Manchester UK - My town

[snakepit]

As a result of some posts in the DRATS forum, I've set up a thread for Marv , and other members, to discuss any Manchester issues.
Marv is a fan of Coronation Street TV soap. [[ set in a fictional area called Weather field) in Manchester/Salford
If you have an interest in Manchester please join in.

[snakepit]

Marv
I think the 1975 concert was correct. The Supremes/Sweet Sensation.
I think it was the last M/C/S appearance, but others could confirm this.
I remember attending and meeting a friend [[ a SDF member actually) after the show.

[marv2]

Marv
I think the 1975 concert was correct. The Supremes/Sweet Sensation.
I think it was the last M/C/S appearance, but others could confirm this.
I remember attending and meeting a friend [[ a SDF member actually) after the show.

I had found a concert poster for that particular concert. I don't know where it is at the moment, but if I find it, I will post it here.

[marv2]

Here's something I've always wondered about. Why is Manchester, England in the lyrics of "Let the Sunshine In/the Flesh Failures":

We starve-look
At one another
Short of breath
Walking proudly in our winter coats
Wearing smells from lavatories
Facing a dying nation
Of moving paper fantasy
Listening for the new told lies
With supreme visions of lonely tunes
Somewhere
Inside something there is a rush of
Greatness
Who knows what stands in front of
Our lives
I fashion my future on films in space
Silence
Tells me secretly
Everything
Everything
Manchester England England
Manchester England England
Eyes look your last
Across the Atlantic Sea
Arms take your last
embrace
And I'm a genius genius
And lips oh you the
doors of breath
I believe in God
Seal with a righteous kiss
And I believe that God believes in Claude
Seal with a righteous kiss
That's me, that's me, that's me
The rest is silence
The rest is silence
The rest is silence
[Singing]
Our space songs on a spider web sitar
Life is around you and in you
Answer for Timothy Leary, dearie
Let the sunshine
Let the sunshine in
The sunshine in
Let the sunshine
Let the sunshine in
The sunshine in
Let the sunshine
Let the sunshine in
The sun shine in...

[snakepit]

Didn't know it was Marv...that's some heavy lyric.
Amazing coincidence re our posts, but I went to my local library to pay a small fine on an overdue book, and I spotted a leaflet advertising guided walking tours around Manchester.

I think I will have a go at some of these ....I can always finish off with a beer.

Here is the web site:

Www.newmanchesterwalks.com

[snakepit]

Marv
The answer to why it mentions Manchester in the lyrics is here:

https://www.quora.com/In-the-movie-Hair-1979-theres-this-famous-song-Let-The-Sunshine-which-includes-the-lyrics-Manchester-England-England-What-does-it-mean-Is-it-a-reference-to-Vietnam-war

[snakepit]

Marv, there's a song in Hair apparently , called "Manchester England", repeated later in LTSI.
Must admit I don't know the reasoning. Quite a few Google answers regarding this.

[snakepit]

http://www.michaelbutler.com/hair/holding/articles/HairArticles/scottmiller.html

This sort of explains Hair..heavy stuff...but the Manchester part refers to Claude...but WHY is not clear , at least to me.

[marv2]

Didn't know it was Marv...that's some heavy lyric.
Amazing coincidence re our posts, but I went to my local library to pay a small fine on an overdue book, and I spotted a leaflet advertising guided walking tours around Manchester.

I think I will have a go at some of these ....I can always finish off with a beer.

Here is the web site:

Www.newmanchesterwalks.com

It was a strange and very dark song [[no pun intended "Let The Sunshine In/The Flesh Failures"). I first heard it as a kid on my parents soundtrack to the play "Hair". I never understood that part of the song either.


Thank you for that link. I do plan on visiting Manchester one day, even if I never retire LOL! Do you guys typically call "beer" beer or is it also referred to as a "brew"? I get confused because on Coronation Street, I had always assumed that a "brew" meant a cup of coffee.

[marv2]

Marv, there's a song in Hair apparently , called "Manchester England", repeated later in LTSI.
Must admit I don't know the reasoning. Quite a few Google answers regarding this.

