The MA in The Beatles: Heritage and Culture is no novelty course. Delivered by the University’s Department of Music and its Institute of Popular Music, the programme takes a serious look at how the band shaped not only popular music but also heritage, tourism and British identity.

Students aren’t simply asked to listen to albums or admire the band’s legacy. Instead, they analyse how the Beatles became part of the fabric of 20th-century Britain, and how their story continues to influence creative industries and heritage projects today.

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No other city could host this programme. Liverpool isn’t just the birthplace of the Beatles; it is the city that nurtured them and still carries their imprint. Every year, millions of visitors come to see Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, or the legendary Cavern Club, making Beatles heritage worth more than £80 million annually to the local economy.

Students on the course can take part in an optional two-week residency in Liverpool, which includes site visits, lectures and workshops. It’s a chance to walk the same streets, visit the same venues and understand how Liverpool itself has become inseparable from the Beatles’ legacy

The programme includes modules such as:

• The Beatles in the 20th Century
• Heritage and Culture
• Research Skills in Music and Heritage

Assignments range from traditional essays to practical projects like cultural event proposals, tourism plans or walking tours. In this way, the MA balances academic rigour with skills that translate directly into careers in the arts and heritage sectors.

Though Beatles fans are welcome, this course is particularly aimed at those working or aspiring to work in heritage, museums, tourism or the creative industries. Graduates emerge with expertise that can lead to roles in arts management, heritage organisations, journalism or cultural policy.

By turning the Beatles into a subject of serious scholarship, the University of Liverpool has recognised what many Britons already know: the band were not just entertainers, but one of this country’s greatest cultural contributions to the world.

Tracked live in the studio, frontman Fin Power delivers lyrics with his usual grit, ‘NEVER AGAIN’ isn’t just a song, it’s a statement. Thematically, the track dives into themes of breaking cycles, self-destruction, anger, and recovery. Power has been open about his journey through sobriety and the band’s difficult fallout from a major label experience. These personal experiences fuel the emotional core of ‘NEVER AGAIN’ and lend the track a raw, lived-in authenticity.

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Power drew inspiration from the anti-corporate spirit of Cyberpunk 2077, in particular, the theme of The Afterlife bar, where legends are born resisting oppressive forces. Similarly, “NEVER AGAIN” is punk rock with its eyes on a dystopian, anti-corporate future.

Critical reception has been enthusiastic. Clunk Magazine applauds the track as a “heavy free-for-all” blending hardcore and punk, with chaotic vocals and thrashing drums. When The Horn Blows hails its “brutally honest” message of self-destruction and frustration, praising its “beautiful balance between frustration and vulnerability”.

For a band known equally for live energy and emotional truth, ‘NEVER AGAIN’ lands squarely in their wheelhouse, it’s a stage-ready song made to be sung back in a packed venue. The title chant alone readies fans for the chaos of their upcoming festival season. STONE are set to hit Pukkelpop (Belgium) on August 15 and headline This Feeling By The Sea (UK) on August 30.

According to fan setlists on setlist.fm, during their performance on Aug 3 at Kendal Calling, they included ‘NEVER AGAIN’ along with other singles such as ‘Waste’, ‘Queen’, ‘My Thoughts Go’, ‘I Let Go’, and ‘Leave It Out’.

In this new era of creative freedom, STONE stand unapologetic and undiluted. ‘NEVER AGAIN’ is a bold reclamation of sound and self, signalling that the band is more purposeful than ever. As they shout ‘NEVER AGAIN’, they mean it.

The concert was part of Springsteen’s acclaimed Land of Hope and Dreams tour and marked a significant moment in rock history — the meeting of two of music’s most revered figures in the very city where McCartney’s career began. The show also marked Springsteen’s first-ever performance in the birthplace of The Beatles, and the moment was made all the more special by McCartney’s appearance on stage.

