Holywell Street

Celtic, Music and Subculture for lads and lassies

Author: Holywell Street

  • Four-in-a-Ned G41

    Lady Langlee B&B

    Four pairs of Glaswegian bed and breakfast owners put their reputations on the line by staying at each other’s establishments. They pay only what they deem to be an acceptable amount for the experience, with one of them being named best value for money.

    Four-in-a-ned was not like the sister show “Four-in-a-bed” as this was based on how warm your Glaswegian welcome could be.  For example, an ‘alright hen’ would be much more appreciated over a good morning.

    Channel 4 have approached her to be part of Four-in-a-ned pilot series and being the landlady of the most prestigious B&B in the East End, how could she refuse. Looking out her Leopard skin full length coat and black high heels (al a Patsy Stone) excitement flooded over her and not the ‘tropical moments’ she was used too.

    The Lady Langlee Bed and Breakfast, was situated at Parkhead Cross, within walking distance of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Parkhead G31 4DJ. Angie’s parish. The general clientele were labourers/tradesman working in the local area. It was also mobbed at the home games held at Paradise. The pub had been handed down to her from her grandmother Marcella, who founded the B&B in the early 50s, think local café/ice cream bar slightly renovated to become the B&B.

    Being accessible from the ground floor, the old parlour was dated with tiled walls, still smoke stained since 2007.  Angie called it character as were the 70’s toilets.

    The Lady Langlee had three rooms; Billy McNeil suite at a cost of £35 per room including cooked breakfast. The Paddy Bonnor and Danny McGrain rooms were £25 per room owing to no hot water and a bowl of Weetabix (non-branded of course). The highlight was of course the Tommy Burns Bar which had “Where are the lads that stood with me when history was made” carved into the gantry. The bar was also frequented by the PK (self proclaimed Mr Adidas and the CSC baby crew).

    Angie had been landlady at the local B&B most of her life shooting down punters with one look and at turning a certain age of wanted a new challenge.  She ran the Lady Langlee with her daughters who were as wide as the Clyde.  Many a time she had to swiftly get the punters out of the bar after last orders, a knack her ex-Biffa never mastered, such was the selfish profit consuming drinking and gambling bassa.

    The other contestants were No2 from Castlemilk (Kevin and Alice) “The Oasis”, No3 Govanhill (Mick and Mary) “Blazenhead”; originally from Galashiels were intrigued by the origin of the Lady Langlee.  Last but no means least No 4 Ibrox “the Klan” ran by (Hun and Senga).

    Angie welcomed The Oasis first, and led them to the Billy McNeil suite, with an impressive “I was just thinking about you hen”. The Blazenhead and Klan following soon after.

    Room inspections first:

    The Oasis were impressed with the wood chip tri colour wallpaper and bare floorboards. The Blazenhead felt Paddy Bonnor had “added” character with the inclusion of the goalpost window frames. The Klan equally impressed with the lack of towels and hot water “Felt like hame” said Senga.

    The welcome dinner would be held in the bar, on the menu were Frank Cross pies and Farmfoods frozen chips and Bird’s Eye peas, followed by Auntie Bessie jam roll poly and Ambrosia custard. Bound to be winner as this was lapped up by the other contestants. PK and the mob played pool whilst Bob Marley – Could you be loved blared from the jukebox, a Parkheid anthem in back in the day.

    “Could you be loved and be loved?
    Could you be loved and be loved?

    Don’t let them fool ya
    Or even try to school ya, oh, no
    We’ve got a mind of our own
    So go to Hell if what you’re thinking is not right
    Love would never leave us alone
    A-in the darkness ya must come out to light”

    PK up on his feet and desperately not trying to spill his JD & Coke was well received. The evening’s activity also included a game of dominoes and some “Asda’s own crisps and peanuts”. No cheating was the golden rule but was never adhered too.

    The next morning, they made their way down to breakfast (apart from the Klan who rampant hangovers). The Tommy Burns bar ‘again’ along with the hauf pint and a short brigade not long after the official opening of 11 in the morning. Eight in the morning if you added a roll n bacon or square slice to your drinks order (always left uneaten). The Oasis enjoyed the cooked breakfast of wee wullie winkies and spaghetti hoops and Angie and her girls also devoured the tasty breakfast. The “Weetabix” never made it to the table for No2 and No3.

    Check-out was 1pm as usual to allow Angie a well-deserved nap as she had been up for days prior to this planning her television debut (washed her face and got the good china out of the pawn), and organising such a feast for her B&B peers.

    Everyone seemed to enjoy their stay at the Lady Langlee. The feedback criteria (on the anonymous forms) was based on:

    How are the HOSTS at Langlee B&B? 

    No2 – Salt of the Earth – couldn’t fault the ned welcome – pure class

    No3 – Angie and the girls couldn’t have been more welcoming

    No4 – What were their names again?  Where are we?

