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Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul
Nothing will ever compare to the amphetamine rush of my young life and the night I was nearly buggered by my girlfriend’s uncle in the Potteries...
The opening line of Stuart Cosgrove’s Young Soul Rebels sets up a compelling and intimate story of northern soul, Britain’s most fascinating musical underground scene, and takes the reader on a journey into the iconic clubs that made it famous – The Twisted Wheel, The Torch, Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier – the bootleggers that made it infamous, the splits that threatened to divide the scene, the great unknown records that built its global reputation and the crate-digging collectors that travelled to America to unearth unknown sounds.
The book sweeps across fifty years of British life and places the northern soul scene in a social context – the rise of amphetamine culture, the policing of youth culture, the north–south divide, the decline of coastal Britain, the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, the rise of Thatcherism, the miners’ strike, the rave scene and music in the era of the world wide web Books have been written about northern soul before but never with the same erudition and passion.
The opening line of Stuart Cosgrove’s Young Soul Rebels sets up a compelling and intimate story of northern soul, Britain’s most fascinating musical underground scene, and takes the reader on a journey into the iconic clubs that made it famous – The Twisted Wheel, The Torch, Wigan Casino, Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier – the bootleggers that made it infamous, the splits that threatened to divide the scene, the great unknown records that built its global reputation and the crate-digging collectors that travelled to America to unearth unknown sounds.
The book sweeps across fifty years of British life and places the northern soul scene in a social context – the rise of amphetamine culture, the policing of youth culture, the north–south divide, the decline of coastal Britain, the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, the rise of Thatcherism, the miners’ strike, the rave scene and music in the era of the world wide web Books have been written about northern soul before but never with the same erudition and passion.
- GenresMusicNonfictionHistory
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2016
23 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Cosgrove
17 books50 followersScottish journalist, broadcaster and television executive. Worked as a journalist on the NME and The Face magazine during the 1980s. Was at Channel 4, London from 1994 to 2015, serving as Controller of Arts and Entertainment and then Head of Programmes (Nations and Regions).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 10, 2022
Northern Soul is one of the most durable underground musical scenes, probably the most durable. It has survived in some shape or form since the early 1960s, with both diehards and new generations embracing its traditions. Needless to say, over the decades there have been schisms and beef too.
One man who has been involved in some shape or form since the early 1970s is Stuart Cosgrove and Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul is an authoritive, informed, opinionated history of the scene since its inception to its 21st century internet-fuelled emergence into a truly global phenomenon.
Not unsurprisingly you need to have some level of interest to want to dive into this history however, for those who do, this is a fascinating and inspirational read. As a casual fan who loves dancing to Northern Soul, I was captivated and it filled in many gaps in my knowledge.
Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul is part social history, part soul music history, and part memoir. It's fab. Each era is contextualised with reference to politics, policing, crime, drugs etc.
There's added enjoyment to be derived from pausing to go onto YouTube to checkout any songs you don't know which get highlighted.
4/5
One man who has been involved in some shape or form since the early 1970s is Stuart Cosgrove and Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul is an authoritive, informed, opinionated history of the scene since its inception to its 21st century internet-fuelled emergence into a truly global phenomenon.
Not unsurprisingly you need to have some level of interest to want to dive into this history however, for those who do, this is a fascinating and inspirational read. As a casual fan who loves dancing to Northern Soul, I was captivated and it filled in many gaps in my knowledge.
Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul is part social history, part soul music history, and part memoir. It's fab. Each era is contextualised with reference to politics, policing, crime, drugs etc.
There's added enjoyment to be derived from pausing to go onto YouTube to checkout any songs you don't know which get highlighted.
