I may be wrong. And I quite often am. But I cannot recall many songs by the Rolling Stones being played at Seven by Seven (whenever I come out with outrageous statements such as this Quest normally produces a document showing that they have been played 49 times, so I’ll tread carefully here).

The chapter title is a reference to one of their most famous songs which 99% of the population will probably be aware of. I definitely know one Stones 7” that was on the turntable in recent weeks BECAUSE IT WAS ME THAT PLAYED IT! The track was 'We Love You'. An almost forgotten gem. I remember thinking at the time that more of their tunes should get an airing and, although they aren’t my favourite 60s band by a long stretch (Kinks, Beatles, 13th Floor Elevators, Love, Byrds etc would be way ahead) they still have their moments. Ironically, when I did play them, Lucy exclaimed, “Drat! I was going to do that one! Ye bugger!” Or words to that effect.

Anyway, I am going down a cul-de-sac as per usual. This chapter, as the heading might suggest, concerns the many characters and faces that frequent the club. The ever-presents and the never-presents. The head honchos and the ordinary honchos. The regulars who inhabit the joint and the random ‘lost’ people who occasionally float through the place with a furrowed brow and a glazed look in their eyes. The chap who asked very politely if he could do an illustration in the playlist book (it was pretty good actually). Oh! And the two canines who on separate occasions lolloped happily in the place whilst the music continued to blare. Alas, 'Hound Dog' or 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' were not on the decks at the time.

I am not really sure how many people regularly come to the event. It’s really an ever-changing, sometimes revolving (sometimes revolting) kaleidoscope of individuals who appear, disappear, then miraculously re-appear. Or don’t appear ever again. There are faces that you are guaranteed to see EVERY SINGLE TIME. Others, less so. But still, there are ones you are equally thrilled to see, regardless. There are also some folk who have come to the Wharf Chambers and I haven’t said two words to, despite them being a constant at the club. That doesn’t mean that I’m not delighted by their presence. Or indeed their fab records! Because I invariably am. I genuinely look forward to the familiar faces and the unfamiliar faces, all the old dudes and all the young dudes. Everyone who helps to act as cogs in the big wheel that is Seven by Seven. Although (and this is in no way a slight) there are some bigger cogs than others. I don’t really want to list lots of people who contribute to the event because we all contribute in our own special way. However, a special mention must go out to Quest and Rich who made the idea of the night a reality. And a bloody fun reality at that. Their organisation, sense of fairness and general decency make a newcomer’s (and an oldcomer’s) experience at the club something wonderful to savour. And their fantastic taste in music does help a lot too! Also, the regular emails, venue scouring (that is supposed to refer to looking for different venues rather than scrubbing the floors on arrival), updating playlists (meticulously scrutinised) and photographs as well as the occasional blog (!?!?) all help to form a sense of community.

Everyone (I hope) knows the format and structure of the Seven by Seven event. If ya don’t, tough! But I think it is that structure that gives you more freedom if that doesn’t sound cuckoo. There are quite a few similar nights to this, however I personally think it is the best and also my personal favourite. That is in no way denigrating the others as I believe they are brilliant events too but that is just me. Maybe I’m a bit weird... I mentioned Quest and Rich earlier but no less credit should go to Tony and Julia too. Tony for being a fantastic back-up when the big dogs aren’t around and Julia just for her vibes. And also, both for being really nice people as well.

I should maybe give a mention to the bar staff who work pretty tirelessly at the venue. They are (how can I put this politely?) a mercurial bunch. Some more amiable than others, some giving the impression they would rather be anywhere else in the world, some often struggling with a king-size hangover from the night before, whilst others are just a pure delight. Some of them definitely loved the records being played throughout the night. I know this because several told me so. Occasionally, I would glance over when playing a set and see one of them lost in the music. And I would feel great. Thinking about it now they did look a little aghast so maybe they were just furious I was playing the tunes so loud. I dunno. Sometimes it’s hard to tell when you’ve had eight pints of International Women’s Day Blonde (very moreish as I recall). One guy who served me insisted on calling me ‘darling’ every time I ordered a drink. Which I thought seemed a bit over-familiar. I mean, I’m from Leeds and calling people ‘love’ regardless of their gender is a generally accepted form of greeting. But ‘darling’ felt a bit fancy. I do confess it did make me feel very happy as I wobbled back to my chair though.

I would get seated and then whisper to Smitty, “He called me darling again,”

“Sweet.”

Here’s another quote: “The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication.” Jean Cocteau said that and I agree with him. I was trying to come up with a word or phrase that encapsulated the Seven by Seven experience and finally decided it was this one. Intoxication. Both physically and emotionally. That feeling of euphoria you have before, during and after a session is sure hard to beat. I see a lot of older people at the Seven by Seven sessions. And I include myself in that category too. But I also see children playing, teenagers bopping away and couples holding hands whilst swaying in unison to a tune. Age should not be a barrier and times change but music will always bring us together.