Two Decades @ the Picket

Created 06 October 2003
Last update 20 July 2004

1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Click on a date to see key events at the Picket for that year

 

Last Year

Forthcoming Events:

1983

 

The Merseyside Unemployed Resource Centre is officially opened, to provide a range of services and facilities, for the employed and unemployed. Volunteers at the Centre plan to establish a recording studio and music venue, as part of the resources for young unemployed people, bands and community groups.

MAY

 

Concert @ the Liverpool Empire Theatre to celebrate the opening of the Unemployed Centre featuring: THE STYLE COUNCIL, (their first ever performance), ALAN BLEASDALE, THE FARM, The High Five, Everyman Youth Theatre and characters from 'BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF'.

NOV

 

Benefit concert @ the Liverpool Empire Theatre for the Unemployed Centre's recording studio featuring; ALEXEI SAYLE, BLACK, THE HIGSONS, (featuring Charlie Higson of Fast Show Fame), Ex-Post Facto and Mr. Amir.

1984

MAY

 

THE LA'S record their first 'demo' at the Unemployed Centre's recording studio. The band go onto sign to Go Discs and release the classic single 'There She Goes'.

Noel Gallagher has cited The La's as a major influence and the inspiration behind the 'Britpop' movement. The band becomes cult legends.

 

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1985

APRIL

 

The HOUSEMARTINS visit The Picket, (including Norman Cook aka 'Fatboy Slim' and Paul Heaton from 'The Beautiful South').

 

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1986

MAY

 

PETE TOWNSHEND, (The Who), officially opens the Unemployed Centre's recording studio. Donations to equip the Studio are received from:
  • SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY,
  • PHIL COLLINS,
  • JOE STRUMMER, (RIP),
  • ELVIS COSTELLO,
  • RINGO STARR,
  • DEPECHE MODE,
  • SUGGS (MADNESS),
  • PETER GABRIEL,
  • PAUL WELLER,
  • KEITH SLAUGHTER,
  • THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA and
  • NEW ORDER/ROB GRETTON.

 

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1987

JAN-JUNE

 

The Music Group volunteers at the Unemployed Centre organise a series of six gigs. Including performances by The La's, The Farm with support from HAPPY MONDAYS and Levi Tafari's Ministry of Love.

THE LA'S perform sell out concerts on a regular basis @ The Picket.
The SPINNERS play one of their final gigs @ The Picket courtyard.

 

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1988

JUNE

 

The SPINNERS play one of their final gigs @ The Picket courtyard.

 

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1989

JULY

 

The Picket's Venue Manager organises 11 benefit concerts for the HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER APPEAL @ The Picket, John Moores University, Liverpool University and the Royal Court Theatre, entitled "BIG BEAT '89". The fundraising concerts feature: JULIAN LENNON, ICICLE WORKS, IAN GILLIAN from Deep Purple, JULIAN COPE, BLACK, THOMAS LANG, JEREMY HARDY, FRANK SIDEBOTTOM, FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION, PAT NEVIN, Rain, Real People, Mark Miwurdz, Jeggsy Dodd, Ministry of Love, The Preachers, The Paragonz, The Farm, River City People, The Tambourines and The Vernons.

DEAF SCHOOL, the legendary Liverpool Art school band, perform a benefit concert for 'Hillsborough Appeal' @ Halligans Rehearsal Studio, Holloway Road, London. Also appearing Fergal Sharkey, (The Undertones), Suggs (Madness) and Reeves Gabrells, (from David Bowie's 'Tin Machine').

 

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1990

MAY

 

"LIVERPOOL NOW" pilot event takes place @ The Picket, 9 unsigned bands appear. NME, Melody Maker and Sounds produce glowing reviews of the gigs and pay tribute to the concept.

 

JUNE

 

DUDU PUKWANA Anti-apartheid campaigner, exile and respected jazz musician plays @ The Picket with his band Zila, including Pinise Saul, Lucky Ranku & Mervyn Afrika. This was one of the last gigs he played before his untimely death.

