Shock and sadness expressed by festival fans around the world

Aug 3 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

LAST night fans and bands from around the world expressed their sadness at the cancellation of the Mathew Street Festival.

American Susie Barbour is travelling to Liverpool from Pittsburgh, for the event which she has attended without fail since 1999.

She said: “It's truly unique what's been created.

“The crowds of people couldn't be nicer – it's like an extended family reunion.

“I for one am certainly not attending for an opportunity to get drunk – it's all about the music and sharing the experience on Monday with 350,000 of my closest friends.

“Wouldn't it make more sense, both politically and financially, to come up with a solution other than cancelling the event?”

Kjell Olav Leirvåg is the secretary of the Beatles Fanclub of Norway.

He said: “I have been to the Beatles Week for seven years so this will be my 8th festival. My wife and I look forward to staying in Liverpool. Liverpool is unique and we always feel very welcome to this lovely city.

“I am sorry to hear that this year's Mathew Street Festival is cancelled.”

Will Lee is a member of tribute act The Fab Faux.

He said: “We were not scheduled for this year, but were working on a possible appearance in 2008.

“We have played the festival many times and there's nothing like it anywhere on earth. We look to those in charge in hopes that they will begin working together in harmony for the greater good of everyone to solve their issues.

“Liverpool is a very important place in the hearts of musicians and music fans everywhere.”

New York-born Joey Curatolo, who plays Paul McCartney in the American show Rain: The Beatles Experience said he was shocked by the news.

His show, the most successful Beatles show in the USA, is due to make its first ever appearance at the Liverpool Empire on August 25 during the festival period.

He said: “Oh man, I feel devastated about that,” he said. “I feel it is the one time we get to play in Liverpool and hang out and have a good time and that’s taken away from us.”

The Liverpool Empire confirmed that the show would still go ahead.

Disappointed supporters have set up groups on networking site Facebook petitioning for the Bank Holiday weekend to be celebrated in the traditional way regardless.