A Statute of Brian Epstein in the heart of Liverpool …
What a wonderful idea to honour the Beatles’ legendary manager! The “Statue For Eppy” Project was looking for ways to raise funds for the statue, so they decided to release a brand new single, involving a host of Liverpool artists.
In order to take part in the recording we were made “honorary Scousers” (Scouser = a person from Liverpool) and were received incredibly warmly by everyone involved! The recordings took part in September 2014 at the Parr Street Studios, so we had only been living in the UK for a few months at that point.
It was a great way for us to get introduced to a lot of wonderful “Beatle People” and many great musicians, not only from the 60s but also today. From Freda Kelly (secretary to Brian Epstein and president of the Beatles fan club) to Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley (from the 60s band “The Merseybeats”) to the Mayor of Liverpool and many more!
We tried to list them all in the photo descriptions of the gallery at the end of this post.
When the video for the song came out some years ago, we shared it on Facebook, but we think it’s worth adding it to the MLT Club so you can come back to it whenever you want. Without further ado, here is “Our Friend” by “The Eppy Centre” … 🙂
Unfortunately, there isn’t a happy ending to this story. So far, no statue has been built, and we don’t think the project is still going. We don’t know the reason behind it and never got involved in the “politics” of this whole operation but there seem to have been some disagreements between some of the key players. The statue never came to fruition which is a big shame.
We still think that Brian Epstein, the man who was absolutely instrumental and responsible for the incomparable success of the Beatles, deserves every bit of recognition, especially in the city of Liverpool.
Regardless, we were happy to be a part of this recording alongside all the other talented and friendly people involved. The musicians and artists got on wonderfully and really wanted this to work out. It was a true celebration of Epstein and we could feel the appreciation everyone here has for Brian, the man 🙂
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”380″ gal_title=”2014 – Statue For Eppy – Parr Street Recording”]
Great pictures and I am sure that you had tons of fun! Too bad that the statue of Brian didn’t materialize. Without Brian Epstein, The Beatles would have just been a successful band instead of a musical phenomenon. Maybe it will happen some day.
Someday, someday. Brian had a big impact on the psyche of the Fab Four that’s for sure, since while under his management they were able to totally concentrate on the creative process and be such prolific song writers. Once Brian was gone and the lads had to deal with the business part of being The Beatles it was the beginning of the end. All you need is Love and someone to make sure the arrangements are made and the bills are paid. Management is a big part of any success story.
So true Richard, and we are fortunate our favourite twins are under such excellent management!
Thank you ladies for putting this up here on the Club. I really enjoyed the video and the song. A real honor for you to be included, especially since you were so new to the Liverpool scene. No question that Brian deserves a statue in Liverpool. Its hard to imagine how this effort could fall apart. I wonder why Paul and Ringo weren’t involved in supporting this? Anyway, the two of you lit up the room. Someday there will be a statue of the MonaLisa Twins there.
A true Legendary Genius. Who knows where the Beatles would have gone without Brian.
One of the rare individuals that always seemed to push all the right buttons.
So very glad that you both got to share and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.
At the very least Brian deserves to have a statue.
He certainly, along with the Beatles, put Liverpool on the Map.
Thanks ever so much for sharing this Amazing time with each of you Ladies.
All the best
Rick
Well it’s a pity the statue never came to fruition, but at least we have a lovely song out of the project and some beautiful photos.
That was a really nice video and song and a touching celebration and remembrance of an important figure in the history of the Beatles and big contributor to the music world. Your presence there made it that much more special, and I am sure Brian Epstein would certainly have appreciated it very much. I hope one day they do get around to raising his statue in Liverpool. Lovely photos too; thanks for sharing these!
Imagine just moving to Liverpool and then having THIS experience! A sad but very nice tribute to Brian. Sad that the statue was never made but that song is wonderful as were all of you who had a part in it. Brian definitely deserves a statue. Love the photos too!
Wow… That must of been just incredible to be amongst all those present for that recording and love the photos you’ve shared. I’m sorry that the statue project never came to be as was hoped… Maybe in another way Brian’s memory could be created as a permanent tribute in the future if it’s possible. Just curious… Did you get same Groovy Goosebumps recording at Parr Studios as you did at Abbey Rd or a different kind of vibe?!… Still the opportunity for you to have taken part is amazing and indeed something to cherish.
Very nice. I remember when he died, some reporter asked John Lennon what would have happened to the Beatles if not for Brian, and John, dumbstruck by grief, simply said “I don’t know.” Of course, nobody knows, but without doubt it wouldn’t have been the same.