    How CLEAN is Lady Langlee B&B?  

    No2 – Impressive, although Castlemilk cockroaches are easier to handle.

    No3 – As clean as our previous establishment in Gala ‘The Ghetto Woodcutter’

    No4 – Spotless, toilet paper was a good idea, need to consider this at the Klan.

    What are the FACILITIES like at Lady Langlee B&B?

    No2 – The drunken rebel singers were an added bonus, as was the Hooch ‘al a Sara Heid’

    No3 – couldn’t fault the single bed fur twa!

    No4 – Slept like a baby, or was that the bottle of Bucky I smuggled into Danny McGrain?

    How was your STAY at the Lady Langlee B&B?

    No2 – Road facing window meant we memorised the 89 and 90 routes all night “nae bother”

    No3 – We slept like the lambs on the Melrose Hills.

    No4 – Gubbed 

    How was your breakfast at Lady Langlee B&B?

    No2 – Spaghetti Hoops – and no the cheap wans either – superb

    No3 – the leftover Frank Cross pies were delicious.

    No4 – hauf pint and a short and a bacon roll at eight in the morning – standard

    Would you stay here again?

    No2 – Yes, the Billy McNeil suite was plush as fuck!

    No3 – Yes – the spirit of Langlee lives on here.

    No4 – Aye, even longer for a dominoes lock in with those two Angie’s lassies, who know how to fleece you without even remembering it!

    Payment (judgement day) 

    No2 – Happily paid the £35 cost of the room

    No3 – Paid the £25 and booked up for Angie’s Hogmanay bash

    No4 – Paid the £25 per person, per room plus a tip owing to the back facing alley view £60 (overpayment of £35)!!

    The melee that followed with Hun and Senga “having a domestic” and the noisy the departure of the guests was such that Four-in-a-ned pilot series was never aired on Channel 4, but her girls caught it all on their i-phones for prosperity.

  • Paninaro 002

    Issue 002. Football, Music, Subculture

    Homepage

  • Pints, dominoes and dogs

    26th of January 2025

    The Unicorn pub sits proudly at the heart of the scheme in Penicuik, on the east coast of Scotland, run by Raymond and Murial MacDougal. The pub is a neighbourhood spot with the spirit of a tight-knit community in the 1980s. After spending more than a year down south, I knew it was only right to return and reconnect with the familiar faces of the pub locals, curious to see how life had shifted in my absence. As I make my way up the five weathered steps leading to the heavy wooden door, I could hear the warm hum of conversation and cackled laughter mingling with the rhythmic clatter of dominoes played on the tables inside. As I step through the door, I feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for the stories and the latest banter that awaited me within those time-worn walls. This was a familiar reminder of the essence of the small towns of Caledonia, where the working class embodied resilience and strength, showing no signs of vulnerability. The first thing I observe is the row of men playing dominoes while an assortment of loyal dogs lie comfortably at their feet, their eyes half-closed in contentment. The room is enveloped with that blue haze of smoke, which is more pronounced as sunlight streams through the windows. I suppose I wasn’t truly ready to embrace any changes. I always feel a kind of warmth when things have stood the test of time. The bar is filled with genuinely warm and friendly men who create an inviting atmosphere. However, amid the laughter and camaraderie, there are also some idiotic and ecccentric characters.

    The Laughing Cavalier is an interesting character; there he is, standing at the bar giving his exaggerated tales, then bursting into laughter that mimics a machine gun. His stories often lose clarity, but you await his laughter, and he appears to enjoy his funny stories more than anyone else. However, his laughter is undeniably contagious, making it impossible for me not to join in, even if it’s at his expense; it’s a twisted joy that comes from laughing at him rather than with him. I would always encourage him to start a story so he could get to the sound of “KA KA KA KA KA KA KA KA!!” others in the bar would just stare at him with lashings of disdain in the hope of discouraging him. Raymond is serving behind the bar with a smile as he looks around, making it appear to be a fun place to be while he collects coins for the Pale Ale and Bells Whisky. The Cavalier, in his vibrant, flamboyant attire, is giving out teasing jokes to the regulars about their appearance. His gaze has fallen upon James Boland, a man in his thirties with a receding hairline: “Oi James,” the Cavalier began, tilting his head as he gestured with mock innocence, “I see yer hair’s getting a bit wavey at the back?” all eyes on James as he processed the playful jibe. He replied with an intrigued yet wry scowl that suggested a blend of amusement and mild exasperation. The Cavalier springs into action, shouting, “Waving goodbye!! KA KA KA KA KA KA KA!” As predicted, a group of us gathered at the bar is bursting into fits of infectious laughter, which only encourages the Cavaliar to continue his rapid-fire bullet hilarity.

