A star-studded concert will be held in Liverpool next month to help raise funds for a city statue in honour of the legendary Beatles manager, Brian Epstein.
The 28 February event is being organised by the ‘Statue 4 Eppy’ campaign, and is fittingly taking place at the Epstein Theatre in the year that would have marked his 80th birthday.
An official song of the campaign called ‘Our Friend’ will be released to coincide with the concert, as organisers hope to raise the profile of their efforts and achieve the £70,000 of funding needed to bring a permanent statue to Liverpool. The statue will be created by acclaimed sculptor Tom Murphy, who also created the statue of John Lennon at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Billy Butler, the February show will celebrate the life and career of ‘Fifth Beatle’ Brian Epstein through iconic Liverpool artists such as Ian Prowse, Ian McNabb, Billy Kinsley and Tony Crane.
Statue 4 Eppy’s Fiona Williams from Statue 4 Eppy says: “Brian Epstein remains one of the most influential people in the history of modern music. It is incredible that he still has not been officially honoured or recognised by the city or the people of Liverpool.
“Our campaign to create a permanent statue is our opportunity to say thank you to Brian. The single will be released on the same day as the concert and the proceeds of both will go towards the statue fund. We’d encourage music enthusiasts who have ever enjoyed a Beatles or Merseybeat song to support us.”
The single has been written by fellow Statue 4 Eppy campaigner, Bob Pitt, and includes the voices of acclaimed Liverpool artists and guest celebrities including Tricia Penrose, psychic Derek Acorah, and actors Paul Barber and John McArdle.
Tickets to the concert are priced at £20 and are on sale now.
For more information about the Statue 4 Eppy campaign, visit www.statue4eppy.com
By Sophie Lockett
