It was 55 years ago on 5 July 1963 that The Beatles made their third and final appearance at the tiny and now sadly burnt down Ritz Ballroom next door to the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath. And it was 50 years ago this year that The Beatles released the seminal double White Album containing the iconic song Revolution. In between times they had become a global phenomenon!
Now King's Heath Walk Of Fame are delighted to present a very special show to celebrate this unique double anniversary starring John Lennon's sister's favourite tribute band The Mersey Beatles at the award winning Hare & Hounds on Sunday 10 June.
Described by the British Beatles Fan Club as 'the Best Beatles tribute band', The Mersey Beatles were all born and grew up in Liverpool. They were the resident band at the legendary Cavern Club for over 10 years and now regularly tour throughout the world. They have just returned from an 11 date sold out American tour and will later this year embark on a major UK Get Back tour that will end at Newcastle's O2 Arena.
Steven Howard who plays Paul McCartney in The Mersey Beatles said "We are delighted to be returning to the Hare and Hounds on June 10th for the double celebration marking the 55th anniversary of The Beatles 3rd and final performance in Kings Heath and the 50th anniversary of The Beatles “White album”.
The first half of the show is entitled “1968: Fifty years of Revolution ”. It draws heavily from The Beatles White Album and includes more Beatles hits from 1968. The second half will be a selection of Beatles songs from all eras from Love Me Do to Let It Be"It's always a great night at The Hare and Hounds purpose built music venue. It is a great chance to get up close to the band in this small but perfectly formed setting. We always sell the venue out and will be playing many lesser played songs from a seminal album so please don’t miss this rare chance to see them played live”.
John Lennon's sister Julia Baird comparing The Mersey Beatles to other tribute bands said 'The Mersey Beatles are the most authentic I've heard ... and I've heard them all'.Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein's assistant, said 'When I saw them in The Cavern they perfectly recreated the atmosphere that the original Beatles produced. It was like listening to The Beatles again'.
A British Beatles Fan Club review of a previous show said 'The quality of the music was superb with each song reproduced in the original key with spot-on harmonies and perfect guitar solos that had the audience marvelling at the sheer quality of the talent on view'.
Doors open at 7 pm and the band will be on stage at 7.45 pm
Bob Prew and Ken Whittaker, joint organisers of the local charity King's Heath Walk Of Fame said, "Beatlemania is set to return to King's Heath on 10 June as we are expecting hundreds of Beatles fans from all over the country to descend on King's Heath for this unique double anniversary event. We are determined to continue to celebrate the huge musical legacy of the old Ritz Ballroom despite the indifference of the current owner and the City Council who seem happy to let the site remain a derelict eyesore. We are delighted that another four lads from Liverpool The Mersey Beatles will follow in the footsteps of the original Fab Four and perform in King's Heath. it promises to be a great concert. Tickets are already selling quickly and we would advise fans to make sure they buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment".
