Beatles anniversaries to be celebrated in Kings Heath

Tribute act to recreate the glory years of Beatlemania.

It was 55 years ago on 5th July 1963 that The Beatles made their third and final appearance at the tiny and now sadly burnt down Ritz Ballroom next door to the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath. And it was fifty years ago this year that The Beatles released the seminal double White Album containing the iconic song Revolution. In between times they had become a global phenomenon.

Now King’s Heath Walk Of Fame are delighted to present a very special show to celebrate this unique double anniversary starring John Lennon’s sister’s favourite tribute band The Mersey Beatles at the award winning Hare & Hounds on Sunday 10th June.

Described by the British Beatles Fan Club as “the Best Beatles tribute band”, The Mersey Beatles were all born and grew up in Liverpool. They were the resident band at the legendary Cavern Club for over ten years and now regularly tour throughout the world. They have just returned from an 11 date sold out American tour and will later this year embark on a major UK Get Back tour that will end at Newcastle’s O2 Arena.

Steven Howard, who plays Paul McCartney in the band, said “We are delighted to be returning to the Hare and Hounds on June 10th for the double celebration marking the 55th anniversary of The Beatles final performance in Kings Heath and the fiftieth anniversary of the White Album.”

The first half of the show is entitled 1968: Fifty Years of Revolution . It draws heavily from The Beatles White Album and includes more Beatles hits from 1968. The second half will be a selection of Beatles songs from all eras from Love Me Do to Let It Be.

John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird comparing The Mersey Beatles to other tribute bands, said “The Mersey Beatles are the most authentic I’ve heard … and I’ve heard them all”.

Doors open at 7 pm and the band will be on stage at 7.45 pm

Bob Prew and Ken Whittaker, joint organisers of the local charity King’s Heath Walk Of Fame said, “Beatlemania is set to return to King’s Heath on 10th June as we are expecting hundreds of Beatles fans from all over the country to descend on King’s Heath for this unique double anniversary event. We are determined to continue to celebrate the huge musical legacy of the old Ritz Ballroom despite the indifference of the current owner and the City Council who seem happy to let the site remain a derelict eyesore.

“We are delighted that another four lads from Liverpool The Mersey Beatles will follow in the footsteps of the original Fab Four and perform in King’s Heath. it promises to be a great concert. Tickets are already selling quickly and we would advise fans to make sure they buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment”.

Tickets cost £15 and are available from the Kitchen Garden Cafe on York Road or on-line for £15 + Booking Fee from www.skiddle.com/e/13143730 For further information contact Bob Prew on 0121 689 2360/07779 782240 or Ken Whittaker on 0121 443 5237/07748 710996.