 

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1991

MAY

 

MARTIN CARTHY plays a sell-out gig @ The Picket. (Martin has since been awarded an MBE for his contribution to English folk music).

 

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1992

FEB

 

SHACK perform @ The Picket.

PELE perform @ The Picket. A bouncing capacity audience, very nearly bring the house down!

 

MAY

 

SPACE perform @ The Picket.

 

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1993

OCT

 

MZWAKHE MBULI, 'The Peoples Poet of South Africa' performs at The Picket.

 

NOV

 

REAL PEOPLE/SENSE OF SOUND perform @ The Picket.

 

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1994

FEB

 

The Picket receives the award 'BEST SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS 1993' @ Liverpool Echo and Daily Post Arts Awards, Adelphi Hotel Liverpool.

Dean Sullivan, (aka Jimmy Corkhill from Brookside) and Liverpool City Council's Chief Executive make the presentation. The Venue and its staff are rewarded for their "long term contribution to local music and support of local talent".

 

JUNE

 

Inaugural 'LIVERPOOL NOW FESTIVAL' @ The Lomax, The Picket & Bourbon Street venues, featuring: Cast, Space, Wah, Sense of Sound, Jah Deeanko, Bullyrag and Small.

 

NOV

 

BAABA MAAL, Senegalese Superstar, performs @ The Picket.

 

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1995

FEB

 

The Picket receives £500,000.00 from ERDF, the National Lottery, Foundation for Sports and Arts and Liverpool City Challenge to refurbish its facilities.

Capacity is increased; a 7k PA system, 25k lighting rig and disabled access/toilets are installed.

 

APRIL

 

CAST perform @ The Picket.

 

OCT

 

The 2nd 'Liverpool Now Festival' @ Liverpool University, Krazy House, Lomax, Jaks, featuring: Cast, Real People, Cecil, Space, Smaller, Manbreak and The Stairs.

 

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1996

JUNE

 

The Picket, following a major refurbishment, is re-launched. Performances from: Zila, Sense of Sound, Billy Bragg, Proper and The Royal Philharmonic String Quartet. THE LORD MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL, CLLR FRANK DORAN, attends proceedings.

 

OCT

 

JOHN PEEL OBE officially reopens the Picket Venue.
The 3rd 'Liverpool Now Festival' supported by NorthWest Arts Board and the City's Arts and Culture Unit. NOEL GALLAGHER visits The Picket to 'check out' friend Digsy's band Smaller
.

 

DEC

 

THOMAS MAPFUMO, 'The Lion of Zimbabwe', performs at The Picket."The majestic dreadlocked exponent of electric mbira music".

 

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1997

OCT

 

The 4th 'Liverpool Now Festival' Venues: The Picket, Lomax, Zanzibar, Royal Court, HeebeeJeebees and K2. Featuring: Cast, AM, C Zero, Ooberman, Amsterdam, The Isrites, Zeb.

 

NOV

 

BBC's The O-Zone visit the venue record a special feature about Cast @ The Picket. The programme traces the bands origins and inspirations.

 

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1998

APRIL

 

TRAVIS perform @ The Picket, in a special gig to launch Crash FM, a local independent radio station.

 

MAY

 

DICK GAUGHAN, Legendary Scottish folksinger, performs @ The Picket.

 

JULY

 

THE REAL THING perform @ The Picket. The band appears in a benefit show for Howard Gayle's Stanley House Youth Football Team.

 

OCT

 

The 5th 'Liverpool Now Festival' is launched by IAN MCCULLOCH of Echo and The Bunnymen.

 

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1999

MARCH

 

The Picket presents an event to celebrate the life and work of PAUL ROBESON 'Black civil rights activist and singer'.

 

JULY

 

' KOSOVO BENEFIT GIG' featuring; CHINA CRISIS, SPACE and PETE WYLIE. The event raises vital funds to assist the work of the British Red Cross Society in Kosovo.

