Pete Wylie
As the Liverpool legend takes to the stage for music and chat, Getintothis’ Jane Davies looks forward to a very special night.
Following on from last year’s Pete Talks we are promised an evening of music, multi -media and #Mem Wahs’ with the self proclaimed “part time rock star and full time legend” that is Pete Wylie on 2 Feb in Liverpool.
We can forgive Wylie, whose daughter Mersey performs at Getintothis’ Independent Women night on 28 Jan, for his lack of modesty.
One third of the Crucial Three, with Ian McCulloch and Julian Cope, his contribution to the birth of Scouse Pop in the late 70s into the 80s was monumental and on the subject of monuments, perhaps someday there will be a permanent monument to him in Liverpool.
In the meantime, Liverpool’s British Music Experience will play host to one of three special gigs, along with London and Glasgow to commemorate a year of musical milestones for one of Liverpool’s favourite sons.
This year will see the launch on all platforms of the new album Pete Sounds, the anniversary of The Story of the Blues charting in January 1983 and the 40th anniversary of the birth of Wah!
Perhaps what is so appealing about Pete, as well as him still residing and working in Liverpool, is that we can relate to his life experiences. He has weathered tough storms and lived to tell the tale.
This is something which resonates with a lot of us certainly those of us of a certain age who may have been around in the days when he was on Top of the Pops.
Anticipation for the gigs has been heightened by the pledge on Wylie’s website which promises “These shows will be wild! Not just yer average gigs” and “Now the technology is here that lets me do justice to Wah! Music live, and we will match that with magic for your eyes”.
The State nightclub – a look inside iconic Liverpool ballroom
Fans are promised all the hits and more. Add to this the live debut of a presumed tribute band called The Pete Shop Boys and the audience is certainly in for a treat. So much so, the gig has sold out.
To top it all off, we could be in for a long evening with his Mem Wahs, given that Pete has a reputation to talk.
Perhaps he will follow on where Ken Dodd left off, leaving us wondering what time to book the taxi for.
Wylie certainly likes to make a statement. Not even the promotional poster for The Pete Sounds launch is understated. Emblazoned with a galaxy of gold stars, it is more befitting a poster for a much lauded incoming musical at the Liverpool Empire.
Perhaps he will come back next year with Pete Wylie – the musical.
Now that would be a fitting tribute to someone whose heart is as big as the city, heart as big as Liverpool.
The Pete Wylie Show! dates are
23 Jan King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
27 Jan Borderline, London
2 Feb British Music Experience, Liverpool
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