featuring over 80 of Shannon’s evocative paintings

This February marks the official launch of the long-awaited Hard Day’s Night Hotel ‘The Inside Story’, a stunning 224-page, limited-edition hardcover coffee table book, that chronicles the extraordinary 15-year journey behind the creation of the world’s only Beatles-inspired hotel. Created by celebrated artist and musician, Shannon MacDonald and legendary Cavern Club owner, Bill Heckle, the book features over 80 of Shannon’s evocative paintings, with historical narrative provided by Bill.

From early struggles and bold ambition to perseverance, triumph and global recognition, the book tells a deeply personal and richly detailed story. It opens with Room 101, featuring Shannon’s original Hard Day’s Night Hotel logo, and unfolds through pivotal moments in The Beatles’ accolades, historically and chronologically culminating to the final room: the Las Vegas Show… LOVE.

To coincide with the book launch, a brand-new, never-before-seen painting by Shannon, widely known as “The World’s Greatest Beatles Artist” (a title bestowed on her by Liverpool’s very own Lord Mayor), will be unveiled at an exclusive VIP red-carpet evening at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 6th February 2026.

This highly anticipated artwork marks the final piece in Shannon’s long-standing creative journey with the hotel, completing the visual story that now adorns the walls of this iconic North John Street landmark. Until the moment of its reveal, the painting will remain a closely guarded secret, to be unveiled live in the hotel lounge by Shannon herself alongside Cavern Club owner Bill Heckle.

The VIP launch is expected to welcome distinguished guests including Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, along with other Beatles dignitaries, creatives, and cultural figures. Shannon and Bill, who first met at a Beatles Convention in Connecticut in 1994 and have remained close friends ever since, will be present to speak and sign copies of the book.

Set within Liverpool’s Grade II-listed Central Buildings and opened in 2008 in the heart of the Cavern Quarter, the hotel has become an international destination for Beatles fans and music lovers alike.

Liam Baker-Bellew, the hotel’s first-ever Liverpool-born General Manager, says: “This VIP evening is our way of thanking Shannon and Bill for their extraordinary dedication, creativity, and support over the years. It’s also a moment to celebrate not just the launch of the book and the unveiling of the final painting, but our identity, our heritage, and our future.

We are the only Beatles-inspired hotel in the world, but more than that, we are a living part of Liverpool’s cultural story. As we step into 2026, this marks the next chapter for Hard Day’s Night Hotel, honouring where we’ve come from while looking forward to what’s next.’

Hard Days Night Hotel ‘The Inside Story’ The Book is available for immediate purchase at this location.

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brett

Born in Cairns (Far North Queensland – Australia) I am the youngest and the only boy of a family of five. My first serious job was as a Salesperson, the announcer, then Production Manager for 4AM. I spent in excess of ten years running my own successful entertainment agency before moving to Melbourne (Victoria – Australia) where I currently live, work and play. A week after arriving I joined the sales team at JOY 94.9fm – what was to be Australia’s first and only dedicated gay and lesbian radio station. I was clearly destined to be self-employed as fate would have it. Q Magazine was born in March 2004 and as they so rightly say ‘the rest is history’.

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