Cavern Originals’ first anniversary show is a wonderful showcase of live music and independent artists
Over the course of 2025, Cavern Originals’ monthly fixture gave dozens of new and upcoming artists from Liverpool and beyond a chance to perform on one of the most famous stages in live music. Every genre is welcome – I’ve personally seen everything from punk bands to jazz artists, singer-songwriter ballads to Nashville country.
It’s a breath of fresh air for the venue. It could very easily stick to the tourist cliches of tribute artists and acoustic covers (nothing wrong with these of course, I’ve had many a good night in the Cavern). But Originals is building on the Cavern’s reputation for championing new and upcoming artists, alongside some of the Cavern’s other Live Lounge shows. Many artists have had their start at venues like the Cavern, and making sure they’re accessible to new, independent artists is incredibly important.
As something of an Originals regular, I was excited for its return in 2026 for their 1st anniversary show, featuring performances from both newcomers and returning artists. There were so many artists I discovered last year, especially from the Liverpool scene, and it’s a great way to widen your listening beyond genres you’re comfortable with.
wool
Opening the night with their Liverpool debut was North East band Wool, bringing their brand of moody alternative rock to the Originals stage. They have an electric energy on stage, fully immersing themselves within the performance, creating an atmospheric soundscape with a harder rock edge.
A lot of their songs are driven by heavy bass riffs paired with a scratchy, distorted guitar sound. The post-punk influence is definitely present, particularly with songs such as ‘Hangman’, with an intro not dissimilar from Joy Division’s ‘Shadowplay’. Their sound blends this clear influence with some of the more modern alternative/post-punk artists, a great mix of new and old.
They also offered a new take on the Beatles, opening one of their songs with a short alternative cover of ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, trading the dreamy guitar and mellotron of the original for a more ambient guitar noise, distorted bass and a much simpler melody. There has often been a nod to the Beatles at Originals, but this is by far the most unique and my favourite.
Wool truly made an impact with their first Liverpool show, and I, for one, am excited for their return.
Dryft
Originals alumni Dryft returned to the lineup for their first show of the year after a strong 2025, which included a support slot for indie rock band Bilk. Donning some celebratory party hats, they made an equally strong start to 2026 with their dynamic performance.
Their style of indie rock, with its influences from artists such as Radiohead and Fontaines D.C.. They combine driving basslines and rhythmic guitar riffs with dynamic drum parts, creating an unique sound that sets them apart from the rest of Liverpool’s indie rock scene. A personal highlight was ‘Singing Your Song (Again)’, a song with a bold bassline and memorable hook that is sure to be stuck in my head for the foreseeable.
Dryft completed the first half of the night in style, embracing the festivities and keeping spirits high. Hopefully this sets the tone for their year and we see them around the city again soon.
Millie ady
Although she has previously performed at the Cavern Club, this was Millie Ady’s debut at Originals. Previously a BBC Introducing featured artist, she brought her folk- and country-inspired brand of indie pop to the Cavern stage alongside her band.
Millie was a truly captivating performer, giving her all to every song. She is a great singer, with the ability to convey a great deal of emotion with her voice and through her lyrics, telling her stories with conviction and power. As a collective, Millie and the band sounded experienced, and have a great chemistry onstage.
She has a special ability to switch from upbeat folk-pop dance numbers to emotional ballads with ease, nothing sounding out of place on her set. Each song was an exploration of unique rhythm, powerful choruses and beautiful harmonies, the latter particularly standing out. Millie presents herself as a confident artist and one to look out for in the future. Fingers crossed she makes a return to Originals in the future.
morgan wood
Closing the night was Morgan Wood, a Welsh singer-songwriter performing at his second Originals. Morgan has built a strong fanbase within Liverpool over the last few years, and it’s clear to see why. He is a brilliant performer, looking incredibly comfortable and confident on stage, brushing off a broken string like it’s nothing in the final song. The band are a truly experienced outfit, exuding professionalism while also keeping a relaxed and upbeat vibe.
Morgan has a talent for writing feel-good songs with catchy hooks and a unique mix of pop, rock and folk. The combination of acoustic rhythm and a heavier, distorted lead tone translates perfectly for a live audience, maintaining the folk-pop vibe but also giving the songs a slight edge.
He’s captured an art for storytelling, with each lyric painting a clear picture for the audience, as well as a knack for writing ‘big’ sounding choruses, ones which demand audience participation. A favourite of mine was ‘Left Turn’. It was danceable, upbeat and super catchy – I couldn’t get it out of my head all evening.
It was the perfect set to finish the night. People were dancing, laughing, and celebrating an incredible night of music. Bringing in one of its biggest audiences to date, Originals has once again showed the enthusiasm for a range of new live artists in the city. I, for one, am very glad to see the return of Cavern Originals for 2026 and to see what artists will take to the stage of the most famous club in the world to continue Liverpool’s legacy for showcasing new talent.
Cavern Originals takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at the Cavern Club Live Lounge, Liverpool. For updates, follow @cavernliverpool , @cavernclark or @lilinoestutz on Instagram.
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