Snakepit, I did not remember that. I was going on my memory of hearing this music back when I was 9 or 10 years old. Thank you.

[marv2]

Marv
The answer to why it mentions Manchester in the lyrics is here:

https://www.quora.com/In-the-movie-Hair-1979-theres-this-famous-song-Let-The-Sunshine-which-includes-the-lyrics-Manchester-England-England-What-does-it-mean-Is-it-a-reference-to-Vietnam-war

Hey check out the original cast in Toronto performing the song here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB51TWqUTek

[snakepit]

Yes generally we order a beer, or lager. Most people now drink lager.
Beer[[ Bitter, Mild), which people of my generation [[ in rovers say) is not as popular with younger folk.
However, what is termed "Real Ale" beer is very popular as a ' specialized' form of drinking.
Breweries , small in size, specialize in strong and varied flavours...a bit of a cult in some form.

A 'brew' would be mainly tea....people of my generation offer anybody who comes to visit a 'brew'.
A 'brew' is universally used to solve all manner of problems..e.g. "My husband has run off with her next door"..." Oh poor luv..have a brew [[ or cuppa...cup of tea).
Also , workmen love to knock off and have a brew....very regularly.

[marv2]

Yes generally we order a beer, or lager. Most people now drink lager.
Beer[[ Bitter, Mild), which people of my generation [[ in rovers say) is not as popular with younger folk.
However, what is termed "Real Ale" beer is very popular as a ' specialized' form of drinking.
Breweries , small in size, specialize in strong and varied flavours...a bit of a cult in some form.

A 'brew' would be mainly tea....people of my generation offer anybody who comes to visit a 'brew'.
A 'brew' is universally used to solve all manner of problems..e.g. "My husband has run off with her next door"..." Oh poor luv..have a brew [[ or cuppa...cup of tea).
Also , workmen love to knock off and have a brew....very regularly.

Martha Reeves is a now a regular drinker of Guinness Stout. I love Bass Ale and many Canadian beers.

We, in America need to replace drinking so much bottled water with drinking more tea......period!

[marv2]

Snakepit, does Manchester have a subway system?

[snakepit]

Guinness is popular with older folk like me. Like one myself, usually down the 'local' pub when watching football on TV. Irish pubs are popular in UK city centres... Selling Guinness of course.
Famously, the first episodes of CS featured 3 old ladies who drank a half of milk stout.. [[Ena Sharples, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell) in the Rovers.

Manchester does not have a subway, but we have a tram system running on large sections of old railway lines. Over the last few years , the transport authority have done a good job in linking large areas of Greater Manchester [[ central and out lying towns) into the system, took years to do but it is pretty good.
The trouble is a complicated fare system that is hard to fathom. The Major is on a platform to revise and simplify all this....but don't hold your breath.

[snakepit]

Martha Reeves is a now a regular drinker of Guinness Stout. I love Bass Ale and many Canadian beers.

We, in America need to replace drinking so much bottled water with drinking more tea......period!
You know what W.C. Fields said.." Don't drink water, fish make love in it" :)

[marv2]

Guinness is popular with older folk like me. Like one myself, usually down the 'local' pub when watching football on TV. Irish pubs are popular in UK city centres... Selling Guinness of course.
Famously, the first episodes of CS featured 3 old ladies who drank a half of milk stout.. [[Ena Sharples, Martha Longhurst and Minnie Caldwell) in the Rovers.

Manchester does not have a subway, but we have a tram system running on large sections of old railway lines. Over the last few years , the transport authority have done a good job in linking large areas of Greater Manchester [[ central and out lying towns) into the system, took years to do but it is pretty good.
The trouble is a complicated fare system that is hard to fathom. The Major is on a platform to revise and simplify all this....but don't hold your breath.

I am sure it is still cheaper than what I pay each day to go into Manhattan. $30 USD roundtrip [[more during "Peak Times"). I remember the big Tram crash on Corrie about 10 years ago. It was awful! I like that Manchester and from what I've seen from photos, that they kept many of their older buildings. We tear down our history here in the US daily!

