My first visit to Liverpool in many years was an action packed 48 hours. As well as performing at the excellent Lantern Theatre, it was an opportunity to fit in a bit of culture and especially to catch up with old friends. The city has changed so much for the better since my last visit about 15 years ago and I’m definitely looking forward to returning.
The iconic Liver Building still looms large on the banks of the Mersey of course, but the area around the Albert Dock has been transformed with great art galleries, museums and restaurants. A visit to the Tate prompted or us to label individual pieces of art as “great” or “Emperor’s New Clothes” – there seemed to be no in-between. Perhaps visiting the Museum of Slavery, good as it is, before the gig was not such a wise idea, however.
It was good to catch up with friends from college, Roy Sheriff and Rob Abrahams – we hadn’t seen each other for over 30 years but for once, “nostalgia was what it all used to be”…. (to paraphrase a line from one of my new songs) and we just seemed to pick up where we left off in the 1970s.
A visit to the Cavern Club, (yes, I know, it’s not the original one!) is compulsory for anyone interested in British culture of the last 60 years. The resident band do a tremendous job of recreating the sound of the early Beatles and at £3.00 to get in after 9pm who can argue that it’s not good value!
The gig itself was a blast – lovely venue, great staff, appreciative audience – hope to be back soon. Winding down afterwards in the atmospheric Baltic Tavern with ex-colleague Stephen Roberts was a perfect way to end Friday night. Enjoy your retirement Stephen!
“…first gig of 2013 went down a storm with the kind people of Liverpool. Packed into the intimate Lantern Theatre the audience were singing right from the very first song – in fact, they were singing from the start of support act, Pete Davies”
Now time to pack for Canada! When I return catch up with me at one of the following gigs, via facebook, email etc
Keep in touch!
Upcoming Gigs
Saturday 6th April
Ilkley Playhouse
Weston Road
Ilkley
LS29 8DW
Tel: 01943 609539
www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk
(appearing with Sweet Baby James)
www.sweetbabyjames.co.uk
Sunday 14th April
The Stapylton Arms,
80 High St
Eston
Middlesbrough
TS6 9DY
Tel: 01642 460380
(with support from The Shea Family)
Sunday 5th May
The Wee Folk Club
Royal Oak
1 Infirmary Street
Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 557 2976
www.royal-oak-folk.com