Liverpool Music Icons Tour led by a member of 90s band The Farm

If you’re a music lover heading to Liverpool, this tour promises to take you beyond the usual Beatles highlights and into the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene. Led by either Pete Hooton or Keith Mullin—both members of the 90s band The Farm—this experience offers a real insider’s look at Liverpool’s musical landscape. From legendary venues to hidden hangouts, it’s a chance to see Liverpool through the eyes of musicians who helped shape its sound.

One of the best parts? You get to listen to firsthand stories, see iconic spots, and end your walk with a free drink and a chance to ask all those burning questions. It’s a relaxed, small-group experience that feels authentic and personal rather than touristy.

That said, the tour’s 2.5-hour duration means it’s quite a deep dive into Liverpool’s musical past—so if you’re short on time or prefer a quick overview, it might feel a bit longer than a typical city walk.

This tour is perfect for music fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good story paired with some of the most iconic venues in Liverpool. If you’re keen on hearing stories beyond the mainstream, this experience will really hit the mark.

Key Points

• Led by a true local music icon, either Pete Hooton or Keith Mullin, offering authentic stories.
• Includes visits to iconic and off-the-beaten-path venues like recording studios, pubs, and gig spots.
• Offers a relaxed, small-group setting with a maximum of 12 travelers for more personal attention.
• Ends with a complimentary drink and Q&A, giving you a chance to chat directly with your guide.
• Great value for a personalized experience priced at around $82, offering insights you won’t find in typical tours.
• Mostly suitable for music enthusiasts of all ages who appreciate stories from someone who lived through Liverpool’s musical evolution.

An In-Depth Look at the Liverpool Music Icons Tour

Who Is Leading Your Tour?

The star of this experience is either Pete Hooton or Keith Mullin, both of whom are former members of The Farm. Their personal connection to Liverpool’s music scene means you’re not just hearing sanitized history—you’re getting stories straight from someone who lived it. Reviewers repeatedly mention Pete’s engaging personality and his ability to make even local music history captivating. One reviewer pointed out that Pete’s stories about the scene are “amazing” and that he’s “so funny and very interesting.”

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The tour’s focus on personalized storytelling and insider knowledge sets it apart. Unlike generic city tours, this experience zeroes in on places that shaped Liverpool’s music culture—from recording studios to pubs not highlighted in typical guides. It’s a walk through Liverpool’s musical evolution, from the local band scene to the global phenomena, with plenty of anecdotes that only someone close to the scene could share.

The Itinerary: From LIPA to Mathew Street

Starting Point: LIPA & Paul McCartney’s School
Your journey kicks off at LIPA, the iconic music school founded by Paul McCartney. Here, you get a sense of Liverpool’s deep ties to professional music training and its ongoing influence. The tour then transitions into a relaxed walk through the city’s core, highlighting less touristy sites.

Main Stops:

• Liverpool’s Musical Landmarks:
  You’ll see venues, pubs, and recording studios that played vital roles in Liverpool’s musical journey. One reviewer loved that the tour visits places not on the usual tourist trail, such as the biggest studio complex outside London and the first UK superclub—both significant for dance music’s history in the UK.

• Probe Records & The Second Wave:
  The tour also explores Probe Records, famous for supporting Liverpool’s post-Merseybeat groups in the ’70s through ’90s. This spot is crucial for understanding Liverpool’s ongoing musical legacy.

• Rehearsal Rooms:
  Visiting the Ministry Rehearsal Rooms and Crash rehearsal spaces, you’ll see where bands like Frankie Go! and others honed their craft. One reviewer noted that these visits reveal fascinating stories and little-known venues that shaped Liverpool’s sound.

Ending Point: Mathew Street & the Pub
The tour culminates at an iconic Liverpool pub on Mathew Street, where you get a free drink and a chance to chat directly with your guide. Many reviews praise this relaxed end, where stories flow naturally and selfies are encouraged. A reviewer shared that this part felt like “chatting with an old friend,” adding a memorabilia item as a souvenir.

What Can You Expect at Each Stop?

LIPA & Paul McCartney’s School
A great way to start, you’ll get a quick overview of Liverpool’s music education and its influence on the city’s scene. It sets the tone for the entire walk, emphasizing Liverpool’s role in nurturing talent.

