They don’t call Liverpool the Centre of the Creative World for nothing. Okay, they sort of do, as the stocks haven’t been overflowing for a few decades now (unless we’re including Atomic Kitten, Rebecca Ferguson and the like). Still, there is plenty of live music to be found in a city that is truly in thrall with the stuff, and Liverpool remains a great place to be if you love independent music.
Is it the UK’s most iconic live music venue? The Cavern Club is a massively influential part of British musical history, and there was a time when any UK band worth its riffs would beg to play here. The original Cavern is long gone but the tradition continues in a larger premises on Matthew Street, a bar committed to live music in its many forms.
Where Maguire’s once sat now sits Outpost, a mecca of craft beer, creative cocktails and fantastic pizza. There isn’t much to be said that does it justice in truth, as Outpost is one of the most complete modern venues in this most complete of cities. The beer selection is comprehensive and the pizzas are to die for, although please don’t take that literally. Some quite beautiful staff as well.
Quite possibly the most beautiful live music venue in Liverpool, Constellations is more than just a stage for up and coming bands from across the country. This beautiful garden space is an event venue, a verdant outpost, a restaurant and more, a peaceful place to drink a coffee with a book on a summer’s afternoon and an inspiring spot to watch the next musical darlings play a soon to be iconic show. One of the most creative spots in the city.
The old Academy remains a popular stop on the touring schedules of most rock bands in Liverpool. The schedule is perpetually full of everything from international darlings to veteran local rockers via tribute bands and who knows what else. Keep an eye on the website for the full schedule.
We spent many a night here during our university days, sitting in the little cubby holes in the basement ploughing our way through £1 bottles of Carlsberg and singing ‘Chocolate Salty Balls’ whenever karaoke came to town, but those times have changed. The Jacaranda is an integral part of Beatles history in Liverpool, the first home of the Fab 4 and one of the most vibrant venues in town since opening its doors in 1958. Upstairs is now home to a record store, keeping that musical tradition alive.
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