 

SEPT

 

' IN THE CITY' the world renowned 'Music Convention' comes to Liverpool with gigs @ The Picket and many other Liverpool venues. The events attracts the British Music Industry and representatives of Record companies World-wide.

 

OCT

 

The 6th 'Liverpool Now Festival' supported by PRS, Musician's Union and BPI. The event operates in conjunction with BBC RADIO ONE'S "SOUND CITY FESTIVAL".

JOHN PEEL presents Liverpool band Ooberman @ The Picket for BBC Radio One. The gig was broadcast as part of Liverpool Now/Radio One Sound City Festival.

 

NOV

 

LIPA's 'Get Serious' performances at the Venue are recorded for broadcast on local Cable TV 'Channel One'. (LIPA is the 'Fame School' Paul McCartney established at his old school the Liverpool Institute for Boys).

 

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2000

JAN

 

The Pickets recording studio is renamed 'PINBALL WIZARD' in recognition of PETE TOWNSHEND'S tremendous support for the Studio and Music Venue.

 

OCT

 

The 7th 'Liverpool Now Festival'.

 

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2001

APRIL

 

The Picket installs a 'top' quality in-house backline; The following musicians, bands and companies have generously donated equipment to the Picket to establish a unique facility for local bands;

  • ELVIS COSTELLO
  • SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY.
  • JOE STRUMMER, (RIP)
  • YOKO ONO.
  • SPACE and CAST
  • MARSHALL UK
  • PREMIER PERCUSSION
  • ZILDJIAN CYMBALS

 

AUG

 

'NEIL FINN' (ex- Crowded House) appears at the Picket with a 'Band of Strangers.' Neil performed a unique concert accompanied by a group of unknown musicians from Liverpool.

 

OCT

 

'ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING' tour visits the Picket. The campaign to improve facilities for disabled artistes and audiences visits the venue to present a performance by disabled bands.

THE CORAL and THE MUSIC 'two of the country's hottest' unsigned bands appear at the Picket in front of a sell out audience.
8th Liverpool Now festival

 

NOV-DEC

 

Two pilot 'DRY BAR' gigs take place at the Picket to 'test' the idea of presenting regular events featuring under 18 bands, DJ's, Rappers and MC's for an audience of young people.

The 'Dry bar' is part of a larger project the 'MZONE' funded by the National Foundation for Youth Music, Arts Council of England and Liverpool City Council.

 

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2002

JAN

 

The Picket receives donations from TRAVIS, anon musician and a grant from Liverpool Culture Company for £5,000.00 to refurbish the Venue's facilities.

THE LIVERPOOL AND MERSEYSIDE MUSIC ACTION ZONE is established, (the MZONE). The Picket is a partner in the organisation alongside Merseyside Music Development Agency, the Philharmonic and Sense of Sound vocal agency. The main aim is to improve the provision of music for under 18's across Merseyside.

 

APRIL

 

THE DRY BAR gigs are formally launched; the events are planned to take place on the last Tuesday of every month.

 

JULY

 

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE judges visit Liverpool to assess Liverpool's bid. The Picket's Venue manager is invited to be a witness and 'testify' before the Judging panel to support the bid.

 

AUG

 

BBC2's 'Blast' programme features the 'Dry Bar' as part of a nationwide report on young peoples cultural activities.

 

SEPT

 

LIVERPOOL; WONDROUS PLACE' book launch takes place at the Picket. The book's author Paul Du Noyer, is joined by Andy McCluskey OMD, Pete Wylie, John Power from CAST, Jamie from Space, Ian McNabb, Frank from Flock of Seagulls, Garry from The Christians,

'RHYME PAYS' ;The Picket's Venue Manager produces several compilation CDs of Liverpool bands and artistes to support and promote Liverpool's bid for European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The CDs entitled 'Rhyme Pays' are sent to key figures in the Music industry, Media, Arts Community and politicians locally and nationally. The purpose being to remind people, if they should need it, that Liverpool is the ' Pop Music Capital of the UK'.

