Legends

The sign over the door read 'Legends'.The club had an alternative identity for the occasion - the original Twisted Wheel. A legend as home of Northern Soul. We were there to celebrate the memory of Roger Eagle because Bill Sykes has worked for more than seven years ( this is the stuff of fairy tales and folklore too)to create a written record of the man. He deserves his reward for completing the task. So down a long flight of stairs into a dark dank cellar, with a cheerful tattooed barman who admitted that they had forgotten the event was on until that afternoon. A liminal place if there ever was one. The atoms of the past were dust in the air. Memories of the Magic Village,and every other dark and underground space dedicated to music and mayhem. Under threat from German hotel development, there is a now a campaign to preserve the Twisted Wheel. Where did the name come from I wonder. If Roger's spirit could ever be conjured up it was in these circumstances, in this time and space. The tribe of Eagle was present. Layers of memories, influences, stories all vibrating, spoken in public, in private, in thoughts, and only two days after the anniversary of his birth. There were other legends from the Manchester music scene there too - C P Lee hosting the event for Bill Sykes and the Manchester Music Archive in his own brilliant style. Bill interviewing Roger Fairhurst, Elliott Rashman and Bernie O'Connor about their experiences of knowing Roger. Bruce Mitchell, Victor Brox and Alan Wise - all legends in their own time. Old friends and new friends. People from my past, present and future. It was a rare gathering of the Tribe, and for me there were memories of those no longer with us, like Allan Frost and Steve Gee, and those who couldn't be there, like Cathy Hopkins and Dimitri Griliopoulus. It was a powerful reminder of the role music plays in the lives of all of us bearing witness, and of course just to bring us back down to earth, one of the raffle prizes was nicked from the table where they were displayed. It was a compilation of some of Roger's favourite music. I hope it's found it's way to someone who appreciates the significance of it. Otherwise CP Lee's colourful curse might just come true. A legendary night, and thank you to all concerned.