Long After Tonight is All Over

In over sixty years the Northern Soul scene has become Britain´s longest surviving dance culture. Its rise in popularity has been phenomenal, all thanks due to a network of clubs and hardworking knowledgeable, passionate deejays, who have championed early American rhythm and blues music that eventually became Northern Soul. In Swinging 60´s London the 100 Club, the Flamingo club, the Bag O Nails club and the Scene club together laid the foundations for the future Northern Soul scene that found a ready home in the new clubs Up North. The Catacombs in Wolverhampton, the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, the Golden Torch in Tunstall Stoke on Trent, the Highland Room in Blackpool and the Wigan Casino. Now, nothing more than cherished memories, but what memories for all of us who were there back in the day. A time when Keeping the Faith meant so much more than a well-worn phrase. It was a way of life. And the Northern Soul scene of today is going stronger than ever, attracting more and more young people. Ironically enough the headquarters of soul is back in the 100 Club in Soho, where it all began, celebrating a magnificent run of over forty years of hosting continuous Northern Soul all-nighters, making it without a doubt the most influential and respected club on today’s scene.  The author takes a closer look at the soul scene in the UK, making it what it is today – music made in America, and played in Britain.