4/5
April 21, 2025
Stuart Cosgrove har skrivit fler böcker om Soul music och vad den betytt för samhället i stort och smått, jag har köpt några men den första jag läst är Young Soul Rebels som är hans egna gedigna historia om Northern soul scenen i England från starten tidigt 70-tal till hur den blomstrat upp igen efter spridningen av MP3, Youtube och grupper på Facebook. Stuart skrev i tidningar som Blues & Soul, Echoes och NME men innan dess jobbade han på järnvägen och tog gärna tåget norrut för att gå på allnighters i stora balsalar.
Boken kändes först lite torr men blev roligare ju mer jag läste, den listar legendariska ställen som Wigan Casino. Twisted Wheel och Blackpool Mecca, hur de utvecklade scenen men även klassiska DJs som Ian Levine och Keb Darge med flera som gjorde låtar stora på scenen. Hur obskyra skivor sprids, antingen som extremt dyra original eller som bootlegs, vilka som upptäckt låten, var den breakade men även hur olika DJs försökte utveckla scenen olika.
Men boken innehåller även skribentens resor och jakt på rara sjutummare och där någonstans väger han in samhället utanför dansgolven. Det är gruvstrejker, arbetslöshet, amfetamin och långa dagars väntan.
Boken kändes först lite torr men blev roligare ju mer jag läste, den listar legendariska ställen som Wigan Casino. Twisted Wheel och Blackpool Mecca, hur de utvecklade scenen men även klassiska DJs som Ian Levine och Keb Darge med flera som gjorde låtar stora på scenen. Hur obskyra skivor sprids, antingen som extremt dyra original eller som bootlegs, vilka som upptäckt låten, var den breakade men även hur olika DJs försökte utveckla scenen olika.
Men boken innehåller även skribentens resor och jakt på rara sjutummare och där någonstans väger han in samhället utanför dansgolven. Det är gruvstrejker, arbetslöshet, amfetamin och långa dagars väntan.
June 29, 2016
Stuart Cosgroven "Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul" (Polygon, 2016) kuvaa perustuksiltaan vankan, mutta aina hieman valtavirran ulkopuolelle jääneen Northern Soul -skenen vaiheita Pohjois-Englannissa ja sen ulkopuolellakin.
Näkökulma vaihtelee henkilökohtaisesta yleiseen. Nuorisokulttuurin kuvaus, populaarimusiikin historia ja kirjailijan henkilökohtaiset kokemukset yhdistetään osaksi laajempaa yhteiskunnallista kokonaisuutta, johon liittyvät muun muassa "Yorkshiren viiltäjäksi" nimitetyn Peter Sutcliffen tapaus ja Margaret Thatcheriin hallintokaudella tapahtunut kaivosteollisuuden alasajo 1980-luvun puolivälin tietämillä.
Suositeltavaa luettavaa kaikille aiheesta kiinnostuneille.
Näkökulma vaihtelee henkilökohtaisesta yleiseen. Nuorisokulttuurin kuvaus, populaarimusiikin historia ja kirjailijan henkilökohtaiset kokemukset yhdistetään osaksi laajempaa yhteiskunnallista kokonaisuutta, johon liittyvät muun muassa "Yorkshiren viiltäjäksi" nimitetyn Peter Sutcliffen tapaus ja Margaret Thatcheriin hallintokaudella tapahtunut kaivosteollisuuden alasajo 1980-luvun puolivälin tietämillä.
Suositeltavaa luettavaa kaikille aiheesta kiinnostuneille.
June 14, 2019
My knowledge of Northern Soul has always been a little sketchy. My initial understanding of the term was basically that it was a bunch of DJs and record collectors from Britain's northern cities obsessing over rare soul records from the USA and organising dance nights. I mainly picked up this book then to dig a little deeper into the phenomenon and get some background into what must be a rich and storied history. Having finished the book, I now know that Northern Soul was basically a bunch of DJs and record collectors from Britain's northern cities obsessing over rare soul records from the USA and organising dance nights. That's it.
That is not to undermine it in anyway as the thought of spending the night dancing to charged soul stompers from the sixties and seventies sounds like bliss to me and I was a little jealous reading about it all. Having said that, as interesting as the book must surely be to those that lived in the scene all those years ago, I never truly felt transported there.
