Liverpool 1960-64: Football, Popular Music and Extraordinary Success (English Edition)

On 1st January 1960, only an extreme optimist would have believed that within four years Liverpool and Everton football clubs would both go on to win the English football's First Division title. Why? Well, at that stage, both were in relative states of despair. During the 1950s, it would not be harsh to describe the teams as embarrassing failures and entering the 60s, the clubs appeared to be continuing on the same path. Everton were lying 17th in the First Division league table and fighting against relegation; meanwhile Liverpool were 9th in the Division; the Second Division and not looking likely to achieve promotion. Yet,somehow, by 1964 both had incredibly managed to win the First Division title. On 1st January 1960, meanwhile, the Beatles (then The Quarry Men), were an obscure, struggling band, relatively unknown on Merseyside, let alone anywhere else in the UK. Yet also by 1964 they managed to achieve a series of number one hit singles and an unprecedented level of worldwide fame and success. The group were accompanied on the road to success by other 'Mersey Beat' bands and artists, such as Gerry and the Pacemakers. This book analyses and explains how the unlikely, extraordinary, simultaneous rise to success of Liverpool, Everton, the Beatles and other Mersey Beat bands was achieved.