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Liverpool music & The Beatles

Much More than Fab Four

It's hardly surprising that most people will think of The Beatles when "Liverpool" and "music" are mentioned. But for anyone who knows music, the Fab Four are just part of a musical culture that has been part of the city's lifeblood for generations.

Perhaps it's the maritime history and the blend of the world's peoples; maybe it's the Irish connection; or is there just something in the water? Let's not overanalyse. Our ears are the best judges, as is the number of places in the world's Top 40s Liverpool artists have occupied.

Although Liverpool was famous for its sea shanties long before sound recording, the 1950s and 60s put the city in the spotlight. Frankie Vaughan crooned and Billy Fury was a huge Rock'n'Roll star, but the Merseybeat scene, spearheaded by Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Beatles, would put all before in the shade.

The next revolution came in the 1980s, when Echo and the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, Dead or Alive and Frankie Goes to Hollwood had their hits. In the 90s it was the turn of the Boo Radleys, The La's and The Farm; today it's the Zutons, The Coral and the Wombats. Who's next? Liverpool will decide!