[marv2]

You know what W.C. Fields said.." Don't drink water, fish make love in it" :)

Ugh, in a way that's gross if you take what he said literally. LOL!!!!

[snakepit]

The problem is the sheer number of fares and different bus/rail companies.
We had a fairly universal bus system but then it was all privatised [[Deregulation) and lots of bus companies competed for routes. So tickets for one line won't work on another.
There are numerous ticket options and you can get good deals.
But the transport authority responsible do not get the message out to people.
Numerous good value options are on sale, but the outlets that sell them [[ corner shops) are not taught how to sell them…....and bus drivers have so many options , they usually don't know what is available.
The traveller has to really work hard to fathom it all out.
I think a return tram journey from my home to town [[ we call central M/cr " Town") about 4 miles is £4.
I use a ticket available to Seniors/pensioners which covers bus, tram and train for Greater Manchester and beyond...£8.50....fantastic value.
We need a similar plan that works in London..an Oyster card...all purpose ticket. Our Mayor is talking about this.

[snakepit]

We have a lot of older buildings, but cities such as Leeds and Liverpool are great too.
Manchester was bombed quite heavily in the second world war, so lots of good buildings were lost.
However, a monstrous shopping arcade [[ mall) was built in the 70s and that destroyed a lot of great buildings....the outer building looked like the biggest toilet wall in the world.
Ironically , the IRA bombing did us a favour, and the part of Manchester is a lot better now.

[marv2]

We have a lot of older buildings, but cities such as Leeds and Liverpool are great too.
Manchester was bombed quite heavily in the second world war, so lots of good buildings were lost.
However, a monstrous shopping arcade [[ mall) was built in the 70s and that destroyed a lot of great buildings....the outer building looked like the biggest toilet wall in the world.
Ironically , the IRA bombing did us a favour, and the part of Manchester is a lot better now.

There are certain cities in the U.S. that retain their old, historical buildings such as Boston and many in NYC. They just build next to or around them. Cities in the Midwest, tears everything down over 40-50 years old it seems.

[marv2]

The problem is the sheer number of fares and different bus/rail companies.
We had a fairly universal bus system but then it was all privatised [[Deregulation) and lots of bus companies competed for routes. So tickets for one line won't work on another.
There are numerous ticket options and you can get good deals.
But the transport authority responsible do not get the message out to people.
Numerous good value options are on sale, but the outlets that sell them [[ corner shops) are not taught how to sell them…....and bus drivers have so many options , they usually don't know what is available.
The traveller has to really work hard to fathom it all out.
I think a return tram journey from my home to town [[ we call central M/cr " Town") about 4 miles is £4.
I use a ticket available to Seniors/pensioners which covers bus, tram and train for Greater Manchester and beyond...£8.50....fantastic value.
We need a similar plan that works in London..an Oyster card...all purpose ticket. Our Mayor is talking about this.

That all sounds very complicated.

[snakepit]

On the 2 occasions I've been to Manhattan, I used the subway and bought a Metro card with 10 journeys loaded....worked very well.
Do you work/travel uptown, mid town or financial district.
Would love to return but Mrs Snakepit won't get on a plane.

[marv2]

On the 2 occasions I've been to Manhattan, I used the subway and bought a Metro card with 10 journeys loaded....worked very well.
Do you work/travel uptown, mid town or financial district.
Would love to return but Mrs Snakepit won't get on a plane.

Mid-town,but I am doing more telecommuting now.

[snakepit]

Hi Marv.

I stayed at 48th and 52nd Street on my two trips.
First hotel was close to the Brill Building, and 1650 Broadway....USA music history there!

[snakepit]

Here's the wreb site of the local newspaper Manchester Evening News
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/

It's not great to be honest...but you may find it interesting...Corrie pops up quite often :)

[gordy_hunk]

I am sure it is still cheaper than what I pay each day to go into Manhattan. $30 USD roundtrip [[more during "Peak Times"). I remember the big Tram crash on Corrie about 10 years ago. It was awful! I like that Manchester and from what I've seen from photos, that they kept many of their older buildings. We tear down our history here in the US daily!

