Music and the Beatles

It's funny how The Beatles seem to transcend the topic of music, entrenched as they are in the popular culture and imagery of their time. Yet it's those memorable arrangements of notes and lyrics that just won't go away - be they as original recordings, covers, samples, loops or complete reworks - when most of their contemporaries have faded from the memory. That said, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Billy Fury are still remembered with fondness.

Since The Beatles' day, Liverpool has had to balance honouring its world-conquering sons with nurturing new talent, and on reflection it hasn't done a bad job, especially given the mind-altering sums that are always quoted by musical historians when trying to express in figures the impact of The Beatles.

The late seventies and early eighties saw a post-punk explosion in Liverpool, as Echo and the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes and The Mighty Wah! started stamping their authority. OMD, The Icicle Works, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, China Crisis, The Christians and Dead or Alive had their hits, as did The La's, who many saw as being the Beatles' successors but who proved to be dazzling but short-lived. Cast grew from the ashes of the La's, and Space, The Boo Radleys, The Lightning Seeds and The Farm saw success. The Coral and The Zutons continue the tradition, and let's not forget Atomic Kitten, who might not have the edge associated with many of the above-mentioned, but are proud Scousers through and through, and have enjoyed major commercial successes.

Let's also remember the catalyst for the success of countless musicians, be they from Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow or Detroit - John Peel, that Wirral-born Anfield fanatic and tireless champion of up-and-coming talent.

The future of Liverpool talent is being nurtured by - guess who - Sir Paul, who’s Institute for the Performing Arts may one day produce another of his kind, setting the wheel on its next revolution.

With the addition of the 10,600-seat Liverpool Echo Arena to the city's music venues in 2008, Liverpool will attract the biggest artists from around the globe, reaffirming its reputation as music capital of the world.

Nightlife in Liverpool

In a city with such a wealth of musical achievement, you would expect a dazzling, diverse and vibrant nightlife. And that's exactly what Liverpool offers.

Live music venues, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and an enormous variety of drinking bars ranging from superb, traditional public houses to the latest designer-chic cafes and cabaret venues, all combine to make Liverpool's night scene one of the liveliest in the UK.

"Concert Square, the centre of Liverpool's buzzing nightlife scene."

Concert Square
Welcome to the 24-hour Liverpool city, where day and night blend together to create an endless stream of entertainment - if you can keep up, that is. Liverpool entertains not only its own population in the evening, but also those coming in from the surrounding area and, of course, its holidaymakers and weekenders. Liverpool's bars and nightclubs cater for every taste from lively pubs to the most sophisticated joints overlooking the Mersey.

All over the city there are traditional English pubs, some of which brew their own beers and others that pull pints of Cain's, our popular local brew. Or why not hit the heart of the city for more exclusive hideaways such as Kingdom and The Living Room. Based in Liverpool business quarter these bars play a mixture of sounds, these sophisticated bars are the talk of the city.

Matthew Street
Mathew Street offer a range of chain and individual bars to ensure there is something for everyone. Playing a range of music, these main bar strips are sure to be crowd pleasers!

Why not try the area near and around the 'Bombed Out Church' on Berry Street. Korova with cool decor and electronic and indie classic beats! If you want to spice things up why not pay Alma De Cuba a visit - a great place for a cocktail and also Salsa Classes every Tuesday!!

The Albert Dock
The bars in Liverpool are second to none with amazing boutique style venues all unique in character, attracting a wide range of people. And Liverpool's Albert Dock boasts a range of high class bars such as BabyCream, Pan Am and Baby Blue where you'll be sure to spot a celeb or two!

New to the dock we have Raven, this American Irish bar has great imagery around the bar and if you feel like a change a short walk is Circo a circus inspired styled bar.

Home to super clubs Garlands and Chibuku, Liverpool is growing in popularity as a nightlife city. If you're looking for a funky night out with an electric atmosphere, try Society or Heebie Jeebies!

For a different style of music and atmosphere, why not try the Krazyhouse, Barfly or Zanzibar? Packed to the rafters every Friday and Saturday night, you'll be sure to have a night to remember in Liverpool.

Performing Arts
Performing arts in Liverpool have a substantial reputation and famous city theatres like the Playhouse, Everyman, Empire and Royal Court Liverpool have all hosted performances by writers, directors, actors and actresses who have gone on to become world-famous names in the world of theatre, film and television.

The city's latest art attraction and venue is FACT (a centre for Film, Art and Creative Technology). The strikingly, specially-designed building houses cinemas, studios and other venues giving Liverpool another state-of-the-art performing arts venue and creative centre. FACT is located in the centre of one of the city's growing nightlife quarters.

Elsewhere, at the waterfront Albert Dock complex, visitors can find more bars, restaurants and club venues including an award-winning comedy club and other venues popular with soccer stars, local television personalities and other celebrities.

Or why not start a great night out in the city with the Liverpool City Scene Tour. The tour shows you what makes Liverpool Buzz; the places to eat, drink, shop, dance and be seen.

Liverpool 1

Liverpool ONE is a huge 1.65 million sq ft of shopping and leisure, which includes 160 shops, more than 20 bars and restaurants, a fantastic 14 screen cinema and a 5 acre park.

With over 130 stores, a 14-screen cinema, 3000 car parking spaces and a beautiful 5-acre park - it's no wonder that Liverpool ONE is one of the UK's top 5 retail and leisure destinations; offering a great family experience when looking for days out in Merseyside.

Dine at one of the 19 restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisine from across the globe, including French, Italian and Japanese. You're sure to find something to whet your appetite, making Liverpool ONE the first choice when looking for a restaurant in Liverpool.

Other things to do in Liverpool