    At the other side of the bar, sitting at his usual table, is Auld Dougie, who is a true pub legend, a familiar figure who bounced in each Saturday, his trusty transistor radio clamped to his ear like a lifeline to the football world. With an enthusiastic shout, he unleashed the latest scores and sensational game updates, turning the pub into a hub of electric energy. While the TV bar flashed the scores behind him, Dougie thrived on the spotlight, relishing the thrill of sharing juicy snippets of information. In those moments, he felt every bit as vital as the air traffic controller guiding planes to safety, commanding the attention of everyone around him. He always bore a striking resemblance to a character from Harry Enfield’s show—an insufferably self-righteous old chap whose catchphrases “only me!” and “you didn’t wanna do that” echoed in my mind. Clad in a tartan flat cap that sat jauntily atop his head and light, casual golfing attire, he was a familiar sight. Dougie took immense pride in declaring himself a “right Scottish fitba man,” relishing the chance to catch a good game, regardless of which teams were competing. He professed to have no particular allegiance; his only loyalty lay with the love of fitba itself, a true neutral who embraced the sport in all its glory. As time passed, we began to pick up on Dougie’s expressions, the subtle changes in his mood as he clutched the radio to his ear, eagerly anticipating updates. The bar’s regulars often called out to him, eager to know the latest scores from each match.

    This particular Saturday afternoon, Celtic are playing Aberdeen away up at Pitoddrie. This match seems to interest him the most for shouting out little snippets. “Celteek’s up against it!” he exclaims in his high-pitched, squeaky tone each time Aberdeen presses forward. With a hint of mild excitement in his voice, he announces, “Penalty to Aberdeen!” drawing the attention of some of the delighted locals. He then proceeds, “That’s 1-0 to Aberdeen!” The room responds with a wave of cheers and animated chatter from familiar faces. For the next quarter-hour, a hush fell over the bar as most of the punters returned to their dominoes, pints, and animated chat. As I look at the TV behind the bar I see the update: Aberdeen 1 Celtic 2. However, no updates were heard from Dougie’s table just radio transistor silence. Turning my attention to Dougie, I can’t help but notice the look on his face, which bore a striking resemblance to a trout caught helplessly in a swirling torrent whirlpool of despair. It was clear that Auld Dougie had been caught off guard, this result was nae guid for Scottish fitba!

    Auld Yellow Ears saunters into the bar, the fabric of his long, worn jacket trailing slightly behind him while his flat cap sat snugly atop his head. Eddie was his real name but the locals christened him “yellow ears” due to decades of puffing Regal King Size – his ears, teeth, and some of his fingers had literally turned yellow. In fact, he was well on the way to transforming into a cast member from “The Simpsons”. Auld Yellow hailed from Manchester. What made him particularly intriguing was his unusual allegiance to both Manchester United and Manchester City. I always believed this was so he could pander to both sets of fans to see what he could gain. He is always looking to make a quick buck and if he wasn’t in the pub his second place of worship was the bookmakers. It was hard to ignore the signs of a classic gambling addict. When he wasn’t nursing a pint at the bar, he was huddled with the locals, concocting bets over everything from game outcomes to the toss of a coin.

    The tune reverberating from the jukebox is “Live is Life” by Opus. An assortment of the pub are rhythmically stamping their feet and joyfully slapping their laps in unison to the chorus of “Live (na-na-na-na-na) … “Live is life (na-na-na-na-na).” It would not be a normal Saturday at the Unicorn without the lighthearted revelry, educated opinions, often fueled by a few too many pints, leading to spirited debates and finally a bit of confrontation. As I look towards the end of the Bar next to the window, Auld Yellow Ears and the Laughing Cavalier seem to be engrossed in a lively and eccentric contest. This strange game involves predicting the colour of the next car that will drive by the pub. The stakes, a mere 50 pence, their faces animated with the thrill of the gamble. I would imagine this is ignited by the clever mischief of Yellow Ears. As they savour the taste of beer and rum, the atmosphere grows more animated. It quickly becomes apparent that the Cavalier is on a winning streak, raking in 50 pence for each accurate guess about the shade of the passing vehicles meanwhile, Auld Yellow, on the other hand, seems to be trapped in a whirlpool of misfortune. At that moment, the Cavalier catches sight of Yellow Ears fizzing with rage, which prompts a fit of uncontrollable laughter from the Cavalier. His laughter bursts forth in a series of rapid-fire cackles, “KA KA KA KA KA KA KA KA! “Are ye trying a rip me off, ye bastit?” Yellow snarled, as he grabs his throat. With a powerful shove, they both crash against the table, sending pints glasses clattering to the ground as they tumbled onto the floor in a tangle of limbs. Murial, from behind the Bar with her eyes flashing with exasperation, seized the ice cube bucket and hurled it over them, a cascade of cold cubes spilling out like confetti as she scolded, “Ya pair of fackin arseholes!” Her voice rang out, a mix of frustration and disbelief, as she asserted her authority amidst the chaos.

