The link between Liverpool and Memphis goes way back to the days of the cotton trade, but, as the exhibition Elvis and Us clearly demonstrates, it didn't stop then. This first-of-its-kind, interactive multimedia experience – a joint venture by The Beatles Story in Liverpool, and Elvis Presley Enterprises, the parent company of Graceland in Memphis – brings together unique and previously unseen artefacts from the organisations' archives to tell the story of the connection between the world's biggest musical icons.
Scores of artefacts, including photographs, music, videos, costumes and instruments, have been brought across the Pond specifically for this unique display of pop culture history. One of the focus points of the display is August 27th, 1965, when the Beatles and Elvis met in person at his home in Bel Air, California. Items from the historic meeting include the pool table where they played that evening, and white Fender bass guitar they played during their meeting.
Among the other unique articles on show are the shirt Elvis wore in the movie Jailhouse Rock, the suit he wore the first time he sang Yesterday live, original albums and concert tour tickets, telegrams from Tom Parker (The Colonel) and Elvis to Ed Sullivan, and rare videos of the early days of the King's career.
“Before Elvis, there was nothing,” said John Lennon, acknowledging the icon's huge influence on music, and the exhibition located at Liverpool's Pier Head delves into the careers of Elvis and of the Fab Four, John, Paul, George and Ringo, and explores how the Beatles were influenced by the King of Rock and Roll and the impact they had on the popular music scene and modern culture.
Further information:Elvis and UsThe Beatles Story