Rumours had been mounting beforehand, as both artists had been spotted around the city the day prior. This landmark performance came just one day after Springsteen gave a guest lecture at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), a school co-founded by McCartney in 1996. McCartney personally introduced Springsteen at the event, sparking fan speculation that the two might reunite on stage.

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In a playful introduction, Springsteen teased the audience before inviting McCartney on stage: “You’re lucky tonight. We have a young man, a local young man from Liverpool, who’s going to play with us tonight. I think he has a lot of talent, and I believe he’s gonna be going places. So let’s bring out Paul McCartney!”

McCartney then joined Springsteen and the E Street Band on stage for an electric rendition of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, followed by the Beatles’ 1965 track ‘Kansas City’, with McCartney taking the lead vocals on both songs to thunderous applause from the crowd. Saturday’s performance also marked McCartney’s first live concert in Liverpool since 2018, making the occasion even more meaningful for hometown fans.

Following the performance, the two shared an embrace on stage and Springsteen announced, “Being in Liverpool and playing with a Beatle – that’s one of my dreams come true, right there”. Before leaving the stage Sir Paul addressed the crowd with the simple message “Thank you, Scousers”, which was met with whoops and cheers.

Although this was their first joint appearance in Liverpool, the two rock legends have shared the stage on several occasions. In 2022, they performed together at Glastonbury Festival, where they delighted the crowd with ‘Glory Days‘ and ‘I Wanna Be Your Man‘. Other collaborations include appearances at London’s Hyde Park in 2012, Madison Square Garden in 2017, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in 2022.

As the tour continues across Europe, the Liverpool show stands as a powerful reminder of rock’s enduring ability to surprise, unite, and inspire.

Click here to read our recent coverage on Bruce Springsteen’s donation to UK miners in 1985

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Throughout its impressive history, the venue has seen world-class acts take to the stage, such as The Beatles, Paul Weller, New Order, Little Richard, as well as illusionist and stunt performer Harry Houdini. More recently, the Liverpool Olympia has welcomed the likes of Teddy Swims, The Gossip, Jamie Webster, Elvis Costello and Manic Street Preachers.

In celebration of the special event, the venue have announced a birthday show with a headlining performance from British multi-platinum-selling band Embrace. This will feature several support acts, including britpop stars The Bluetones and The Real People. Liverpool band RATS will also make an appearance, an enthusiastic nod to the community’s vibrant contemporary music scene. 

Known for hits like ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ from double platinum-certified album ‘Out of Nothing’ (2004), Embrace are poised to deliver an unforgettable performance. After their remarkable show at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey, where they played for a crowd of 6,000, fans of the indie rock group can look forward to an incredible night of live music – marking their first appearance at the venue since 2016. 

Meanwhile, The Bluetones are famed for their 1995 debut release ‘Are You Blue or Are You Blind?’, which made its way into the Top 40. The single served as a springboard for their number-one UK album, ‘Expecting to Fly’, and launched a career that includes 14 hit singles and six albums.  

The Real People are set to perform at the venue for the first time. These Liverpool icons played a key role in Oasis’ meteoric rise to fame during the 1990s. 

Finally, the last of the support acts showcase up-and-coming Scouse band RATS – with raw energy, swagger, and charisma, they will be sure to kick off the birthday show with a bang. So far, the band have amassed over a million monthly Spotify listeners and have teased the imminent release of their debut album. 

In a statement following the birthday show announcement, owner of the Liverpool Olympia, Chris Zorba, said: “I am proud to take this iconic venue into its 120th year and celebrate its magnificent history. We will celebrate the year from April 24 with an eclectic mix of outstanding music, comedy and sporting events befitting to the Olympia’s rich history.”  

A Grade II-listed building, the Liverpool Olympia has been a functioning music venue since 1905, owing its grand design to acclaimed architect Frank Matcham. Maintaining its status as an independent space, the venue has been owned by the Zorba family since the 1990s who have ensured the preservation of its original features. In more recent years, the Olympia has received a new breath of life – the updated seating in the lower balcony, a revamped stage, and improved backstage facilities have demonstrated the city’s continuous celebration of its musical history. 

