Perhaps I shouldn’t take it quite so for granted that Liverpool is Beatles town. Just yesterday a guest, quite straight-faced, asked,
“So why are The Beatles so big here in Liverpool?”
After composing myself, I told him, quite straight faced,
“The Beatles are from Liverpool”.
“Oh”, his reply.
This is an isolated incident, of course and we’re only too happy to point Beatle-files from across the world (or universe, if you like) in the direction of the excellent Beatles Story at the Albert Dock, or on one of the taxi tours that showcase where it all began for the Fab Four. But all that was 50 years ago now. Surely this city has evolved and has more to offer than sepia photographs of John, Paul, George and Ringo. In this blog I’ll be taking a look at the places to catch the pretenders to the throne on the breeding ground of truly great British music. If you’re heading to Liverpool to stay with us and fancy a fix of new live music, here’s where to head:
The Shipping Forecast
Brand spanking new “alehouse and eatery” that features a venue in the basement. The Shipping Forecast has only been open a couple of months, but is already one of the hottest tickets in town, playing host to “Indo Silver Club” – a showcase of Britain’s most exciting and innovative new bands.
The Masque
Recentely renovated, The Masque was a key spot at Liverpool’s industry showcase, Soundcity. British Sea Power and Field Music were two of the standout gigs of the festival staged at the Masque and they have loads coming up this year to get toes-a-tapping, including: Apples, Dinosaur Pile-Up and The Arkanes.
O2 Academy
The “02″ primarily stages signed touring acts, but does have the odd unsigned band night where you can pay on the door. This autumn will see The Walkmen, Two Door Cinema Club and Stornoway taking to the stage.
The Zanzibar
The Zanzibar is a dark, old-school, sticky-floored music venue that features unsigned band nights most nights of the week, as well as a weekly underage afternoon of live music on Saturdays. Most bands to get signed in the last 20 years will have played a set here, so definitely a place to catch the next big thing.
Studio 2
Swanky surroundings, an extensive, well-stocked bar and comfortable seats belie the heritage of this venue. Formerly a recording studio used by the likes of Coldplay, Barry Manilow and Diana Ross, it is now a bar that plays host to live music across a spectrum of genres, including Claude @ Studio 2, a monthly night celebrating the best of Liverpool’s new music, the last Friday of every month.
So there you have it. 5 venues to give you a head start on your trip to Liverpool, but please don’t hesitate to ask our reception team for their tips for the night/s ahead…
…and there’s always the Cavern, too.
PS: If you’re in a band playing at a venue in our wonderful city, please don’t hesitate to ask about special dorm room rates for weekdays.