Liverpool’s Hidden Venues and Studios
Expect to see key spots like the largest studio outside London—an impressive sight—and learn stories about bands that recorded there. One reviewer mentioned that the tour covers places you wouldn’t find on typical guides, adding surprising depth.

Probe Records & The Second Wave
Hearing about Probe Records offers insight into Liverpool’s grassroots music scene, especially during the post-punk and Britpop eras. A reviewer highlights how the shop was central to Liverpool’s second wave of success, connecting bands like The La’s and Cast.

Rehearsal Rooms & Hangouts
Visiting the Ministry and Crash rehearsal spaces, you get to see where bands practiced and got their start. The stories here are often detailed and humorous, giving you a sense of the city’s vibrant music community.

Mathew Street & The Pub
Wrapping up at a well-known pub, you can ask your guide questions, take selfies with memorabilia, or just relax with your complimentary drink. The reviews note that this part of the tour provides a friendly, informal atmosphere.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

The real magic of this tour lies in the guides’ genuine passion and insider stories. Multiple reviews mention how knowledgeable Pete and Keith are, and how they make the history come alive. One reviewer said, “Peter’s stories and knowledge of the local area and the range of musicians he covers are both extensive and impressive,” highlighting the depth of expertise.

Why Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At around $82, the cost includes approximately 2.5 hours of guided walking, visits to key and lesser-known sites, and a free drink at the end. Considering the personalized interaction, insider stories, and unique venues, many reviewers feel it offers excellent value—a more intimate, story-rich experience than larger group tours.

How Does It Compare to Other Liverpool Tours?

While popular Beatles tours focus solely on the legendary band, this experience broadens the scope to Liverpool’s entire music scene, from the 1960s to the 1990s and beyond. Reviewers who love exploring local scenes and hearing unheard stories find this a refreshing alternative. It’s also smaller—max 12 travelers—which means you get more attention and personal stories.

Practical Details

• Duration: Around 2 hours 30 minutes, so it’s a comfortably paced walk.
• Group Size: Up to 12 people, fostering a friendly atmosphere.
• Price: About $82.29 per person, which covers expert guides and a free drink.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 77 days in advance, showing its popularity.
• Accessibility: Near public transport, and service animals are allowed.
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing some peace of mind.

The Sum Up

This Liverpool Music Icons Tour is a rich, engaging experience packed with stories and visits that you won’t find in a typical city walk. Led by passionate musicians who know the city inside out, it offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Liverpool’s musical landscape. The relaxed pace, small group size, and personal interaction make it especially appealing for music fans eager to hear stories from someone who was part of the scene.

It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a deeper understanding of Liverpool’s musical evolution—beyond the Beatles—and for travelers who enjoy engaging guides and off-the-beaten-path sights. The end-of-tour pub visit ensures a memorable, friendly conclusion, leaving you with stories and memorabilia to cherish.

If you’re in Liverpool and want to connect with its musical roots in a relaxed, authentic setting, this tour will likely become a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a relaxed but comprehensive experience.

Who leads this tour?
Either Pete Hooton or Keith Mullin from The Farm leads the tour, sharing personal stories and local insights.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll see music venues, pubs, recording studios, rehearsal rooms like the Ministry and Crash, and lesser-known historic sites that shaped Liverpool’s music scene.

Is the tour suitable for music enthusiasts?
Yes, it’s perfect for fans of Liverpool’s music history who enjoy hearing stories from someone who experienced it firsthand.

How many people typically join?
A maximum of 12 travelers ensures a friendly, intimate atmosphere with plenty of interaction.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes the services of your musician guide and a free drink at the end.

Are there any discounts or free cancellations?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour accessible for all?
Yes, it’s near public transportation and service animals are permitted.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on insider stories, visits to off-the-beaten-path venues, and the personal touch of a musician guide.

Would I recommend this for someone visiting Liverpool for the first time?
Absolutely, especially if you’re interested in the city’s musical story beyond the Beatles, and enjoy authentic local experiences.

This tour offers a rare chance to see Liverpool through the eyes of those who helped shape its sound. It’s a memorable way to connect with the city’s musical soul—ideal for curious travelers eager for stories and sights that go beyond the typical.