Ray Pollard - The Drifter . ( Northern Soul )

[@LondonSoulMan]

After my wife died I felt I was like this song, still gets to me when I hear it out now.

[@susanrawlinson9627]

I know so, same😢 I met my husband at Wigan Casino when we were 14 ,I don't know what to say except this tune reminds me of when we first met ❤

[@lauraalessandrini16]

This song touches my heart.I in met my husband when I was 14 .He passed in 2006 when we I heard this it brought me back to that time.

[@susanrawlinson9627]

Yea same😢

[@susanrawlinson9627]

​@@lauraalessandrini16❤

[@francisfairbairn6970]

Totally understandable 😢

[@keithbaker4022]

I. Only. Heard. This. Song. 3.weeks ago. From. The. Bbc proms. Northern soul. Nite. Thing. And. Even. Now. The. Northern soul. Pulls. You. Back. In. I am. Keeping. My. Faith

[@tinadavies4195]

Absolutely beautifully sung..with great meaning

[@rootsquare]

Staring out the window of the train on your way back from some nighter at an industrial northern town having not slept for two days... this was my soundtrack The build-up and resolution at 2:10 still makes my hair stand up as much now as it did then....

[@annteak2669]

Dear Sean yes I know that feeling so well!! Takes and sends you to a magical beautiful place!!

[@halcyon289]

I know exactly what you mean. It happens every time I hear it as well.

[@john-lz9bc]

Been there, done it mate, we were so very lucky to have been part of that magic, wish I could go back and do it all over again. KTF

[@cumbianarcos8253]

Living your comment 1 year after posting... this music brings emotions that we as humans cannot express normally. KTF

[@stesmith7373]

Gut wrenching emotion at its finest. Brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it and 40 years later it still has the same effect

[@1ramsey]

Winsford Soul Loves to dance s

[@glynnevans8284]

In Oz went Wigan the Ritz Carlton club with lads from middlewich winsford in the 70s still KTF over here in my 60s good memories

[@chrisjones7836]

@@1ramsey ²bounce coolinnyg

[@lianmiles9879]

I remember my day playing this when my mum left, I was 5 his heart was broke, #sadmemories stay with me forever. She was but a drifter still drifting I think I'm 41 now xx

[@strictlynorton]

Totally! The drama and pathos Ray rips out of this lyric is elite tier. Goosebumps and a lump in my throat every time I hear it. Rest easy brother Pollard, forever loved...

[@halcyon289]

A masterpiece. I will recommend this song until the day I die.

[@caroldunkerley9541]

Oh what a fab end of northern soul night such memories oh to go back to those twisted wheel casino nights xxx keep the faith

[@dianeallen9039]

Didn’t know this until I heard it on the northern soul prom. Brilliant song.

[@robertfitzjohn7768]

What a tune makes me have a tear in my eye every time I here it There us also an amazing version on bbc I player by Darrell Smith can't believe he has that voice on him ktf❤

[@missmuffet3874]

I’ve seen it. He was amazing x

[@SpeedTriple59]

If this track don't give you goose bumps...Then your dead..!!

[@john111257]

nearly

[@kevinsmith-ub8gw]

Im alive,..

[@isaiahivan4421]

Not sure if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can stream all the new series on InstaFlixxer. I've been streaming with my girlfriend during the lockdown xD

[@jaylenshiloh9783]

@Isaiah Ivan Yea, have been using Instaflixxer for since november myself =)

[@ianwild66]

Everytime!

[@FraserKM]

Just heard this on BBC Proms (Northern Soul Live), it's amazing!

[@bobbytreetop1701]

Glad you enjoyed it .😊

[@strictlynorton]

The ultimate torch soul ballad, it absolutely floors me every time... that build up to the vocal climax? Goosebumps doesn't begin to cover it!

[@nickwilliams1065]

I will always be a rocker at heart, but there isn't any type of music any where to open a heart up like Northern Soul. Attended the Casino back in the day and drew some stares due to the long hair and bike jacket but never felt threatened and once out among the throng on the floor felt positively loved. This is a haunting tune like so many real classics rips your heart in two but always leaves you with hope, if ever I am down and feel the need to cry guess what gets me there and back to normal quicker than any thing, songs like this never fail. Loving the resurgence in Northern long may it continue. Thanks for the great tracks. KTF.

[@Keepingthefaith72]

Nick Williams I think all the aggro died out with mods & Rockers Nick , glad you enjoyed yourself at the Casino ... Music is a great healer ....

[@nickwilliams1065]

***** Cheers bud, had several trips to the Casino with older lads from Wrexham north Wales, memories that will never fad no matter my age. This sort of music will forever heal as well as break our hearts. if there is a style of music more moving or heart rendering I have yet to find it. KTF.