The highly-anticipated anniversary show will pay tribute to the venue’s cultural heritage and the iconic acts that have passed through its doors.

Tickets for the Liverpool Olympia birthday show are available now.

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Sam Fender’s headline slot is no surprise. With two Number 1 albums already under his belt, he’s set to release his highly anticipated third album, ‘People Watching’, in February. Fender’s summer tour doesn’t kick off until June, meaning fans at the Big Weekend will be among the first to hear the album’s new material.  

Blossoms are still riding high after their Number 1 album ‘Gary’, released last year, and Wet Leg, who headlined at 2023’s Big Weekend, make a return to the festival after three years of extensive touring.  

Lola Young knocked Gracie Abrams off the top of the UK Charts last week with her hit ‘Messy’, and featured on Tyler, The Creator’s October album, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’. Myles Smith played the  Music Introducing stage at last year’s Big Weekend, and called it a “dream come true” to return to the festival. Smith was also shortlisted for the BBC Introducing Sound of 2025 Award, eventually coming 4th.

This year’s Big Weekend marks the event’s first return to the North West since 2007, when it was held in Preston. Liverpool’s iconic Sefton Park will play host this year, as part of a busy first half of the year which will also see the park hosting a candlelight concert and a DJ set from Danny Rampling.  

The format has changed over its two-decade-long history, with stages coming and going, but if the previous years are to be repeated, then fans will be treated to four different stages. With the Main Stage, Future Sounds, Dance Stage, and BBC Introducing, there will be plenty of acts to see for fans of all genres.

Quality lineup so far guys

— John Hamilton (@stigcocard) January 28, 2025

BBC Radio 1’s Head of Station, Aled Haydn Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 to Liverpool. Liverpool’s vibrant music scene and rich history make it the perfect setting for this iconic event. It’s set to be an unmissable weekend.” 

Taking place over 23-25 May, the festival lines up with the final day of the Premier League season. With Liverpool Football Club on track to lift the trophy, the city could become euphoric, making the weekend even more special for those lucky enough to attend. 

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Tickets for the Big Weekend used to be free, but this changed in recent years, with 2024’s tickets costing £34 all in. They are released in batches and will prioritise local residents first. This approach has led to the BBC saying the event brings superstars to your doorstep, and it’s hard to argue with them when they have Sabrina Carpenter performing in Luton, and The Jonas Brothers in Dundee. 

The Big Weekend kicks off the UK’s festival season and is followed by the likes of Download Festival and Glastonbury in the following month. The first phase of tickets can be expected to be released toward the end of March and anybody wanting to snag a ticket should keep an eye out for any announcements.

The donation of Randall’s French horn by his daughter encouraged the museum to reach out to the family of John Burden, who also played French horn on the album. Relatives of the two attended the ceremony, travelling to Liverpool from Ireland and the US, with members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing the same parts performed by Burden and Randall on the album’s opener, ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.

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Tim Burden, John’s son, was interviewed by ITV, and said: “It’s something we as a family are all so proud of. Growing up, it’s such a cool thing to think that your dad was part of this iconic album, and now it’s being displayed in this wonderful museum.”  

Paul McCartney and George Martin are often credited for the album’s unique feel, but session musicians like Randall and Burden were instrumental in bringing its sound to life. Burden later revealed how McCartney would hum melodies, which he then transcribed into sheet music that the other horn players could then read.

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“It was amazing to see Paul so hands-on with the overdubbing process,” Burden recalled before his death in 2010. “They didn’t really know what they wanted, but Paul had this incredible vision that came to life as we worked together.”

Randall enjoyed a distinguished career beyond his work with the Beatles. He conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and taught brass at the London College of Music. Burden’s life followed a similar path, playing in orchestra’s before moving into teaching, working at the Trinity College of Music. 

