Beryl Marsden to celebrate musical anniversary with Epstein Theatre gig

Merseybeat star Beryl Marsden is set to celebrate 60 years since she made her singing debut with a special one-off concert in Liverpool this summer.

The August 27 event at the Epstein Theatre coincides with International Beatleweek and will be hosted by Billy Butler, with special guests joining the singer on stage.

Marsden, born Beryl Hogg in Toxteth, was just 15 when she first stepped on stage at the Cavern in 1962 where she was invited to sing with The Undertakers – later joining the band as a vocalist.

She also sang with Lee Curtis & The All Stars before embarking on a solo career.

Along with the Cavern, the teenager appeared at a host of Liverpool clubs and venues including the Iron Door and the Orrell Park Ballroom.

At the age of 16 she went to Hamburg to sing at the Star Club. Joe Flannery acted as her chaperone because of her age.

In 1965 she supported the Beatles on their final UK tour, witnessing Beatlemania at first hand, and the following year she joined British R&B outfit Shotgun Express where fellow bandmates included Fleetwood Mac founders Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood, and a young Rod Stewart.

Above: Beryl Marsden in the 1960s. Top: At the Cavern in 2022. Photo by David Munn.

She subsequently sang with bands including The She Trinity and Sinbad, while in the 1980s she performed with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

In 2013, she returned to the Cavern for a musical about her life, entitled One Dream.

Marsden said: “I can’t believe it’s 60 years since I first stepped on a stage when I sang with The Undertakers at the Cavern. I was only 15 and had just left school. I didn’t tell my mum and dad at first, not until I was asked to join the band and it became a proper job.

“It was a very exciting time, and for me, my heart is still with the 60s music, even though of course I’ve written plenty of other things since. It was real, and simple, and straight from the heart.

“The Epstein is a wonderful theatre; I’ve appeared there several times, including a wonderful Christmas playing the Fairy Godmother in panto. It’s an intimate space and I love the sound and the atmosphere in the auditorium, so I can’t wait to present this very special concert.”

Beryl Marsden in Concert: Celebrating 60 Years of Music is at the Epstein Theatre on August 27. Tickets HERE