This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-51014040

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Koko Camden: Fire engulfs famous music venue Koko Camden: Fire engulfs famous music venue
(about 2 hours later)
One of London's most famous music venues has been badly damaged in an overnight blaze.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 dome on the roof of Koko in Camden has been destroyed by fire, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Sixty firefighters helped fight the flames after the blaze broke out 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 and no injuries have been reported.
The venue began life as the Camden Theatre in 1900 and has hosted stars including Madonna and Prince. The venue which began life as the Camden Theatre in 1900 has hosted stars including Madonna, Coldplay and Prince.
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."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. Koko owner Olly Bengough said he was "deeply saddened" by the blaze, adding: "We'll be doing our best to get the redevelopment of this iconic building back on track."
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. Crews will remain at the scene throughout the morning and have warned people to stay away from the area.
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. Koko which was closed for refurbishment, was also previously known as the Camden Palace and Camden Hippodrome and has been one of the capital's most iconic live music venues for decades.
The Rolling Stones, The Clash 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.
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.
Koko and the nearby Roundhouse effectively "bookended" Camden's music scene, according to music writer Carl Allen.
In between the two are some 60 music venues including the Dingwalls and Electric Ballroom, as well as restaurants and pubs.
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."
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked the fire brigade for its quick response.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.The venue was set to reopen in the spring after a "major state-of-the-art" refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings.
Did you witness the fire? Do you have memories of attending gigs at Koko? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form below