FEATURE:
Stepping Across That Iconic Zebra Crossing…
The Dream of Hiring a Prestigious Studio/Venue
__________
IN November…
Abbey Road Studios turns ninety-five. This historic and hugely significant studio is where countless artists have stepped into and recorded amazing work. Made famous and synonymous by The Beatles, in years since, some true greats have recorded music here. I have stood outside the studios but never been in. I am thinking about 12th November, 1931. That is when Abbey Road Studios was opened. Although it is over five years away, I can imagine they are already thinking about that monumental anniversary. For one, remaining open and operational is a must, as the future of the studios has not always been secure and assured. There have been threats before, so we need to protect these studios forever. Given the contribution to music and culture, there is now way we can close Abbey Road Studios. What will they do in 2031? I hope that Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will be around to mark the century. Ringo Starr will be in his nineties by then; Paul McCartney in his late eighties. Having these two musicians step back into Abbey Road Studios to celebrate it turning one-hundred, alongside a host of celebrities, musicians and music fans would be mesmeric. Maybe they will hold a concert or this all-day celebration. I am sure a documentary will be made around that time that looks at the history of Abbey Road Studios. Mary McCartney (daughter of Paul McCartney) directed the film/documentary, If These Walls Could Sing where a host of musicians (including Celeste, Kate Bush and Elton John talked about the significance of the studios. It was released at the end of 2022 in the U.S. and January 2023 in the U.K. It gives us an insight into these sacred walls. Abbey Road - The Best Studio in the World is a brilliant book I would recommend people buy. An immersive and fascinating read.
I look forward to this November to see how Abbey Road Studios marks ninety-five years. Five years from then, one of the most important anniversaries and celebrations of our lifetime will happen. There is this endless fascination around the studio, as most of us will either never get to near to it or, like me, stand outside and dream of being inside. I guess one of the drawbacks is the high cost of hiring the space. I especially love Studio 2 – especially notable because The Beatles recorded there a lot -, but it is a large studio and can be pricey. I guess if you want to use it for entire day then it is going to cost a bit. For artists, it is a dream to work there, but maybe not feasible to record an entire album there. Studio 3 is smaller and more affordable, whereas the huge Studio 1 is the most expensive. Only right that such a prestigious studio charges what they are worth! If musicians dream of playing particular venues and I, as someone who would love to make an album, dreams of Electric Lady in New York, as a journalist, being at Abbey Road Studios is a huge desire. Maybe there would be an opportunity to do something there in 2031 if there is this massive anniversary celebration. I am very keen to do a Kate Bush celebration night. She recorded out of Abbey Road Studios and I have been looking around at venues. Being in studio 2 with fans and musicians indebted to her would be this amazing celebration. However, I am aware that the cost of everything would be in the tens of thousands. Also, the chance to interview someone like Paul McCartney out of Studio 2. Something filmed where he may well take to the piano or guitar and play some songs, again, that might be something for the one-hundredth anniversary. To me, there is something hallowed and historic that is a huge lure. Stand on the floor and look around that studio. Think about all the history. The memories bleeding into he walls and embedded in the ceiling. The visions and echoes of all the greats who have passed through there.
IN THIS PHOTO: An interior shot of The Roundhouse
It is not only Abbey Road that has that incredible pull and is a dream. I will stand outside Abbey Road Studios again and may go on a tour there if it is opened to the public sometime. However, the ambition is to film or broadcast out of there. The financial side of things is a barrier. I am not sure how to get around it. However, it would be marvellous to collaborate with them ahead of 2031 – when we mark a century of these iconic studios. Also, I have been thinking about The Roundhouse. A venue that is so iconic, it is situated near Chalk Farm tube. A short walk from there, it is one of the most sought-after venues in the country. O0riginally an engine shed in 1847, it was turned into a cultural venue in 1964. A year when The Beatles were touring, maybe there were plans for them to play there – though they never did. In 2029, they celebrate their sixty-fifth anniversary, so I wonder if they have plans there. Maybe not as huge as Abbey Road Studios, it is still going to be immense when The Roundhouse, as a venue, turns sixty-five. The sheer scale and beauty of The Roundhouse is majestic and attractive. Few venues in this country hold the same grandeur. Maybe Alexandra Palace and a few others around the U.K. have that same impact. However, the décor and warmth of The Roundhouse stands out. It is such a gorgeous and we-inspiring venue. Again, hiring the venue would be an expensive thing. Anywhere between £24,000-£30,000+ for a complete day, it is another dream to use that space one day. Rather than it being a burden of affordability, I guess the main takeaway is the importance of these venues. The Roundhouse is a dream location for so many artists. I am going to try and get there this year and see a gig as I live near there. There are venues and studios that are functional or modest. That are practical and unspectacular. One reason why The Roundhouse is my mind is because I am thinking about it as a performance space and that idea of bringing artists together. Maybe again to do with Kate Bush and celebrating her work, perhaps that ambition of hoisting an event there is out of reach. I am planning something for 2028 and thinking about budget. I do feel that Abbey Road Studios and The Roundhouse are the best studio and live venue in London. Abbey Road seems especially fascinating. I have been dreaming about being in there. Whether it will ever be realised. I cannot rule it out completely thought, for mere mortals, I think we just have to look from the outside and hope! Although I have a hope that this hope is turned into reality…
ONE day.