Likewise, if you are looking for an expose on the music itself, there is only occasional insight into the artists beyond how rare the record might be. Given that the Northern Soul scene rescued so many forgotten artists from obscurity, a little more insight there would have been nice - especially since the author is clearly in awe of them (or at least the rarity of their records). Stuart Cosgrove has also written histories of Detroit and Memphis soul which are, by all accounts, excellent so it is hard to be too critical given he has explored it elsewhere.
Overall, Young Soul Rebels reads well and would be of great interest to those white blokes in Britain's north that took black pride and culture into their hearts.
That is not to undermine it in anyway as the thought of spending the night dancing to charged soul stompers from the sixties and seventies sounds like bliss to me and I was a little jealous reading about it all. Having said that, as interesting as the book must surely be to those that lived in the scene all those years ago, I never truly felt transported there.
Likewise, if you are looking for an expose on the music itself, there is only occasional insight into the artists beyond how rare the record might be. Given that the Northern Soul scene rescued so many forgotten artists from obscurity, a little more insight there would have been nice - especially since the author is clearly in awe of them (or at least the rarity of their records). Stuart Cosgrove has also written histories of Detroit and Memphis soul which are, by all accounts, excellent so it is hard to be too critical given he has explored it elsewhere.
Overall, Young Soul Rebels reads well and would be of great interest to those white blokes in Britain's north that took black pride and culture into their hearts.
August 6, 2020
I saw this in the library, and soon enough I was entranced by the narrative. I guess while I would have only a passing knowledge of Northern Soul, I have seen the documentary a few times, and likewise the fictionalised movie. It's definitely one of those weird sub-culture music directions that I love reading about, and the author has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the topic, first hand. He also positions the core era very well with the miners strike, Thatchers Britain, etc etc. For me, there's too much detail about the rare records, and a bit more about the culture itself would have been welcome. But honestly, I doubt there is a better or more comprehensive book on the topic, and this one is very accessible. A great read for anyone interested in music.
April 12, 2023
Having delighted in Cosgrove's Soul trilogy set Stateside in the late 1960's I was intrigued to read 'Young Soul Rebels' focusing on the underground music scene of Northern Soul, a subject I was much less aware of.
Being apart of the mod revival scene in the UK in the late seventies and early eighties gave me a taste and appreciation of sixties soul to both listen to and attempt to maintain a cool demeanour whilst on the dance floor. I was born too late to appreciate the mid-seventies heyday of Northern Soul but through the author's infectious enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge I can much more appreciate those who have dedicated themselves too it. There is honesty enough in the writing to lay bear the internal politics that can appear twee to the uninitiated but the youthful obsession and sheer delight in the music comes through in technicolour making it relateable to those not in the know.
Cosgrove writes so passionately and fervently on his love for the subject matter that you don't have to be a die hard fan to relish the beat.
Being apart of the mod revival scene in the UK in the late seventies and early eighties gave me a taste and appreciation of sixties soul to both listen to and attempt to maintain a cool demeanour whilst on the dance floor. I was born too late to appreciate the mid-seventies heyday of Northern Soul but through the author's infectious enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge I can much more appreciate those who have dedicated themselves too it. There is honesty enough in the writing to lay bear the internal politics that can appear twee to the uninitiated but the youthful obsession and sheer delight in the music comes through in technicolour making it relateable to those not in the know.
Cosgrove writes so passionately and fervently on his love for the subject matter that you don't have to be a die hard fan to relish the beat.
