The Beatles in Liverpool

The Stories, the Scene, and the Path to Stardom

By Spencer Leigh

MUSIC

128 Pages, 8.25 x 9.5

Trade Paper, $19.95 (US $19.95) (CA $21.95)

Publication Date: October 2012

ISBN 9781613744093

Rights: US & CA

Chicago Review Press (Oct 2012)

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Overview

A glimpse into the place where Beatlemania was born

Chronicling the story of the Beatles in their native city of Liverpool, this rock biography combines authoritative text with the most striking images from their time in the city. Documenting the seminal events of this English quartet—from the Beatles’ childhood, the influence of Liverpudlian humor on their lyrics, and whether John was really a “working class hero,” to the other acts that the Beatles played for, the influence of visiting American rock and rollers, and Brian Epstein’s pre-Beatles troubles—this recollection reveals the Fab Four’s evolution from the Quarrymen (an early version of the Beatles) to international musical icons. Combining exclusive interviews with musicians, promoters, club managers, and audience members as well as fans, friends, and family along with rare photographs and memorabilia, this history is the definitive, fully illustrated account of the formative years of the world’s most influential rock and roll band.

Reviews

“Two things make The Beatles in Liverpool a fresh read for Beatle fans. One is the richness of the photos that present the people, places, and artifacts of Liverpool in the 1950s and early ‘60s. As the subtitle implies, there’s an emphasis on ‘the scene.’ This means author Leigh brings into sharp relief the hometown contemporaries of the Quarrymen, what youth culture was like throughout Liverpool at the time, and the legacy the Beatles left on the city.” —Blogcritics

"As a longtime Liverpool resident, as well as the author of numerous Beatles books . . . Leigh is able to write about the city and its music scene with authority." —Goldmine

“Just when it looks like there’s really, truly, absolutely nothing new to say about The Beatles, along comes The Beatles in Liverpool, a slender but meaty volume packed with photos, anecdotes, biography and gossip that documents the Fab Four’s formative years.” —PopMatters.com

Author Biography

Spencer Leigh was born in Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. His program On the Beat has been broadcast on BBC Radio Merseyside for more than 25 years, and he has contributed to several BBC music documentaries. He is the author of The Beatles in Hamburg: The Stories, the Scene, and How It All Began; The Cavern: The Most Famous Club in the World; Everyday: Getting Closer to Buddy Holly; Tomorrow Never Knows: The Beatles on Record; and The Walrus Was Ringo: 101 Beatles Myths Debunked. He writes for the Independent and has contributed to Country Music People, Now Dig This, and Record Collector.

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