New art installation to be unveiled on Mathew Street for International Beatleweek Festival

This August, a brand-new art installation celebrating the unique and historical links between the City of Memphis and Liverpool will make its permanent home on Liverpool’s Mathew Street.

The 25ft artwork, created by acclaimed New York artist Shannon MacDonald, will be unveiled to the public on Thursday, August 22nd, coinciding with the official launch of International Beatleweek Festival 2024.

The vibrant artwork, situated on the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel exterior, narrates the story of how early American Blues and Rock & Roll music from Tennessee influenced the development of the Merseybeat music era of the 1960s. This cultural exchange came full circle when The Beatles brought their sound back to the US during the British Invasion of 1964.

The unveiling ceremony will be led by Liverpool’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham, John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird, and artist Shannon MacDonald. This event will coincide with the arrival of thousands of international visitors for the International Beatleweek festival, which celebrates the music of The Fab Four from August 21- 27.

Mayor Steve Rotherham said:

“Liverpool and Memphis are two cities that have become synonymous with music, each shaping the global soundscape in their own way. This new art installation, ‘Beale Street to Beatles…And Back Again,’ is more than just a tribute; it’s a celebration of the deep and lasting connection between our cities and a testament to the impact they continue to have on the world – and the charts.

“Unveiling this piece of art during International Beatleweek, in the heart of Mathew Street, reminds us how our shared musical heritage continues to resonate around the world. It’s a proud moment for Liverpool, reinforcing our status as a city where music isn’t just part of our history, but the beat of our everyday lives.”

The similarities between these two iconic cities lie not only in the music industry but also in port logistics and shipping, biotechnology, and advanced science. In 2013, a musical twinning initiative paired Elvis’ home, Graceland, with The Beatles Story Museum, The Cavern Club with BB King’s Club, The Liverpool Maritime Museum with The Cotton Museum in Memphis, the Casbah Club with Sun Studios, and Mathew Street with Beale Street in Memphis.

The concept for this new installation, designed to deepen the musical connection between Memphis and Liverpool in the 60th anniversary year of The Beatles’ British Invasion, has been a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders such as Liverpool City Council, Cavern City Tours (owners of The Cavern Club), and Hard Days Night Hotel.

Artist Shannon’s connection to Liverpool is well-established, as her unique and precise air-brush painting style adorns both the exterior and interior walls of the Hard Days Night Hotel. Her artwork is prominently featured in all 110 Beatles-themed bedrooms and throughout the hotel, showcasing her distinctive talent.

Shannon said:

“With great enthusiasm and pride, I am looking forward to this day in Liverpool. To paint the history that “is and was” Rock and Roll, through the eyes and ears of its footprint, has been a gift.

When I look back to my first visit to Liverpool, in 1997, my younger self would have thought this an unfathomable accomplishment. As an American, this piece of artwork solidifies the true legends that are the brick and mortar that we celebrate today… and in turn, it puts to rest the argument of where it all started and who the true pioneers were.”

The unveiling will take place at 11:15am on Thursday 22nd August on Mathew Street, and the public are invited to attend.