The historic music venue, Liverpool Olympia, is set to celebrate its 120th anniversary April 26 with an announced birthday show to be headlined by rock band Embrace. This milestone represents more than a century of exceptional performances, treasured memories, and culturally impactful events.
Throughout its impressive history, the venue has seen world-class acts take to the stage, such as The Beatles, Paul Weller, New Order, Little Richard, as well as illusionist and stunt performer Harry Houdini. More recently, the Liverpool Olympia has welcomed the likes of Teddy Swims, The Gossip, Jamie Webster, Elvis Costello and Manic Street Preachers.
In celebration of the special event, the venue have announced a birthday show with a headlining performance from British multi-platinum-selling band Embrace. This will feature several support acts, including britpop stars The Bluetones and The Real People. Liverpool band RATS will also make an appearance, an enthusiastic nod to the community’s vibrant contemporary music scene.
Known for hits like ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ from double platinum-certified album ‘Out of Nothing’ (2004), Embrace are poised to deliver an unforgettable performance. After their remarkable show at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey, where they played for a crowd of 6,000, fans of the indie rock group can look forward to an incredible night of live music – marking their first appearance at the venue since 2016.
Meanwhile, The Bluetones are famed for their 1995 debut release ‘Are You Blue or Are You Blind?’, which made its way into the Top 40. The single served as a springboard for their number-one UK album, ‘Expecting to Fly’, and launched a career that includes 14 hit singles and six albums.
The Real People are set to perform at the venue for the first time. These Liverpool icons played a key role in Oasis’ meteoric rise to fame during the 1990s.
Finally, the last of the support acts showcase up-and-coming Scouse band RATS – with raw energy, swagger, and charisma, they will be sure to kick off the birthday show with a bang. So far, the band have amassed over a million monthly Spotify listeners and have teased the imminent release of their debut album.
In a statement following the birthday show announcement, owner of the Liverpool Olympia, Chris Zorba, said: “I am proud to take this iconic venue into its 120th year and celebrate its magnificent history. We will celebrate the year from April 24 with an eclectic mix of outstanding music, comedy and sporting events befitting to the Olympia’s rich history.”
A Grade II-listed building, the Liverpool Olympia has been a functioning music venue since 1905, owing its grand design to acclaimed architect Frank Matcham. Maintaining its status as an independent space, the venue has been owned by the Zorba family since the 1990s who have ensured the preservation of its original features. In more recent years, the Olympia has received a new breath of life – the updated seating in the lower balcony, a revamped stage, and improved backstage facilities have demonstrated the city’s continuous celebration of its musical history.
The highly-anticipated anniversary show will pay tribute to the venue’s cultural heritage and the iconic acts that have passed through its doors.
Tickets for the Liverpool Olympia birthday show are available now.