  • White Riot

    HWS conversation with James Gemmell

    Going with or music and Subculture section. HWS would like to converse with James Gemmell on all things punk with a political mix. We have been eager to cover the punk scene and get hold of James for a while. We met up with him outside McChuills Bar in Glasgow on a Saturday prior to the Celtic vs. Ross County match.

    Welcome along James, good to see you.

    This is an interview thang but I wouldn’t get it as I kick with the wrong foot [laughs]

    You’re the first St Johnstone fan then [laughs]

    So where does it start for you mate. Early punks from the ‘70s?

    Funnily enough we mentioned David Bowie earlier on and my uncle always stayed in the same house and was a bit older and he was into David Bowie and it was the Diamond Dogs album he was always playing. That album I always remember the cover the one with the dodgy cover and all that one of them. I was only about six that just seemed to lead me onto to later on punk. I was 10-year-old then so I suppose David Bowie Diamond Dogs was to blame. The Low album was after that in the ’70s, great album made in Glasgow I believe. Glam rock was there.

    For myself, I thought I was a kind of punk at around 10-years-old. A few punks lived in my street and I liked that rebellious vibe. I reminisce of that time and the second generation mods were also on the go. They would have gang wars with each other. I didn’t take to that second generation mod look, it seemed very much one dimensional with parkas, targets and union flags. I preferred the Punk look if I’m honest.

    What does Punk mean to you?

    It was my uncle in Blackpool funnily enough picking up his mother in law it was 1977 there was all these folk going about with God Save the Queen t-shirts and the Sex Pistols and I mind of looking up and thinking they guys look great and I wanted to be kind of like that; after a couple of years I started to show an interest in the music …. I did like David Soul only because I loved Starsky and Hutch. The time I went to the Isle of Man in 1980 we played the Jam; the Skids; Generation X. X-ray specs and all that plus some of the moderate Bible as well.

    Then when I went to Quinn some boys Tony Airs and all that a year older they had the Exploited stuff going on. Tam Leccie and all that had all these good things on their jackets. Somebody gave me a load of Sounds magazines for nowt; and that’s when I discovered ….. it was great for a 10 year old.

    Mental but I stuck with it as Jamie will tell you I liked dance stuff as well like the Shamen, KLF and Weatherall all that stuff, the Orb. These bands carried it on for me they weren’t just bashing out a different kind of sound.

    Che Guevara T-shirts were typical and that wasn’t copyrighted, they should have; you get folk going about with Che Guevara t-shirts shouting racist comments, that’s what he was against surely. Do these people really believe that …

    The Damned for music though apart from CS was into to animal rights. The Clash right wing left wing there was a lots of … types. I did wear a swastika briefly in 1985 it was in Tesco’s in Irvine and this wummin I near seen her had a peace badge on and was staring at me. I’m thinking she thinks I’m a Nazi … Can’t do that now. The Swastika and the hammer and sickle. That’s what led us to anti-fascist.

    Is there one important band for you during the whole punk scene?

    The Damned for me was always my favourite; they just smashed it up, the album ….. that is my favourite of all time.

    Jamie – I remember meeting you in the town dressed as the main man Captain Sensible. I was just back from a Celtic game and they were playing at the Barrowland’s. I was like is that you behind that van.

    How important were and are the Clash to you?

    It’s strange or not that these bands et al and punks are all linked from punk. Fancied the Clash as well GBH.

    I must touch on politics, did you see punk as political? It certainly was anti-establishment in my view?

    I’ve always thought there was Punk and Punk Rock… 1- Musically the term Punk was used in the 60s to group together the mainly American garage bands…. Sonics… The Troggs, Chocolate Watch Band… The Seers… Standells, Electric Prunes… and son on …. then the likes of the Proto Punk bands like the 13th Floor Elevators, Stooges, MC5, New York Dolls, Death, The Deviants then the CBGBs club who put on Talking Heads, Blondie, Patti Smith, Television, Ramones, Wayne County etc also there was a magazine called

    PUNK that did cater for that listener as a good alternative to the mainstream. 2- Punk Rock in 75/76 was what came out of mainly British youths listening to those bands plus the Pub Rock acts like Dr Feelgood, Eddie and The Hot Rods, Nick Lowe, Graham Parker etc but with more added aggression and a reaction to the boring Progressive Rock and poxy stadium rock bands and 30 minute guitar solos etc , they decided they could do it themselves and not just forming bands but starting their own Fanzines…. Sniffing Glue…. Bondage… London’s Burning…. and so on!

    I think also The Pistols and Sid wearing the swastika was for a reaction, a typical punk shock factor, would you agree? As well as visiting Ronnie Biggs and doing a song with him it was all very anti Establishment.

