The biggest festival that celebrates the music and legacy of The Beatles in the City ‘where it all began’ returns to Liverpool next week for its 36th year, from 24-30 August, and with it comes a never seen before ‘Lennon’ line-up.
Earl Slick, Tony Levin and Andy Newmark take to the stage together for the first time in this hugely anticipated ‘Lennon 1980’ headline show at the Philharmonic Hall on Friday 26th August.
All three musicians performed on John’s last studio album Double Fantasy as well as the sessions for what would become his Milk and Honey album. They never got to perform together live with John Lennon before his tragic death in 1980. Forty-two years on, the trio, joined by acclaimed actor and musician Mark McGann, will pay tribute to the late Beatle in his own country and in particular, his home city of Liverpool.
Earl Slick says
“I love Liverpool, and to get the opportunity to finally play John’s music with the guys in his hometown is something really special. This show was planned for 2020, it’s been a long and winding road but we are almost there – I cannot wait.”
Following his 80th birthday celebrations and recent epic performance at Glastonbury Festival, the spotlight will also be on Paul McCartney as Tony Coburn’s Pure McCartney pay homage to Sir Paul at the Philharmonic Hall on Saturday afternoon.
Interntional Beatleweek Artists 2022
Not forgetting George and Ringo, headline shows that include performances from their musician friends and peers Joey Molland (Badfinger) and Mark Hudson will take place on Friday and Saturday at the Philharmonic Hall.
This year’s festival will welcome the return of an international audience not seen since 2019 due to the pandemic. Visitors from Europe, Asia, Mexico, North and South America will come together once more to celebrate with bands from twenty different countries, making the festival a truly international event once more.
Cavern Director and festival organiser Jon Keats says
“We managed to stage the festival against all odds in both 2020 and 2021, but this year feels like a real homecoming for our International Beatle fans now that the world has re-opened. ‘Get back to Liverpool’ has been the message for this year and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate our most famous sons in our fine city.”
Whilst live music is very much at the forefront of the week, on Sunday 28th the Annual Convention offers festival-goers the opportunity to immerse themselves in stories and anecdotes from the headline guests, many of whom worked closely with The Beatles members at varying stages of their careers.
Joining the interview line-up for the day will be American writer Janice Mitchell. Janice made national press earlier this year when she published her story ‘My Ticket To Ride’ detailing the time she and her school-friend hitchhiked their way from Cleveland Ohio, to the UK, in search of the Fab Four!
The escapades of these teenage girls sparked an international (wo)man hunt in September 1964 until the 16 year old girls were finally located in Britain and sent home.
International Beatleweek takes place from Wednesday 24th to Tuesday 30th August.
Events are held across multiple venues around the city including Alma De Cuba, The Shankly Hotel Rooftop, The Philharmonic Hall, The Adelphi Hotel and of course The Cavern venues.
Last remaining tickets and accommodation packages are available from internationalbeatleweek.com
Limited tickets for the events held at The Philharmonic Hall are also available from liverpoolphil.com