Cavern City Tours Limited, the company behind Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club, the Cavern Pub, the Cavern Restaurant and the Magical Mystery Tour, has been sold to London-based firm 14 Collective.
The deal marks a new era for the Beatles attractions. Liverpool-born Keith Blackhurst will join the board of Cavern City Tours, alongside 14 Collective CEO Roderik Schlosser, to build on the venue's long-standing support of the city's music scene.
New owners plan to continue live music tradition
A spokesperson for Cavern City Tours Limited said both men have a long history in the music and live entertainment industry. They added: "14 Collective intends to build on the venue’s long-standing tradition of live music and supporting upcoming artists."
The previous owners Bill Heckle, Dave Jones, George Guinness and Julia Baird have shaped the Cavern over the last 35 years, firmly putting Beatles tourism in Liverpool on the map and introducing the Magical Mystery Tour and International Beatleweek.
History of the Cavern Club
The Cavern Club is internationally recognised as the birthplace of The Beatles and developing the defining sound of Merseybeat. Founded by Alan Sytner as a jazz venue, the club first opened on January 16, 1957 and quickly attracted musicians such as Acker Bilk and Johnny Dankworth.
The Beatles played there nearly 300 times between 1961 and 1963. Their last appearance was on August 3, 1963, a month after the band recorded She Loves You and just six months before their first trip to America.
The Cavern closed briefly in 1966. But it re-opened after a petition and support from local business men and prime minister Harold Wilson. It closed again in 1973 to make way for a proposed railway ventilation shaft for the Merseyrail underground loop and the bulldozers moved in.
In 1984 the Cavern was rebuilt in a deeper cellar using some 75% of the old site and 15,000 of its bricks. It was temporarily closed again from 1989 to 1991, and has been open ever since.
Magical Mystery Tour legacy
The Magical Mystery Tour was set up in 1983, designed to cater for the increase in tourists visiting Liverpool, wanting to see places like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Set up by Radio City in 1983, the famous coach has become synonymous with Liverpool's Beatles tourism sector, and attracts visitors from all over the world, receiving rave reviews on consumer websites such as Tripadvisor.
The tour begins at the Albert Dock, driving tourists out into the suburbs to see Beatles landmarks including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, George Harrison’s birthplace in Wavertree, Ringo Starr’s home and birthplace in L8, John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes and many more relating to The Beatles. Every tour finishes at the world famous Cavern Club, where passengers can enjoy live music, all included in their trip experience ticket.
Cavern City Tours took over its operation, starting with a 73-seater double-decker bus, and by 1994, the double-decker was replaced with a 1966 Bedford VAL Plaxton Panorama One, which was the model used in the 1967 film. Since then, multiple Magical Mystery Tour buses can be seen around the city every hour driving people around in comfort on its 53 seat coaches. It has gone from strength to strength over the years, taking more than 70,000 people a year through the streets of Liverpool, and winning many awards in the process.
Owners' farewell and future plans
Bill Heckle said: "It is an emotional day, but a proud day, for the four Scouse owners. It was never about putting Cavern City Tours up for sale to the highest bidder and it has taken over five years to find a suitable and like-minded custodian. The decision to hand over the reins was not taken lightly, but with all of the shareholders being of advancing years, it was time for retirement.
"However, we leave with the confidence that the new owners will continue to follow the path we have forged over the last 43 years of Cavern City Tours, including 35 years owning The Cavern, and that this iconic piece of music history will continue to be a pivotal and important element in both Liverpool’s economy and its tourism industry, welcoming fans and visitors from all over the world."
Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, added: "We are leaving The Cavern Club as its owners today. I am feeling both sad for me personally, yet positive for the future of this world famous, number one music club. The club that gave birth to The Beatles. We leave it in good hands, in good faith. We are passing on the baton to further its spectacular story. Long live The Cavern Club."
Keith Blackhurst and Roderik Schlosser said in a joint statement: "We are delighted to be entrusted with the legacy of the Cavern Club and its related businesses in Keith’s home city of Liverpool. The Cavern, which played such an extraordinary role in the story of The Beatles, is an iconic part of Liverpool’s vibrant culture.
"We look forward to working alongside the existing management team, with a real appreciation for what makes the Cavern so special and excitement about what comes next"
DTB Business Solutions, supported by Langton’s Accountants and John Spofforth, Corporate Partner and Head of Professional Services Sector at Brabners, advised the existing owners on the transaction. Debbie Thompson of DTB Business Solutions commented: "I’ve known Bill and his team at the Cavern for 30 years and have watched the venture go from strength to strength. It has been a pleasure to find the right fit for the future for everyone involved.
"Bill, Dave, George and Julia have looked after the Cavern Club for such a long time, it’s now fitting that the Cavern Club looks after them in their retirement."
