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MUSIC FROM THE MERSEY | Pop stories from the Capital of Culture

About this collection

Selections from the BBC archives celebrate the city that lays claim to more chart-topping hits than any other. In 2008 Liverpool was recognised as the European Capital of Culture but, as this collection shows, its musical influence dates from much further back.

Meet Liverpool's first rock 'n' roll idol, Billy Fury, hear stories from the world-famous Cavern Club, and follow the fortunes of the city's musical sons and daughters. Featuring Gerry Marsden, Cilla Black, Pete Wylie and more, it's a story of the blues - and jazz, and good old Rock 'n' Roll.

Music From The Mersey Collection

Brian Epstein.

Frankly Speaking

BROADCAST 1963
28 MINUTES

Beatles manager Brian Epstein speaks about his life.

go to Frankly Speaking
Cilla Black.

News Report

BROADCAST 1964
16 MINUTES

Brian Epstein talks about managing The Beatles, Cilla Black and other artists.

go to Gerry Marsden/Cilla Black
Liverpool singer and funny man Ken Dodd.

The Singing City

BROADCAST 1965
50 MINUTES

How urban regeneration tore the heart out of the Singing City.

go to Singing City
A poster advertising acts for the Mersey Beat Ball.

24 Hours

BROADCAST 1971
11 MINUTES

Bernard Falk reports from a disappointing first annual Mersey Beat convention.

go to 24 Hours
Billy Fury, photo taken around 1970.

Billy Fury Interview

BROADCAST 1973
20 MINUTES

Liverpool's first king of rock discusses his career.

go to Billy Fury Interview
George, Paul and John from The Beatles.

Bob Wooler Interview

RECORDED 1973
57 MINUTES

The Cavern Club's DJ lifts the lid on The Beatles.

go to Sound Archive | Bob Wooler
Gerry Marsden, singing and playing guitar, in 1963.

Woman's Hour

Gerry Marsden

BROADCAST 1974
6 MINUTES

Gerry Marsden talks about finding fame and fortune with The Pacemakers.

go to Woman's Hour | Gerry Marsden
Roger McGough.

Woman's Hour

Roger McGough

BROADCAST 1981
11 MINUTES

Liverpool poet Roger McGough talks poetry, pop, religion and scaffolding.

go to Woman's Hour | Roger McGough
The Liver Buildings on Liverpool's waterfront. The famous Liver birds are perched atop the building's towers.

Dancing in the Rubble

BROADCAST 1982
44 MINUTES

Mersey Beat is dead: so says Liverpool's new generation of musicians.

go to Dancing in the Rubble
Holly Johnson.

My Top Ten

Holly Johnson

BROADCAST 1984
33 MINUTES

Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson picks some favourite tracks.

go to My Top Ten | Holly Johnson
Pete Wylie of The Mighty Wah!

Collector's Choice

BROADCAST 1984
25 MINUTES

Pete Wylie selects his favourite records for Kid Jensen.


go to Collector's Choice
Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon of the band China Crisis.

City to City

Liverpool

BROADCAST 1986
53 MINUTES

A tour of the UK's musical hubs begins with Liverpool.

go to City to City | Liverpool
A sign for the Cavern Club.

Gigs That Changed the World

The Beatles

BROADCAST 2005
26 MINUTES

How did a small backstreet jazz club become the most famous music venue in the world?

go to Gigs That Changed the World | The Beatles

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