A 10,000-capacity purpose-built auditorium is being built on the waterfront for the event.Two spectacular evening concerts featuring 20 music stars will take place at the Pier Head to mark the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ White Album.
The artists will perform the entire album in two charity concerts, which aim to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for two of the music industry’s favourite charities, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and The Teenage Cancer Trust.
The full line-up is yet to be confirmed. However, the ECHO can reveal the following names are signed up to perform some of the 30 tracks: Mike Rutherford of Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics, Marc Almond, Martha Reeves and Badly Drawn Boy.
Teenage Cancer Trust patron and The Who’s legendary frontman, Roger Daltrey said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a special concert as this and it will give us a chance to show the people of Liverpool what Teenage Cancer Trust is all about.
“The White Album is such an amazing record and it’s a brilliant way to celebrate it at 50 years old.”
Liverpool artists taking part include Space, China Crisis, Thomas Lang and four-time European Jazz singer of the year Connie Lush.
The Scaffold’s Roger McGough will be following on from his unique presentation at the arena tour shows commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper in 2017 with a new set of memories and readings commemorating the White Album onstage.
Liverpool-born DJ and radio presenter Janice Long will be presenting on both days.
Genesis bassist Mike Rutherford said: “The White Album has never been performed as a live piece in this way before, and with the world-class musicians and guest vocalists we are gathering together we will deliver an incredible musical and visual experience for all Beatles fans to savour.
“Both Nordoff Robbins and The Teenage Cancer Trust deliver incredible, life changing work and these concerts are a fitting tribute to their amazing results”.
The artists will be accompanied by a world class backing band and Sense of Sound Singers’ choir.
The 30 tracks will be followed by a finale of 15 Beatles’ favourites chosen and performed by all those artists taking part, accompanied by the Prague International Orchestra, conducted by Czech legend Varhan.
The team behind the White Album at 50 concerts last delivered a charity show on this scale in Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year back in 2008, with their concert The Number One Project live.
The first ever gig at the brand new Echo Arena, it played to a sell-out 10,600 people.
The White Album at 50 concerts will be held on Saturday September 8 and Sunday September 9, 2018 at Liverpool’s Pier Head.
source:liverpoolecho