Book Reviews
A good read for all music lovers, 17 Mar 2008| By | Pete “Essex Soulboy” (Essex UK) – See all my reviews |
We as a community tend to forget that this music stems from a world vastly different to that of ours. The experiences of African Americans in the rural Southern states of the USA and the factories and ghettoes of Detroit back in the 60′s just cannot be related to working class Britons however much we may kid ourselves that they can, but nowadays we see it as `our’ music and want to exclude anything which doesn’t fit into our own narrow concept of soul. It can never be our music, we only borrow it from all those great artistes who put that feeling into their music and turn it into true soul. The great strength of this book is that Reg actually understands this, and he honestly admits that he enjoys soul across the board regardless of whatever little labels we as a fraternity love to put on this music. He hasn’t claimed anywhere that it’s a book about Northern soul, modern soul, crossover soul, jazzfunk or any other of those pedantic pigeon holes so beloved of the typical UK soul fan. It’s simply a book about Reg’s personal `Search For Soul’, and if you approach it with a degree of open-mindedness I’m sure you will appreciate it.
`Searching For Soul’ is written in a refreshingly down to earth style which really does add to its entertainment value, avoiding all of the literary clichés which would have been evident had a ghost writer been employed to do the job. It’s a book from the heart by a passionate fan who knows his subject intimately, and as such I would have no hesitation in recommending it to any true music lover regardless of the genre you like – you will identify with much of what’s in these pages anyway.
There’s a great quote credited to the late James Brown which goes something like `Soul music….if I have to explain it to you then you wouldn’t understand’. Hopefully this book will help you to understand us `soulies’ a little better.
Enjoy!!
Love(ly) Feeling, 18 Mar 2008| By | Mrs. D. Clarke “Dee” (Cyprus) – See all my reviews |
As a Northern Soul fan from the 70′s it was great to re-live the memories that are so wonderfully described by Reg, an ordinary man with an extraordinary passion for the music. It is a little gem, this book. His recollections not only about the music, but the venues and the fashions of the time are so vivid and detailed that it enabled me to experience that `feel good factor’ I had all those years ago. Any true Northern Soul fan’s heart will rejoice with him by reading and sharing his particular story and can reflect upon their own past experiences.
I was once told `you can never go back’. Although we all know we can never return to those halcyon days, Reg will tell you it is still possible to follow your love of this music in the modern era and that many still do. Perhaps there’s hope for me yet….
Soul Good, 6 Aug 2008| By | Caz – See all my reviews |
Reading Reg’s story of a soulful life, and all it’s personal & music filled glory is a happy experience. An easy to understand tale of growing up in the south of England, with it’s many trips up north purely for the music, and people around the music. You are always wondering what will happen in this book, so much so that you will find it hard to put down once you have started. Do not expect a full on ‘records only’ type of reference book, no this is the tale of growing up from a boy to a man while enjoying two of England’s best music happenings, northern soul & caisters/jazzfunk. All the personal memories of people, places & conversations are what this book is about, and by the end you can feel like you know some of Reg’s friends personally yourself! You might recognise similar story’s to some in your own life, and this is what makes you keep on reading this book, as it’s more than just Reg’s life, it’s everybody’s life. And as the man says “You get out of life, what you put in.” Truly Inspiring, cheers Reg!!
Heart Warming Memoirs, 1 Oct 2008 There are people that some of the time view life through rose tinted glasses. Our dear Reg Stickings appears to live his whole life in a rose tinted bubble.
Now, this is in no way an insult; many people on the soul scene could do with living their lives in the same way Reg does. I was heart-warmingly stunned by his generous nature, his multitude of friends and his passion for the music he adores.
Like many he started out absorbing the great sound of Northern Soul back in the early 70′s and meandered across the line into the Jazz Funk scene and back again to his beloved Soul.
His book oozes positivity. I can liken him to a jam doughnut! A gooey sickly sweet centred man who leaves sugar on your lips that you just can’t help but lick off before taking another bite!
