The Catacombs

Wolverhampton

Overview

Described as "the greatest little soul club in the land" and "the club that set the template for Northern Soul." Carl Dene's own assessment: "Before the Catacombs there was Rhythm & Blues, after the Catacombs there was Northern Soul."

Signature Tracks

That Beating Rhythm

Richard Temple

Released 1967

Prompted a British re-release that reached #4 on the UK pop charts in 1971

Baby, Reconsider

Leon Haywood

Released 1965

Carl Dene held the only UK copy — devotees had to travel to Wolverhampton just to hear it

At The Top of the Stairs

The Formations

Released 1968

Live Acts Hosted

David Bowie
Genesis

Cultural Impact

Bridged the gap between the Twisted Wheel's R&B and the adrenalin soul that followed. A 50th anniversary compilation was released 30 January 2019 on Charly Records.

Important Notes

Also hosted early performances by David Bowie and Genesis.