The brass sections on ‘Sgt. Pepper’ helped shape the album’s distinct music hall style, giving tracks like ‘She’s Leaving Home’ their old-timey charm. Affectionately known as ‘Pepper’ to some fans, the record is widely recognised as one of the most innovative of its time, and effectively ended the “Beatles vs. Beach Boys” debate.

George Martin, one of the few bestowed with the title of “The Fifth Beatle,” was pivotal in blending classical and pop elements, using his traditional musical background. At the time, the album’s scale was immense, with more than 40 musicians contributing to its standout track, “A Day in the Life.” The album was the most expensive album ever recorded at the time, and took over 700 hours to complete. 

The Beatles remain Liverpool’s most famous sons, and their legacy continues to boost the city’s economy. In 2015, the BBC reported that Beatles tourism brought in £82 million annually and supported over 2300 local jobs. Though the report is relatively old, the appeal of the Beatles hasn’t dwindled, with the band nominated for two Grammy’s at the upcoming 2025 awards for their song ‘Now and Then’, as well as a nomination at this years BRIT Awards for the same song.

The Beatles Story museum, spread across three floors, is filled with memorabilia, from Shea Stadium seats to Hamburg-era instruments. The new additions of Randall and Burden’s French horns honour the unsung heroes behind the Fab Four, who helped achieve their timeless sound.

What a great morning, the Philharmonic were fab, and it was lovely to chat to the family of Tony Randell and hear their memories of the talented musician. Well done Roag. pic.twitter.com/CjAs9mOWPB

— Paul Sudbury (@PaulSudbury1) January 23, 2025

One attendee at the unveiling posted on social media: “What a great morning! The Philharmonic were fab, and it was lovely to chat with the families of Tony Randall and John Burden.” 

That two French horns from an album released nearly 60 years ago could draw such attention speaks volumes about The Beatles’ enduring appeal. The donation celebrates not only the genre-defying album the instruments appeared on, but also all of the musicians who gave the Fab Four the foundations on which to shine.

Callum McMorran, a resident musician at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, was playing at the iconic venue when he realized he was playing ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ in front of the song’s creator.

Footage posted by Callum shows himself covering the heartfelt ballad with the California punk rocker watching on in the audience. “Cool moment tonight”, he calmly wrote on his Instagram after the show. As well as being a resident musician at the historic music spot, he also appeared on The Voice UK in 2015.

The Cavern Club itself has a rich musical background. Famously known as a centre for rock and roll in the 50’s and 60’s, which regularly played host to The Beatle’s during their early career. The Fab Four performed at the Liverpudlian local almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963, during which they became the most successful band in England.  

It’s not the first time Billie Joe has been seen hanging out in the UK recently – while recording the fourteenth Green Day album, ‘Saviors’, at RAK Studios in London, he spent some recreational time in the city, watching football matches from teams like Arsenal, Fulham and Millwall to immerse himself in British culture. He was also spotted recently at a Wrexham FC game with actor Channing Tatum.  

Green Day frontman @billiejoe soaking up the #WxmAFC atmosphere at The Turf fanzone pic.twitter.com/slrbLr6CJm — Fearless In Devotion | WREXHAM AFC podcast (@fearlessidzine) December 14, 2024

Interviewed by the Guardian, he said “I went to a lot of football games: Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Fulham. I went to The Den to see Millwall. That was amazing.”

Speaking of the vibrancy of the UK sporting events, he said “Man, if you really want to experience British culture that’s what you should do. Football is like a … religion. It’s like being at a big rock concert. You practically need earplugs! I’ve always wanted to check out all the different divisions, not just the world-class teams like Arsenal and Man City.

After releasing their Grammy-nominated Saviors record in January 2024, Green Day toured the UK, celebrating 30^th anniversary of ‘Dookie‘, and the 20^th anniversary of ‘American Idiot‘, playing both albums in their entirety. Packed shows at Old Trafford and Wembley were well received.

The punk superstars are set to headline next year’s Download festival, alongside Sleep Token and Korn. Other acts at the festival include The Darkness, Jimmy Eat World, Bullet For My Valentine and surprisingly, pop-rockers McFly. The festival will take place at Donington Park, Leicestershire, between 13 and 15 June. You can find tickets here.

