The Cavern Club in Liverpool celebrates sixty years on the 16th January 2017 with a whole day of events to mark the occasion.
On the morning of the 16th January at 11am, a statue of the late Cilla Black, who worked as a cloakroom attendant at the Cavern, (and made impromptu performances which impressed the Beatles and others), will be unveiled outside the original doorway on Mathew Street. The statue, by local artists Emma Rodgers and and Andy Edwards will be unveiled by her three sons, Robert, Ben and Jack. Cilla’s sons commissioned the statue and have donated it to the City as a thank you to the people of Liverpool for the support the family received after her passing in 2015.
Robert says; “ We are thrilled that this beautiful statue of our mother will be located where it all really began for her and for it to form part of the Cavern’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.”
The Cavern has become the most famous club in the world – who would have thought that when Alan Sytner opened his new jazz club on the 16th January 1957 at 10 Mathew Street, based on Le Caveau De La Huchette in Paris, that it would still be here sixty years later.
Undoubtedly, without the 292 gigs The Beatles played at The Cavern between February 1961 and August 1963, The Cavern’s story would be a very different one. But they did play those 292 gigs and The Cavern was firmly on the world’s musical map.
From this period, other artists exploded on to the musical scene; Gerry & the Pacemakers, The Searchers, The Hollies, Billy J Kramer, Cilla Black and many more. Everyone wanted to play this iconic venue, and they did; The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Ben E King, Rod Stewart, Status Quo, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Queen and many many more.
John Lennon’s sister and Cavern Club director, Julia Baird, will officially start the party before welcoming on to the Cavern’s three stages, artists that will celebrate the club’s rich history.
John Lennon’s first band, skiffle group, The Quarrymen, will be making a special appearance. They were reunited at the 40th Anniversary in 1997 and consequently, decided to reform. They have been playing ever since and will be performing along with their special guest and skiffle legend, Chas McDevitt. Also appearing is Dany Doris, one of the biggest names in french jazz, and the owner of Le Caveau in Paris, the inspiration for the Cavern back in 1957, brings the spirit of the left bank to Liverpool for the night with his band.
In order to truly mark the Cavern’s 60th anniversary a living legend has been lined up to perform at the ‘Most Famous Club in the World’. Singer/song-writer Gilbert O’Sullivan is poised to make his Cavern debut on the big night. Gilbert has charted 16 top 40 records including 6 #1 songs and is best known for his hits ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’, ‘Clair’ and ‘Get Down’. During the day Gilbert will cement his place in Cavern history by personally adding his brick to the Cavern Wall of Fame. This is sure to top off what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable day.
The Cavern has always reflected the current music scene and supported new, local artists. Kirkby born Louis Berry played his very first live gig here at the Cavern in May 2013 and he will be performing on the famous arched stage. He is about to release his first album and is poised to make 2017 his own. Liverpool rock band Supercharge played the last night of the original Cavern in 1973. They are back for the 60th with their special guest singer Chris Farlowe, best known for his version of the Jagger-Richards composition ‘Out of Time’. There is one more, yet to be announced, very special guest to add to what will be another memorable night at the Cavern.
The Cavern Club today is thriving. As well as being a busy, relevant live music venue, it is a major tourist destination. Major artists to have played the venue recently include the likes of Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Jessie J, Jake Bugg, Joe Bonamassa as well as Monkees legend Micky Dolenz.
The party on the 16th January kicks off a whole year of “60th” activity. Artists booked in for concerts during the anniversary year include Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low, Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band, Big Country and Heather Peace. Other projects due in 2017 include a definitive history of the Cavern documentary, a limited edition book, stage show and some very special vinyl compilations featuring artists who appeared at The Cavern.
For more information and images please contact: Neil Cossar 07768 652899
Email: neil@thisdayinmusic.com
More info https://www.cavernclub.org/