Not a man to hide his emotions and one who proudly shouts to the world about records some collectors and soul fans joyfully take the piss out of. To Reg, each and every record he owns is another pearl in his big oyster.
We’re taken through sometimes turbulent periods in his life spanning from a young school boy to the well rounded man of substance he is today.
A lot of what he wrote, I saw in myself. From the brushing off of other peoples perception about what clothes you should wear to the out and out excitement of attending his next soul night.
His enthusiasm is boundless and unhindered by egotism – how refreshing! I particularly loved his remark about champagne lifestyles with lemonade pockets. That really sums up my own predicament really and it made me smile. In fact, much of the book made me smile.
He describes his visits to a number of ‘clubs’ over 30 years ago and more, with a vividness not many of us at our age are capable of memory wise, and I’m sure this will help others conjure up their own personal memories and bring smiles to their faces and conversations in the future. Reading between the lines (although this isn’t necessary for the most part because he’s so open) I wallowed in his pride for being part of our wonderful soul scene and indeed for the lifelong friendships he’s made along the way.
I can’t imagine, in a million years, that anyone could say anything remotely negative about Reg Stickings. Even when I phoned him to place an order he was so adorable. He also took the trouble to call me a few days later to confirm that I’d received my package! Caring seems to be Reg’s middle name and he should take pride in that.
This book may not win any literary prizes but in my eyes he’s done something very special of which he should be very proud indeed.
I’ve not met Reg myself but I sure hope I do soon!
Great read, 20 May 2008| By | Graham Martin “The Hat” (Faversham, Kent UK) – See all my reviews |
Graham “The Hat” Martin – DJ
PS Would have given it 4.9 but Amazon don’t let you do that – 5′s are reserved for JRR Tolkien
A Story of a Love for Soul – So Real You Can Belive You Where There – Well Done to Reg Stickings., 25 Jun 2008| By | Mrs. E. Sibley “Elaine Sibley” (Scotland – UK) – See all my reviews |
I found this book an amazing read. I almost felt I was being taken by the hand to a place where we can all say we wanted to be, it’s like when you hear of the stories of love, pain and laughter that people tell and you feel you wish you had been a part of it. Reg has a heartfelt way of sharing his passion for the sounds of soul that so many of us can relate to. We are also taken on a journey of dreams and determination. As I read ‘Searching for Soul’ I found myself back in a time when music was important to so many of us. I couldn’t help but smile as I read through the list of sounds that had slipped my mind, thinking wow I remember that brilliant sound. It made me take out my old records dust them off and chill while I listened. Thank you for sharing your life of music so far……I say so far because I hope there will be more to come. I had tears of sadness and felt the loss of loved ones too. You know you made me think how lucky we all are we could follow the love for music so much easier than some can today…….I guess we have computers and mobiles to thank for that! I take my hat off to Reg he let me in on an experience that I had never been on. Although I was in my teens in the 70s and loved music. I never went to Wigan or the wonderful places the story takes us through but I feel that I have been there, even smelt the blood sweat and tears and felt that talc on the bouncing floor….through the eyes of a person who has such a passion for his music which he can relate to chapters of his life like I do with a photo album. Thank you for sharing your story told with good honest passion.
One more thing to add you are an encouragement to everyone who has ever been told, and people yet to be told, that they will not do well by our wonderful education system! For someone who can openly admit that reading and writing have been a struggle and to go on and achieve this book you are truly AMAZING – well done.
A brilliant read that I couldn’t put down – Thanks for the tears, love and laughter.
Elaine – John’O'Groats – Scotland – If you have not read this yet – go on treat yourself
January 4th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Really enjoyed the book, and not just because I got a mention. You haven’t changed in the too many years to mention I’ve known you, and I for one hope you never do. Here’s to many more soul nights/weekenders, as it makes our world go round. Love always D x
January 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Absoulute belter of a book!
