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The Night they pulled down Wigan Casino

Missing image

 

 

'tonight with you, for the first time

i have learned what my lips are for'

 

 

for some, the music never died

it lives on - keeping the faith

 

brogues covered in talc

for that extra bit spin

boys in tank-tops

full circle skirted girls

addidas bags

45's bought and sold

well sprung dance floors

& amphetamine eyes, wild

bodies high-kickin'

 

it was Wigan

or Stoke

the Twisted Wheel

and the Torch

 

that night

the last time

when DJ played the final track

 

we all sang and stomped

'Long after tonight is all over'

 

this was Northern Soul

the phenomenon

 

the time is now

in my heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

The girl with the white headband dancing is me! - at Wigan Casino 1979 - This was Northern Soul in its heyday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv0iidBrj6o

the lyrics are from Long After Tonight is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe

some bloke doing some 'moves' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN12E7h023E

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Comments

1 - 21 of 21

  • DogFish silver member
    October 5, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    ...they aughta' make a movie; sounds amazin'!


    • DogFish silver member
      October 5, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      PS; thanx for the link to the clip, Gillian: it definitly had its strange charm!


  • PrabhuDayal Khattar silver member
    October 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    I thought to visit few of your wonderful poems today so here I am

    Humm..the love is eternal when heart is touched other wise it is just a formality..you defined its eternty by your great poetry here..well done..


  • Nicolette gold member
    October 4, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    As you can see, Guy loved this poem. So did I, Gilly. It's so very real, your voice here so very authentic.

    Yes, this is the stuff that memories are made off. Those were the days, my friend . And you were quite the mover too. So wonderful to see the young Gilly dancing... I so miss dancing, those high kicking days..sigh! There is soul in this poem, and it's alive, alive in your heart.

    Great to see you writing your magic again, girl. I oved this. Thank you for being here with us.



    ~ Nicolette

  • grm
    September 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    i know it has no relevance...but i couldn't help seeing the movie "The Commitments" as i read this.
    i even came close to adding a link to some of their songs on youTube. lol
    in my life as a musician, i classified all people into two categories: those who made the music, and those who danced to it.
    i was of the former.

    and to this day, i don't know who enjoyed themselves more.
    though, honestly, there are times i felt cheated somehow, being locked onto the stage.

    still, i watch your video and feel a certain sense of satisfaction...knowing i was part of the family that made life for non-players all that much enjoyable.

    you have NO idea, how much i would've given to be on your side of the stage, Gilly.

    need i say it? i loved this piece

    thanks so much for bringing it our way



  • misselaineous
    September 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    i loved my stripey tank top
    and i adore this
    elaine


  • darrell j smith
    September 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow! I have heard so much about the NS scene - especially at WC - and it makes me envious that I can only live it vicariously. I love the dancing too. Its tragic how nightclubs aren't about dancing any more. Maybe it will all come round again like most good things in culture do. I am glad the time, the phenomenon lives in your heart and soul. I bet the guy with the flares in the clip knocked over a few dustbins on his way home - if only we could harness the power of the flare.


  • Cat
    September 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Oh my gosh! This is amazing!Where on earth did the clip arise from? Did you post it to Youtube or did you just happen to find it?

    i love the spirit and feel of you in this piece gillian.

    m


  • JT Sammer
    September 26, 2008

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    holy cow, I had to do a little research what the northern soul was but wow this is awesome! Keep it up and good luck in the contest! Peace n' Love, JT


  • Lucy.
    September 25, 2008

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    Okay...you've got me addicted. I just watched 20 videos on youtube of people dancing northern soul in their kitchens. I couldn't even walk in 1979, let alone dance....well, I still can't dance.

    Video links entertaining, poem lovely as usual. I loved reading this from you.

    xx


  • Grunts Girl silver member
    September 25, 2008

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    i think this has moved up into one of my favorites from you
    because all of it is you in an amazing fun vibrant place that i wish for you all the time


  • cvillelisa
    September 25, 2008

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    Ah. I'm so glad you "showed me" what this Northern Soul is all about.
    Last line is quite poignant with all you've been through.



    Lisa


  • AJ Morelli gold member
    September 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    wonderfully nostalgic Gillian, excellent poetry too


    al

  • Yvette Champ gold member
    September 25, 2008

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    Oh, you paint the kaleidascope of frenetic energy that is not was Northern Soul, you go girl, keep it alive inside of you and via poetry! I will never forget the first time I saw Northern boys dance, our Southern lads were reserved, non dancers or danced with set moves, like John Travolta, kind of like dancing to rhyme, it had a set rhythm, a bit boring as you kinda knew which move to expect next, but the Northern Lads, they felt the music and freeversed across the floor, I was in heaven as I dance freeverse too lol not freestyle, dancing is poetry with arms and legs making the rhythm.

    Great to see you shimmying and hey, I played Brenton Woods today and thought of you too


    Dance on dearest poetic Diva



  • jantastic gold member
    September 25, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    are we all feeling sentimental of late?




  • Thoughts-of-Soloman
    September 25, 2008

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    You lively one!

    I missed it, I was time warped somewhere else at the time... we could always have a re-enactment though, especially now that you've revisited so well! I'll bet Drew and the girls would be well into it.


  • iverbthenoun
    September 25, 2008
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    i have to listen to that song!

  • Philogos gold member
    September 25, 2008

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    Fine evocative piece, Gill. Haven't we all wanted to dance like that? Nostalgia is as good here as it ever was.

    all the best


    vic

  • Suzanne Dia
    September 25, 2008

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    You do know how to bring these memories to life. I love that you Northern Soulers are still banded together, too, makes it all the better.

    Love you, lady.

  • Rowan gold member
    September 25, 2008

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    I feel like dancing...
    Excellent poem, great clips!!!


  • tara wilson gold member
    September 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    "the time is now
    in my heart"

    What beautiful opening & ending lines. this is so visual & reminiscent...love this one

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