The name Eric’s is one of the few in live music which has earned iconic status nor just in Liverpool, but all around the globe. This Mathew Street legend has been relaunched with a whole new host of bands and acts, as well as an upgraded, refurbished interior, paying tribute to its namesake which has a unique place in music history.
The original incarnation opened in 1976 and for the next four years played host to some of rock ‘n’ roll’s most famous names including The Clash, The Sex Pistols, U2, The Jam and The Cure. It provided a showcase for international acts like Blondie and The Ramones and, importantly, was a creative hub for local artists such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Elvis Costello and OMD. Its final performances came courtesy of The Psychedelic Furs, part of music’s new wave movement, which signed off the venue’s original, iconic status.
After an initial relaunch over a decade ago, the team behind the reincarnated Eric’s decided it was time for a complete interior refurbishment of its physical premises as well as restoration of precious memories and vintage archived pieces. This is all wrapped around creating the ultimate live music, bar and entertainment venue, with brand new facilities and capabilities, to ensure that guests have the ultimate live music experience as well as the very best night out.
The design team have taken great care to preserve and respect the venue’s noted infrastructure ensuring that this version really highlights key elements including murals and artwork of iconic bands who played at the original Eric’s back in the day. Accents of sheet metal guitars have been used as part of this refreshed venue’s decor. With a roster which caters to 76 hours of live music a week, it is all about respecting the groundbreaking atmosphere associated with the Eric’s moniker.
Jimmy Boland Operations Manager at Eric’s explains: “As a team, we continue to appreciate the legacy that the original Eric’s created. Our aim with this refurbishment and relaunch is to really tap into, and emulate, every element of that legacy. We still have clients who attended gigs from over four decades ago, and we have listened to their views and the important place that Eric’s in its first format has in their lives.
Our team have worked tirelessly to ensure our all-important stage area, bar zones, facilities and decor are high-specification and contemporary.
We are here to provide a showcase for fresh music talent, as well as established names, and we are so proud that we are continuing to provide a space for live music to flourish. It is part of Liverpool’s cultural reputation, and visitors to the city region make a point of visiting Eric’s. When they arrive here now, we want them to go away cherishing their memories of time spent with us.
Our new 2024 Eric’s, as well as being open every evening, will now start catering to daytime guests. This means they can soak up our atmosphere, have a relaxing drink or coffee, and check out our featured memorabilia. It is something we have been asked to provide, and we are so glad we have listened. It is also vital that we continue to welcome clients from all ages and demographics – there is no velvet rope with us.
We hope that our mix of Eric’s original accents and inspiration, paired with an entirely forward-thinking appeal, all based around live music and our famous Liverpool welcome, will ensure that 2024 Eric’s will create a reputation all of its own.”
Eric’s is located at 9 Mathew Street Liverpool L2 6RE.
It is open seven nights a week in the first instance.
The new look Eric’s is now open.
