I FOUND your article on the Hardrock venue of great interest, and it sent a welcome breeze through my nebulous memory banks. It stirred a veritable cornucopia of nostalgic reverie, conjuring up recollections of a distant age.

My first visit to the Hardrock was, as a seventeen year old engineering apprentice, in December 1972. I had paid the princely sum of £1.25 for a second row seat, to see the one and only David Bowie in concert. I wonder how much a similar ticket would cost at today's prices?

Over the next few years I visited the Village disco. But to be honest, due to excessive alcohol intake, my memories are rather vague; although I know I had a good time.

In June 1974, I was back at the Hardrock. On this occasion it was to see the indomitable Cockney Rebel. What may be of some importance to you, and is crystal clear in my memory recall, is that it was at this gig that Steve Harley announced that Cockney Rebel were disbanding and that this concert at the Hardrock was to be their last.

We were devastated. One of our favourite bands was to split up. Shock! Horror!

For ten minutes we were overwhelmed by apocalyptic visions of a musical wasteland dominated by the Osmonds and Clive Dunn.

But, wait a minute; didn't David Bowie announce his retirement in 1973? Was this another publicity stunt? Were the fans once again being manipulated and teased by the very people they adored?

All our worst fears were grounded. The phoenix was to rise, in splendour, from the ashes. Cockney Rebel were reborn as "Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel"

The world was once again, for music lovers, a safe place to dwell. We prospered and enjoyed life; the future looked bright, until the demise the Hardrock.

The Hardrock is dead. Long live the Hardrock!

Kevin Coen, address supplied