REVIEW: Mike McCartney – Early Liverpool book

Mike McCartney might have one of the most distinctive and well known surnames in popular music, yet his forename and photography work might not be as familiar to some as his brothers work, yet there’s little doubt many would know his work by sight which has been published the world over.

Mike was certainly in the right places, at the right time for much of his life which he’s allowed to be compiled together in a heavyweight book via those devilishly good people at Genesis Publications. Lavishly brought together for a 2,000 limited edition, quarter bound in black cloth with a numbered and stamp 10” x 8” print, the kitchen sink has literally been thrown at the pages with finished results being as spectacular as you would think.

Forewords by Klaus Voormann and Peter Kay only speak volumes of Mike’s work, his professional knack of capturing a moment in time perfectly. The book starts with the first photo Mike took, back when he was an 13/14 year old, black and white grainy shots of a seagull taking flight in his childhood back garden using a box camera, developed in secret via the local chemist, this innocent start would be the beginning of a life long love affair for still pictures. Insightful comments by Mike run throughout the book that help bring still life firmly to life.

There’s a ‘Mclineage’ showing the lineage of his family lines, nicely brought together via photos of Mike’s parents in various guises; at work, play and rest, school photos, school reports, art portraits of his brother and the Kray twins which show a deft early artistic quality that surprisingly didn’t get Mike entry to Liverpool Art School. There are endless reems of personal memorabilia including postcards, doodles, posters, that open little insights into the life of Mike, drawing up an idyllic picturesque world, almost coming across as carefree, a world away from the current world calamities.

The inevitable addition of pictures featuring Mike’s brother and his 3 famous band mates ultimately might be the biggest appeal to many and no one is left shortchanged. There’s the well-worn shot of a red faced Paul, big eared 15 year old George Harrison and John Lennon sporting his best Elvis quiff haircut performing at Auntie Jin’s house as The Quarrymen in 1958, young in age, with little knowledge of how their lives would change within a few short years. Further top picks include; Paul looking through a broken window pain; the threesome with Stuart Sutcliffe live on stage at the Casbah, Liverpool 1962; photos from The Cavern show the squalid venue up close and personal with visible sweat dripping from the walls.

Following The Beatles from rehearsal spaces to big stages was Mike’s earthly calling. Without Mike’s work the rich visual landscape of the Fab’s would be a poorer one, missing nuggets would’ve included; the introduction of Ringo Starr; Brian Epstein’s shy but astute suited and booted figure depicted through multiple shots; playing on the same stages as Little Richard, Manfred Mann, Wayne Fontana, The Yardbirds and Georgie Fame who all get a look in here; intimate photos of Paul with his sweetheart of the time Jayne Asher with her cute mop of red mod hair; The Beatles venture into the big screen also appear with colour pictures taken whilst the cameras stop rolling.

This beautifully detailed tome instantly transports the reader to places and spaces some have had little written about, others have had rare commentary. A magnificent piece of work yet again created by the genius McCartney name.

Mike McCartney Early Liverpool can be purchased via the following link