David Cassidy on the Web
Stars hail the Pops
July 31 2002
By Joe Riley
Liverpool Echo (UK)
LIVERPOOL is still top of the pops - with the world's top rock stars.
Paul Simon and Sir Elton John are among those who today gave gold seal approval to the city's record-breaking Summer Pops season.
Seven sell-out shows featured in the 22-concert line-up, which ran throughout July.
And the world's top acts will be queuing up to appear in future seasons. Paul Simon led the tributes to the 2002 Pops, which were seen by a record audience of more than 70,000.
"Liverpool was the very best concert on my 17 date European tour and the audience were also the best. I really enjoyed the show. What an audience, the reaction was really fabulous. Thank you so much Liverpool."
Sir Elton John, who returned after a first Pops appearance in 2000, said: "Liverpool is a music city, I so much enjoy coming here. We had a ball."
Another returning mega-star, Dame Shirley Bassey, said: "Liverpool produces a fantastic audience. At this rate, I am going to have to come back next year as well."
Legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach, who appeared with his band said: "I already knew all about the Beatles, the football and the horse racing. But now I've found out about the people. You Liverpudlians are wonderful and coming to your city was everything to me."
Veteran crooner Tony Bennett said: "This was my first time at the Pops tent and it was fantastic. I'd love to come back."
Blues veteran B B King said: "I love Liverpool. We had a great show and the audience was just knock-out."
One of the warmest tributes came from David Cassidy: "I have played thousands of halls across the world, and I can honestly say I have never felt better about a show anywhere.
Council leader Mike Storey said: "The Pops have been a fantastic success in bringing world class stars to Liverpool and it's clear they have enjoyed us as much as we have enjoyed seeing them."
