Line-Up confirmed for The Statue 4 Eppy Concert

Line-Up confirmed for The Statue 4 Eppy Concert

A star-studded concert on Saturday 28 February 2015 at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre was recently announced as the latest fundraiser in the high profile Statue 4 Eppy campaign. Organisers have now confirmed the full line up with tickets already on sale.

The 2-act concert, hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler will feature an impressive line-up, all coming together to celebrate the life and career of ‘Fifth Beatle’ Brian Epstein.

The Spirit of The Cavern will take the audience right back to the 60’s, with iconic musicians and performers from the Mersey Beat era including Cy Tucker, Faron, Beryl Marsden, Ray Ennis, Karl Terry, Billy Kinsley and Tony Crane; honouring the music that featured on the famous Cavern stage at the height of Brian Epstein’s reign in his prolific career.

With The Cavern still at the forefront of the Liverpool music scene, the evening will then feature The Legacy of the Cavern with performances from some of today’s finest musical talent including MonaLisa Twins, Millie Courtney and Ian Prowse.

The show will also be the official launch of the Statue4Eppy single ‘Our Friend’, which is the official song of the campaign and a special video will be shown.           

The song has been written by Statue 4 Eppy campaigner, Bob Pitt, and includes the voices of acclaimed Liverpool artistes Ian McNabb, Andy McCluskey, Beryl Marsden and Ian Prowse, who are joined by guest celebrities including Tricia Penrose, psychic Derek Acorah, and actors Paul Barber and John McArdle. The song also features Billy J Kramer, who was managed by Brian at the height of the Merseybeat era.

This is latest move by organisers to both continue to raise the profile of the campaign and boost funds to create a statue in honour of legendary Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein in his hometown of Liverpool.

Brian Epstein took four Liverpool young performers and shaped their careers into the biggest pop band in the world, the rest they say is history.

Now a group of Liverpool campaigners are working tirelessly to raise £70,000 to have Brian’s amazing efforts formally recognised with a permanent statue in Liverpool. It will be created by acclaimed sculptor Tom Murphy, who also created a statue of John Lennon, which stands proud in Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The Statue 4 Eppy Concert will take place on Saturday 28 February 2015 at the Epstein Theatre - a fitting venue as the theatre is named after the legendary Beatles Manager.

Brian Epstein was very influential within the thriving music industry of the 1960s in both Liverpool and London. But it was that lunchtime concert in the Cavern Club featuring four young Liverpool men that would change their lives, Brian’s life, and musical history forever. He spotted a special talent, nurtured it, and it was a career which would take Brian and The Beatles onto a global stage and brought with it worldwide fame.

There has been a great deal of recent recognition for Epstein. 2014 saw the music genius posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after a campaign from fans; a commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled at the London offices of Epstein’s company NEMS; and the play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles ran for six weeks at Leicester Square Theatre in London’s West End.

The Statue 4 Eppy organisers are interested in hearing from individuals or organisations who would like to get involved in the campaign as a sponsor. To find out more email statue4eppy@yahoo.com.

The official campaign website is www.statue4eppy.com.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

The Statue 4 Eppy Concert

Epstein Theatre, Liverpool

Saturday, 28 February, 2015

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets £20*

VENUE DETAILS

The Epstein Theatre

Hanover House

85 Hanover Street

Liverpool

L1 3DZ

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411*, go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm - 6pm on Monday - Thursday and 12pm - 6pm Friday - Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee

First Judges Confirmed for Liverpool Music Awards 2013

The first batch of judges for the Liverpool Music Awards have been  announced – curator of Liverpool International Festival Yaw Owusu, live event producer and production manager Spike Beecham, broadcaster Roger Hill – who won award last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, record producer Steve Levine and DJ Billy Butler are the first names to sign up. The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 25 August at St George’s Hall as part of the new Liverpool International Music Festival.

At last year's ceremony Rebecca Ferguson picked up the award for best female and was presented by Widnes born singer Melanie C. With featured performances from Lawson, fronted by Liverpool singer Andy Brown, MOBO Unsung award winner Esco Williams, X Factor finalist Craig Colton and the Sense of Sound Choir.

The launch for the second ever Liverpool Music Awards took place on Tuesday evening at  Liverpool Town Hall.  A host of Liverpool musicians turned out to show  their support  from the Lightning Seeds, The La's, The Christians, Esco Williams, Ian Prowse, Stephen Langstaff and Stealing Sheep. 

The launch saw live performances from some of the city's most exciting new talent. Last year’s Liverpool Music Awards winners, The Hummingbirds, who won Ones to Watch entertained the crowd along with Silent Sleep, country singer songwriter Katie Nicholas and Alex Evans.

"We had to move the event into the largest room in the Town Hall because of the demand to attend the launch. It's great that so many people wanted to be their to show their support and help kick things off in style for the second year” said awards director  Ellie Phillips.

This year’s Ones to Watch award is dedicated to 18 year old Michael Molloy, who lost his live in a coach crash when returning from the Isle of White event Bestival last year. Michael Molloy and Alex Evans recorded Rise and Fall just weeks before Michael’s death in the Bestival coach crash last year.

