Rook was formed in 1996 in Tacoma, Washington by Shane Scot, (guitar/vocals/banjo), and Tim McCarthy, (bagpipes/penny whistles/vocals). For the next two years Rook remained primarily a studio band and focused on inventing a style of its own. During that time some of the band members included Oliver, (vocals/persuccion), Gail, (bass guitar/vocals) and others.

In mid to late 1998 John L Rice, (drums), joined the band but he left a few months later. Then, around mid spring of 1999 Rook was awarded a slot in the upcoming Northwest Folk Life Festival at the end of May, and since the band currently only consisted of Tim and Shane, the pressure was on to put a performing band together in time. First John rejoined then shortly after Gary Thompson, (bass guitar), was added. Then a week or so later Sarah Roark, (violin), Bhahia, (backing vocals), and Adam Gehrke, (backing vocals) were added. With only six weeks of rehersals Rook was able to put on a very impressive show for a large and enthusiastic Folklife crowd.

Not long after the folklife gig Rook solidified into a solid five piece group featuring Tim, Shane, John, Gary and Sarah. This is the band that recorded the final Rook CD C'MON. Also, Tara Hovel was added to fill in on bass for live gigs for when Gary was out of town on business. In fall of 1999 Gary left the band and Tara became the full time bassist. Then in late fall 1999 Rook called it quits and everyone went their seperate ways . . . . at least for a little while . . .

Shane and Tara formed Clatterbone, a band that successfully carried on the Celtic rock roots of Rook. Then slowly Gary, John, Tim, Sarah and finally Shane all reuntied as a new band ultimately called Delirium Fix. Also, Tim joined Clatterbone after about a year and for a short while John temporarily sat in on drums for a few Clatterbone gigs and a recording.

Rook's unique style infused Celtic/bluegrass, rock, and other traditional world music to create an innovative, driving sound. Rook played gigs at Seattle pubs such as Owl N' Thistle, Dubliner, Conor Byrne's, Murphy's Pub, Tir na Nog and also played at the the Tacoma Ethnic Fest and did a showcase performance for the 1999 North By Northwest Convention in Portland Oregon.