It's interesting that you both have been chatting about Manchester. At this time, I'll not go into too many details [[I think they're interesting, but others perhaps won't). I worked for a long time [[before I became a Police Officer) in Manchester at the University. After the tram system commenced, I used to try to use it all the time for work, but the tram was always full - so I decided the car was easier. The tram system is clean, efficient and punctual. The downside is that there aren't enough of them in the peak times [[one every 5 minutes or so).

Manchester is an amazing city - within a short distance you have so many facilities / sites to visit. The Commonwealth Games were held, and was an incredible success for the city. The rebuilding of the city after the IRA bomb was astonishing - and that event brought the whole city together in a way that nothing else ever has done.

Naturally I'm biased as the founder of computers was based at the University [[I'm far too young to remember him). If you ever have the opportunity to visit [[especially Marv) - please do. Although don't expect it to be like Coronation Street [[which I call Constipation Street) - it's a much more vibrant and inspirational city.

[snakepit]

Gordy Hunk..eh up!.
Thanks for popping in to this thread.
Agree with what you say, and any points you have , please get involved.
I worked for the City Council for 15 years. The city centre had changed a lot since I left that job.
Still pass through regularly.

[marv2]

Hi Marv.

I stayed at 48th and 52nd Street on my two trips.
First hotel was close to the Brill Building, and 1650 Broadway....USA music history there!

A tremendous amount of American music history there in that area. That was a part of what was called "Tin Pan Alley". That is where a great of deal of popular music was created in the the late 19th and 20th century. Just like in Detroit, I and most New Yorkers just walk by or ride through that area and never thinking about it's significance.

[marv2]

It's interesting that you both have been chatting about Manchester. At this time, I'll not go into too many details [[I think they're interesting, but others perhaps won't). I worked for a long time [[before I became a Police Officer) in Manchester at the University. After the tram system commenced, I used to try to use it all the time for work, but the tram was always full - so I decided the car was easier. The tram system is clean, efficient and punctual. The downside is that there aren't enough of them in the peak times [[one every 5 minutes or so).

Manchester is an amazing city - within a short distance you have so many facilities / sites to visit. The Commonwealth Games were held, and was an incredible success for the city. The rebuilding of the city after the IRA bomb was astonishing - and that event brought the whole city together in a way that nothing else ever has done.

Naturally I'm biased as the founder of computers was based at the University [[I'm far too young to remember him). If you ever have the opportunity to visit [[especially Marv) - please do. Although don't expect it to be like Coronation Street [[which I call Constipation Street) - it's a much more vibrant and inspirational city.

Gordy_hunk, I do plan to visit there one day [[and you leave my Coronation Street alone!LOL!). I really want to see the older neighborhoods. The ones that may still exist from 100 years ago or more. I am anxious to meet people from there and just talk. I was like this about Quebec City before I went there. I did not know about the IRA bombing, but I do remember many news reports about their activities back in the 70s.

[snakepit]

There are still areas outside the centre that have the type of terrace houses/ streets that would look like those on Corrie.
Indeed I lived on such a street until I was 18, and all that area was demolished for a replacement housing scheme. But terrace streets still exist in districts of the City.

Here's some details of the IRA bombing in 1996.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Manchester_bombing

[snakepit]

The photo of Corporation Street shows the shopping arcade/mall that was a very unpopular eyesore built in the 1970's....Manchester Arndale.
The rebuilding of this centre is a huge improvement and now is a trendy area.

[marv2]

Here's the wreb site of the local newspaper Manchester Evening News
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/

It's not great to be honest...but you may find it interesting...Corrie pops up quite often :)

Thank you for this Snakepit!

[marv2]

There are still areas outside the centre that have the type of terrace houses/ streets that would look like those on Corrie.
Indeed I lived on such a street until I was 18, and all that area was demolished for a replacement housing scheme. But terrace streets still exist in districts of the City.

