Brother of Liverpool musician Holly Johnson calls for Cavern Club directors to be awarded Freedom of the City honour
The brother of Liverpool musician Holly Johnson is calling for the Cavern Club directors to be awarded a Freedom of the City honour.
James Johnson, the brother of Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly, believes the directors, particularly Dave Jones and Bill Heckle, should be recognised for their contribution to Liverpool’s music scene.
Mr Johnson, 51, said: “They were the people who started the business off in 1983. They had a vision in them days and they have more than achieved what they set out to do.”
The two men currently run The Cavern pub and club, both on Mathew Street, and also the city’s official Beatles Magical Mystery Tour. They have also run the Mathew Street festival, now known as the International Beatle Festival, for the past 20 years. Most recently, the Cavern Club directors donated four bronze statues of the Beatles to Liverpool.
The Fab Four, sculpted by artist Andrew Edwards, were unveiled on Pier Head last week. Mr Johnson, who works as a freelance Beatle guide, said: “What they have done for Liverpool and it’s tourism industry is really second to none. They have bought millions of visitors to the city and they attract business from all over the world.
“I see it on a daily basis. The joy these visitors receive from what they have done is just amazing. When they experience things like the Cavern Club it’s magical.”
By: Antonia Paget
Source: Liverpool Echo
