The average Beatles fan might not have the means to get in on the bidding wars for novelty items like copy 0000001 of The White Album or an array of instruments and other memorabilia, but those hoping to pay homage — rather than millions of dollars — are in luck. A new statue of the iconic band has been unveiled in their UK hometown of Liverpool.
Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes, the four-man bronze figure has now been officially unveiled at Pier Head, along the city's waterfront. It was donated by the Cavern Club — the Liverpool venue where the Beatles got their start.
It mimics an actual 1963 photo shoot of the band and was crafted by sculptor Andy Edwards.
"I can remember walking around the waterfront with the original sketch models and everybody wanted to talk to us," Edwards told the BBC. "Everybody has a Beatles story. Our image of them seems to bring past, present and future together, like a time machine."
John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, was present at the reveal. "The statue stands in loving memory of the best band in the world," she said. "The band that leapt from the Cavern stage to worldwide recognition."
The reveal coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' final show in their hometown. They last played at the Cavern Club on August 3, 1963, returning later to make their final live appearance in Liverpool at the Empire Theatre on December 5, 1965.
An expanded version of the Beatles' greatest hits compilation 1 was recently released, featuring video accompaniments to the groups' hits. Watch the restored video for "Penny Lane" below and behold the new bronze incarnation of the band in the photo above.
Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes, the four-man bronze figure has now been officially unveiled at Pier Head, along the city's waterfront. It was donated by the Cavern Club — the Liverpool venue where the Beatles got their start.
It mimics an actual 1963 photo shoot of the band and was crafted by sculptor Andy Edwards.
"I can remember walking around the waterfront with the original sketch models and everybody wanted to talk to us," Edwards told the BBC. "Everybody has a Beatles story. Our image of them seems to bring past, present and future together, like a time machine."
John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, was present at the reveal. "The statue stands in loving memory of the best band in the world," she said. "The band that leapt from the Cavern stage to worldwide recognition."
The reveal coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' final show in their hometown. They last played at the Cavern Club on August 3, 1963, returning later to make their final live appearance in Liverpool at the Empire Theatre on December 5, 1965.
An expanded version of the Beatles' greatest hits compilation 1 was recently released, featuring video accompaniments to the groups' hits. Watch the restored video for "Penny Lane" below and behold the new bronze incarnation of the band in the photo above.
