Island and Trojan legend, Rob Bell (centre) made an all-too brief return to the Trojan office yesterday, accompanied by his partner Britt, with respected black music journalist, Mike Atherton also joining the party for a good old natter over a drink at the local pub.

Mike, pictured left, also brought along a copy of the ultra-rare vinyl album Rob (centre) compiled for Island back in the late seventies. Entitled 'The Bluebeat Years', the collection, was one of the first serious attempts to illustrate how the island's music industry evolved during the late fifties and early sixties, highlighting its influences and development during what proved a crucial period in its history. With only 500 copies of the LP ever issued, the album now a much sought-after collector's item, so if you come across a copy, be sure to snap it up!

Rob and Britt return to their Oakland today, but we're hoping they'll return next year for another afternoon of anecdotes about Island and Trojan, and the many characters who made the British music industry such an exciting place during the sixties and seventies.