National Museums Liverpool announce headline act for summer of music

Local cult music icon Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band are set to headline a summer of live music and events at Museum of Liverpool.

Summer of Sound is a season-long series of gigs, special events and talks taking place in the museum, created in partnership with Liverpool’s world-famous Cavern Club to mark National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary celebrations.  

Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band is the latest acclaimed project from revered Liverpool singer-songwriter Michael Head (formerly of The Pale Fountains, Shack, and The Strands). The band’s flexible, shifting lineup perfectly matches Head’s sweeping, autobiographical, and poetic storytelling. Head became a cult icon in the 1980s and 90s, often described by the NME as “a lost genius and among the most gifted British songwriters of his generation”.

A wave of musical talent is scheduled to hit the riverside venue this summer, from cutting- edge artists to Liverpool legends across six weeks of music in the iconic waterfront venue.

Between 25 July and 29 August, Museum of Liverpool plays host to musicians spanning decades and chosen especially by The Cavern Club to celebrate the history of Liverpool music.  

Liverpool’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers The Quarrymen kick off Museum of Liverpool’s Summer of Sound on 25 July with a special evening of songs and stories. Listen to the sounds, tales and spirit of 1950s Liverpool, as The Quarrymen perform skiffle and early rock ’n’ roll that inspired a generation… and first-hand anecdotes of where it all began for The Beatles.

On 1 August, one of Liverpool’s most exciting new bands headlines an evening hosted by BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks. Hand-picked by Dave – the city’s very own new music champion – this packed evening featuring Liverpool’s bright new talent is headlined by STONE – known for their explosive live shows, the four-piece blend punk, garage rock and electronica.

A celebration of all things Merseybeat visits the museum on 8 August, transporting audiences back to the Swinging Sixties. ‘This Is Merseybeat’ is a vibrant live show celebrating the music that launched the ‘British Invasion’ and the global phenomenon of the Mersey Sound.

On 22 August, The Cavern’s much-loved open mic night takes up residence in the museum for a one-off evening. Former Pele and Amsterdam singer Ian Prowse presents The Monday Club: a regular Cavern night that celebrates the grassroots spirit of Liverpool’s music scene with one rule – only original songs. Artists hand-picked by Ian – The Monday Club host – will perform, before a special set from the Amsterdam lead singer tops off a special night.

Then, to close this year’s Summer of Sound, International Beatleweek takes over Museum of Liverpool on 29 August, as some of the very best Beatles tribute acts from around the world descend on Liverpool.  

Jon Keats, Director of Operations and Music at The Cavern Club, said:

We are delighted to be collaborating with Museum of Liverpool on these shows across the summer. The Cavern will be seventy years old this coming January, and whilst we are very much not a museum, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our great history as well as what is happening in the club today. We have carefully curated this series of gigs to represent everything from the early jazz and skiffle days, through the Merseybeat era and to what we are today, and always have been, a relevant, thriving live music venue supporting new and up and coming artists!

Kerry Williams, Head of Creative Partnerships at National Museums Liverpool, said:

This summer, we’re celebrating National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary in style, with a host of amazing live music events all taking place in the unique space of Museum of Liverpool at the waterfront. Summer of Sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.

As well as a major season of gigs, Summer of Sound kicks off on 24 July with the first in a series of weekly musical bingo events after hours.  

Get ready for bingo with a musical twist as Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo arrives at the Museum of Liverpool! With 75 numbers and 75 songs, this isn’t your average bingo night. Each number is revealed through a live performance on piano and vocals – it’s up to you to recognise the song, find the number on your card and mark it off. Perfect for lovers of music, theatre or unique nights out – Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo is a must do summer activity, set in the landmark waterfront venue after hours and with food and drinks available to make an evening of it.  

There’s also a chance for musicians to take part in this year’s Summer of Sound, as National Museums Liverpool bring their popular Museum Sessions Live back to Museum of Liverpool. An open call to all musicians in the city, Museum Sessions Live gives artists the chance to perform in the venue’s vibrant Atrium across multiple dates. Submissions are open now. 

National Museums Liverpool Members will have early access to buy the just announced tickets for Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band from Friday 5 June. General sale will take place from 10.30am on Friday 12 June. Tickets for all other Summer of Sound gigs are on sale now.

Find out more about Summer of Sound on the National Museums Liverpool website.  

Find more music events across Liverpool on our calendar.

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