Here's some details of the IRA bombing in 1996.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Manchester_bombing

You are really helping me out here and I appreciate it. It is strange, but I have actually met people in NY since the early 2000's that supported the IRA. One guy even knew that guy Gerry Adams. You meet all kinds of people when drinking during Happy Hour.

[marv2]

The photo of Corporation Street shows the shopping arcade/mall that was a very unpopular eyesore built in the 1970's....Manchester Arndale.
The rebuilding of this centre is a huge improvement and now is a trendy area.

Did many people get hurt during that bombing?

[marv2]

There are still areas outside the centre that have the type of terrace houses/ streets that would look like those on Corrie.
Indeed I lived on such a street until I was 18, and all that area was demolished for a replacement housing scheme. But terrace streets still exist in districts of the City.

Here's some details of the IRA bombing in 1996.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Manchester_bombing

I definitely want to see the terrace houses. Do you remember the film, "To Sir with Love"?

[snakepit]

No casualties but a lot of injuries....the IRA gave advance warning so the streets were cleared in the main.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_Arena_bombing

We had a suicide bombing last year..see above ..23 killed, many injured.

[snakepit]

I definitely want to see the terrace houses. Do you remember the film, "To Sir with Love"?

Yes I have seen the film..I think it is London based. If you can get hold of the film " A taste of honey", that is filmed RIGHT in the original Corrie area...

[snakepit]

http://www.manchester-forum.co.uk/index.php?topic=7324.60

I hope this photo works....I lived two streets away from here!

[snakepit]

Marv

This was my street...my house is on here somewhere, but need to think about where!
http://images.manchester.gov.uk/ResultsList.php?session=pass&QueryName=BasicQuery&QueryPage=/index.php?session=pass&Restriction=&StartAt=1&Anywhere=SummaryData|AdmWebMetadata&QueryTerms=hatfield%20street%20harpurhey&QueryOption=Anywhere

[snakepit]

http://images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=31445&reftable=ecatalogue&refirn=38152

I think my house was second from left...1968.
Can't believe it.....memory plays tricks. When this was taken I was probably in the front room playing my latest Motown purchase.

[snakepit]

Strike that...THIS is my house...second from left behind the lamp post.
We used to play football on the large brick wall..."wally" ...kicking into goals chalked on the wall. The householders used to complain about the ball thudding against wall....
http://images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=31447&reftable=ecatalogue&refirn=38151

[marv2]

Strike that...THIS is my house...second from left behind the lamp post.
We used to play football on the large brick wall..."wally" ...kicking into goals chalked on the wall. The householders used to complain about the ball thudding against wall....
http://images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=31447&reftable=ecatalogue&refirn=38151

Snakepit! Yes! That is what I want to see. The homes and neighborhoods of regular people who grew up there. We too use to play football [[American football) in the streets where we lived. Great childhood memories.

[marv2]

Yes I have seen the film..I think it is London based. If you can get hold of the film " A taste of honey", that is filmed RIGHT in the original Corrie area...

I am going to look for that movie and thank you!

[snakepit]

Snakepit! Yes! That is what I want to see. The homes and neighborhoods of regular people who grew up there. We too use to play football [[American football) in the streets where we lived. Great childhood memories.

My house and all the surrounding houses were demolished in 1973 or thereabouts. But there are still terraced streets to be found.

[marv2]

My house and all the surrounding houses were demolished in 1973 or thereabouts. But there are still terraced streets to be found.

The apartment building we lived in in 1963-64 and where we saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan has been demolished. It was 100 years old when we moved into it in the sixties.

[snakepit]

I saw a TV show recently about the Beatles on Ed Sullivan..Jan 64 I think.
It was mainly about the issue of an LP on Capitol....and how previous Beatles tracks had come out on Swan in Philly and Vee Jay I think, as nobody wanted the early stuff.

[snakepit]

The apartment building we lived in in 1963-64 and where we saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan has been demolished. It was 100 years old when we moved into it in the sixties.

Did you live in Detroit then?
I visited Detroit in 1994

[marv2]

I saw a TV show recently about the Beatles on Ed Sullivan..Jan 64 I think.
It was mainly about the issue of an LP on Capitol....and how previous Beatles tracks had come out on Swan in Philly and Vee Jay I think, as nobody wanted the early stuff.