[@michaeloakley5162]

***** it sure is a cracking track along with other moving tracks like it'll never be over by timmy yuro for example.my era was later ,we went to tony's at blackburn in the late 80's into the 90's,but the same relaxed atmosphere between people was still there.the memories of it all will stay with me forever.it didn't matter what a shitty week you'd had ,you had a venue with your soulbrothers and sisters to look forward to.it made you feel on top of the world.

[@abegrimes9970]

Thank God a new generation have found this music. Proof if it were ever needed of it's longevity. And I'm sure they are feeling the same way about it as we did. Speaking from the other side of the decks, nothing gave me more pleasure than seeing the floor fill because I chose the the right one to play.

[@nickwilliams1065]

Thankfully I think its a classic tale of quality will always last, I have lost count how many of my friends have gone away with a CD copy of Northern having heard it at parties around my place, most of them might I add bikers who had no idea what it was just that they liked what they heard. Both my daughters and a lot of their friends all love it, given the shocking state of most modern music the future of Northern soul is assured for many, many more years to come. KTF

[@wendybell6823]

What a great northern soul tune. ❤️

[@andrewsmyth1641]

Heard this on bbc2 last might. Northern soul prom. This track stood out

[@markridgley5740]

This is one of the greatest songs i have ever heard

[@elainetirrell1082]

The most hauntingly beautiful song, EVER, gives me goose bumps every time I hear it

[@dianetynan1447]

This song makes me shiver! It's just awesome!

[@kevinsmith-ub8gw]

Now and again, a records played, that stops everyone dead, then we all start again, singing these soulful words, much slower, appreciating every word, Bliss.

[@peterandgeraldineaspell-gi3417]

Always takes me back to the Casino around six in the morning. You know the feeling.

[@john-lz9bc]

Music like this just ain't written anymore... KTF soul brothers and sisters

[@trevormorley6200]

This is my life now after 40 years Love the sound

[@paulsmith4527]

Trevor Morley same as me and my missus.

[@Dion_Mustard]

GORGEOUS song. Makes me feel all Nostalgic when I think about my parents dancing to Northern Soul when I was a child. They would dance around the living room together and I would get a lovely warm uplifting feeling in my tummy as I watched them dancing with such passion and laughter. I couldn't stop smiling. My parents are still great dancers (they divorced but remain best friends). They used to go to Wigan Casino in the 70s. When they tell me stories about that time I get so emotional thinking about what they experienced. They were so lucky to be brought up during that time. It's not the same now. All this modern Northern Soul doesn't do the same for me. But the music still sounds the same, and I can go into my own little world when it comes on :)

[@andrewgroome4431]

I love this comment. I feel your nostalgia. It’s a very atmospheric song and even I can picture your parents dancing to this while you watch in amazement at their joy.

[@Dion_Mustard]

@@andrewgroome4431 😀🩷

[@soulsue]

one of my all time fav ballads spine tingling excellence

[@davidharris6527]

As soon as it comes on your lost in the emotion of the words x

[@Zephaniah3verse17]

This song drags my heart kicking and screaming from its cavity. Those words are so, so powerful. The five-note riff is iconic, right up there with "Summer the First Time". Greetings from the only N/S fan in Ipswich. KTF!

[@charlesstewart9819]

Could not have put it better myself!!!!👍👍

[@selffarming7008]

This one gets me everytime. Heartfelt emotion in this guys voice. Perfect delivery. KTF

[@suebradford5758]

😁🎶❤🎶✊...Thank you 👍...Thank You Lord ✝️ for the Tingles 🙏❤✝️

[@jaynehoughton8667]

I absolutely love this tune the lyrics are so sad xx

[@PXWest]

When his voice cracks at the end... Immediate misty eyes and a lump in my throat! Especially on the dancefloor

[@Keith1867]

Absolutely magnificent. What a voice.

[@peterdunn8603]

Darrell Smith's version on the proms was unbelievable I think just as good. That's northern soul once it gets hold of you it never let's you go .

[@AnneSharp-m1d]

Bang on, watched it too, really impressed. Loved Temptation too

[@greghunter8935]

I wouldn't say as good,but must admit he did a good cover

[@cmstetch]

Darrell will be performing it along with some other tracks with us (The Northern SoulTrain) at Blackpool Tower Ballroom on 16th of December 2023. I'm just learning the arrangement of The Drifter, hence why I am here.

[@KC-gy5xw]

I was so happy to see it on the Proms, and NS as a whole.

[@tinadavies4195]

Absolutely spot on..65yrs old soon..nothing else for me

[@fern17659]

Oh this makes me cry every time ..just love it,

[@tinadavies4195]

And me,but didn't want to say in a comment. Makes you feel happy too.