I Must say I’m privileged to know Little Reg for a few years now and the book relates so much on what we all have done or are doing in the Soul scene. I’m sure there’s a bit for everyone to relate to in this book (even if not a soul fan) and it’s an honest look on life and experiences. It has it all with mostly up’s but also the down’s we inevitably get thru the rich tapestry of life. A Book that “say’s it as it is” .
Boy I would have loved to have been a few years older so I could’ve shared in the trips to Wigan,Highland rooms,Catacombes and many more being a fellow Treacle Bumstonian !
I sat and had a chat to Reg before Xmas and he played the Infamous Dena Barnes track presented for his Birthday treat (many moons ago ) . Top marks to the lads who chipped in.
Many ‘choones’ that he has quoted in this book are my fav’s too. Just a book that warms you and makes you feel good. A Great outlook on life and passion which most of us feel about music whether it be Soul or another.
Also it is inspiration to others who have to overcome some of life’s problems and have a positive attitude on life.
Thanks reg for a Triffic book and a great look on life.
Just buy it as everyone can relate to this book,
Cheers,
Marcus ‘Sofa Soul’ Bell
January 27th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
What a great book i have read this book oh got to be getting on for 6 times now
I met him in Luton I must say what a honest and well liked bloke he is if you are reading this and still not read the mans book well get your ass in gear and get yourself a copy you will love it like the rest of us do dont just take my word for it ………..
it is brilliant book about his life and about the brilliant music we all love and still love and the brilliant 70′s them year the days I cant say a bad word about it tell a lie he does go on a little about being a Liverpool fan I am from wolverhampton and a wolves fan
get a copy now
well thanks REG for a brill read jut wished i owned you vinyl collection
John Fewtrell from wolverhampton now living in Luton
KEEP THE FAITH
February 20th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I read this book in one night, couldn’t put it down! Really strange reading a book with your friends actually appearing in it plus reading about the music of your life. People talk of writing a book about the Soul scene but no one has actually covered it with such love, until Reg wrote this. A couple of my non soulie friends have also read it and they absolutely loved it! They said that they felt that they knew Reg and could see where I get my passion for the music.
Well done mate! Love you lots.
Annie x
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Absolutely fantastic book. I couldn’t put it down and begrudged the phone ringing, the dog wanting to go for a walk and the kids & other ‘arf for pestering me! It’s a real book by a real person about real people and places. Thank you Reg for sharing this with us. You really are soul brother numero uno.
love Sarah x
May 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I got your book at Caister…. (feels to long ago!!) it has has taken me back to the ‘talc’ days when all we had to worry about was how high our waistbands were and the beer towel in the pocket. You have made me live all my youth over again and it felt just great. Us Bedford girls couldnt get enough of all the ‘spinning and turning’ The passion a Soulie feels never dies
Keep the faith Reg
love
Helen x
August 11th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Hi Reg ..well where do i start ..first its been great meeting you ..your are a little diamond and I feel truely blessed to know you and honoured to have read your book and feel like I have known you for years in fact it was only a few months a go I finaly got to meet you at the one and only Treacle Soul in Hemel Hempstead.
As you know we all have our cross to bear in life It has been an inspiration to read your life story and how you have delt with your life challenges and diffirculties and shared them with us in such a positive way. Im sure our paths have crossed at many of those soul do’s you have mentioned in your book which brought back so many memories for me.
It has made such differance to my life meeting all you dear soulie’s over the last year…. carn’t begin to put it in to words… Thank you and keep the Faith x
Sandie
September 17th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Hi Reg,
I really really enjoyed your book and couldnt put it down when i started reading it! there were many funny moments as well as some really touching parts, but none of it was boring ha ha! i am also definatly going to get my mum to read it as well as i know she will definitely remember the songs and the clubs that you mentioned!
Thanks for writing it Reg
Lots of Love
Kim xxx
September 21st, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Hi Reg,
Where do I begin. Such a great read, could not put the book down, I’m not a great one for reading books but this one was just so engrossing. I was chatting to a few of my friends about it, and they all said they could relate to certain parts of the book which mirrored their lives. This is not just a book about Soul Music, it’s a book about life, family & amp; friendship,about good times and sad moments. It is not often that I get the time to read a book, but the moment I read the opening page I was hooked.