I never knew they had anything released on Swan, but I knew all about them being on Vee-Jay out of Chicago.

[marv2]

Did you live in Detroit then?
I visited Detroit in 1994

No, we were on Irving Street in Toledo, Oh then. About 45 miles south of Detroit.

[roger]

Slightly off-topic perhaps but in Australia the word "Manchester" is used to describe homeware such as towels, bedding, linen etc. Department Stores will have a "Manchester" department and the term is likely to crop up in TV commercials ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCeSa2OGwoM

The term seems to have come into existence down-under as originally most of these goods were imported from Manchester ... as explained here .... https://www.justbedding.com.au/blog/the-history-of-manchester/

Elsewhere in the English speaking world this use of the term "Manchester" seems totally unknown, though many department stores will advertise that they are having a "Sale" [[couldn't resist getting that pun in :cool:)

Roger

[snakepit]

Roger,
Thanks for that, very interesting.
Obviously the origins are rooted in the cotton industry, with Manchester and surrounding cotton mill towns playing a huge part.
I like the idea of "Manchester" being written on crates, thus leading to a generic term e.g Hoover, Biro etc.

[snakepit]

Some light reading regarding Manchester's cotton history.
https://mancunion.com/2015/03/10/cottonopolis-manchesters-fashionable-history/

[snakepit]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8675000/8675073.stm

This is an interesting piece about Manchester's role on cotton, the rivalry between the City and Liverpool, with formation of the Manchester ship canal, used to bypass the port of Liverpool and reduce costs on cotton importation.

The article refers to Manchester supporting the abolition of slavery although it damaged the cotton industry. A statue of Abraham Lincoln stands nearby to the Town Hall.

[snakepit]

Article on Abraham Lincoln and Manchester support
https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/from-the-archive-blog/2013/feb/04/lincoln-oscars-manchester-cotton-abraham

[robb_k]

The problem is the sheer number of fares and different bus/rail companies.
We had a fairly universal bus system but then it was all privatised [[Deregulation) and lots of bus companies competed for routes. So tickets for one line won't work on another.
There are numerous ticket options and you can get good deals.
But the transport authority responsible do not get the message out to people.
Numerous good value options are on sale, but the outlets that sell them [[ corner shops) are not taught how to sell them…....and bus drivers have so many options , they usually don't know what is available.
The traveller has to really work hard to fathom it all out.
I think a return tram journey from my home to town [[ we call central M/cr " Town") about 4 miles is £4.
I use a ticket available to Seniors/pensioners which covers bus, tram and train for Greater Manchester and beyond...£8.50....fantastic value.
We need a similar plan that works in London..an Oyster card...all purpose ticket. Our Mayor is talking about this.
14830
Is that £8.50 per MONTH for unlimited travel by train within The Manchester Metro Area? If so, that's a fantastic deal! In The Netherlands we can a very low-cost monthly pass, but only for 1 route [[up and back).

[snakepit]

No Robb,
That is a daily charge....unlimited travel and you can change from bus, tram or train anywhere within the boundaries stated, which are quite generous.

[Eargasm]

Hi snakepit, I live about 12 miles from the centre of Manchester !...really looking forward to the Apollo next June, to see the Empress of Soul !

[snakepit]

Hi Eargasm,
Good stuff. I'm about 4 mile from the centre.
Motown the Musical is on in town early next year, so that would be a chance to see it if you haven't done so. I've seen it twice so not sure about a third. Also Jersey Boys is on in town next year...brilliant show if you fancy that.
What is the Apollo show? Any details?

[marv2]

Snakepit, what is the name of the football team there ?

[sansradio]

Snakepit, what is the name of the football team there ?

I'm not Snakepit, but one of them is the legendary Manchester United.

[snakepit]

There are two teams in the top flight...The Premier League.