[@friscomoonstompers]

Make me cry too

[@lisaaltavilla4095]

Great to hear this track again , ...its been years ✊🎶

[@robandias]

Just an amazing Tune. Pulls you in and takes you to another planet !!

[@snax51]

Got to hear this on the BBC Northern Soul Documentary...now I am solely hooked to this track....has everything...mood, dynamics..and SOUL!!!! 26 sec in is my double when I was 19 back in 1975!!!

[@paullally8910]

Reggae at its best ,been playing this since 1982 and still love this song

[@mrtakse]

still brings tears to my eyes everytime i hear this incredible track and acc with the casino footage .....mindblowing

[@lauraalessandrini16]

I love this beautiful song ❤️

[@SpeedTriple59]

Agree a timeless classic.amongst other gems on this scene..

[@fern17659]

My Big brother lost his wife, he told me to listen to this track, he said that's how he felt... Breaks my heart all over again. He was an old Wigan Lad back in the 70's. He told me to keep the faith the night he passed away. I left him on his doorstep waving to me for the very last time.😥💔💔 A promise I made....KTF ✊ Miss you Bro...XxX

[@g3ges3]

Ktf

[@helennoble-fp9cx]

I lost my husband in February, and this song came on the radio not long after. I cried so much then and still do especially when I hear this song and Bennie Troy! 52 years together and I'm lost😢

[@judithrubra]

@@helennoble-fp9cx sharing your pain, lost my man after 30 years (Aug 23)it aint easy KTF, (this is a great track hope it helps ) Jxxx

[@markeddsworld]

my funeral song great voice

[@lauraalessandrini16]

Love this song.So beautiful.❤

[@carlfitz64]

This as got to be one of the best , went to Jersey weekender they played it fantastic.

[@leebo8079]

Full blast in the soul do's this blows your wig clean off!!! Pure emotion!

[@lauraalessandrini16]

Such a beautiful song

[@robertquinn2528]

Just a beautiful song period

[@sopranos757]

blinding! love it,makes me tingle.had it for 30 years & will never get sick of it

[@lynnwilson9583]

Love this song it makes you think and the words are so true

[@garywilliams6042]

Been a soulless all my life and the friendship is great

[@tommyhouston899]

Simply beautiful KTF ❤❤❤xxxx

[@carlfitz64]

Absolutely fantastic

[@tinadavies4195]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! God don't you wish you were back to the best days ever! Along with the greatest vinyls. Love love love it

[@andrewgroome4431]

Miss those days so terribly!

[@tinadavies4195]

​@@andrewgroome4431me too..especially when I hear this fantastic tune.

[@andrewgroome4431]

The video is awesome too. Watching those dancers mesmerized with not a care in the world. Miss this in my life.

[@SueBarrett-rl1dm]

Yes please brilliant

[@raywoodman5084]

Such a fantastic tune and another Northern Soul belter.

[@josephbland3904]

Lyrical genius and performed brilliantly. Emotional rollercoaster. Heard this played towards the end of a few Soul nights... Immense...

[@strictlynorton]

Immense is right....

[@SuzanneO707]

❤ ❤ Just beautiful.

[@mickellis972]

Such a "Classic' tune..&.The casino..Memories..Of 'The Way We Were'.& friends who are no longer with us, Flickin thru the tune's in the record bar..& Your Mate..pulls out The Silhouettes-NOT ME BABY...Good Way..Its 3yrs this week..RIP..(soft lad)..Miss yer Bro!!!

[@andrewcrozier5228]

Tells a very sad story but what a hell of a song

[@paulhaydock2676]

One of those tracks ? You danced you sang and then the night had gone ??? Love N/S fore ever . Thanks for the Memory KTF Paul H

[@pippagrindley7979]

Lovin this tune...casino days... miss them💓

[@Usercantwelve]

Never heard this Before..Thank you!

[@garywatson9121]

If this doesn’t move you, you have no soul! Awesome track. Ktf. Gaz.

[@chylogurti]

Just stunning. First heard this in the mid 70s and taped it on a C90. Still got it somewhere. Top drawer soul. Class post. KTF

[@tamaralinekar2904]

Just look at us soulful lovers of the universe still reeling forever ♥️♥️

[@fantastica9186]

This song always pull at my heart strings! Beautiful delivery but gets me everytime😢😢

[@trevorford9432]

Amazing tune, like so many northern soul tunes you can close your eyes and be that person in the song, it's a sad song too.

