Uptown Top Rankin

I've spent a couple of evenings at West End Lane Books recently. First to cover Ian Rankin who was signing copies of his new book "Saints of the Shadow Bible" and the second for the launch of "Decca Records and Klooks Kleek" by local authors Marianne Colloms and Dick Weindling, which charts the history of rock music in humble West Hampstead. NW6 was rocking back in the day, Hendrix, the Zep, and John Mayall were just a few of the bands who played Klooks Kleek at The Railway Hotel, and it's great to see the book finally in print. Some months ago I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with the authors, the original Klooks promoters and musician Zoot Money, looking at some of the old photos, exploring the now unused club space, and hearing their tales of the glory days, and for me at least, it was one of the most memorable afternoons of the year. If the book comes anywhere near capturing those truly technicolor stories of gig nights, and the palpable fondness for that period that all of those present clearly shared, it's going to be a pleasure to read.

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