Top book from a lovely fella!!!
September 26th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Hi Reg,
I just wanted to say that your book is the most engrossing and emotive books about the ‘ Soul’ scene i have ever read, and i was hooked from the opening page. Its great to read a book from someone with such a passion & love for the music and the ‘ Scene’ in general. There is not one person i know who after reading it has not said how fantastic and at times moving it was, and how we ‘all’ in a way feel a part of ‘ourselves’ in the things you write about, and can relate to so many of the things you say. I was so pleased to finally catch up with you at the Kursaal in Southend the other weekend, and it was an honour for me, that you kindly signed my copy of your book,
Many thanks Reg, Your an inspiration to all us ‘ Soul’ music lovers,
Kindest Regards, Richard Rowland
October 12th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Hi Reg,
should of left this a long time ago when I read your book, but forgive me for not doing so..Having got into the Soul scene virtually straight from school I was just a year or so too late for The Wigan and Blackpool Scene, but was brought up on some of those tunes from my elder brother playing them before he went out on our old Dansette record player! The book evokes so many memories of tunes and dancing, but also takes you back to an era that gave so many happy memories. Rarely was there any trouble or hassle just people going for the music and your book brings it all back.
I’m glad that there are more than a few of us left to keep it going weekly or monthly, but do worry that by the time we are in late fifties and sixties it will all die away forever, as I can’t remember seeing anyone genuinely under 30 at a doo recently without being there under duress LOL…! the books a cracker perhaps another one in the offing Reg? on clubs in the late 70′s 80′s and 90′s that were dedicated to Soul in the South? TOP ONE SEE YOU SOON
October 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Hi Reg.
Hope you are well? Just a few lines to say how much I enjoyed reading your book. I’m not a big Northern fan in the slightest but the passion for the choons and the people and all the things we used to do to go souling come through and was spot on. We used to go all over the south of the country for a good night like you.
We are of similar ages and I loved The Goldmine and original Lacy Lady and adored the Galleon and Bali Hi/Atlantis in Margate for the weekenders back in the mid 70′s and early 80s. We probably crossed paths back then while admiring Tommy Mac’s moves on the floor.
As you know, I promote/DJ the ‘Soul@TheShip’ nights and it was good to meet you at The Ship Pub in Leigh on Sea, Essex for a charity alldayer recently. We were introduced by Bev and Bangys and I bought a copy of your book on the strength of their recommendation. I also enjoyed having a further chat at the Southend Kursaal do in the evening.
Going to Caister this year in October 2009 was really great we met up again. I must admit I did smile when you wrote about your experiences there in the book and the swimming routines too. I felt really at home at Caister and will be back soon. I loved giving it my all to the jazz funk and Broken beat jazz stuff in the Club Room – However to be honest most things got me moving as I love to dance. Oh and I loved the BBQs and banter!
On another level, with my mum not very well with Parkinsons and in hospital at present. I found a real insight and comfort in your personal experiences with your mum.
Just to say I enjoyed the book and it’s a really good read. Well played.
Cheers
Gary
October 18th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Hi Reg,
Just wanted to say I loved your book, should have done this last year when I read it but thats me, memory like a sieve!! Being the age I am it was great to hear such great experiences of someone who had actually been on the scene (apart from me dad!) at its height. I am sooo jealous, as you know, of the ‘this is your life’ moment!!! I have actually read the book for a second time since I saw you last, it is that good!! I have just passed it on to my dad who is not much of a reader, if he is reading it it must be a fantastic read!
