Magical Mystery Tour...With The Beatles.
Hans Zimmer was in the capital of culture, Liverpool this weekend with his full band and orchestra as part of the German's U.K. leg of his world tour. And the composer who has scored what seems like almost every film in the modern movie industry, from 'Gladiator' to 'The Lion King' and 'The Dark Knight' to Christopher Nolan's forthcoming 'Dunkirk' war story had to give it up for the town that were "all the best songs come from." And across the road from the Liverpool Echo Arena showcase of the man behind all the soundtracks is another exhibit at the iconic, infamous Albert Dock landmark. That being the history of the Fab Four themselves, and The Beatles Story. Descend down the classic brick steps of these docklands to this museum of music legend and legacy and you will soon learn all that is to be known about the four horsemen of rock and roll. John, Paul, George and Ringo. Starr, Harrison and of course Lennon and McCartney. From The Quarryman beginnings to the rooftop end that saw them go their solo ways and beyond.
There's so much more to the exhibits of this museum that doesn't just tell The Beatles tale, but the story of the rock and roll they helped invent too alongside the likes of the late, great, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. This is the genuine article, with real artifacts too. From The King's belt, that Elvis Presley rocked in his casino slot in Las Vegas, to David Bowie's guitar (for those who like me didn't know that John Lennon wrote the fantastic 'Fame'). Start with a drink at the replica of the still standing next to a statue of John in the city, Cavern Club and you'll be able to see all the landmarks. From the steps of Abbey Road (although here it's more of a street corner than a pedestrian crossing photo oppurtunity (lets face it a longer and more winding road would reduce traffic stops at the real thing across the road from the studios)), to the stage of the Ed Sullivan show taking you back to the U.S.A. like U.S.S.R and all the studio sets for the record inbetween all the album pressing. Then after paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of 'Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' and respect to the grave of Eleanor Rigby it's time to all go on a 'Yellow Submarine' and the trippiest era in the Fab Four's 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' day-tripping history. Before from those depths you go to the heights of where they let it be, speaking words of wisdom.
And then it's time to go it alone, riding on the solo tip. From the Wings Paul McCartney took as he lived and let die like 007 (Rest Peacefully forever more Roger) to the photograph exhibitions of Ringo's Thomas The Tank stardom. But for this kid from a local seaside town just a train ride away it was crazy to see just how far these four lads and the genre of music and style they inspired-from the hair to the strings of guitar-that still lasts to this day has come. And yet remains standing the test of time as you see all the world over tourists walk around this musical theatre with head-sets in any language, locked down like this was Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. But even Californian surfer dudes know Beach Boys and every new kid trying to knock the latest and greatest off the block would be nothing without a handful of Scousers. This three decade old man who stupidly only got into what The Beatles were really about at 25 beamed when he saw all the accolades of solo Travelling Willbury and passionate garderner George Harrison like I just met my sweet lord, or the late, great himself. And then was moved to shedding genuine tears upon seeing the final, best saved for last, Lennon exhibition after all his artwork and the New York, black and white ballad of John and Yoko, which I won't spoil. You'll just have to come together and imagine. Now don't let it be, or wait for yesterday. All you need is a ticket to ride. As the history of The Beatles is for sale...eight days a week. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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