Paul McCartney Hopes Abbey Road Can Be Saved
By Jeffrey Hyatt
Following yesterday’s bummer news that iconic Abbey Road studios has been put on the chopping block by cash-strapped EMI, Paul McCartney has already chimed in by stating that he hopes the Abbey Road studios in London can be saved.
That’s a nice sentiment from McCartney, but is it unreasonable to ask why the legendary Beatle just doesn’t buy the studios himself?
According to NME, McCartney told the BBC’s Newsnight programme some people associated with the studio may be “mounting some bid to save it.”
“I sympathise with them,” said McCartney. “I hope they can do something, it’d be great. Obviously I’ve got so many memories there with The Beatles and it still is a great studio. So it would be lovely for someone to get a thing together to save it.”
Someone? To get a ‘thing together’?
Without knowing any specifics about the actual price for buying Abbey Road studios, I have to believe that not only could McCartney buy the whole thing on his own, he certainly could easily put up a bunch of money with one or two other people (or groups) and own the studio complex where the Beatles recorded so many classic albums.
According to reports, selling the studios could raise £30m for the debt-stricken EMI.
Oh, maybe McCartney doesn’t want to own Abbey Road. That’s fair. But if he’s so quick to jump into the story about saving the place, why not quickly pool together a few of his (wealthy) buddies and make the deal? Then leave it as is so artists can record there and fans can continue to visit the hallowed studios. Is that so outrageous a request? It’s not at all his responsibility, but it makes perfect sense.
The Abbey Road building is located in the St John’s Wood area of London in a converted 1831 Georgian townhouse.
Should Paul McCartney buy Abbey Road studios?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:29PM
It would be so great if he actually bought it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 1:06AM
He may ultimately be behind a purchase, or he might be working behind the scenes now to do just that. But I think it's reasonable to allow others to step in as well. Abbey Road is much more than just the Beatles, and had quite a history before they even arrived.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 4:17AM
Jeex, he could simpy buy it and say in his typical tongue-in-cheek way.., 'yes, I used to work here, now I OWN the place, boys..'.
What a whole .005% impact on his wealth?? For what made him famous..??
Thursday, February 18, 2010 11:24AM
Without the Beatles having been recorded there by Sir George Martin, would EMI have changed the name of that complex to "Abbey Road?" And would it be what it is today: the most famous recording studio in the world? I'd say McCartney already owns it, if figuratively speaking. He's right to protect it.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 2:37PM
I emailed Abbey Road studios info directly, and this was their reply, directly from the horse's mouth:
Hi,
Despite what you may have read in the press, Abbey Road Studios are not for sale.
Regards
Abbey Road Studios