An exhibition supporting the UK’s grassroots venues is coming to Liverpool

This Spring, renowned artist Pete McKee brings his latest exhibition, ‘The Boy With a Leg Named Brian’ to Liverpool as it tours some of the UK’s most beloved grassroots music venues.

This is a rare opportunity to see Pete’s exhibition in these amazing and unique spaces. After the show has closed, there will be a live performance in the evening from The Everly Pregnant Brothers, the northern tinged comedy ukulele band which Pete McKee is also a member of.

As well as a showcase of Pete’s artwork, the tour is also to raise awareness of the work Music Venue Trust do in helping to support our grassroots live music venues, the lifeblood of touring for new emerging artists.

During its year-long run at Sheffield’s Weston Park Museum, Pete McKee’s biggest exhibition to date, A Boy with a Leg Named Brian, has taken over 130,000 visitors on an exploration of the events that shaped his life and influenced his art.

Split into four sections, the exhibition spans Pete’s earliest memories, beginning with the loss of his mum, and finishing with his teenage years that were defined by the joy of finding his identity through fashion and music.

Although this is the story of Pete’s life growing up on a council estate in 70s and 80s Sheffield, his memories and tales of everyday life and pop culture are relatable experiences shared by many across the UK.

Pete McKee said:

“Music is a huge part of my life, and features constantly in my work. In fact, it was the original dream of mine to play on Top of The Pops rather than become an artist.”

“We have picked some of the most amazing venues for this tour which have played host to some of the biggest artists before they were famous. Grassroots music venues like this are vital for bands like mine to perform to new audiences, so I can’t wait to play on with my band in these venues too.”

“I love showcasing my artwork in non-traditional spaces too, so this is going to be a real celebration of art and music.”

During the daytime the exhibition will be free for all to attend with interactive installations in each venue.

As well as showcasing his work, Pete wants to show off the venues and let visitors see and experience them as they won’t have done before. The tour visits, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Brighton and London, across weekends in April and May. 

Pete has also created a special poster which is exclusive to each venue on the tour. Only 50 will be produced and signed by the artist, with all profits going to the Music Venue Trust and each venue in support of the UK’s independent music venues.

The other half of this celebration takes place at night, as each venue will host a ticketed live show from The Everly Pregnant Brothers; the comedic ukulele band who are well known for their parodies of popular songs.

Pete was one of the founding members of the band and after a summer of playing festivals, including Tramlines and Rock N Roll Circus, they are excited to be bringing songs from their latest album ‘Never Mind The Ukes, Here’s The Brothers’.

Pete concludes:

“Independent music venues like these are really important to me, not only are they where our band plays but it is also where I have seen countless artists over the years hone their craft.”

“Music venues are closing down at a frightening rate across the country and it is important that we work hard to keep them alive.”

“I can’t wait to bring my exhibition to your city and show my work in these beautiful and very different spaces from a gallery.”

The exhibition will come to District, Liverpool on May 16th 2026.

Get more information about Pete McKee’s tour here.

Get more art, music & culture news across Liverpool here.

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