but I have a very understanding partner!

When you're DJing - do you ever wish you were the other side of the decks wiggling your bum on the dancefloor?

Well I occasionally give it a go but I’m not the best mover to be honest.

When you aren't in charge - which DJs do you like and why?

I think my favourites are those that have inspired me to collect the music and over the years they would include Richard Searling who really got me interested in the scene and the music and remains a constant influence. More recently DJ’s like Roger Williams who champion new soul music inspire with their great musical appreciation. Pete Haigh who co hosts funkology on the popular BBC Radio Lancashire's On the Wire show has also been a great influence on me over the years.

Your Top 3 floor fillers:

Lou Rawls - See you when i git there
Mac Davis - I'm just in love
Mel and Tim - Forever and a day

Your all time Top Ten...

Darrell Banks - I'm the one who loves you
Oscar Perry - I got what you need
Pete Warner - I just want to spend my life with you
Mel Britt - She'll come running back
The Dells - Make sure
J P Robinson - Our day is here
Tempos - Countdown
Montclairs - Hung up on your love
Pretenders - Just be yourself
Jackie Wilson - I don't want to lose you