 

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2003

FEB

 

LIVERPOOL NOW; High and Dry Festival 2003 for under 18's takes place at the Picket, LIPA and the Magnet. Five days of concerts, seminars and music workshops.

 

APRIL

 

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE judges visit Liverpool again to meet the City's Arts Community. The judges mingle on board the Royal Daffodil to experience a 'Ferry across the Mersey'.

The Picket's Venue manager attends and presents Sir Jeremy Isaacs, the chair of the judging panel, with two CDs he has compiled that contain over 40 Liverpool musicians and bands.

 

MAY

 

HMV showcases begin at the Picket. A joint venture between the venue and HMV Liverpool, which offers local bands promotional opportunities and live performances.

 

JUNE

 

JUNE 4 WE WON!

LIVERPOOL IS AWARDED THE ACCOLADE 'EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2008'.

AFRICA OYE FESTIVAL', Europe's only free festival of African music takes place in Liverpool at sites throughout the City including the beautifully restored Victorian Palm House in Sefton Park, the Albert Dock and Concert Square.

The Picket's technical staff provides technical assistance and assist in the production of the live shows.

THE CORAL 'Britains best new band' appear at the Picket 'in session' for STEVE LAMACQ'S RADIO ONE show. The concert is broadcast live on the BBC Radio.

THE CORAL, THE ZUTONS, THE BANDITS, THE STANDS and ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN appear at the World's best music event, the legendary Glastonbury Festival, flying the flag for Liverpool.

 

AUG

 

'The Picket's DRY BAR Festival takes place at Rice Lane, Walton, North Liverpool. The event showcased under 18 bands, Rappers, DJ's and dancers, promoting the next generation of talent from Liverpool.

 

SEPT

 

SEPT BBC 6 MUSIC VISITS LIVERPOOL
In 'Slap My Plaque' for digital radio station BBC 6 Liverpool- born presenter and DJ Craig Charles, ('Red Dwarf'/'Robot Wars'), spent a week in the City slapping plaques on some Liverpool's most significant musical landmarks. Craig 'slapped a plaque' on the Picket, Eric's club, Probe Records and Penny Lane and other sights.

BBC 6 also sited an OB bus outside the Picket to interview the City's musicians and music industry figures including Alan Wills, MD Deltasonic label, home to The Coral and The Zutons, and John Power from CAST.

Steve Lamacq, Radio One DJ, says: "In terms of musical vibrancy Liverpool has taken over from Manchester as a place for ideas and energy at the moment. One of Liverpool's major musical traits is making great pop music with a slightly maverick touch."

 

OCT 23-26

 

LIVERPOOL IRISH FESTIVAL The first major festival of Irish music and arts to take place in Liverpool. The event will centre on the Picket and bring together Irish contemporary and traditional musicians from Liverpool and Ireland. Also participating are Tom Paulin, poet and BBC 2 Late Review panellist, and Whitbread prize- winner Bernard O'Donoghue.

Buy online at tradmusic.com

 

10

 

Benefit Night to celebrate the release of Mzwakhe Mbuli (Imprisoned South African Poet/Musician).

 

11

 

United Against Injustice, 2nd National Miscarriage of Justice Day.

 

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NOVEMBER EVENTS

Friday 7

 

Northern Exposure Showcase Gig featuring 'Dead like Harry' 'Luga', 'Helico' and 'The Sound'. Info from screamingpigmusic@yahoo.co.uk

 

Saturday 8

 

Launching 'The Black Velvets' with support 'The Guild of Defiants'.

 

Tuesday 11

 

The Dry Bar for under 18's @6pm.

 

Wednesday 12

 

The Picket in conjunction with the Philharmonic Hall/Aphiliated Music presents Manecas Costa from Portugal,8pm £7.50adv. £10.00 door.

 

Friday 14

 

Nanmess/Abyss/Leroy

 

Saturday 15

 

'Boy on a Dolphin' info: Flippermusic@talk21.com

 

Thursday 20

 

The Crash Band /20 while 40/ Orinoco Shores.

