Liverpool – The Musical
The Echo Arena
Liverpool
Saturday January 12, 2008
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As a launch party, Liverpool – The Musical ticked all the right boxes. As an event, it was something that, at times, was as mesmerising as it was surreal. Yet with this being Liverpool, nothing else could be expected, surely, than something that was totally memorable.
Could there possibly be a better venue in which to launch Liverpool’s year – and its place in the cultural scheme of things – than the brand new Echo Arena, with its pale purple lights warmly inviting a capacity crowd of 10,500 on a rain-sodden evening in January? It’s difficult to imagine there could be as the celebration of Liverpool’s history through words and music began.
So that the city’s great musical diversity could be best exhibited to the full, an eclectic mix of musicians performed throughout the evening. From The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko to the No Fakin DJ’s, The Farm, Echo and The Bunnymen, Pete Wylie, The Christians, Dave Stewart and, of course, Ringo Starr, the audience were treated way beyond their expectations.
The use of video footage as a backdrop to proceedings was especially emotive, as the city’s story unfolded, without it ever being forced down anybody’s throat in a preaching style, and anybody who failed to be impressed with what was on show really didn’t deserve to be there, having “won” their ticket through a ballot.
Yes, the demand for tickets was that high.
Okay, so there were moments when proceedings seemed to be dragged out, but at the arrival of Ringo as one of the city’s most loved sons, the place went ballistic as he came on stage to sing the title song from his latest album, Liverpool 8, and closed proceedings with A Little Help From My Friends and a truly rousing rendition of Power To The People during which all of the participants joined The Beatle’s drummer on stage.
Liverpool has waited a long time for an opportunity to showcase its vast Cultural heritage. Now, finally, as European Capital of Culture 2008, the chance has been seized in breathtaking style and long may its legacy prevail as a result.
For Details Of The Echo Arena: http://www.accliverpool.com/index.asp
For European Capital of Culture Events Listings: http://www.liverpool08.com
break the rules as I see fit.” - Chris High 2003.