The Cavern Club enters a New Era

A new chapter has begun for Cavern City Tours, the home of the world-famous Cavern Club, alongside the Cavern Pub, Cavern Restaurant and Magical Mystery Tour. Following more than forty years of stewardship by Bill Heckle, Dave Jones, George Guinness and Julia Baird, ownership has now passed to 14 Collective, a group dedicated to preserving and growing some of Europe’s most distinctive cultural attractions.  

The new ownership brings a shared commitment to protecting the Cavern’s unique character while investing in its future. Liverpool-born music industry professional Keith Blackhurst joins the board of Cavern City Tours alongside 14 Collective CEO Roderik Schlosser, with a vision centred on live music, supporting emerging artists and ensuring the Cavern continues to inspire future generations.  

Since opening in 1957, the Cavern Club has welcomed legendary artists, launched careers and become synonymous with Liverpool’s musical heritage. Best known as the birthplace of The Beatles, it now welcomes more than one million visitors from around the world each year, remaining one of the city’s most-loved cultural landmarks.   

As they hand over the baton, the outgoing owners leave behind an extraordinary legacy. Over the past 43 years, they have helped establish Liverpool as a global destination for Beatles tourism, introducing iconic experiences including the Magical Mystery Tour and International Beatleweek, while preserving and celebrating the Cavern’s place in music history.

Reflecting on the last four decades, Bill Heckle said:  

“It is an emotional day, but a proud day. It has taken over five years to find a suitable and like-minded custodian. The decision to hand over the reins was not taken lightly, but with all of the shareholders being of advancing years, it was time for retirement. However, we leave with the confidence that the new owners will continue to follow the path we have forged over the last 43 years of Cavern City Tours”  

Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister added  

“We are leaving The Cavern Club as its owners today. I am feeling both sad for me personally, yet positive for the future of this world famous, number one music club. The club that gave birth to The Beatles. We leave it in good hands, in good faith. We are passing on the baton to further its spectacular story.”  

Keith Blackhurst and Roderik Schlosser said:  

“We are delighted to be entrusted with the legacy of the Cavern Club and its related businesses in Keith’s home city of Liverpool. The Cavern, which played such an extraordinary role in the story of The Beatles, is an iconic part of Liverpool’s vibrant culture. We look forward to working alongside the existing management team, with a real appreciation for what makes the Cavern so special and excitement about what comes next”   

Looking ahead, the timing could not be more exciting. In January 2027, the Cavern Club will celebrate 70 years of its remarkable story, with a brand-new exhibition curated in partnership with National Museums Liverpool.  

While ownership may have changed, what makes the Cavern special remains the same: live music, unforgettable experiences, and a warm Liverpool welcome for visitors from every corner of the globe.  

The story continues. The beat goes on.