 

Friday 21

 

The Picket in conjunction with the Philharmonic Hall/Aphiliated Music presents 'Women of Cape Verde'. Brazilian music with an African twist from Maria Alice, Lura and Nancy Veira, 'Some the most soulful music on earth'.

 

Saturday 22

 

Reggae Night with local and national DJs. 8.00pm. Info 0151 283 1820 - 07984819398

 

Tuesday 25

 

The Dry Bar for under 18's @6pm

 

Thursday 27

 

‘Love Music Hate Racism’ gig at the Barcelona, Renshaw Street, Liverpool.

Click HERE for flyer in MS-Word format

Saturday 29

 

'The Live Jam'- a tribute to Paul Weller's 1970's band. £5.00.

 

DECEMBER EVENTS

Thursday 4

 

'Central Dense' plus invited guests.

 

Friday 5

 

Save the Picket gig featuring 'Boweevil', 'the Bandits', John Power (Cast) and very special guests.

 

Saturday 6

 

'The Maximum Who'- A tribute to the music of Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwhistle and Keith Moon.

 

Thursday 11

 

River Niger, the Shakti, Shanks Gumaras and Aween. Hip-hop, Afro-beat and Kurdish music

 

Thursday 18

7:00pm

 

The Picket Xmas Pop Quiz followed by a gig featuring ‘The Return of Giro’, ‘The Mojave Collective’, ‘The Quarter’ and sounds from DJ Granda Punk.

Please e-mail us ASAP if you are entering a team, places are limited. picket@merseymail.com or 0151 708 5318.

7:00pm in the Picket’s Conference Suite, £10.00 per team of five, no more.

 

Saturday 20

 

The Real People featuring those prolific and renowned songwriters the Brothers Griffith. On this occasion, local vocalist Mark Kenny will front them. Support will be provided by Pure 9 and solo artiste Paul Holden

 

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2004 EVENTS

All events begin at 8.30pm, tickets £3.00-unless otherwise stated.

FEB

 

Tuesday 3rd February:

Musical Youth Merseyside end of programme concert

See the short report

 

FEB

 

Saturday 7th February: Second 'savethepicket.com' gig: featuring local women's band Gaia, Peter Coyle (from the Lotus Eaters), members of Shack (tbc), and many special guests and DJ's.

 

FEB

 

The 2nd LIVERPOOL NOW; High and Dry Festival, for under 18's to takes place at the Picket, LIPA and other venues. Five days of concerts, seminars and music workshops.

See the Dry Bar press release

 

MAR

 

Saturday 6th March 2004

Manchester’s most promising new band Overtone embark on their first UK national tour on the 6th March 2004 and they kick the tour off in Liverpool!

 

MAR

 

Save the Picket Gig Friday 26th March

Shack, Digsy/Smaller, The Andrew Steele Band-featuring Gary Daly from China Crisis, and Ian Prowse from Amsterdam.

 

 

 

Save the Picket Gig Saturday 27th March

Odega, Peter Coyle, Ricky Russell and Marlowe.

One or two surprise guests also invited to attend!

 

APRIL

 

Thursday 15th April

RIVERWAY - no less than four brothers from the legendary musical family MacManus

Support from local hotshots ‘Intermajic’ and ‘The Black Jackals’who are performing their first gig!

 

APRIL

 

Friday 30th April

One More Gig!

A band featuring three generations of great Liverpool music...Gary and Scott from the BANDITS, Ian Templeton from SHACK, Robbie J Harper from the MIGHTY WAH! and...PETE WYLIE!

Further information Tel 0151 708 5318. picket@merseymail.com.

 

JUNE
25-26

 

Africa Oye Festival: Europe’s only free African Music Festival
Details HERE.

 

JUNE
26-27

 

WIMFEST, Liverpool's first International Women's Festival, June 26-27

Details HERE

 

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The Picket
24 Hardman Street
Liverpool
L1 9AX
Tel [0151] 708 5318
Fax [0151] 708 8862
Email philiphayesmusic@hotmail.co.uk

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