    I don’t think the Pistols and Damned were political as far as changing things in wider society but the likes of Sids swastika was more to wind up the older generation and shock the general public. The Clash did make more of a political impact with the Brigade Rosse tee shirts and chats about White Riots and solidarity with Black people who were targets of the cops esp the Met in London , the unity between Don Letts playing Dub and Reggae in the Roxy opened the ears and minds of Punks who were unofficially Non Racist but the likes of Eric Clapton and his racist rant at a gig alongside the nazi salute of David Bowie in London brought about the Anti Nazi League and led others on to further political direc action. When the first wave started to fade i feel Crass took up the fight in an Anarchist / Animal Rights direction, which for me was when the divisions started to show, a good thing in my view. As for being Anti Establishment , it’s never been a term i was comfortable with, Hells Angels seen themselves as being Anti Establishment with their self proclaimed Outlaw status and one percenter image and of course Swastikas , but seen fit to assist cops in beating up Anti War protestors during the Vietnam War. Sid Vicious liked upsetting Joe Public but was happy to be on a major label like Virgin, but that’s probably revisionist on my part looking back. As for the Ronnie Biggs scenario, even though i did enjoy the single he made with the remaining Pistols members for me it was nothing more than a cheap stunt to provoke a reaction, which ties in with what the band were about in my opinion.

    Have you read Bobby Gillespie’s book Tenement Kid? I felt that was a kind of punk education.

    I’ve never read Bobby Gillespies book , i aim to buy a copy, he was certainly into bands like the aforementioned Garage bands from the 60s plus the likes of The Stooges and MC5 etc and the influence can be seen and heard in his general stance politically and musically, he’s someone who’s sussed and clued up unlike some of the idiots who shout abuse at anyone they see as being in authority.

    Punk was anti fashion but becomes a style that seems mental. I’ve heard it quoted in the past that perhaps a lot of punks were middle class dressing down, whereas the mods of ‘79 were working class dressing up? I never bought into that.

    To me, loads of the original Punks were from middle class backgrounds, the biggest bandwagon jumper was indeed Joe Strummer , he was in the pub rock band the 101ers and when Punk reared its ugly head he suddenly became a well known face, which was good for him as he was able to convey his left wing message in a better more progressive way, especially with certain songs like Spanish Bombs, Tommy Gun and even at the end of The Clash career with This Is England, about the Mods in 1979 I think most of those bands were inspired by the energy of not just The Jam but also bands like Johnny Moped, Eater, The Drones, Slaughter and The Dogs, Exile, Wire, Neon Hearts, The Wasps, Radiators From Space who all played with such a ferocious tenacity they stood out from the others. They didn’t bother with the anti fashion statements of the poser types in the Kings Road they preferred to make an unholy racket in any shithouse that let them through their doors. Another point about the Mod Revival was a few of them had been in Punk bands before , they learned they could do things on their own terms, not just music but fanzines which was and still is such an important part of any decent musical or political movement still on the go today.

    This interview is dedicated to Menzi and Jordan legends of the Punk scene

  • Paninaro Magazine

    Coming soon from our friends at Social Recluse. The magazine we relate to here at HWS. Football, Music, Fashion the golden thread going through this is Paninaro.

  • No Strings Attached — Andy Weatherall

    HWS welcome Justin and Steve from No Strings Attached with a tribute to Andy Weatherall.

    ANDREW WEATHERALL
    1963 – 2020

    A year on since the passing of our dear friend, here’s a few words…

    After many years owning many of his productions on vinyl, copies of mixtapes and travelling to hear him at various clubs up and down the country we finally got to meet Andrew in May 2000 as he agreed to play NSA’s 5th Birthday Party in our home town of Galashiels.

    No matter the destination there is always an excitement when Andrew is in town so you can imagine the nervous energy between us when we were sitting waiting on the 9:30 flight from Heathrow to touch down at Edinburgh Airport.
    Let’s just say thank fuck he was flying that night as train stations charge to use toilets and given how frequent our visits were we could have probably bankrupted a small country between us.

    Andrew was last off the plane which only added to our stress levels as we thought he was a no show but he finally arrived, greeting us with a quick “Hello Chaps. Nice to meet you” and we were on the road with the laughs starting from the offset mainly fuelled by his non stop highly amusing anecdotes, which we both really miss.

    The hospitality on that first night amounted to a takeaway from our local Chinese, and although we thought we had screwed any chances of a return date nobody does Chicken Peking quite like The Happy House, and so a relationship was formed that allowed us to work together on many occasions over the next two decades.

