It’s International Beatles Week from 22nd – 28th August with numerous events planned in their hometown of Liverpool. In light of this I thought I’d share a post highlighting some of the Beatles related locations that can be found in and around the city.
Liverpool and The Beatles are still inexorably entangled despite their last performance in the city being in December 1965, over 50 years ago. The Beatles came from Liverpool and it hasn’t been forgotten in the intervening years, they are as much a part of the city today as they were in their heyday in the sixties. The result is that there is much to see and do and a Beatles tour is time well spent.
In the city centre.
Pier Head Statue
Andy Edwards statue of the Fab Four was donated to the city by the Cavern Club in 2015 to commemorate 50 years since their last appearance in the city, which was at The Empire Theatre on Lime Street in 1965.
The Beatles Story – Albert Dock
This is a museum devoted to all things Beatles set in the historic Albert Dock. An experience that is really well done with recreations of some of the iconic locations associated with the Fab Four. You can visit the website here
John Lennon -Mathew Street
Made by Liverpool artist Arthur Dooley the statue of John Lennon is one of the oldest ‘musical’ statues in the city.
Four Lads Who Shook The World – Mathew Street
Also by Arthur Dooley this was moved from its original position opposite The Grapes to be next to the Lennon statue.
The Cavern – Mathew Street
The club itself first opened its doors as a jazz club in 1957 but will always be remembered for the nearly 300 appearances The Beatles made in the early sixties.
The original club closed in 1973 following the sale of the building and its proposed demolition to make way for a ventilation shaft for the new Merseyrail underground railway. The shaft was never built and the site became a car park for a short while.
The Cavern was rebuilt in 1984. Plans to redevelop the original site were shelved when it was discovered that the demolition of the building had caused damage to the underground cellars in which The Cavern were housed. As a result fifteen hundred bricks from the original Cavern were used to recreate the new Cavern. It is today one of Liverpools top tourist attractions.
Eleanor Rigby Statue – Stanley Street
Eleanor Rigby was a song on The Beatles album Revolver as well as a number one single in 1966. The sculpture was made by Tommy Steele in 1982 in recognition of the work of The Beatles and their place in the city.
The Jacaranda – Slater Street
The Jacaranda was opened as a coffee bar in 1958 by Allan Williams who was later to become The Beatles first manager. The band made several appearances here in their early days.
The Blue Angel – Seel Street
Once owned by Allan Williams and a venue played by The Beatles in their early days. The Blue Angel is steeped in rock history as many other important rock acts played here in the 1960s including Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. it is also known locally as The Raz.
Number 4 Rodney Street
The birth place of Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles from 1962 until his untimely death in 1967.The importance of Epstein in the career of The Beatles can not be underestimated. A small plaque on the wall commemorates his birth here.
Outside the city centre
Penny Lane
It is the junction of Penny Lane where it meets Smithdown Road and Allerton Road that is of the most interest to Beatles fans. In the 60’s it was the location of a bus terminus, the bus shelter is now a bistro. The barbers shop is still there but the fire station is actually a little further along Allerton Road. Nevertheless it is so closely associated with The Beatles song that it is still such a great location to visit.
Mendips – 251 Menlove Avenue
Mendips was the childhood home of John Lennon. He lived here with his aunt Mimi from 1946 until 1963. The house was bought by Yoko Ono in 2002 and donated to The National Trust who now manage visits here and Paul McCartneys former home in Forthlin Road. The house has been restored to how it would have been in the 1950s. Visits need to be pre booked through the National Trust website
20 Forthlin Road
Paul McCartney’s family home from 1955 until the mid 1960s. Owned and managed by The National Trust visits are part to the same ticket to visit Mendips. Unlike Mendips there is no blue plaque here as Paul is still very much alive.
Strawberry Field – Beaconsfield Road
Strawberry Fields Forever was a double A sided single along with Penny Lane and are probably the best Beatles singles that failed to reach number 1 in the UK charts. Strawberry Field was a Salvation Army children’s home close to John Lennon’s childhood home at Mendips, it had a special significance to him and he visited often in his youth though he was largely uninvited! Not much exists today and building work has recently begun to create a visitors centre and a training centre for your people with learning difficulties.
Eleanor Rigby’s Grave – St Peter’s Parish Church, Woolton
Although the song was recorded in 1966 the grave was not discovered in the churchyard until some twenty years later. John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met at the church fete here in 1957 so it is perhaps likely that McCartney came across the grave some time after this. The name lay dormant until he wrote the song but didn’t, at that time, recall where the name came from.
For those wishing a formal tour complete with commentary there are a number of options available. I list a few here but it is by no means a recommendation as I haven’t tried them
Beatles Magical Mystery Tour – Bus/coach
Liverpool Beatles Tours – minibus
Fab Four Taxi Tours – Black cab
