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Koko Camden: Fire engulfs famous music venue Koko Camden: Fire engulfs famous music venue
(about 1 hour later)
Firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze at one of London's most famous music venues. One of London's most famous music venues has been badly damaged in an overnight blaze.
The London Fire Brigade said at one point a third of the roof of Koko in Camden, which is currently closed for refurbishment, was alight.The London Fire Brigade said at one point a third of the roof of Koko in Camden, which is currently closed for refurbishment, was alight.
Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the roof just before 21:00 GMT on Monday. Sixty firefighters helped fight the flames after the blaze broke out just before 21:00 GMT on Monday.
Sixty firefighters helped fight the flames, which were brought under control after about five hours. The venue began life as the Camden Theatre in 1900 and has hosted stars including Madonna and Prince.
Station commander Jon Lewis said: "Firefighters' quick action and hard work in the early stages meant the fire was contained to the roof and saved the rest of the building." Station commander Jon Lewis said the fire was brought under control at about 02:30 on Tuesday, adding: "Firefighters' quick action and hard work in the early stages meant the fire was contained to the roof and saved the rest of the building."
Crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning and have warned people to stay away from the area. No injuries have been reported.Crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning and have warned people to stay away from the area. No injuries have been reported.
Koko, which began life as the Camden Theatre in 1900, was previously known as the Camden Palace and Camden Hippodrome and has been one of the most iconic live music venues in London for decades. Koko was also previously known as the Camden Palace and Camden Hippodrome and has been one of the most iconic live music venues in London for decades.
The Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran are among other star names to have performed at the venue, which is close to Mornington Crescent underground station.
It was reportedly the last venue where AC/DC's Bon Scott was seen drinking before his death from alcohol poisoning in 1980.It was reportedly the last venue where AC/DC's Bon Scott was seen drinking before his death from alcohol poisoning in 1980.
In the early 80s it served as a major venue for the punk and New Romantic scene, with singer Steve Strange of the band Visage holding club nights.In the early 80s it served as a major venue for the punk and New Romantic scene, with singer Steve Strange of the band Visage holding club nights.
Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Prince have performed at the venue, which is close to Mornington Crescent underground station.
Members of the public have been sharing their Koko memories on Twitter.Members of the public have been sharing their Koko memories on Twitter.
Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn who held his legendary soul nights Shakatak also tweeted about the fire.Veteran DJ Tony Blackburn who held his legendary soul nights Shakatak also tweeted about the fire.
Camden Council leader Georgia Gould said: "Heartbreaking watching the Camden Palace/Koko up in flames this evening, a building that holds so many memories and means so much to us in Camden."Camden Council leader Georgia Gould said: "Heartbreaking watching the Camden Palace/Koko up in flames this evening, a building that holds so many memories and means so much to us in Camden."
Holborn and St Pancras MP Sir Keir Starmer said: "Awful news in Camden tonight. Incredible response from our firefighters. As Georgina Gould says, we owe them so much."Holborn and St Pancras MP Sir Keir Starmer said: "Awful news in Camden tonight. Incredible response from our firefighters. As Georgina Gould says, we owe them so much."
The venue was set to re-open in the spring after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked the fire brigade for its quick response.
The venue was set to reopen in the spring after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings.