CHARITY SHOW TO MARK THE CAVERN’s 60th ANNIVERSARY

A special show is being staged in January to start a year of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of The Cavern Club: ‘The History of The Cavern: Celebrating 60 Years of the Greatest Club in the World’ will feature The Overtures, the UK’s premier 60s tribute band and favourite of the stars. The Overtures will also be joined by special guests.

‘The History of The Cavern’ is the first event taking place in 2017 to mark the iconic venue’s landmark anniversary. The show will take place on Sunday 15 January and Monday 16 January at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The show on the Monday marks the club’s milestone birthday – making it exactly 60 years since The Cavern Club first threw its doors open to the music hungry youngsters of Liverpool back on 16 January 1957.

Over the past 60 years, The Cavern has played host some of the music industry’s biggest names including Stevie Wonder, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Queen – as well as Liverpool’s very own Cilla Black and The Beatles.

Local artist Tony Booth has been commissioned to design the 60th anniversary commemorative concert poster. It was also 60 years ago when Tony was also invited to design the now famous poster for The Cavern Club’s opening night for 16January 1957.

The anniversary has also proved to be a trip down memory lane for Tony, as the 2017 poster was even drawn on his original 60-year-old paper.

Radio City and Radio Merseyside are supporting The Cavern’s 60th anniversary celebration. To mark this special occasion, all profits from the two shows will be split between their official charities, Cash For Kids and Children In Need, respectively.

Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and a director of The Cavern, explained: “The Cavern is, of course, synonymous with The Beatles since they performed here 292 times in their early career between 1961 and 1963.

“This show will include The Beatles, but will also pay homage to the plethora of other great artists to come out of The Cavern during its 60 years.

“We are delighted to have both Radio City and Radio Merseyside on board to make this a real Liverpool celebration.”

The concept of the show has been designed by The Cavern, and will take audiences on a musical journey through the six decades since the club opened in 1957 – while showcasing how Merseyside’s most famous music venue has stood the test of time and has been at the forefront of musical movements throughout its life.

Den Pugsley, a founder member of The Overtures, added: “It’s impossible to fit The Cavern’s whole 60-year history into a 2-hour show but we’re going to give it a good go!

“There will be some unseen footage and great audio visual production to compliment the music, which will put into context what was happening in Liverpool and at The Cavern through the decades.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming some special guests on stage to bring this show together.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to perform this show representing a place that is integral to Liverpool’s history, heritage and musical culture. Liverpool is always a great crowd to perform to.”

There are plans for further special events during 2017 to mark The Cavern’s 60th birthday year, including a limited edition anniversary book; a docu-film’ and a 3 CD compilation album release, plus lots more plans which are being kept under wraps.