The city’s alive with the sound of music

Nov 8 2007 by Pau Corcoran, Liverpool Daily Post

WELL, well, well, who would have thought it? The MTV European Music Awards are coming to Liverpool in November, 2008. Result.

And what a great decision MTV have made to host next year’s awards ceremony right here at the arena. After all, what other city can proclaim that it has produced some of the greatest bands and records like we have? At long last, it’s great to see that Liverpool will finally get the international acclaim that it thoroughly deserves.

As well as giving the city much-needed media attention during our Capital of Culture Year, the event means Liverpool will also be visited by thousands of music revellers, industry moguls and international performers – bringing with them millions of pounds worth of much-needed money during their stay and hopefully beyond.

If like me, you were over the moon to hear the news, imagine how the poor people behind the scenes kept this one under their hats; those working at The Liverpool Culture Company, The Mersey Partnership and the various hotels around the city. I first heard rumours of the event coming to town just a week before the announcement, thanks to my friend Jeanette’s perfectly-placed eavesdropping exercise, and practically jumped up with excitement at the suggestion.

I have already received a number of emails, texts and phone calls from friends I haven’t seen in months enquiring about my health and general wellbeing, oh and not forgetting to ask whether I could procure them some tickets for the show or the various after-parties that will be rocking the city. It doesn’t take a genius to realise it’s going to be one hell of a task to get tickets to this one, although I promise to keep you posted on my progress. I may have to start making some “catch-up” calls myself!

Speaking of announcements, the guys over at Liverpool Music Week have just released their final run-down of what we can expect from this year’s festival, and, boy, have their pulled out all of the stops with this line-up.

From November 29 to December 8, the city will be playing host to over 270 acts. This year’s festival will be the biggest ever and will be rolled out at various venues across the city including Korova, Bumper, Zanzibar and my personal favourite, the good old Magnet.

And they have brought in the big boys with the likes of The Kaiser Chiefs, Hard Fi, The Chemical Brothers, New Young Pony Club and The Rascals popping into Liverpool to wow the crowds.

And those who enjoy the lesser-known, independent acts will not be disappointed as this really is what Liverpool Music Week is all about; not just promoting those who have already made it, but those who are on their way to making their bands household names. And talent there is, too, as – according to Mike Deane, who founded Liverpool Music Week (and who is my old university pal) – the bands have been practically banging the doors down to perform. Rather him than me.

So, from one announcement to another, if one thing is clear, it is this. Whether it be international acts or our very homegrown talent performing here in the city, this year or next, where else is better placed to provide the stage? Forget the hills, the Liverpool streets will be the ones alive with the sound of music for the foreseeable future.