|
George Harrisons
death was announced around 8am local time here in the UK. Although we
all knew that it would happen it just didn't seem real. I arrived for
work at From Me to You, Cavern Walks at around 8.30 to an unreal chill.
Understanding that not everyone who works here is a Beatles Fan it didn't
account for the atmosphere. The press and media representatives from
around the globe arrived soon and as the M T V had been turned off in
the mall the only sound that could be heard was that of the journalists
and their interviewees.
There was obviously
an enormous interest from the worlds press however as the news broke
just as many locals where beginning their days work. It was lunchtime
before the place began to fill up, people seemed to be finishing work
early because they came....and stayed, and thats when the atmosphere
began to warm. Margie from Lucy In The Sky Cafe turned up the duke
box playing George songs and people where talking at last, people who
looked like they would never stare a camera in the lens stood in line
to say their piece, most with tears in their eyes.
We opened our book
of condolence in the shop and Eddie Porter The Magical Mystery Tour
Guide was first to sign. At this point the floral tributes, messages
and gifts on our Beatles Statue began to spill over onto the mall, so
much so that a local florist was hired to maintain the display. Meanwhile
just a few meters away out on Mathew Street the John Lennon Statue outside
The Cavern Pub was receiving similar attention more flowers more tributes.
People descended The Cavern Club steps to sign their book and later
that night Liverpool's "Blue Meanies" played a free to see
tribute concert. A book of condolence was opened in the Town Hall where
the flag flew at half mast just like every other flag around The City.
On Saturday morning
people from all around the UK started to arrive many with tales to tell.
One that I will always remember was a young girl from Scotland whom
I watched whilst she tearfully signed the book thanking George for his
hospitality at Friar Park when as a child and seriously ill she spent
time with George and his family. The pictures that she produced brought
tears to my eyes, George with her and their families in the kitchen,
the grounds, the hall, very moving.
The week that followed
went much the same way. On Monday evening a civic service was held at
the City's St George's Hall, where the book of condolence was made available
to a wider audience. Children of Dovedale Road primary school George
and
Johns first School sang " My Sweet Lord " to the crowd of
thousands, a song that they only rehearsed that day. The Lord Mayor
spoke a tribute then the people of Liverpool once again stood in line
to pay their respects whilst watched by the worlds press.
Some of you may
be aware of the significance of the number nine in John Lennons life.
Some of you may not have known that John and George went to the same
school yet did not know each other. On the calendar John Lennon and
George Harrison passed
away NINE days apart.
Steve Barnes
- 2002
|
