Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr have spoken of their pride after major plans were unveiled for a new Beatles experience in Liverpool. The surviving members of the band said they feel humbled that their story will be commemorated in a prominent location in the city where they started out.
The long-running Beatles Story attraction has moved into the hands of Apple Corps, the multimedia corporation founded by the band in 1968. On October 20, the company announced plans for the first ever official Beatles experience. As part of the new chapter, the Beatles Story will move from the Albert Dock to a site four times the size at the former St Johns Market Hall.
Plans for the New Experience
The experience is set to open in 2028 and promises to offer an attraction on a scale that will rival Elvis Presley's Graceland or Dolly Parton's Dollywood. As part of the plans unveiled today, the band's logo will feature atop St Johns Beacon, which formerly housed Radio City, in one of the most iconic spots on the city's skyline.
Sir Paul said: "I find it incredible and humbling that people are still interested in our story and it’s very exciting to me that The Beatles Story and The Beacon are being transformed in such an exciting way in the heart of Liverpool city."
McCartney and Starr Reflect on Their Roots
The 84-year-old, who was born in Walton hospital, said he remains deeply connected to his roots in the city, adding: "I love Liverpool. It's part of who I am, it’s part of who The Beatles are. If you’d told us this was going to happen when we were hanging out and getting started we’d never have believed it."
Sir Ringo was similarly touched as the drummer reflected on his upbringing in L8. He said: "When we grew up in the Dingle, we never thought we’d be on a plane, much less all the places this long, long road took us."
Supporting Local Charities and Artists
The 86-year-old is particularly proud that proceeds from tickets sold for the Beatles Story will support local charitable endeavours through The Apple Corps Liverpool Trust. He said: "Liverpool was, and still is, music city. And now we are expanding The Beatles Story Experience in Liverpool - how far out. The beat goes on. I also love that proceeds from every ticket will go back to support new Liverpool artists. It is great to be part of this – deep down I am still a Scouser - I love what Apple (Corps) and Liverpool are doing. Peace and love, Ringo."
Ringo and Paul remain deeply connected to Liverpool and celebrated how the city shaped them in their first ever duet, titled Home To Us, which was released this year. Ringo, whose real name is Richard Starkey, fell in love with drumming aged 13 and is honoured to now be such a symbol of his home city's heritage 73 years later.
What the Experience Will Offer
The immersive experience will be the definitive retelling of their story as visitors will journey through the world that created The Beatles, from the streets of post-war Liverpool, through their formative years in Hamburg and the explosion of Beatlemania, to the height of their international fame. Fans will be able to step inside some of the most iconic locations and moments in Beatles history, including The Cavern, Abbey Road, Shea Stadium, Savile Row and many more.
The St Johns Beacon Yellow Submarine-themed experience will also give fans the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of Liverpool, taking in the landmarks and key locations where pop history was made. Liverpool's second tallest building, The Beacon will operate as a standalone attraction, although fans will be able to pay for both experiences together.
The Beatles story is also set to be immortalised in an official cinematic event series, which will be released in the same year the new experience will open. Sets constructed for the films, which stars Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn, will find a new home in the immersive experience.
Director Sir Sam Mendes said: "Filming recently in Liverpool for our four Beatles movies, brought home just how extraordinary the band's legacy in the city is. Their imprint can be felt everywhere. It's particularly fitting that this new Beatles experience will be helping to support the next generation of talent coming from this extraordinary city."