    Unfortunately, during this time we never quite got our act together to record his visits to NSA as we were always racing around putting together the final touches for the party but they were all very memorable in one way or another. That said, we think there is an old recording from The Venue and an unheard ALFOS from The Mash House kicking about somewhere and we do have one other mix we are very grateful for. Back in 2015 we asked him to contribute to our soundcloud guest mix series and once recorded he phoned to say it was ready and he was really pleased with the way it turned out. So raise a glass today to a great man and have a listen as it truly is a special one.

    Like Billy Connolly said, you can never remember a comedians jokes when you leave the show despite laughing all night and it was like that with Andrew’s stories so here is a wee tale about us wanting to join him and Sean for their gig at Trouw in Amsterdam.

    We had an eye on this upcoming night for a while but had written off our chances of going due to lack of funds following a gig that never worked out for us numbers wise, but with 2 weeks to go we were on the phone to each other and after talking about trying to win the money on a horse we scrambled about £40 between us and decided to go for it.

    It was a miserable midweek evening and when making the drive to a betting shop in a neighbouring town we said we have to pick something that relates to Weatherall. Just by chance there was a race meeting at Windsor (the town Andrew grew up in), so the initial signs were already positive. Now let’s try and find a horse relating to music. Scanning the race card, we discovered a horse by the name of ’Starlight Symphony’. The trainer also went by the name of a Mr. Johnson (close enough to Johnston in a situation like this) This was it…

    The horse won at 16/1. We were heading to Trouw for the ALFOS party with the added bonus of Ivan Smagghe also playing in the main room.

    The next morning, we messaged Andrew to tell him what happened.. as soon as it was sent, the phone rings and he’s like “YES!!! That’s fucking amazing!!.. crying with laughter, he couldn’t believe the coincidence. “Ok call me when you arrive and we’ll meet you at the club”. Unknown to us the owners of Trouw had heard about the story via Andrews agent so when we arrived we were greeted by them at the door to the club and kindly given large handfuls of bar tokens.

    What followed was one of the funniest 24 hours in Amsterdam and one of the best club nights either of us had ever experienced.

    So from encounters in castles, clubs, bars, hotels and car journeys we can only look back on the last twenty years with really fond memories of all the fun filled times.

    Although we are deeply saddened he can no longer be a part of it, as without his encouragement and connection we are under no illusion that NSA would never have lasted as long as it has or given us the opportunity to meet so many amazing people.

    So here’s to you Dear Boy and in your own words “It’s more than just a disco”.

  • Friday Ins and Outs on a miserable Lockdown February

    IN:

    Telling people ‘they ain’t seen nothing yet!’

    Asking the Barman for a drink that all the young yins drink these days!

    People who pil-fridge from M&S Food shop and give it to the homeless.

    Justifying necking a whole box of Go Ahead Bars!

    Serenity

    Aldo’s Hot Dogs.

    Any record by Harry Lauder!

    A flag on behalf of good lads!

    Boys Own

    Asking ‘s’appenin?’ on a Conference Call.

    Saying ‘Cheers now’ after a Conference Call. 

    Liam Gallagher getting the Rebs on!

    Testing all the aftershaves in Debenhams.

    Professor Yaffle from Bagpuss

    Smoking out racists on social media.

    Diet Irn Bru.

    Zipping up yer Boots!

    Big Boots Big Toots!

    Cold Water Exposure

    Bowie – Starman full blast on iTunes.

    Eighty Nine sweater from Social Recluse!

    OUT:

    Getting texts telling you you’ve won a Diet Coke if you … sign up to …’

    Getting a leaflet through the door every two days for Dominos Pizza!

    Anxiety stigma ‘why don’t you just set yourself a 30 minutes worry period a day’

    Black Mutt provoking horizontal sleet/snow/Covid February.

    Nippy Sweetie Yadda Yadda types.

    Smuggy Klansmen.

    Morelos — ninja assassin.

    Not getting 30 mins cardio a day.

    The Voice… f*ckin cringefest!

    Islamophobia.

    That dilly dilly Budweiser advert!

    People slurping yogurt on the train, scooping with the silver lid.

    Sevconian Moon Howlers.

    A student cafe in Manchester called ‘Nom Nom’

    5p a bag!

    Getting asked if you want a bag!

    £75 average for Adidas OG’s.

    Crinkled Beetroot

    Modern day soccer tourist clubs.

    Media pet names for SEVCO types ‘Boydy’

    ‘So a turned around and said’ quote. Back-to-back conversations.

    That’s that for this week. Keep on keeping on.

  • Sound of the Crowd (CSG No1)

    Get around town, get around town
    Where the people look good, where the music is loud
    Get around town, no need to stand proud
    Add your voice to the sound of the crowd

    Going with our subculture theme and ’80s terrace vibe, Scottish casual lassies came together through that very scene.  Unlike the mod, punk, rocker ladies, the casual girl didn’t get as much exposure but they were certainly there as much as the other scenes.