This special record will remain on display until the end of December, offering visitors a chance to view the rare piece of memorabilia as part of their visit to Strawberry Field. Admission is included in the standard ticket price, which helps fund the Salvation Army’s Steps to Work programme, a charitable initiative designed to support young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

These pressings, created in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’, were distributed by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon to 25 music charities and grassroots organisations across the UK. Each acetate was intended to raise funds through auctions or sales. The remaining 25 were sent to select record shops, including The Musical Box, which chose to lend their pressing to Strawberry Field for public viewing.

Paula Quinn, owner of The Musical Box, reflected on the honour of receiving the record: “It was a brilliant surprise and privilege to receive the gift of the vinyl from Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon. What better place to show it than where John Lennon used to play as a child?”

We are excited that a rare vinyl acetate of @johnlennon & @yokoono’s single, ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ is on display in our exhibition.

The vinyl is on loan from @themusicalboxrs, who were gifted it by Yoko Ono & @seanonolennon.https://t.co/3d7z6Z34dE#HappyXmasVinyl pic.twitter.com/RRWSoehbZs

— Strawberry Field Liverpool (@strawberryfield) December 12, 2024

Originally written as a protest song against the Vietnam War, ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ was released in 1971 in the US and a year later in the UK. Lennon described his approach to the song’s political message as delivering it “with a little honey,” hoping to blend the message and the music as successfully as he did with his iconic album, ‘Imagine’. Since its release, it has become a Christmas staple, peaking in popularity following Lennon’s tragic death in 1980.

The song also serves as a culmination of Lennon and Ono’s activism in the late ’60s and early ’70s, including their famed “bed-ins for peace” and Bagism campaigns. The Salvation Army’s Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, highlighted this connection: “With Strawberry Field’s deep symbolic and historical connection to John Lennon… it feels only right that this piece of history should find a home in our exhibition at a time when so many long for war to end and peace to prevail.”

Funds from Strawberry Field’s ticket sales go toward maintaining the site and its gardens and supporting the Steps to Work programme, which has been running since 2018. This initiative provides one-to-one support for young people with a strong desire to enter the workforce but who face barriers such as neurodiversity or a lack of prior employment experience. Trainees are paired with a dedicated work coach and guided through a year-long journey to build confidence, learn new skills, and achieve personal job goals.

The exhibit at Strawberry Field reflects John Lennon’s enduring connection to Liverpool and his vision of a more peaceful world. Visitors can experience this piece of history while contributing to a programme that carries forward the spirit of optimism that defined Lennon’s later life.

For Beatles fans and newcomers alike, the display offers a powerful reminder of how music can inspire change through simple actions. Tickets are on sale here.

Lana Del Rey sells out Wembley Stadium, marking the biggest show of her career. pic.twitter.com/jDUzRuJJC1

— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) November 29, 2024

The UK and Ireland tour 2025 will follow the singer’s successful 2024 festival appearances, including Reading & Leeds. Lana hasn’t done a tour in the UK since 2017 when she promoted her fifth studio album ‘Lust For Life’. The tour will mark her first major stadium shows in the region, with performances scheduled at iconic venues like Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Glasgow’s Hampden Park, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Liverpool’s Anfield, and London’s Wembley Stadium. The tour kicks off on June 23, 2025, and concludes on July 4, 2025​.

this girl just sold out wembley stadium :,) pic.twitter.com/WH0XZ45Wwn
— ✧ hannah ✧ IS SEEING LANA (@3lectrarockwell) November 29, 2024

Some fans have voiced concerns about the prices, noting that even restricted-view seats range from £100 to £120, depending on the venue, often comparing it to the Taylor Swift Eras tour. Taylor Swift’s tour featured an extensive production with elaborate staging, costumes, and a multi-hour setlist, leading to higher ticket pricing. In contrast, Lana Del Rey’s tour, while high-profile, focuses on a more intimate, atmospheric performance style, which may contribute to slightly lower base ticket costs but still faces criticism for restricted-view pricing. Lana Del Rey’s tickets remain generally accessible but are more polarizing due to pricing disparities between venues. Lana hasn’t responded to the backlash.