Well done Reg,
Love you,
Ha thanks Ella what a lovley reviue and if you were jealous of the this is your life bit what’s yer dad goner think!!
lots of love
little Reg xx
Ella
November 30th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I bought this book at The East Anglian Soul Weekend, having seen LITTLE REG at various events over the years but never having spoken to the man. I can now say that i have met my siamese twin, though we where seperated 8 years apart. The book it just an amazing account of the love of a SOULIE (reggies words) search for music and clubs to fill the insatiable need for SOUL MUSIC. I can relate to so much, as i followed Reg’s path but 8 years later. Having been to young to get into the northern scene (which The Hunstanton weekender has now done so) the parallels are just amazing as we searched for clubs in the south to travel to for our need for soul and funk. Please buy this book, and i defy you to see a bit of you in REG. A truley amazing acoount of all SOULIES passion for the scene and the music.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Reg…you tell it like it is – with great humour, fabulous depth, kindness and warmth. A thoroughly decent bloke who isn’t afraid to care. Thank you. I am proud to call you a friend, no – an honorary brother (whether you like it or not).
Anytime you need a sofa
P
x
December 13th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
David Bishop 13 December at 16:51
Reg Stickings is an ordinary man with an extraordinary passion for music and dancing and soul music in particular. Reg was lucky to have been a teenager in England in the late sixties and early seventies, an era in popular music and soul music in particular that was inventive, original, exciting and fun.
Taking his cue from Nick Hornby’s ‘Fever Pitch’, Reg describes his life growing up in Hemel Hempstead discovering the simple joys of teenage life, music and beyond but with soul music as his main guide and friend along the way. Unusually for a southern lad at the time he discovered what’s now known as the ‘Northern’ Soul scene and together with his friends and one in particular – ‘Yogi’ – showed a rare sense of adventure and travelled all over, checking out new clubs, DJ’s and sounds in a never ending quest and well before the days of the Internet and mobile phones. It was all by word-of-mouth only.
Reg writes as he speaks; with passion for the subject and with an almost childlike enthusiasm describing how he felt when hearing a new favourite ‘choon’ and his description of the ‘Northern’ clubs of the day is evocative and atmospheric – you really feel you are there with him, including the now legendary Wigan Casino. I only wish I were there with him too.
This book isn’t just a snapshot of one era and sub-genre of soul but brings you up to date as now his children are grown, he is now back out there enjoying the new music (north and south!) and scene with a vengeance. He’s come out to play all over again!
Reg’s aspiration to better himself and discover something new shines though this book as does his love for his family and friends. I only hope today’s teenagers feel the same about their current era of music and fashion as Reg and ‘Yogi’ did about theirs and if they do, they have a lot of fun to look forward to.
Reg is not only one of the nicest people I’ve ever met but loves his soul music (old and new) with a rare passion and this book is a thoroughly entertaining read, in turns funny, sad, atmospheric and above all, fun. It makes me wish I were a teenager again!
Thoroughly recommended.
December 26th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
i came across reg’s book in my local library and wot a find it turned out to be. me and my mates love king georges hall in blackburn but we hadnt been for about 4 years. reading this book reminded us wot we were missing. he inspired us in a big way.we ended up getting a taxi from liverpool to blackburn and home again. £130 it cost us and it was worth every penny. we danced the legs off ourselves! even though we hadnt been for years it was great that alot of people remembered us and wanted to know why we hadnt been for ages. even richard searling asked where we had been! that was the highlight of my night!! deffo my fave book ever. thanks reg. soul on xx
December 26th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
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January 16th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I’ve just finished reading Searching for Soul, and can honestly say I loved every page, every word. Reg is absolutely brilliant at telling his story, with such clarity you feel as though you are there with him. Reg’s positive outlook on life is an inspiration and his enthusiasm for everything he does is infectious. It’s clear that he has a wonderful open and friendly personality which has made him many friends and opened many doors. Family, friends, football and Soul Music are everything to this man, but I dare say he would have given his all to any hobby or pursuit he had chosen.
Life is far from over, so I do hope that Reg finds it within himself to put pen to paper once more and eventually writes a follow up.
