Harrison memorial concert sell-out

George Harrison died in November 2001

Tickets for a concert in memory of George Harrison have sold out even before the line-up has been announced.

The high-profile event, expected to attract many big names from the rock and pop world, is being held in Liverpool on 24 February.

The date would have been his 59th birthday, and the show is said to be the only UK memorial concert planned in honour of the former Beatle.

Tickets for the show at the Liverpool Empire theatre were snapped up by fans only days after they went on sale.

'Touching idea'

Many of the tickets have gone to fans overseas as well as in Liverpool and other parts of the UK.

A theatre spokesman said: "We are completely sold out, but I am not surprised as George was held in tremendous affection in Liverpool and around the world.

Harrison recorded many memorable solo albums

"But it is very unusual, and certainly new for us, to have a concert sell-out before the line-up is even announced."

The theatre said it was "thrilled" at the sale of the tickets.

Neil Aspinall, head of The Beatles' management company, Apple, has said the musician's wife Olivia and son Dhani are "touched with the idea".

Details of participating artists have not been disclosed but "a host of big names" is promised.

Money raised will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Relief and other cancer charities, with artists appearing free of charge.

The charity said it was overjoyed at news of the ticket sales.

The event is being jointly organised by Liverpool City Council, BBC Radio Merseyside, the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, Macmillan, Radio City, and The Cavern Club.

Liverpool council leader, Mike Storey, described the late musician, who lost his battle with cancer last November, as a "true man of peace".

'Great ambassador'

Mr Storey said: "When George Harrison died Liverpool lost one of its most talented musicians.

"He was a great ambassador for the city and popular culture."

In January Harrison topped the UK singles chart with a re-release of his 1971 single My Sweet Lord.

The profits from the single are going to the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by the musician in 1973.

Harrison lost his fight against cancer on 29 November in Los Angeles, at the age of 58.