Rockin' at the 2 I's Coffee Bar

By Andrew Ings
March 2010
Book Guild
Distributed by Trans-Atlantic Publications
ISBN: 9781846244025suleiman
147 pages
$33.95 Hardcover

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 cafes, pubs and clubs. And on the tiny stage of one of these - the 2I's Coffee Bar - many legendary musicians began their careers.

This compelling history nostalgically portrays how the dark basement of the 2I's at 59 Old Compton Street became a focal point for British skiffle and emerging rock 'n' roll. The Vipers were the first skiffle group who really 'hit the spot' and took up residency at the 2I's bar. Tommy Steele was the undoubted star of its early line up, while Cliff Richard remembers well performing at the 2I's as part of The Drifters. Adam Faith's band, The Worried Men, became a regular fixture at the 2I's, where they also appeared on the BBC's live music series the Six-Five Special in the late 1950s. Artists such as Marty Wilde, Vince Taylor and Terry Dene all made their debuts there and became part of the British history of rock 'n' roll.

Composer Lionel Bart could also be found in the 2I's, serving customers, while future producer Mickie Most was employed as a singing waiter. Aspirinh musicians came along hoping to be spotted by impresarios and promoters such as Jack Good, Larry Parners and Don Arden. Hence the 2I's became the bridge between musical talent and finding fame and fortune in potential record deals.

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.

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