Wigan Album

Very popular band fron Oldham ; a great soul group who had a big following around the area at the time.The Manchester Prowlers and The Summers were also regular bands at the casino.

Great set of photos, thanks for sharing them. Social history there for all to see, the way we dressed, looked and lived, excellent.

niel Ellison stood at back far right

The SUMMERS I think they came from Blackburn?.... wore striped blazers and sang all the Beach Boys songs. I thought they were great<g>

Correct Ron, beach boys numbers, also the Magic Lanterns who were more physcadelic for the casino.The Manchester Prowlers played the casino on
the eve of Latics fa cup tie at Man City in 1970 and they had the entire place chanting loudly for Latics, !

Laurence, I am glad I was around then. Wouldn't like to be around town these days. All it's about these days is how much drink you can drink. In those days it was out for a dance, listen to a group, and a few pints and catch the last bus home or go to the {Palais until 2.00a.m). I'm sure we were a lot happier then than today's youth. At least we could have a good time and save up for a car or a house when you got married. These days it appears to be LIVE FOR TODAY.. I have spoken to some younger people and they tell me over the weekend they can spend £200....

Seeing the stage on this picture brought back to me some truly amazing memories. I used to work at Wigan emp Fridays sat Sunday and Monday nights. Monday nights we had groups on so it was busy busy and me and my mate Geoff Smith used to play the records in between groups playing. Never forget Herman's hermits they were top of the bill 1964 they said we have recorded a song today heres a copy for you great I said we will put it on in the interval. The record was I'm into something good.they went number 1 and made it big time .they did come back to the emp just once and still rembered me and Geoff. Hope this stirs up some magic memories for you.

It's great seeing these photos of Wigan emp and reading the comments. I was lucky enough to have worked here from 64 to 69. Started as a bottle boy and on dinner dances serving the meals in the palais clearing up then into the ballroom bottle carrying.I worked Friday Saturday Sunday and Mondays. On Mondays me and me mate Geoff would be there sorting out the groups back stage all their gear . we would play the records in-between groups coming on and off.one night Herman's hermits were on and they asked if we would play this record they had just recorded it was I'm into something good . the rest is history they went big big style .they only came back once after and packed the place out great night great memories.

Where's Giovanni when you need him, I believe he was a DJ here late 60/70s and i'am sure he would have some view's on the ladies.

JohnG
Giovanni here! Using my real name now!
I remember most of these girls in the pics who would go every week. And quite a few lads who were mates! I can recognise many in these pics! Great times and such happy memories!

I can spot Neil Ellison by the Gents kharsi and Charlie Watson by the stage! But where am I?
Another photo opportunity missed!!

Which one is Charlie Watson please?