By Richard Smirke 16 minutes ago

LIVERPOOL (Billboard) - "Liverpool I left you, but I never let you down," a jubilant Ringo Starr sang as he performed at the launch party for his hometown's year as European Capital of Culture.

The spectacular January 11 concert in the city's center, which also featured Eurythmics' Dave Stewart and local alt-rock stars the Wombats, grabbed widespread media attention — but some local music executives are concerned about what will be left behind in the city once the stars have moved on.

Being Capital of Culture "has really benefited Liverpool in that it's got a lot more people to invest in the town center," said Alan Wills, managing director of Liverpool-based label Deltasonic, home to local alternative acts the Zutons and the Coral. "But I don't know if culture has benefited at all."

Further celebrations are planned throughout 2008, with organizer Liverpool Culture Co. (LCC) estimating that the Capital of Culture title will attract an extra 2 million tourists and boost northwest England's economy by 100 million pounds ($197 million).

Musical highlights include Paul McCartney at the 35,000-capacity Anfield Stadium on June 1 and conductor Simon Rattle returning to his birthplace for a series of concerts in October and November. The city will also play host to the BBC Electric Proms in October and the MTV Europe Awards November 6. Local sources indicate that Capital of Culture status was a key factor in attracting both events.

But a series of high-profile spats and resignations at the LCC, including that of former artistic director Robyn Archer, have marred proceedings. Many close to Liverpool's music scene doubt the events' long-term impact on the city's creative industries.

LASTING EFFECT?

Wombats singer Matthew Murphy said the city's status as Capital of Culture is a "great thing," but he asks, "Are these tourists just going to come over and visit the Beatles Museums, or are they actually going to feel a part of the culture and go to live music venues?"

LCC music program manager Gordon Ross said a number of new enterprises are having a strong impact, citing the Sound Board — a funding initiative for Liverpool promoters — and Liverpool Sound City, a four-day international music festival and conference, whose inaugural installment is scheduled for May 27-30.

"The whole reason for working with local artists, venues and promoters is because they've been doing this for a long time," Ross said. "It's not a case of suddenly picking someone and saying, 'Start a fantastic music project,' then turning off the tap and they don't know what to do. We're working with those people who are hopefully increasing their abilities so that there's an improved support network for all the music that happens in the city."

Although not directly funded by the LCC, the opening of the 10,600-capacity Liverpool Echo Arena in January is cited by Ross as further evidence of the improved infrastructure resulting from Capital of Culture status.

Mike Deane, co-director of Liverpool Music Week, an annual live music showcase that takes place every November and has received financial support from the LCC since 2004, said he feels "100 percent positive about the LCC."

"I don't think that we would have grown as much as we did in the first four or five years without (their) help," he added, citing an increase in attendance figures from 26,000 in 2006 to around 50,000 last year.

"Everyone is worried about what infrastructure there is to keep everything in place once the party rolls out," Deane said. "But there's going to be lots of things that will stay. Whether it's an event like us or a new venue like the (Echo) Arena, there will be plenty of legacy from Capital of Culture."

Reuters/Billboard