Liverpool - music
Liverpool’s importance on the British music map was secured in the early '60’s when four local mop-topped characters took the music world by storm, giving birth to Beatlemania and inspiring millions of people with songs that sound as great today as they did then.
From '70’s artists like Elvis Costello, the Teardrop Explodes with Julian Cope, and a flurry of bands in the '80’s with smash hits from bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, Half Man Half Biscuit, Frankie goes to Hollywood and The Christians, turned people on to new diverse sounds from the city.
During the '90’s The La’s and the Lightening Seeds and other Britpop favourites like the Boo Radleys, Shack, Cast and more all proved there must be something in the water in Merseyside. The current scene is as essential as ever; bands like The Coral and Ladytron and newcomers The Zutons, The Dead 60's and The Black Velvets are once again proving Liverpool’s status as the cultural home of British music.
Did you know...?
1) Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane – two of the greatest songs never to make number one. Penny Lane actually exists and is a living breathing suburb. Strawberry Fields also exists, but may reflect Lennon’s state of mind at the time.
2) OMD’s (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) single, Stanlow is about a Mersey oil refinery that would act as a beacon and welcome the band back into Wirral after gigging around the country.
3) Elvis Costello wrote his classic song, New Amsterdam after his first visit to New York as his thoughts wandered back to Liverpool’s docks.
4) Liverpool’s International airport was relaunched in 2001 by Yoko Ono and named Liverpool John Lennon Airport as a tribute to the local pop genius. The airport was the first in the UK to be named after an individual.
5) Suzanne Vega’s song In Liverpool was written after staying in Liverpool one spring day in 1990, inspired by listening to the ringing of church bells and looking over the river.
Best places to see the big bands
Creamfields
Creamfields – 26 August – has been voted the UK’s best dance festival two years running in the UK Festival Awards, and Festival Event of the Year in the House Music Awards. The Prodigy are headlining this year’s event, which with a capacity of 45,000 is guaranteed to blow your mind.
Liverpool Pops
Held every summer on Liverpool’s famous waterfront, the Pops are a veritable who’s who of rock and pop. Regularly hosting superstar names such as Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Bryan Adams. Kings Dock.
Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court is a 1938 art-deco theatre located in Liverpool’s city centre. One of the leading music venues in the country, the theatre has been restored to its former glories over recent years and has hosted acts from around the world as well as local legends. Roe Street.
Best places to see the bands of the moment
University of Liverpool Guild LIVE
University of Liverpool Guild LIVE, formerly known as the Liverpool Academy, is the largest of three venues. It is well established as a main venue on the UK tour circuit and has played host to many big names including: Coldplay, The Hives, Mercury Rev and The Coral. Mount Pleasant. >> University of Liverpool Guild LIVE
Carling Academy
Formerly the legendary Lomax, this venue has loads of charm and regularly lines up top acts from the past and present, and has a great reputation for catching bands just before they make it huge. Upcoming acts include The Killers, Basement Jaxx and Blondie. Hotham Street. >> Carling Academy
Best places to see the next big things
Barfly
The Barfly venues are always places where you can a real mix of modern music. You can see a band you might not know but come out with a secret smile of knowing you’ve seen something special. The Masque, Seel Street. >> Barfly Liverpool
The Cavern Club
This place needs no introduction to Beatles fans; the world’s most famous club still hosts loads of upcoming bands and has regular battle of the bands nights, where bands like The Coral started to turn heads. Mathew Street. >> The Cavern Club
Hip hangouts
The Jacaranda
Famous for having its basement painted with murals by John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe. Three floors of beer-swigging merriment, with no discernable door policy, from ages 18-80! Slater Street.
The Swan
A heavy rock pub with a great range of beers and ales; a local institution and favourite with the local bikers and hippies, plus a surprisingly friendly atmosphere. 86 Wood Street.
Best clubs to rock out, move and groove
Krazy House
Three floors playing loads of dance, techno, chart pop, indie and rock and great 2-4-1 drink promotions, quite simply - The Krazy House rocks! 16 Wood Street. >> Krazy House
Le Bateau
Two floors of the best new indie tunes, '60’s and '70’s soul and rock classics, and a bit of French pop thrown in for good measure. 62 Duke Street.
Best record shops
Probe Records
Home to Liverpool’s underground music scene since 1971; with a remarkable supply of vinyl, tapes and CDs, you’re certain to find something to treasure. 9 Slater Street.
Hairy Records
A haven for second-hand records and CDs, and great for finding bargains and obscure gems. 98 Bold Street.
Find out more on Liverpool.