60 Fab years for The Beatles’ Cavern Club
The Merseybeats - named after the musical movement headed by The Beatles – play to a packed Cavern Club audience.
Tomorrow, he will lead the historic music venue in its 60th anniversary celebrations as co-owner.
The 68- year- old took over the business alongside Bill Heckle in 1991 and they have returned The Cavern to its former glory.
Dave said: “We worked hard to turn the club back into a great live music venue.”
The focal point of celebrations will be the unveiling of a Cilla Black statue outside the original entrance.
“Her three sons said they wanted to erect a statue to their mum to thank the people of Liverpool and this was where they wanted it, as she used to work in
Dave Jones.
Paul McCartney returned to the Cavern in 1999, where it all began for him, John, George & Ringo. the club as a cloakroom famous venue was rebuilt play his last concert of the attendant. using the old bricks. It sits on 20th Century at The Cavern.
“It’s been paid for by her half of the original site and has “It was like he was giving the boys, who are lovely guys, and the same address – 10 Mathew seal of approval to the place we feel very humbled by it.” Street. just like The Beatles did in
Cilla was just one of the “It still has the great sound 1963,” Dave smiled. famous names to pass through and unique atmosphere and “Since then Oasis, Paul The Cavern on their way to there’s live music every day Rodgers, Donovan, Travis, success, alongside the likes of from noon. Adele, Jake Bugg, Jessie J and The Who, The Rolling Stones, “Our two main pieces of TheWanted have played here.” Stevie Wonder and, of memorabilia are a giant poster Dave and Bill employ 85 course, The Beatles. advertising T h e W h o’s people and have a big in-house But none of that spared appearance in 1965 and the team, including John Lennon’s it from the wrecking ball original Cavern sign, which we half-sister, Julia Baird, who is a in 1973 when British have inside the club now. director and shareholder. Rail acquired a “We paid £8000 for each and He added: “We’re proud of compu lsory our asset register has £250,000 what we do and the way we’re purchase order. worth of artefacts.” carrying on The Cavern’s great
In 1982 the Sir Paul McCartney chose to legacy.”
May, 1973: