Two years after it closed its doors The Picket, one of Liverpool’s most famous musical venues, is set to reopen in a new home. The club was forced to close in April 2004 when its Hardman Street home was sold to developers. Since then manager and driving force behind The Picket Phil Hayes has been looking for premises and investment for a new venue. The re-born Picket will open its doors on Jordan Street in Liverpool’s Independent Cultural District. The venue nestles amongst warehouses and industrial units in the Jamaica Street area in the shadow of Liverpool Cathedral.
 | | Inside The Picket |
The original venue opened on Hardman Street in 1983 as part of The Merseyside Unemployed Resource Centre. Many of Liverpool’s groups got their first break at The Picket including The La’s, Shack, Space and The Coral. The opening night Saturday 27th May will see a performance by one of Liverpool’s legendary bands Deaf School. The band has an important place in Liverpool’s music history. In the aftermath of the 1960’s and The Beatles, Deaf School are credited with almost single-handedly rescued Liverpool’s music scene when it looked like it might have dried up permanently.
 | | Final work takes place on The Picket |
Deaf School, formed from a group of Liverpool art students, never achieved real national fame, but was an important link between the 1960’s and the Liverpool acts that followed in the 1980’s. They were one of the original groups to play at Eric’s club and were an influence for later acts including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, OMD and Echo and the Bunnymen. Many members of the band went on to play roles in the careers of other artists. Songwriter Clive Langer produced Madness, Morrissey and Elvis Costello. Lead male vocalist Enrico Cadillac became a record executive and female vocalist Bette Bright mad solo records before marrying Madness lead singer Suggs. The new Picket has received financial assistance from the Arts Council, Liverpool City Council and Youth Music. | 
