Music in Liverpool
Liverpool artists and bands have had more number one records than any other city on the planet. After The Beatles took the music world by storm and inspired millions with their tuneful songs, others followed suit. The 1980s saw artists like Elvis Costello, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood create diverse and new sounds from the city.
In the 1990s, The La’s, The Lightning Seeds and Britpop favourites like The Boo Radleys and Cast helped fuel Liverpool’s new musical extravaganza. Nowadays, the current scene is as vibrant as ever, with bands like The Coral, Hot Club de Paris, Ladytron, Sugababes and The Zutons once again proving Liverpool’s status as ‘Capital of Pop’.
Download a free Liverpool Music Tour (www.liverpool08.com/AboutLiverpool/MusicAndTheBeatles/MusicTour/index.asp).
Beatlemania
The Cavern Quarter, which surrounds the world-famous Mathew Street, is a mecca for Beatles fans and a must-see for any visitor to Liverpool.
The Cavern Club and Liverpool Wall of Fame (www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/)
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2007, this site is not the original site where The Beatles were discovered in 1961 but a carefully rebuilt copy using the original plans and bricks. The Cavern still hosts upcoming bands - The Coral started out here. The wall in front of the club is a tribute to chart-topping Liverpool artists with a disc for every group that has had a number one hit.
Dooley Statue
Erected in 1974, the “Fab Four” are portrayed as plastic childrens’ dolls by local sculptor, Arthur Dooley. The McCartney figure mysteriously disappeared one day, never to be replaced. A guitar-carrying cherub figure, surrounded by a halo with the words “Lennon Lives”, was erected following Lennon’s murder in 1980.
The Cavern Pub (www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/)
Opened in 1994 opposite the Cavern Club with authentic Beatles instruments on display.
The Grapes
This became the “Fab Four’s” favourite hang-out and became known as “The Beatles Pub”. In August 1962, after being fired by Brian Epstein, drummer Pete Best famously drowned his sorrows here.
Probe Records (www.probe-records.com)
Since 1971 this CD and record store has been the leading light of Liverpool’s underground music scene.
The Beatles Story (www.visitliverpool.com/site/liverpool-in-a-day/liverpool-visitor-guide/beatles-story-p8393)
An award-winning museum in Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, which guides you through exhibits displaying the band from its early years to its breakup. Beatles fans should also make sure to enjoy the Magical Mystery Tour which starts outside and takes in the following six locations.
Mendips (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles)
The childhood home of John Lennon and National Trust property opened in March 2003. She Loves You was said to be written in the living room.
Penny Lane
Made famous from the song, Penny Lane is situated off Allerton Road, so come and find the barber shop, the bank, the fire station and “the shelter in the middle of a roundabout” that provided The Beatles with such inspiration.
20 Forthlin Road (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles)
Also owned by the National Trust, this ‘50s suburban terraced house is the former home of the McCartney family.
Strawberry Fields
Made famous by the Lennon song Strawberry Fields Forever.
More about Beatles Britain
Places of Interest
Ferry Across the Mersey
Inspired the song made famous by Gerry & The Pacemakers, and later covered by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Hop on the ferry yourself for an informative tour and stunning views of Liverpool’s skyline.
Venues
The Picket
One of Liverpool’s most famous venues which gave many local bands their first break, including The La’s, Cast, Space and The Coral.
Liverpool Barfly (www.barflyclub.com/liverpool/whatson/WhatsOn.aspx)
Offers a really broad mix of live music. This venue is also home to the famous Chibuku Shake Shake club night with an eclectic mix of DJs and deep house grooves.
Parr Street Studios (www.parrstreet.co.uk)
A Grammy Award-winning recording studio - the UK’s biggest music studio outside London - is famous for its work with iconic bands like Coldplay, Doves, New Order, Pulp, The Charlatans and Badly Drawn Boy.