Liverpool to host George Harrison memorial concert

A tribute concert in memory of George Harrison is to be staged in his home city of Liverpool.

The show is said to be the only UK memorial concert planned in honour of the former Beatle.

It is scheduled to take place on February 24, which would have been his 59th birthday.

Neil Aspinall, head of The Beatles' management company, Apple, said the musician's wife Olivia and son Dhani were "touched with the idea."

Details of participating artists are not being disclosed until nearer the date of the Liverpool Empire Theatre concert, but organisers have promised "a host of big names."

The stars performing in the show are giving their services free with "every penny of the money raised" being donated to Macmillan Cancer Relief and other cancer charities.

The event is being jointly organised by Liverpool City Council, the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, Macmillan, Radio City, The Cavern Club and BBC Radio Merseyside.

Announcing details of the concert, Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey described the late musician, who lost his battle with cancer last November, as a "true man of peace."

He said: "When George Harrison died Liverpool lost one of its most talented musicians. He was one of the most influential figures in the music industry over the past 40 years both through his work with The Beatles and then later as a solo writer, performer and film maker.

"Everyone who knew George Harrison knew he was a true Scouser who never forgot his roots.

"He was a great ambassador for the city and popular culture. A true man of peace whose life was summed up by his final words, which were 'to love one another,'" added Councillor Storey.

Tickets for the concert - costing €28.50 and €20.50 - went on sale today.