General ticket prices vary by location:

• London Wembley Stadium: Starting at £71.51.
• Cardiff: Around £80.70.
• Glasgow: Higher, around £160.96.
• Other locations, such as Liverpool, offer similar pricing to Cardiff

Paid £40 to see Lana in 2013 and here we are 12 years later…..with a £100 price increase

— BRYCE (@VANILLAJYCE) November 27, 2024

Prior to announcing this tour, Lana said in May 2024: “I’ve decided not to do a stadium tour this year because I want to go to McCreary County in Kentucky, I want to go meet the people. I want to say hi and have breakfast with them. It’s not always about picking up my money at the stadiums.”

Lana Del Rey reveals why she decided not to do a stadium tour.

pic.twitter.com/aoc98jcfRG
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 23, 2024

Similarly to this instance, the singer has also decided to rename her upcoming album ‘Lasso‘ to ‘The Right Person Will Stay‘, which is currently set to be released in May 2025 and which the tour will be in support of.

Lana is also set to perform at Anfield Stadium as part of her UK and Ireland tour, further deepening her bond with Liverpool. The singer has developed a strong connection with Liverpool through her admiration for the city’s cultural heritage, particularly its musical and football traditions. She recorded a poignant a cappella version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone‘, the iconic anthem of Liverpool FC, for a documentary about the club.

Anfield, are you ready for Lana Del Rey? pic.twitter.com/TuEDEKMEk3

— Liverpool FC Retail (@LFCRetail) November 29, 2024

 For re-sale tickets and the rest of tickets for the additional Wembley Stadium date, you can check Ticketmaster. 

As of yesterday, people on twitter have been posting sneak peaks of some of the art installations that are currently being erected around the city including this colourful mural of Swift sporting one of her iconic ‘Lover’ body suits that she wears for her shows. The body suit has become a popular costume amongst fans, some of whom are spending over 20 hours hand-bedazzling similar outfits themselves to wear to the upcoming shows.

The Phoenix Hotel, Liverpool is displaying a mural of @taylorswift13 to celebrate the arrival of The Eras Tour to the city. The hotel sold-out bookings on all three nights a year in advance. pic.twitter.com/kSjcdzUFop

— The Eras Tour UK & Ireland (@TheErasTourUK) May 21, 2024

Overall, there will be 11 sites across the city each representing one of Swift’s 11 albums including a mossy piano replicating the piano the singer plays in the music video for her song Cardigan from the ‘Folklore’ album, as well as a ‘red room’ in honour of ‘Red’. There will also be a mural containing a gigantic number 13 representing Swift’s favourite number which she drew on her hand in glittery marker pen throughout the tour for her album Fearless which was released in 2008. Some of the sites already confirmed to host the installations are Liverpool One, Royal Albert Dock, the Metquarter. The Liverpool Culture division of the city council have worked in collaboration with Make CIC to commission and design the project and you can see their progress in a video posted on the @makecic Instagram below.

 

 

 

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The University of Liverpool are hosting what they are calling a ‘Tay Day’ on June 12th at the Institute of Popular Music before the shows kick off. The full day event will include talks from academics on the ‘musical, social and economic impact of Taylor Swift’ as well as what the event is calling ‘Critical Karaoke’ which includes scholars reciting their essays to their favourite Taylor Swift song. The registration is open to everyone and the university is encouraging fans to come along even if they don’t have a ticket to the Liverpool shows. Attendance is sign up only, which you can check out here.

If you still feel like you can’t escape the Eras Tour fever that has swept most of the road but didn’t manage to get your hands on tickets in the inaugural sales last year don’t give up hope just yet as Ticketmaster have just opened resale for the Anfield show. Keep your eye out for fans selling official tickets here.