Get plugged in to tales of city's greatest musicians

Nov 17 2006 By Kate Mansey Daily Post Staff

FORGOTTEN tales of some of Liverpool's greatest musicians will be revealed today for the first time in a new book.

The Plug Inn: The Forgotten Years will be launched tonight at the Cavern Club, in Mathew Street, at a party attended by many of the bands it refers to.

It features anecdotes and a fascinating insight into The Plug Inn - a music store in Wavertree's Picton Road where John Lennon and Paul McCartney bought their first instruments.

Bands mentioned in the book including Colonel Bagshot, Splinter, Rocking Horse and Last Train will perform at the launch.

The book's author Tony Bolland started working at The Plug Inn when he was 16 and at the time, kept a diary and detailed notes of his day-to-day job.

During his time at the store, Mr Bolland saw many of his musical heroes walk through the doors, looking for guitars before performing concerts in Liverpool.

He recalls losing the power of speech when, as a teenager, his idol Paul McCartney phoned up to ask for guitar strings.

Mr Bolland, 49, of Croxteth Park, worked at the Picton Street shop before eventually starting up his own business.

He said: "There were many funny moments over the years and as a teenager I hoarded everything I could, including the letter The Plug Inn first sent me to tell me that I had got the job.