AUTHOR: ANDREW INGS
FORWARD BY KEITH WOODS
Limited number signed by the author Andrew Ings
‘For me, the 2I’s played a vital part in my career. I played to my first rock audience… and had the feeling I could make it!’ Sir Cliff Richard
London in the 1950s was vibrant with artists, musicians and intellectuals. Right in the heart of the city, Soho was like a village community filled with cafés, pubs and clubs. And on the tiny stage of one of these – the 2I’s Coffee Bar – many legendary musicians began their careers.
The dark basement of the 2I’s at 59 Old Compton Street became a focal point for British skiffle and emerging rock ’n’ roll. With The Vipers, Tommy Steele, Cliff Richard and The Drifters, Adam Faith, Marty Wilde, Vince Taylor and Terry Dene all performing there early on in their careers, it became part of the British history of rock ’n’ roll.
Gathered together for the first time are the reminiscences of many of the musicians who played at the 2I’s in the 1950s and 60s, as well as those who worked there or went along as teenagers to soak up the sounds of Soho. Take a step back in time and relive the vibrant glory days of early rock ’n’ roll.
Andrew Ings has written many articles for a range of titles for over 20 years. These have included theatrical reviews, comedy sketches, and radio reviews. But his first love has always been music…..