Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

King of discos set for return

From the archive, first published Thursday 29th Jul 2004.

A LIVING legend, famed for playing the first and last records at a classic northern soul club, is set to bring his magic back to Kidderminster.

Russ Winstanley set up the renowned Wigan Casino - which was voted king of the discos by Billboard magazine in 1978 - and is set to perform at Wyre Forest Glades leisure centre on Saturday, August 7.

Organiser of the event, Mr Tee, aka Terry Thomas, who will also be spinning the discs on the night, said it was going to be a "very special" evening.

"Wigan Casino was the place to go and Russ Winstanley was literally the guy who played the first and last records there," said Mr Tee.

"The last time we had him if people weren't already dancing they stood up to give him a standing ovation and he had to play his last record, Do I Love You?, by Frank Wilson, twice because they wouldn't let him off the stage."

The event is one of a quarterly programme which is promoted by the original West Midland Soul Club and will also feature sets by Black Country DJ "Basil", who has been spinning discs for around 25 years and Kidderminster DJ, Steve Russell.

Mr Tee, who runs a record shop of the same name in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, added: "When Russ came the last time he said it was the best gig he had done all year - which surprised me - but, as far as we know, we're the only people he's worked for in the Midlands."

He went on: "He is a genuine legend for playing records - he didn't make any himself but his name will always be associated with Wigan Casino - other DJs came and went but he stayed right until the doors closed in 1981."

More information and tickets for the event, which will run from 7pm until 12.30am, can be obtained from Mr Tee Records or by calling 01562 515291.

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