REVIEW: The La's 1987 exhibition


SEMINAL 80s Liverpool band, The La’s, have been celebrated with a photo exhibition in their hometown.

Based at The Florence Institute For Boys, colloquially known locally as ‘The Florrie’, a Grade II Listed Victorian Building was built between 1889 and 1890 before falling into near ruin before being restored in 2012 and officially re-opened by the Prince of Wales in January 2013.

The exhibition, presented by The Viper Label and RedHouse Originals, to celebrate 30 years since the band signed their record deal with Go! Discs in 1987 and documents the band’s first UK tour, opened earlier this month with select unseen photographs of the band at that time, featuring photography by Jake Summerton and Mark McNulty.

The band at the time featured singer/songwriter/guitarist Lee Mavers, bassist John Power (later of Cast), Paul Hemmings on lead guitar and John Timson on drums.

Among the photo collection is various artifacts from the time, featuring both the Red and Blue vinyl version of the four track EP recorded by the band, featuring their first single, ‘Way Out’; as well as press releases, handmade gig posters, newspaper cuttings, handwritten lyrics, setlists and a schedule outlined by the record label.

In 1988, the band would go on to record the much loved ‘There She Goes’ before releasing their debut album in 1990.

Alongside the exhibition, The La’s – 1987, a compilation of various unreleased recordings and live recordings will be released by The Viper Label.

The exhibition runs at The Florrie until October 7 and moves to Harrogate later that month.

Chris Parkes

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