    Choo choo went for the “talent”; Katie for a fight with the nearest Glasgow Rangers fan (current bun “hun”). Diane and I were a mixture of both, but ultimately we all served the same purpose within the CSC to be one of the boys. We were known as the CSG (Celtic Soccer Girls). Being accepted by a group of boys (as we were all teenagers) was no mean feat.  Being ever present at home and away matches from season 1985/86 and our love of Glasgow Celtic sealed the deal.  

    Some of the lads disliked girls at the football, some admired us but the majority want to kiss us, which would happen on occasion. Most notably; if we were the “winch them” to fool the polis, or disguise the fact that they were steaming.

    Diane used to go out with Tonto, he lived with his mum in Pollokshaws and we would play the Beastie Boys “You gotta fight, for your right, to PPAARRTTYY”.

    Other than dressing like our peers (but with a female edge – see flares and cartoon duffel coats). Our pastel Gazelle trainers we would swap one shoe with each other for a laugh, this happened mainly in the Jungle at Celtic Park once we’d fooled the St John’s ambulance from taking us from the there to get treatment for a “sprained ankle”, aye right! we came from the Main Stand. We were also useful to keep the edgy and give our mob the heads up from other mobs approaching.

    Angie (me) age 16

    This was most effective as Celtic were, renowned for owning the town at that point.  Our gang hut being the Queen Street phone boxes were the huns and us would call each other from.  No mobiles back then we were just street smart.  

    Choo choo (as she was known for talking 100 miles per hour) was a livewire always joking around.  Katie on the other hand could take on the blokes as much as the next guy and she did.  We had varied styles Choo choo opting for Benetton and Katie the leather/suede tunic.  Diane and I would co-ordinate with Next cagoules and Fiorucci/Mexx tops, mostly purchased at the same time on a Saturday afternoon but in different colours that we would share.  We often got the catalogues, Matinique being my favourite and put the posters on our wall.

    As the seasons went past, we were treating more like their sisters, often helping with relationship advice, or on some unfortunate occasions taking them to the Royal Infirmary.

    My most memorable game has to be Rangers vs Celtic new year’s day 1986 mainly because me and Diane hid under her duvet hungover; listening in on the radio, avoiding her Dad who was annoyed with us as we were promoting nightclubs underage (Mardi Gras/Warehouse) the previous night. We won 2-0 that day.

    The best dash being after Celtic won the league at Love Street in 1986 and stole it off Hearts and we ran Rangers all over Glasgow Town Centre after we got back from Love Street, no LSD that day probably due most of St. Mirren supporting Celtic anyway.

    The ICF didn’t know what had hit them; although, it was the “Sound of the Crowd” for some time!

    Celtic did embrace girls from other mobs (not the huns though). Nikki came along with (Rusty top boy and boyfriend)

    Our first meeting was in 1986 standing outside the Country Corner. Angie with the blonde boys wedge haircut with her best friend Diane. Rusty introduced us “casual like”.

    The Country Corner aka CSC gang hut

    The Country Corner pub was well situated in so far as being in the Glasgow Town Centre; it was hidden at the bottom on the famous George V Bridge, which made it ideal to have a dash with the other mobs of the 1980’s when they arrived and also departed from Central Station. Queen Street station being another classic meeting point for the very same reasons.

    It was 1985. Nikki and Rusty were both at the Hearts v Celtic game at Tynecastle on a wet Wednesday night in the capital; together as always. We all stood under pylon floodlights it was at the height of the Aids scare too. It was a bleak time. At that point Hearts were always determined to give her a hard time from over the fence as Nikki had defected and Nikki still being a Hearts loyal caused massive issues back in the day. CSG gave it back but it all got too much and us girls walked away. We did have the first of of many CSG girl group hugs over the years such is the bond with with the casual girls.

    One school night me, Nikki, Diane and Co. Edinburgh again. This time against Hibs and a right proper kick-off. Nikki with her half bar down her duffle coat, this wasn’t required as the famous John O’Kane saved the day.

    Other mobs had girls too, most notably Sharon MacDonald and Julie Duncan of Rangers who were ruthless in the pursuit of us girls to the point where they would show up on your doorstep. This happened to me once after coming home from St. Margaret Mary Secondary school, no violence occurred by I held my ground verbally.

    The violence side wasn’t restricted to the boys, we would get stuck in too.  Katie being the instigator I would throw a punch and hide behind her.  Although I did come a cropper once at Motherwell and was rag dolled with the dungaree straps.

    Most of all, we are glad we experienced being a lassie casual as it keeps us grounded to this day. Best of all we are still good friends to this day.

  • New Years Ins and Outs

    Er it is though! New Year, same sh*#e, same shenanigans, Some from Christmas… In & Out’s shake it all about. ICW with David Rosling productions …

    IN:

    Cold Water Therapy including ice baths outdoors

    The idea of pizza vending machines.

