Callum McMorran says the experience was a dream come true
Callum McMorran outside the Cavern Club(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
by Jamie Greer
A man came up with a ‘cool’ idea when he spotted a music icon in a famous Liverpool venue. Callum McMorran has been a full-time musician since leaving school and has played at the Cavern Club for a decade.
The 34-year-old used to watch live music at the Cavern as a youngster, hoping to make it onto the stage one day. One of his favourite artists growing up was American rock band Green Day, headed by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong.
Callum,from Bebington, became a fan after discovering some of his dad’s Green Day CDs in his house. He was given a guitar by his uncle, who was a big punk fan, and started to learn how to play the band’s songs.
Callum told the ECHO: “When I was younger, Green Day was one of my biggest inspirations getting me into music. For people around my age they’re massive. My dad loved Green Day too. Anyone with a guitar was learning that sort of stuff at the time.”
As Callum prepared for his set at the famous Mathew Street music venue yesterday, his friend told him Billie Joe Armstrong had been spotted in the city. The musician had just been to Strawberry Fields and The Beatles Story, and Callum was told he might be dropping into The Cavern too.
To his delight he spotted Billie ordering a drink at the bar ahead of his set, but keen to not make a huge fuss at first he stuck with his original setlist. He says no-one in the club noticed at first that Billie was there.
Callum said: “He was sticking around and watching me perform which was great. If he just caught a glimpse before leaving and that was it, it wouldn’t have been as special.
“He stood at the back watching and filming my set, clapping after the songs, and I didn’t really know what to do. I was starstruck but was enjoying the fact that no one had spotted him standing at the back, and he seemed to be just enjoying my gig.”
However, as the set neared his conclusion, Callum decided to pay tribute to his musical hero. He said: “I didn’t want to play Green Day as soon as he walked in. But he was enjoying the gig and I thought, ‘this would be a really cool moment.’
“Without saying anything, I played Green Day’s ‘Time of Your Life’, which is one of the first songs I ever learned on guitar. Usually, I would play mainly a 60’s/Beatles-themed set, but I had to do it.
“He took his phone out at the beginning and filmed the whole thing. What can I say, it was surreal, but I played my version of the song. He clapped and looked towards his wife and smiled. He applauded after I finished.”
Billie was eventually spotted, with the Cavern Club capturing footage of him enjoying the cover song. He left the legendary club before Callum’s final song, meaning he didn’t get the chance to speak to him afterwards but this hasn’t tainted Callum’s experience.
When asked if the moment was a dream come true, Callum said: “Definitely. It was surreal. I’ve been playing at the Cavern for 10 years but that’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
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“It’s probably one of the coolest moments I’ll get on a stage. My set was 45 minutes long, and he stayed right up until my last song when they both left. I would have loved the chance to speak to him after the gig, but maybe next time.”
After the Cavern sent him footage of the performance, Callum posted it on his social media pages last night. The video has received thousands of likes and he has been blown away from the response.
Callum said: “I was sent the video and thought I’d put it on my story, not really expecting the reach that it got. I’ve had quite a lot of people getting in touch.
“I’ve had random messages today even asking if he’s still in Liverpool. A few people have messaged me asking me to record my cover of the song which I’m planning to do at a studio in Liverpool.
“When I was younger, I used to come in (to the Cavern) and listen to the live music, and it was a dream to play on the stage one day myself. I never thought I’d become one of their resident artists, and when a moment like this happens, it’s even better.”