Manchester City and Manchester United.
Fortunes for both clubs have swung and changed places several times since the origins of both clubs.
United have the best record regards trophies but at the present time, City are very successful and are the current Premier League Champions. After 25 years of great success, United are floundering after their manager/coach Sir Alex Ferguson retired a few years ago. As a United supporter I fear that we will be struggling for a good few years to come.
My secondary school was built on the ground first used by United when they were formed in 1878.
The ground, North Road, was used by Lancashire and Yorkshire railway workers, who formed a football team originally called Newton Heath [[ my school was Newton Heath Technical ).

[marv2]

Thank you both Snakepit and Sansradio.

[Eargasm]

Hi Eargasm,
Good stuff. I'm about 4 mile from the centre.
Motown the Musical is on in town early next year, so that would be a chance to see it if you haven't done so. I've seen it twice so not sure about a third. Also Jersey Boys is on in town next year...brilliant show if you fancy that.
What is the Apollo show? Any details?

The Manchester Apollo [[ 02) show, is Saturday 22nd June, I have front row tickets to see Gladys Knight !.... can't wait ! https://www.live-manchester.co.uk/gladys-knight-announces-o2-apollo-show/

[snakepit]

I saw Gladys [[solo) at the Apollo a few years ago. Prior to that, GK&TPs at Apollo about 1980ish and in the 70s at Manchester Odeon.

The Apollo concert in 1980ish...went to the pub behind [[Apsley Cottage) I think...rammed, fought to get to bar...a number of guys in suits and bow ties...desperate for a last drink, we pushed to bar the guys said no worries..we're the orchestra!!

[snakepit]

Are you going to see Lamont Dozier in February?

[55Motown]

Snakepit, do you go to any events at Prestwich, Walkden, Whitefield or The Twisted Wheel?

[snakepit]

55 Motown
I don't get out to venues these days but if I did, The Twisted Wheel would be most likely. I know the organisers and djs.
I have friends who go to Whitefield and Prestwich.
Do you attend any?

[55Motown]

Yes, I do attend Snakepit. I go to Walkden, Prestwich [[yesterday), Irlam [[now in Eccles), Whitefield and Rochdale, when I can.

[snakepit]

I'm sure they are good events...I am probably out of the loop these days.
I did a web based northern soul show but lack of intetest / support killed it.
Not really interested in carrying on which is sad.

[55Motown]

I hear you. Yes, they can be good. I enjoy most [[too much r&b sometimes though).

There are many events and streaming/radio programmes these days. They do help keep the music alive, but often I hear repeats of the same songs which is inevitable I guess. I am from a generation who bought the song because of its merits, not the format it is on, so the constant vinyl reference annoys me. Whilst I appreciate vinyl events, they can never play 'new' finds that are only available on other formats, or indeed freshly recorded productions in that style. I think things will change once we have a 'digital' 45rpm/cd :-)

[marv2]

Do any of you guys listen to the "Richie Allen Show" out of Manchester?

[snakepit]

My show, hopefully, featured tracks not overplayed.
You can still listen on
Www.mixcloud.com/snakepit2648
I am like you...I was not bothered about the need to stick to vinyl...the music was the important thing.

[snakepit]

Don't listen to any shows Marv.

[marv2]

Don't listen to any shows Marv.


Ok. I follow him on Youtube

[55Motown]

Not familiar with Richie Allen.

Re the vinyl, there seems to be fads that go around and the same tunes get more credence than others. I guess part of it is the jocks preference, but I am finding that there is nothing new or a wow factor these days, well, for me anyway. I like the Kent releases because they are celebrating the music with new royalties hopefully for those involved with the song/production originally. I'll take a listen to your mixcloud so 154 is your last one?

[snakepit]

Yes 114 to154.
Hope you enjoy them

[55Motown]

Will do, thank you.

This is where I am heading today - The Irlam Soul Club [[Eccles):

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/calendar/event/58999-irlam-soul-club/

[snakepit]

Hope you enjoy my shows and your visit to Irlam.
As I say I don't get out to venues [[ my wife isn't keen) and drinking and driving won't do.
So a trip onto Manchester [[ Wheel) would be my best bet.