    Sacking alcohol
    Paisley pattern shirt comebacks.
    Timberlands at a decent price!
    Putting all yer wheelie bins out, instead of checking which one is due!
    Sticking anything in the nearest wheelie bin!
    Gerry Cinnamon – lyrical genius … Sun Queen
    Saying … Cheers now! instead of Happy New Year!
    Hibernating till the next Celtic match!
    POP 84 sale!
    The ‘Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey’ intro to Rasputin – Boney M.

    Sorting liberty takers!

     OUT:
    Black Mutt January – Black Mutt Covid January
    Tory Bar-stewards.
    Liberty takers!
    Blokes chanting ‘wohohohohohoho’ at Christmas night out, on the dance floor.

    Lads doing press-ups, fag in mouth, to impress them ladies.
    No enough ladies wearing Gazelle and Burlington socks!

    The loss of Weatherall
    Hipsters thinking they invented style!
    Five paragraphs of yadda yadda yadda
    The quote ‘some aren’t homeless, they live in a car!’

    Peter Lawwell, Dermot Desmond and Neil Lennon.

    That’s it for now. Cheers Now. Eat yer porridge, eat yer greens. Look for peace and not excitement. Get into a Boxing Club. Keep on Keeping on!

  • Don’t let them fade and die

    Nostalgia is one of humanity’s default settings.  It is a way to drown out those inner critical voices and the tedious daily humdrum in modern-day living whilst attempting to get into some middle class box. The loss of personal bohemia causes nostalgia. Paradoxically, although nostalgia can be mentally draining for its practitioners, it is also part of what attracts the next generation of enthusiasts to a locale.

    The streets around Celtic Park is where I feel I grew up.  From a very young age, that is where I was on a Saturday — my second home. There is a residence to places and buildings, a definite spirit.  Certain places have always triggered activity and emotions.  Years of vibrations sent into buildings.  That is how I see the streets around that area; which is why I could never accept moving to a new stadium. For me, when I am back at Celtic Park, I feel that homely thing, each street triggering a vivid memory. 

    Perhaps coming from out of town made the area and the football more of an escape.  I was always more looking in, rather than looking out. The City of Glasgow was the birthplace of all the bands I was listening to as a kid, it was almost like a parallel universe with that underground mystique.  I liked going there to Celtic, it is a symbol of how things used to be, and still remains.  The bug I caught was as much to do with visiting Parkhead as it was to watch Celtic.

    I think about the West Ham scenario where they have had to migrate to this new Olympic Stadium eyesore. The fans were sold a false dream, having to move from Upton Park and having the soul ripped out of them. I am by no means an architect, but I would have thought you could have easily built another 10,000 seats there.

    A “great business opportunity” moving to the London stadium? 

    Outside the new ground you can find a van selling Domino’s Pizza, but you won’t find a decent bar. You can, however, purchase a beer in a plastic cup and an overpriced hot dog inside the stadium.  All this resembling an American soccer arena. The place is soulless

    I have always had a soft spot for West Ham especially in the ’80s when Frank McAvennie played there. Celtic and West Ham were okay with each other.  Their passionate fans, the community club, everyone’s second team. Their support is a mixed bag of cultures and politics but the colours are claret and blue. If there is one set of supporters not compatible with this corporate eyesore, it is West Ham United.

    My soft spot for the Hammers has increased in recent times and that is mainly down to compassion for their support.  Their club owners polarize everything wrong with modern day football.  Mirthless — high on solvency, low on personality. I know a lot of old West Ham diehards that won’t go to the new London stadium. Part of their day out was the area they came from as a club: the streets, the pubs, the pie and mash shops, and the community. Then we have this progressive quote: “but we must move on”. But move onto what?

    The fans were sold this London Stadium dream but the club has went backwards since leaving Upton Park. A club like West Ham should never lose its identity. For many of the supporters the club is about the fans. To take them from Upton Park to this “soulless bowl” could only happen with conditions. The support were promised next level football to convince this faithful support to move from their spiritual home. The promise was a world class stadium with a world class team.

    When you see this new stadium from the outside it might look impressive but as soon as you set foot inside, it confirms to be an Olympic stadium not suited to football. The atmosphere has gone and the connection is going with it. With this, it seems that around 20,000 old school fans have left since the migration, finding it basically impossible to adjust to.

    As I type this, West Ham are on a decent run of results and we can only hope this continues, keeping them above the relegation zone. The protests continue against the current board with the impressive “GSB OUT” banners on display outside most empty stadiums during the Covid-19 pandemic. The owners continue with lie after lie and false promises.  They have taken a working class support into an Olympic stadium, where seating is a big distance from the pitch. It is also a significant distance from its spiritual home. 

    I have joined Hammers United supporters group.

    Don’t let then fade and die.