[@trevorcampbell3856]

Vvery. Haunted sound takes takes back. . Thank you. 😊

[@jeffdavis5399]

spine chillingly tune unreal sound

[@beverleykirby5778]

amazing song

[@strawman2458]

Remember pestering Brian Rae every oldies night to play this top top tune ,ps just spotted my self and mates in the video,

[@lyndamennell401]

Hair tingling track....love it and can relate to lyrics x

[@marksouthern6588]

Lynda Mennell I'm just a drifter ..I am as well Lynda lol...what a voice

[@susansmith6975]

Haven't heard this for years and still my eyes filled with tears x what a beautiful voice

[@deanklousrobinson8038]

MY PAPA'S FAVOURITE SONG TOO MY MAMA I PLAY IT ALL THE TIME YOUR'S DEAN KLOUS

[@juliarushton7406]

beautiful song. Love it.

[@johngellard1187]

First time of hearing.Undoubtedly an outstanding track,the next level up.

[@halcyon289]

I'm speechless.

[@nigelperrett3244]

One of my favs ....Brilliant song x

[@welt21uk]

great track

[@grahamd5418]

A morning after the night before tune. It rings in your ears throughout the following day.

[@drstevie]

Immense tune.

[@mariaoleary1831]

❤ Makes me think of my late husband ❤

[@kentbernard4319]

never heard of it.....it says a lot .. a good old tune.................he is there but no one seems to see him....................

[@davelewis4178]

Only ever went the casino this was one of the first songs i heard there; still qaulity to this day

[@manuelcastellano9385]

Une des plus belles interpretations !

[@colinwilkinson5450]

Love love love it ktf

[@shanazi1]

Nice tune luv it

[@tt.craftycarp.asseenfishin5838]

How Wonderful. Big Carp Fishing & Northern Soul. Keep the Faith Baby ! TT.

[@ugd884r]

Anybody who used to attend Scooter rallies regularly should really get this 🤔👍✊️

[@greghunter8935]

Truly beautiful song

[@19195658]

A long forgotten favourite. Might just double the viewing numbers by the end of the year!!!!

[@thesoultwins72]

I was at Wigan Casino the night they filmed this (for a Granada TV documentary on Northern Soul) and hated every minute. I was sat hunched in a corner cracking up as we all complained to the TV crew and producer to turn the lights off - but they refused. I had been a regular at Wigan from the opening night in September 1973 - but this was the very last time I went. To me (and many others) this was the end of everything I loved about Northern Soul.

[@alanforbes8951]

Are you one of the twins from Crewe, i remember the build up to that night, me and a few friends from Shrewsbury, decided not to go that night but went down to St Ives, Huntington instead, couldn't think of anything worse being there with lights and cameras in ya face, cracks ya up thinking about it.

[@peterthompson9424]

We went to st Ives all nighter when this was filmed, couldn't be doing with the lights being on and chance of my mam seeing me off my tits!.😁😁

[@roberttaylor2507]

At least for those people who never made it to the Casino .... have the benefit of seeing some rare footage of class dancing from that night ....and no doubt one or two of those stompers have passed on.

[@mlh4711]

I was there the night they filmed that fucking documentary - I didn't realise it was "that" night until I got inside......it was a shite night. The mood was really weird and there was no atmosphere. I wandered around the record bar and shot into M's as soon as it opened. It was the worst night I had at Wigan though and you're right, it was the trigger for the demise of the Casino as we'd known it. Idiots started coming in gawking and laughing, pissed up groups looking for trouble..........It wasn't long after I stopped going.

[@thesoultwins72]

@@alanforbes8951 ......Hi Alan - sorry for late reply! [I don't seem do get any notifications from YT anymore, so only just came across your comment]. No we are not from Crewe - we hailed from near Stourbridge in the West Midlands. We used to go around with Graham and Nigel Gibbs, Pep and Helen ......

[@MW-ps9hi]

Stunner

[@glenysallen4286]

Absolutely fabulous CHOON

[@mikegould4039]

1st time hearing this..love it..excellent

[@raysoul45]

heard this when i was 15 i'm 45 now and still love it

[@brogan82]

Great song and really good video. I hadn't heard this song until 2 weeks ago. Stunning !!!

[@andrewbarnes2238]

Great song ktf

[@soulsue]

Awsome track most powerful lyrics i have ever heard makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time i hear it ....ktf

[@davidhardy1091]

Great sound, great memories and great people 👍 ktf.

[@ianjones8953]

Luv it tune ktf

[@ColinHarperSummerson]

Loveee this song, not heard it in may years, so going to play, thank you ! :-)

[@indy5624]

A good friend and old neighbor of mine dancing on this clip, Keith Dunnill from Norwich City, only guy wearing a necktie with the white short sleeved shirt,

[@LorraineWard22]

indy 56 Fancy that, I recogise the name so Ill watch this video once again from a fellow Norwich - NORTHERN SOUL Freak - thanks for sharing Indy

[@indy5624]

Lorraine Ward I always thought of myself riding my scooter whenever i heard this tune Lorraine, great old song, Norwich girl, nice one, i was born and raised there, went to the old Aldamen Jex school, i now live in Derbyshire.