The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential act of the rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as the group's music grew in sophistication, led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, they came to be perceived as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the counterculture of the 1960s. The Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960, with Stuart Sutcliffe initially serving as bass player. The core of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison went through a succession of drummers, most notably Pete Best, before asking Starr to join them. Manager Brian Epstein moulded them into a professional act and producer George Martin enhanced their musical potential. They gained popularity in the United Kingdom after their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962.
They acquired the nickname "the Fab Four" as Beatlemania grew in Britain over the following year, and by early 1964 they had become international stars, leading the "British Invasion" of the United States pop market. From 1965 onwards, the Beatles produced what many consider their finest material, including the innovative and widely influential albums Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), The Beatles (commonly known as the White Album, 1968) and Abbey Road (1969). After their break-up in 1970, they each enjoyed successful musical careers of varying lengths. McCartney and Starr, the surviving members, remain musically active. Lennon was shot and killed in December 1980, and Harrison died of lung cancer in November 2001. Be transported on an incredible journey and see how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of fame and fortune from their humble childhood beginnings. Replicas of the Casbah, Mathew Street and The Cavern authentically capture the early 60s, allowing you to personally experience the very places that helped make The Beatles the biggest band in the world.In addition there is a comprehensive collection of Beatles memorabilia.
While in the area you may well wish to visit the childhood homes of the Beatles. Each is run by the National Trust. Paul McCartney - 20 Forthlin Road, and John Lennon - Mendips. The birthplace of George Harrison, 12 Admiral Grove, and the early home of Ringo Starr, 9 Madryn Street can be visited but are not open to the public. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible but can only accomodate 3 wheelchairs at one time. There are two accessible lifts. There are wheelchair accessible toilets. There are large print gallery books available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Location : Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AD
Transport: Liverpool James Street (MerseyRail). Bus routes 101 and C5 stop nearby.
Opening Times: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
Tickets: Adults £14.95. Concessions £11.50. Children £9.00
Tel: 0151 709 1963