Thanks Reg. All the best to you and yours. Your book comes highly recommended xx
Thanks Fiona for your brillant book reviue i hope to meet you one day x
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:33 am
i have just read reg,s book ( searching for soul ) whilst on holiday in lanzarote and can honestly say i thouroughly enjoyed it , the memories came flooding back from those fantastic all nighters at wigan and buying my first piece of vinyl on the balcony ( bobby paris / i walked away ) and then travelling back to hull on the coach and occasionlly stopping at cleethorpes for an all dayer . the book made me laugh and it also brought a tear to my eye , and most of all it was an absaloute pleasure to read about the trials and tribulations of a really nice guy and 100% true soulie ,,,,cheers reg……ktf.
April 6th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
An outstanding account on one man’s love of Soul Music and how it shaped his life. You finish the book feeling as if you know Reg, and, you recognize also that Reg Sticking’s is a hero to a generation. Bravo. Sybil Gage, Jazz Blues and Soul Singer.
WOW Thanks Sybil so please you liked the read i feel the same about your singing.xx
May 4th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
I had the honour of being introduced to reg at caister last weekend.I bought a copy of the book,and the night I returned home I sat and read it cover to cover.Must admit northern soul is not my thing but the book was excellent and told me what I had worked out the night I met reg,this man is a true gent and a legend.
having recently lost my father to cancer,reg’s recent loss of his parents struck a cord with me and so the book made me smile,laugh and cry.
once again thank you reg – see you in october
May 12th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I bought the book from Reg at Caister, opened it as the train pulled out of Stevenage station, was crying by Doncaster and laughing out loud at York! As the train pulled into Newcastle I was reading the final page. This is a truly beautiful book because you can feel the love that Reg has for his music and people on every page. It’s Reg through and through … heart and soul.
Lovley words lou so please you liked the read Thankyou xx
July 10th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I bought this book with the ‘soul’ intention of reading it while I toasted my fat Scottish erse in the Turkish sun! Had a quick read, just to get the feel of it and 12 hours later I had finished it. Could not put it down! Can’t put my finger on any one aspect of the book that made it so compelling. It’s just a good HONEST account of the life, times and tribulations of a soul punter. My missus doesn’t buy into the scene, she likes some of the ‘choons’ and that. But the ‘state of mind, way of life’ thing goes right over her head. Reg’s book portrays this ethos to the full. As I have stated previously to Reg, this book is a must for ANY soullie.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Soulger
Thanks for the book reviue Soulger so please you liked it
all the best
Reg .
July 27th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
If you are looking for a definitive history of the Northern soul scene I could recommend some excellent, well-researched and nicely-packaged books by the likes of David Nowell, Mike Wilson and Stuart Russell or – more recently – Neil Rushton. Most of them, however, do tend to treat Northern soul as a standalone movement – slightly frozen in time, constrained by geography and more-or-less book-ended by the opening of the Twisted Wheel in Manchester and the closing down of Wigan Casino.
But Reg’s story is not like that. Instead it recounts – in first person – the story of a Hemel Hempstead lad who discovered soul music at his local youth club in the late 1960s and the life long journey this discovery sent him on.
From Bennetts End Youth Club to the Cali in Dunstable, to Wigan Casino, Cleethorpes Pier, the Blackpool Mecca, to the Top Rank in Watford, the Goldmine in Canvey Island and numerous Caister Soul Weekends. Reg’s sharp memory brings all these legendary old venues to life – the sounds, the smells, the atmosphere. It is also a tale of Blues & Soul magazine, back street record shops, Kingsway loafers, Levi jackets, Fred Perrys, white socks and tonik suits, Oxford bags and soul club patches. At centre stage is Reg’s beloved archive of imported US vinyl, the records that soundtracked his journey, from Edwin Starr to the Salsoul Orchestra to the Sunburst Band.
But perhaps most importantly of all, it is the story of the characters, of the laughter and tears, the fun and camaraderie – the lifelong friends (the ‘soulies’) that Reg made along the way and their passionate dedication to great music which – despite recent reports to the contrary – is still burning just as strongly in the 21st
Century!
Thanks for taking the time to write this wonderfull book reviue
All The Best
Reg .