Actually, I wanted my show to bring together all the various Manchester events [[ it was on FC United of Manchester station) but I didn't get any response, gig guides, requests so I lost heart.

[55Motown]

Thank you.

Irlam is good. A tad too many of these blues/R&B tunes with the same chords etc, but I enjoyed it. My wife does not accompany me to the events. Not interested. I would rather she do what she wanted, than sit through tunes she did not like. I must admit, there are becoming more and more I don't like these days. Some of them stand the test of time, but others, are becoming tiresome. I guess it is a state of mind with me right now.

Sorry to read you lost heart with your podcast show and I can sympathise. I guess the Internet has given easy access to programming for many to be creative, but getting a following or fan base...it's another world. I have lost heart with my song writing and productions in recent years. I can write the songs quite easily, produce something reasonable, but the legal admin, registration, copyright and exploitation is the hard part as in the grand scheme of things, I do not perform. My last co-write and production was with our own Johnny Boy Pryers from up here called 'You ain't changed' [[take a listen on YouTube). I released it 2/4/2018 and there it was...gone with the wind. However, the best feedback was from the vinyl lovers saying it would do great on a 7" which I question because I have loads of my Detroit session 45s still available proving my theory that my target audience should not be 60s soul fans. I am slowly starting to challenge myself with new musical initiatives that may be more fruitful...but it is hard. I support live events, NS events etc and pay my money to hear the same old song[[s) and I am weary of them. I would actually say I am angry, but that is my problem....many love the songs and clearly when the dance floor fills with something from 1959 that can't be a bad thing :-)

[snakepit]

I will try that YouTube thanks.
I'm impressed that you are musical and write songs. I cannot play any instrument or know any music theory.
If you write some more I hope it goes well.
Because of losing interest in my show, I've not been playing much music, and I have about 3,000 Motown/Northern/classic 60/70s soul, so a lot to go at. I was heavily into tape swapping and then CD swapping. Again, interest waned when other swappers stopped.
I hope my shows are OK for you....don't start at the end as I sound depressed!!
I thought that by being on FCUM radio, the age group of supporters and the Manchester base would attract NS fans but it didn't..despite the station loving my show.
I also put details on here but no interest at all.��

[55Motown]

Am heading for show 114 :-)

The fact you enjoy the music though is a writers dream. People like me, need people like you to enjoy the songs etc. The issue we both have is that the songs and productions of say 1965/6 are joust out of this world, so how can I [[we) compete today? [[I like the 2nd track on 114 - 'You've got a good thing' which I am listening too). It does not surprise me that interest is hard to acquire on social media/forums like this. Whilst there are very knowledgable individuals all over the place chatting, technology means they can cherry pick the cuts they want to hear rather than listening to say, your show. I am on the third track of 114 and only heard the first one before, so...all good :-) Let me know what you think about Johnny Boy's release. I value your opinion...even though it is probably a tad modern for you lol.

[snakepit]

Carl?
I enjoyed it a lot...a perfect crossover 70s type...I featured a few 70s and this was ideal for my show.
Very good.
You have a great history of recording with some stalwart musicians.

[snakepit]

I made a mistake...first show is.no. 110

[snakepit]

When I said 3,000 ,that's CDs. Both retail and CDrs that I've made up from NS tapes...I swapped 100s back in the day.
If you, or any friends are interested, I still have loads of cassette tapes left...lots of rarer stuff.

[55Motown]

Understood re CD's etc. Cassette tapes a no for me thank you. Will listen to 110 upwards. Thank you re Johnny Boy. Yes, 2008 was a special year I guess. I did Detroit and Philly in the same year, priceless really. I forget I did what I did. The plan is to do more with Johnny Boy when I get my act together. Had some personal dramas in the last year. He has a terrific delivery and great on stage. It would be a shame not to cut something else with him. A very knowledgeable individual. Let's se what 2019 has in store....

[Eargasm]

Are you going to see Lamont Dozier in February?
No I never managed a ticket for Lamont [[ although I woulda loved one )... just as well now as he has sadly cancelled !

[snakepit]

Yes sadly cancelled for the second time. I hope LD is ok.