Campaign for a new Beatles statue for either Metquarter or Liverpool One

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Campaign for a new Beatles statue for either Metquarter or Liverpool One
By Liverpool Echo
Jul 23, 2014

They're already immortalised with a group tribute inside Cavern Walks, albeit one not all Fab Four fans love, but now there’s a campaign for a new Beatles statue in the city centre where everyone can enjoy it.


John James Chambers from the Liverpool Beatles appreciation society, with the statue of John Lennon in the Cavern Walks shopping centre.

And those behind the plea want to name it She Loves You, capturing the Beatlemania era and particularly the band’s 1963 all-time best-selling hit in the UK.

The Liverpool Beatles Appreciation Society has earmarked two potential sites: either outside the Metquarter on Whitechapel or in Liverpool One.

And they’re hoping the billionaire Duke of Westminster, whose Grosvenor property company is in charge of running the shopping and leisure complex, will give it the OK.

“We’ve heard he’s a Beatles fan, and we’d love him to give his blessing to the idea especially as we feel it would be of benefit to Liverpool One,” society chairman John James Chambers tells Insider. “It could become a huge attraction for tourists from all over the world.”

The group was behind an original seven-year campaign, from 1977-84, which culminated in the commissioning of sculptor John Doubleday to create the bronze which cost £40,000 and currently stands in Cavern Walks.

That has just celebrated its 30th anniversary and John says they feel the time is now right for a second landmark work, this time focusing on the raw energy of the early 60s.

“The She Loves You statue would celebrate that time on stage when John and Paul were getting on famously and it was all about joyous music,” says John. “It was such a happy time and it’s still a lot of fans’ favourite Beatles song.”

They estimate that a new bronze, complete with four life-size figures, musical instruments and amplifiers, would cost in the region of £100,000 to £150,000.

But, adds John, it would be the gift to the city that keeps on giving.

“We’d like to see it at pavement level where fans could interact and get close to it,” he says. “We’ve also thought there could be a jukebox attached and people could make a charity donation to play their favourite Beatles song while they look at it.

“We can visualise it, and we think it would be a smash hit ... and if I win the lottery I might pay for it myself!”

The society is looking for volunteers to help with its projects. Contact 0151 256 1924.


John James Chambers, founder of the Liverpool Beatles Appreciation Society International, John from Liverpool has been a Beatles fan since he first heard 'Love Me Do' in 1962, after the break up of The Beatles John decided with a little help from his friends to set up the society which started in 1977.