"To perform the track tonight at the awards launch was a fitting tribute to remember Michael" said Alex Evans.

“I was really flattered to get asked to be involved with an event like and was really looking forward to playing in a great venue such as the town hall. Anything that puts a bit of a spotlight on what's happening in Liverpool can only be a good thing” said Chris McIntosh from Silent Sleep.

Silent Sleep is the project of the Liverpool based singer and song-writer, who wrote the whole album album whilst on a 2 year stint in Berlin. Recording began with Clinic/The Wombats producer Robert Whiteley.

The awards nominations party will take place at Eric's on Mathew St in July.

Nominations for the Liverpool Music Awards opened at midnight on Tuesday 30th April and close at midnight on Friday 31st May. To find out more, visit www.liverpoolmusicawards.com.

Final Judge Announced for Liverpool Music Awards

Jennifer John, artistic director of Sense of Sound, is the final judge to be announced for the Liverpool Music Awards.

"I am delighted to be invited to be a judge at the first ever Liverpool Music Awards. When I arrived in Liverpool in the early 80's and set Sense of Sound up with my colleagues, the creative landscape was very different from the way it is now. There is no denying that Liverpool's musical heritage is extremely rich and highly respected globally but I have always been aware of the need for more diversity regarding cultural representation” says Jennifer John.

The ten strong panel includes; broadcaster Janice Long, BBC Radio Merseyside DJ Billy Butler and son Lee Butler from Radio City, founder of LIPA, Mark Featherstone-Witty, programme director for the MA in music industry studies at the University of Liverpool Dr Mike Jones, Simon Glinn, executive director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall & Events, Liverpool Echo music writer Jade Wright, BBC Radio Merseyside's Dave Monks, Craig G Pennington, editor and publisher of music magazine Bido Lito!

“All ten judges make up a diverse panel of music industry experts, each with their own unique perspectives. Jennifer is a great addition to the panel, and I'm delighted that she has agreed to take part" says awards organiser Ellie Phillips.

Jennifer John was born to sing, create music and perform. Her career as singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, conductor, vocal coach, actress and performer has been illustrious and definitely unpredictable. From her early beginnings in East London as lead violinist with Newham Academy Junior orchestra right through to her current role as artistic director of Sense of Sound and manager of Sense of Sound Singers, one of the leading contemporary a cappella choirs in the UK.

“The internet is enabling artists to get their music heard by the masses without the same need for music industry intervention and as such we have seen massive changes in what we now have access to hearing and investing it. Crowd funding, music pledging and social networking in general have given us more choices as to what we can search for and listen to which in turn has meant that a plethora of new music has filtered through to us like never before. I find this incredibly refreshing and the Liverpool Music Awards is a way of celebrating these musical offerings and achievements in a positive and impactful way” says Jennifier.

As a singer herself Jennifer John has collaborated with the cream of International pop music including Brian Eno, Damon Albarn, Damien Dempsey, Yael Naim, Thea Gilmore, Chrissie Hynde, OMD, Paloma Faith, Massive Attack, Richard Hawley and many more. She is also lead singer with the band, Killerfernandez.

“It takes courage to live a creative life as there are never any guarantees so I am continually respectful of all artists and organisations, aspiring and established who follow their creative passions fearlessly without apology.  I strongly believe these awards will give a platform to those who have captured the hearts, minds and commitment of their supporters and I wish Liverpool Music Awards the best of luck in its endeavors" adds Jennifer.

As a vocal coach she has lectured at LIPA, is currently on the advisory panel for BBC's Choir of the Year, has been the in-house voice coach for Deltasonic Records (The Coral, The Zutons and Little Flames) and for Integral Management (Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon).

Most recently, Jennifer John was responsible for the recruitment  and vocal coaching of Youth Music Voices, the National Youth Choir created to be part of the Cultural Olympiad creative programme in 2012. Performances included Trafalgar Square, The Houses of Parliament, WOMAD festival, and the Royal Opera House.

"I first met Jennifer John when I was sixteen - she was my vocal coach for a short time before I went away to University. I was always in awe of her vocal talent and knowledge. Now as an adult, I am also inspired by her dedication and creativity in business. As well as this, Jennifer John can often be found at live music nights in the city enjoying the musical talents of others - including acoustic nights at Parr Street Studio 2, and recently the Dada Festival at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Music is not only her work, more importantly it is her passion.. This, as well as her enormous musical CV, makes her ideal for the Liverpool Music Awards judging panel" says organiser Ellie Phillips.

There’s still time to nominate your favourite local artists and industry people for the Liverpool Music Awards.Nominations close TONIGHT (Friday 24th August) at midnight. The awards ceremony will take place this November.

The Fifteen Award Categories include; Live Music Venue of the Year, Live Music Night of the Year, Artist Manager/Management Team of the year, Producer/Production Team of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, One To Watch, Local Music Champion and Outstanding Contribution to Music.

