Musician Dizzee Rascal says he has “ticked one off the bucket list” after spending time as tourist in Liverpool. The rapper, also known as Dylan Mills MBE, performed at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday, November 21.
After two decades in the music industry, he’s enjoyed No.1 hits including Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers and Holiday. His recent projects are Don’t Take It Personal and I Invented Grime. The We Want Bass tour has shows across the UK, with Liverpool, Bristol, Nottingham and Brighton all having dates.
Before taking to the stage at the West Derby road venue on Friday, Dizzee Rascal enjoyed time on the Mersey Ferry. He documented his journey, videoing the experience.
He said: “I feel like at some point in my life I have to catch a ferry across the Mersey.” When purchasing a ticket, he asked staff whether a first class section was available.
After finding out the ferry doesn’t offer a first class service, the rapper said: “No? All just one. God damn no first class. Sometimes I wonder though, they’re going to beat us to the front man.”
As he set eyes on the Mersey Ferry for the first time, he told viewers: “Ferry across the Mersey, that boat seen better days though look. It is what it is, cheap and cheerful.” He added: “This thing looks like it’s going to sink.”
The experience of the artist improved after boarding the ferry. He opened up about his childhood dream of being on the Mersey Ferry, saying: “Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed about riding the ferry across the Mersey and now I am doing it.”
He also reflected on the history of the city and showed appreciation for it, adding: “There’s so much rich history, so much rich history. The Scousers are like the cockneys of the north right? If I was a northerner I’d be a Scouser.”
The 41-year-old admitted he was glad he experienced the ferry across the Mersey but requested a “snazzier” boat be used in future. Ferries have featured on the River Mersey for more than 800 years. By the time Liverpool had been officially declared a town in 1207, ferries were already an established sight.
Benedictine Monks ran the first ferry service from Birkenhead to Liverpool in 1150 AD, taking travellers to the small fishing village of Liverpool on market days. Mersey Ferries is owned and operated by Merseytravel today.
Mersey Ferries offer a range of cruises all year round including a 50-minute River Explorer sightseeing cruise, which departs daily from Liverpool Gerry Marsden terminal at the Pier Head calling at Wirral terminals, Seacombe and Woodside, during the trip. The trips are guided by expert commentary.
Commenting on Dizzee Rascal’s time in Liverpool, one fan said: “Love it. Loved the show in Liverpool, had the best time” and another said “Welcome to the best city on earth.”
Other comments included one from the official Mersey Ferry account, saying: “Make sure you come back next year for a ride on our new ferry and “First class on the ferry [laughing emoji] come on bro.”