On entering Mathew street from the North John Street end, the eye is immediately drawn towards the Cavern Pub just a few yards down on the left hand side. The entire front wall of the building is the Cavern Wall of Fame, unveiled by Gerry Marsden in 1997, each brick engraved with the name of one of the bands who appeared at the Cavern from 1957 - 1973.
Fans of the old Cavern will recall with much regret that the cellar was demolished in 1974 to make way for
a subway development that never was. An important bit of Liverpool history was lost with each piece destroyed by the wrecking ball.
Some 30 years later the "named" bricks are symbolic of the musical contributions lost by a generation.
"You say goodbye and I say hello."
On the bricks immediately beneath the brass plaque on the Cavern Wall of Fame are the names of the Beatles, but right alongside, abutting the plaque to the left is the Searchers' brick.
It was fascinating to read all the names - many of them familiar, but most probably remembered only by the Cavern-goers who were around at the time.
And leaning nonchalantly against the wall, facing the site of the Cavern itself, is the statue of John Lennon.
The Cavern Wall of Fame is a vivid reminder of all those groups who played at this famous club.
Visitors immediately recognize many of the most successful groups from around the world. This is
an exhaustive list and a quick glance of the wall will bring back the music of 40 years.
The Beatles, The Who, Gerry and The Pacemakers, The Searchers, The Hollies, The Rolling Stones, the Manfreds, The Animals, Freddie and The Dreamers, The Temptations
and Little Stevie Wonder just to mention a few.
Perhaps even more importantly, The Wall is a reminder of many popular groups of the day
that shaped the music but never rose to fame. Some of these groups included:
The Fables, The Balloons, The Outcasts, The Astrals, The Pitiful, Wild Mouth, Warhorse, The Pitts Jazmen
and Gerry DeVille and the City Kings. Mr. P. Willis-Pitts has reminded us in his excellent book entitled "Liverpool The 5th Beatle: An African-American Odyssey."
that there were more than 350 bands in Liverpool alone, during the 1960s. This must be considered
essential reading material for anyone who is interested in the history of music and everday life in
Liverpool, particularly during the 1960s.
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