August 4th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Reg,
I purchased your book last evening at Soul Brother,and read it through the night,you really are an inspirational person,truly Soul Royalty.
Whilst I thoght that running around West London with my few records under my Arm ,there you are practically doing a “World Tour”.
An excellent read,that I can relate to in so many ways,its got me Back on the Right Track,
I look forward to seeing you at your next event,I`ll get there early and buy you a drink,
Thank You,
Tom Heduan
A third Division soul Man
So please you enjoyed the read Tom
all the best Reg .
August 7th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
reg you a true soulboy and have not been blinded by just one kind off soul you´ve opened up your ears and heart to the true sound of soul…. and let it touch you in a way that most of only dream of… you bathed yourself in in the voices of some of the greatest artist to ever grace the scene… and you´ve taking the time to share those memories with us throught your book and i THANK YOU….. it´s as if you´ve allowed us in to every venue with you on some special guest list thanks reg… come over to mine and pick through some of the stuff i´v gotnot sure it´s worth much… but i´d rather it was played than gathering dust mate.. and would make my day if you everplayed it out……
Thanks for taking the time to write this lovley book reviue and i would love to thumble through your record box one day cheers
All The Best Reg.
August 11th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Mick Conroy
If anyone wants to read a book about soul this is a must Searching for Soul By Reg Sticklings Ive just finished it in 1 word BRILLIANT had the Pleasure to meet him last week at clacton He signed the book with a personal message and yes Reg i liked it as much as i love my music Thank You
Sara Cummings It was good, read it last year. He eventreated us and read us his final chapter himself outside,on the Sunday morning! x x
August 25th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
What a fantastic book this is! I just wanted to say that I read it from cover to cover in one long sitting as I was totally transported into Reg’s world!
I’m very jealous of Reg and all that he experienced during his search for soul…it must have been so exciting, terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.
If you haven’t read it, go out and buy it. If you have already read it, then read it again. Genius!
August 25th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Awesome read. Thanks very much Reg, you certainly brought back allot of my forgotten memories. Highly recommend this book, even to non-soulies.
KTF…… Bridgey (Ian Bridge)
August 25th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I got reg’s book a while ago and started it and then didnt get to finish it. After a short period i picked it up and started it again didnt put it down till i finished it. Once read this is the text i send to reg and all of u will know wot i mean by this text it said…………..
I did it…………..finally finished it. I get it, I laughed, I cried, it made me smile, it made me feel honoured to call you my friend, it made me feel warm. I was meant to finish it when i did as it has helped me so much with wot i am goin through. Thank you and i love you xx
It kinda summed it up for me for wot i got from the book on very much a personal level.
What was odd is that my daughter had kawasaki’s disease and it is so rare it to find someone else who son/daughter has had it as it is a rare condition and to think i had known reg a while and didnt know it till i read his book. he is someone that describes himself as an ordinary bloke well he has touched so many people in so many ways with out realising it. To me Reg you will never b just an ordinary bloke but someone who is very very special and rare today you are just urself and that is a kind and carin genuine person. Thanks for the support u r givin me rite now and just for being my friend and for being you, and not even realising how wonderful you truely are.
My grandmother always believed angels walk among us and we dont even know it but touch r lives when we need them to even in a small way well mayb she was rite and they come into r lives when we least expect and dont even look like angels. Well Reg came into my life when i needed some support and friendship and change of directions, so mayb he is mine in some way and some of you all who have read his book or just been his friends.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
“just read regs book searching for soul, what a great read,reading how reg found his way through the various soul clubs and scenes i found fasinating because it differed so much to my own yet weve all ended up at the same place reading how reg bought his first suit down tottenham high road is a great story yet how he didnt embrace the football club 800 yards down the road will remain a mystery to me ha ha, but what comes across strong in the book is not only regs love of soul but his love of life, and i think that is the main reason why wherever the old bastard goes people love the man and more importantly reg loves people, a great book reg be proud…..spuddy boy”