For further details on the Liverpool Music Awards and how to nominate go to  www.liverpoolmusicawards.com

Father and son judges announced for Liverpool Music Awards

BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler and son Lee Butler from Radio City are the latest names to join the judging panel for the Liverpool Music Awards. Fellow judges include broadcaster Janice Long, founder of LIPA, Mark Featherstone-Witty, programme director for the MA in music industry studies at the University of Liverpool Dr Mike Jones, Simon Glinn, executive director of Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events, Liverpool Echo music writer Jade Wright, BBC Radio Merseyside's Dave Monks, Craig G Pennington, editor and publisher of music magazine Bido Lito! Another name is to be revealed next week!

Broadcaster Billy Butler, has spent over 40 years in show business. A former dockworker-turned pop star with the 60s band The Tuxedos, he became a Cavern DJ; he was a friend of the Beatles - and every other Merseysbeat band. Billy's work for the BBC, whether on national television or BBC Radio Merseyside and on commercial rival Radio City has made him a household name.

“I’m really looking forward to the awards and meeting my fellow judges. There is such a wide diversity in the judges profiles that weprobably hear the same things through different ears.” says Billy.

“Over the years there’s been many memorable local musicians I’ve interviewed, obviously Paul and Ringo. Charlie Lansborough is always a pleasure, an international success often overlooked as not being in vogue. The Real People always a lot of fun and really stonking acoustically, The Real Thing also sadly unappreciated always have controversial views on the local scene. The three Ian’s aka McCulloch, McNabb and Prowse always shine musically and personality wise there are so many more . A young three piece folk group from St Helens I interviewed about four years ago Tiny Tin Lady what happened to them? Lately a big impact has been The Hummingbirds.”

“It’s a great pleasure working with my son Lee though as usual people will mistake us for brothers. One thing we both share though weboth have commercial ears” says Billy.

Lee Butler, Radio City and club DJ is equally as excited in joining the panel. “I can’t wait to be involved with the awards and I've had so many people talking to me about it. Such an amazing judging panel too, including my old dad”

It was in the State that Lee made his name, then came the Buzz club in Lime St. Playing at gigs and clubs all over the North West; Wigan Pier, Bowlers, Maxines, The Pleasure Drome, Nation, Garlands and Mr Smiths are just a few of the big name venues Lee was being asked to rock the rafters at week after week. It was at this time Club 051 came in with an offer.

“When I left school I was training to be an electrician at Hugh Baird college and then in 1989 the house and acid house music scene camealong and all I wanted to do was rave and get into music . I travelled the county for club nights and illegal raves and got my first set of decks and that was it. I sold my tools! John Kelly was the DJ I loved to listen to when I was first raving so he had an influence on my style" says Lee.

Lee has been voted Liverpool Echo 24/7 DJ of the Year and the award stands proud next to his decks to this day. Lee's Plastic Surgeryradio show was born when Lee started his show from Radio City’s new home at St Johns Beacon. His became The North West's most listened to Friday Night Dance Show and so Lee’s Saturday night show was then born. Lee is now also very busy in the Studio working on his own tracks and is responsible for many of the big dance anthems you hear.

“Liverpool has always had a massive club scene and from the amazing nights in Quadrant Park and The State then Cream , Buzz and Club 051. Liverpool always had so many amazing clubs to choose from but now none of the above are open weekly. I’ve played at all the above so I couldn’t pick out one as the most special . Bar culture has affected Liverpool clubbing and now only Garlands stands as the only weekly Saturday night from that era. That’s why the old Skool nights are such a success as that generation love there tunes . There’s an amazing new nightclub opening in Duke Street this month called Privilege which is gonna be amazing so this is good for the city.”

“I feel quite proud judging alongside my dad and if I can be half as successful as him then that will do for me. There will be disagreements as he has the worse dress sense ever so I'm praying he doesn't wear his tank top - I’ve nicknamed him ‘Tank Top Billy.’ "

"I am absolutely delighted that both Lee and Billy have agreed to be on the judging panel for the Liverpool Music Awards. Billy's knowledge of Liverpool and music, past and present, is unsurpassed, and Lee knows the DJ scene and cutting edge music in our city better than anyone. It's an added bonus that they both work on Liverpool's two big successful Radio Stations, Billy on Radio Merseyside and Lee on Radio City. What really makes it so special is that they're father and son - the Butler family" says Ellie Phillips, Liverpool Music Awards organiser.

There’s still time to nominate your favourite local artists and industry people for the Liverpool Music Awards. Entries and nominations have been extended one week and will now close on Friday August 24 2012. The awards ceremony will take place this November.

The Fifteen Award Categories include; Live Music Venue of the Year, Live Music Night of the Year, Artist Manager/Management Team of the year, Producer/Production Team of the Year, Recording Studio of the Year, Record Label of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Band of the Year, DJ of the Year, One To Watch, Local Music Champion and Outstanding Contribution to Music.

For further details on the Liverpool Music Awards and how to nominate

go to www.liverpoolmusicawards.com