February 18, 2020
4.5 stars. "Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul" by Stuart Cosgrove is a comprehensive and engaging look at the birth and on-going development of the Northern Soul scene in the UK. Cosgrove is a compelling writer whose style allows you to feel as if you were right there with him at the Twisted Wheel, looking down from the balcony at Wigan Casio and on the promenade at Blackpool. Not only is this a stellar review of the music and style of the movement, it's offers readers a social history - allowing a glimpse into British life across the decades. Of note are the references to notorious serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe, the coal miners' strikes and the impact of the Thatcher government. I must admit to being a fan of Northern Soul music, but I am by no means an aficionado (being more into Mod, Ska, Funk & Jazz). A must read for lovers of the scene and music generally.
January 27, 2019
Stuart Cosgrove is always worth a bit of your time - his books on Memphis and Detroit were excellent . This book is more personal - and gives a real insight into a style that I missed completely - being more drawn to heavy and progressive rock in my teens and early twenties.
A tale like this could read like a list - lists of venues , people and songs . Stuart contains this information in interesting prose , capturing the politics of the time - the hypocrisy of the time and the sheer decay of parts of the UK. Thatcher’s Britain - north of Watford - was devastated and is still suffering.
A good read , an education and a sampler to help find some new sounds.
A tale like this could read like a list - lists of venues , people and songs . Stuart contains this information in interesting prose , capturing the politics of the time - the hypocrisy of the time and the sheer decay of parts of the UK. Thatcher’s Britain - north of Watford - was devastated and is still suffering.
A good read , an education and a sampler to help find some new sounds.
December 27, 2020
Informative but dry.
This book is very factual and descriptive, lots of clubs names and DJ names with some biographical anecdotes added in it. You can basically have a great summary of this book if you just take notes as a simple list of the club names and the records/labels that were played at them. It is very bullet-pointy really; but I wish it had less name droppings about male personalities and drugs, and was telling more about the Northern Soul culture itself.
This book is very factual and descriptive, lots of clubs names and DJ names with some biographical anecdotes added in it. You can basically have a great summary of this book if you just take notes as a simple list of the club names and the records/labels that were played at them. It is very bullet-pointy really; but I wish it had less name droppings about male personalities and drugs, and was telling more about the Northern Soul culture itself.
January 27, 2018
Very interesting book on Northern Soul and it's contemporary social history to give it real context. I knew a bit about the subject but am far better informed now....must check out some of the many records mentioned. Highly recommended
August 19, 2017
Fantastic to find out more on Northern Soul, by someone who was there. I enjoyed every line !
KTF! second book by Stuart Cosgrove I've read.
KTF! second book by Stuart Cosgrove I've read.
November 8, 2017
It is interesting to read a book that I feel can relate to in as many ways. Stuart is doing a rare job of stoking my interest and making me want to read more of his stuff. Roll on Memphis 68.
June 16, 2018
Another brilliant book by Stuart Cosgrove
February 9, 2022
Excellent and comprehensive history of one of the most fascinating movements in the history of dance music. Huge inspiration for the modern digger scene, all nighters, etc.
June 16, 2016
Keeping the faith
What a brilliant book.
I know Stuart, I don't know him in a we should hang out , more of a passing nod over the years. And a bit of football banter. However, I now see him in a new light, I honestly thought he was a kiddy on muso, how wrong I was, here is a book steeped in knowledge and rich in passion for northern and the scene. Make to no n especially about it this is not only an insight into the heart and soul of Cosgrove but easily the best book I h ave read about Northern soul. Highly recommended.
What a brilliant book.
I know Stuart, I don't know him in a we should hang out , more of a passing nod over the years. And a bit of football banter. However, I now see him in a new light, I honestly thought he was a kiddy on muso, how wrong I was, here is a book steeped in knowledge and rich in passion for northern and the scene. Make to no n especially about it this is not only an insight into the heart and soul of Cosgrove but easily the best book I h ave read about Northern soul. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2017
A vivid guide to the scene that is still string now...
I've been going to soul nights for about 5 years now, and wanted to know how the Northern Soul scene started. This book is invaluable as a guide to that. Recommended!
I've been going to soul nights for about 5 years now, and wanted to know how the Northern Soul scene started. This book is invaluable as a guide to that. Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews