Features

Called "Twice As Old As Time", Lonnie Cooke's Greatest Hits album, first released in 2001, profiles a life of rock nearly fifty years in the making. 
It features all the well-known stuff, including "Constipation Shake" (..say no more), and is.... well... unique. Like he is.

I asked him all the questions you've ever been anxious to know the answers to.

Where was your first gig?

At the Victoria Hotel in Stoke, opposite the old Stoke City ground, in 1956. It was my first paid gig, and I was only aged fourteen! In fact I left school the next year.
And I'm still gigging now!... with my band, the Lonnie Cooke Band.

Who is the most famous person you have met?

Elton John! He came into the record shop I used to own in Stoke, and he asked me to autograph a 7 inch single of mine. Unbelievable!
The single was Wine Glass Rock, which is on the album.

What is the most extravagant thing you have worn on stage?

don't normally wear anything other than my usual attire - of black coats, hats and cowboy boots. The most expensive item is probably the cowboy boots.

What is the most dangerous thing you have done?

I do remember getting on top of slippery speakers which can be quite dangerous once they have been blessed with beer and all sorts. I can also recall trashing a few stages in my time, while getting a little carried away!

Do you consider yourself to be a sex symbol?

No, but but at least that has kept the bimbos away; as I prefer the more intellectual woman. However, the full story will be revealed in my book.

How many singles have you released?

Can't remember! - roughly about eight.

Which is your favourite?

I've a strong feeling for Wine Glass Rock, which has been released so far on five different labels, over five decades and five different versions. The track involves playing the guitar with a wine glass.

What is your worst fear?

Turning up to a gig with no one there...

If you weren't doing this what would be your next choice?

Before music I was an iron-monger. 
I also enjoyed my time working as a dee-jay for some years on BBC Radio Stoke, where I presented a programme of my choices of music with my friend and producer Bill Humphries. It was a very successful programme, mostly because I played exactly what I liked - including some very unusual music indeed!

Where would you like to play the most?

The Albert Hall - like Robbie Williams...

Who would like to play with most?

I've played with Robbie Williams' dad, Pete Conway, in various gigs and would love to play with Robbie. Robbie is one of the great rock 'n' roll stars, especially because of the way he controls the stage.

Is it true that you once entered politics?

True. I stood for the Raving Monster Loony Party in Stoke in a parliamentary election, and got one of their biggest turn-out votes. My friend, the late Lord Sutch, persuaded me to do it.

What's the future?

To rock till I die! Keep checking my website for news and upcoming dates....