(MEMPHIS TOURISM RELEASE) – In partnership with theCity of Liverpool, Memphis Tourism has unveiled a plaque commemorating thehistorical and musical relationship between both cities. The plaque is nowlocated on Mathew Street outside of the Cavern Club, where The Beatles wereoriginally discovered by manager Brian Epstein in 1961.
The sister cities cemented a partnership in 2004 alongwith the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first record being cut during the 50Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll global celebration.
In 2011, music venues in each city were designatedtransatlantic “Rock ‘n’ Soul Mates” in an effort to encourage internationaltourists to explore the musical and historical connections that have shapedworld culture.
John Lennon once said, “without Elvis, there would beno Beatles,” asserting that Elvis Presley’s worldwide influence had a profoundimpact on the band’s formation.
Today, representatives from Memphis Tourism andLiverpool gathered to unveil the plaque in tandem with ongoing plans aimed attransforming the epicenter of Liverpool’s musical heritage.
“Liverpool and Memphis are two global music citieswhose appeal transcends generations,” said Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson. Overthe last few years, we have been working really hard to develop visitor andbusiness opportunities which connect and promote our great cities andincredible musical heritage. I welcome this gift from Memphis that will be yetanother attraction for tourists on Mathew Street, as we work to enhance thishistoric area and improve the visitor experience.”
Kevin Kane, President & CEO of Memphis Tourismsaid, “Memphis and Liverpool share the spotlight as two iconic global musiccities. This plaque made in Memphis placed on Mathew Street outside theworld-famous Cavern Club cements the unique and lasting bond between ourcities. Together, we are in great company and inspiring each other and musicartists all over the world.”
Kyle Veazey, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for theCity of Memphis, remarked, “Mayor Strickland is always proud to tell people howMemphis is a city that’s changed the world, and our musical heritage is a bigreason why. How fitting it is to be in Liverpool today on the mayor’s behalf tocelebrate two cities that have had such an impact on the world through music.”
“Liverpool and Memphis are two of the world’s great musiccities and we welcome this formal recognition of that shared status, and of thecontinuing strong musical links between our cities,” added Michael Eakin, Chairof Liverpool City Region Music Board. This plaque celebrates the great musicalheritage of Liverpool and Memphis, and also the fact that both are vibrant andcreative musical cities today, always looking forward and continuing to producegreat talent.”
Peter Hooton, Chair of The Beatles Legacy Group, said,“Beale Street, Memphis is the birthplace of the Blues and the Cavern in MathewStreet is the birthplace of modern popular music. What better way tocommemorate the legacy and links between these two iconic music cities thathelped shape music and will continue to do so for generations to come?”
