The chances are if you are reading this you are one of the 2,000 who signed the petition, or one of the 20,000 who joined the Facebook group; in either case I thank you wholeheartedly. We could not have done it without you.

Over the last three days we have heard firstly that EMI have [...]]]> Dear Everyone,

The chances are if you are reading this you are one of the 2,000 who signed the petition, or one of the 20,000 who joined the Facebook group; in either case I thank you wholeheartedly. We could not have done it without you.

Over the last three days we have heard firstly that EMI have decided not to sell the studios, and secondly that the studios are to become grade two listed.

This is most definitely cause for celebration – we have made our voices heard, and have sent a strong message to those who control the studio’s destiny.

To all intents and purposes our campaign has succeeded. Abbey Road is set to remain in EMI’s hands and continue to function as a recording studio for the time being. Due to the listing by English Heritage, it specifically cannot ever be redeveloped into flats. Our worst fears have been allayed.

However there is still a need to be vigilant. EMI has been muttering about partnering with investors to ‘revitalise’ the studios. It’s hard to know what this will mean; at best it could be some refurbishment, but at worst it could involve a swift conversion from working recording facility to museum, something I personally am wholeheartedly opposed to.

I strongly suspect that turning even a small part of the studios to visitors would result in a swift cessation of all ‘normal’ operations at the studio. For a while the novelty of recording in a working museum might attract some, but for many of the clients who currently keep the studio busy this simply wouldn’t be an option – privacy concerns would be paramount. Nor is there a wealth of space with which to accommodate such a centre – as it is, the studios occupy every inch of the available building.

The wonder of Abbey Road is quite how consistently throughout it’s history it has played such a pivotal role in the country’s musical output. To become a museum would most probably end this story. Currently the studios are amongst the absolute finest in the world, at the pinnacle technical excellence, and I firmly believe they should remain so.

Of course the other concern would be as to whether Terra Firma can continue to service their debts – if they do not, then there is a risk that all of EMI would default to the possession of Citibank. What would then become of the studios we can only imagine, sufficed to say that one can assume that legacy will not be their foremost concern.

So once again my thanks, but do stay alert – let’s keep the group alive, keep sharing stories, and above all stay vigilant to anything that might threaten the future of the great Abbey Road.

Best,

Roland

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7286954/Help-EMI-in-talks-to-save-Abbey-Road-with-investors.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/feb/23/abbey-road-studios-listed-heritage

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=13202&uid=306022858586

The Telegraph – 21/02/2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7286954/Help-EMI-in-talks-to-save-Abbey-Road-with-investors.html

Useful times article – suggests that the National Trust is courting people who would want to see it preserved as “a living, breathing recording studio.”

That’s very good news.

No more yet from Lloyd Webber – do keep us updated!

Around 8,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign and online petition urging Abbey Road to be kept on as a working studio.

“Abbey Road studios holds a special place in the hearts of the general public. For many this world class studio was the birthplace of their favourite [...]]]> http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/andrew-lloyd-webber-very-interested-in-buying-abbey-road-studios-1904499.html#mainColumn

Around 8,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign and online petition urging Abbey Road to be kept on as a working studio.

“Abbey Road studios holds a special place in the hearts of the general public. For many this world class studio was the birthplace of their favourite musical recording,” said former Abbey Road employee Roland Heap, who founded the Facebook group.

The Independent 19-02-2010

So English Heritage could fast-track listed status for the buildings. This is a mixed blessing. It seems obvious that the studios should have listed status, however if it prevents the studios from being able to upgrade, reinstall and expand as necessary then it is all the more likely that it will become merely a museum, [...]]]> http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2010/feb/18/abbey-road-studios-sale

So English Heritage could fast-track listed status for the buildings. This is a mixed blessing. It seems obvious that the studios should have listed status, however if it prevents the studios from being able to upgrade, reinstall and expand as necessary then it is all the more likely that it will become merely a museum, something that we are opposed to.

We want these studios to continue as studios; for their great and illustrious history of creating great music not to cease, but to continue and grow.

London, UK. 18th February 2010.

Fans, admirers and former employees are among the thousands joining the Facebook group, with the intention of saving the iconic Abbey Road Studios from the hands of potential property developers.

To date more than 7,000 people have backed the move to keep Abbey [...]]]> Facebook group started to save Abbey Road Studios

London, UK. 18th February 2010.

Fans, admirers and former employees are among the thousands joining the Facebook group, with the intention of saving the iconic Abbey Road Studios from the hands of potential property developers.

To date more than 7,000 people have backed the move to keep Abbey Road as a working recording studio.

Due to financial difficulties at the private equity company Terra Firma, which bought EMI for £4bn in 2007, this world famous studio where famous Beatles albums such as Let It Be and Revolver were recorded, as well as the classic Pink Floyd album Dark Side of the Moon and countless others is now up for sale.

As has been widely reported, Terra Firma needs to find around £100 million within 4 months to keep EMI going and service all debts. The studio itself is understood to be up for sale for between £10 and £30 million.

”Abbey Road Studios holds a special place in the hearts of the general public. For many this world class studio was the birthplace of their favourite musical recording.” said former employee Roland Heap, founder of the Facebook group. “Music generated at Abbey Road Studios over the past 80 years has shaped many, many lives.”

“We appeal to EMI to reconsider the sale of this important historical institution and preserve for generations to come this bastion of recording excellence, or if there be no alternative to a sale, that a buyer is sought who can keep these facilities operating at the same exquisite standards as they have always done.”

The Facebook group have also set up a website which enables members of the pubic to sign a petition that will be handed over to both Terra Firma and the Minister for Creative Industries, Siôn Simon.

“Through the Facebook group and the online petition we hope to find and propose a number of solutions to ensure that the studio survives and continues to set the very highest of standards in sound and musical recording” commented Mr. Heap.

The Facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306022858586
The petition can be found at www. http://saveabbeyroadstudios.org/petition

- Ends –

The owner of the Beatles Cafe, near St Johns Wood station, speaks of his hopes that it stays as a recording studio.

RADIO star Chris Evans has called for the iconic Abbey Road studios – made famous by The Beatles – to be saved from property developers.

The Sun – 18/02/2010

The place where the Beatles recorded is full of wonder. So why are we so bad at preserving our pop-cultural heritage?

The Guardian 17/02/2010

The National Trust may step in to save Abbey Road studios after they were put up for sale by EMI

Times Online 18/2/2010