Andrew Lloyd Webber Interested In Buying Abbey Road Studios
By Seraphina L.
Andrew Lloyd Webber may be uplifting our hearts another way through music. It turns out the famous British composer in musical theatre has his eye on the Abbey Road Studios which EMI has unfortunately had to put up for sale in order to survive. We previously mentioned that the legendary studio could go save the label if it sold for just shy of $165 million, but now the New York Times is reporting that the studio/home is now going for anything higher than $47 million. With more successful musicals he’s written for, Webber’s personal fortune is estimated to be about £750 million. So we know, like Paul McCartney, he’s definitely got the money!
The Associated Press reported that one of Webber’s spokesperson has confirmed that he is “very interested” in saving the studios from be sold and possibly demolished. The composer has recorded a handful of his Broadway hit musicals in the very same studio which also gives him very fond memories for the property up for sale. The first time he recorded at Abbey Road was in 1967 with lyricist, Tim Rice. Afterward, Webber recorded plenty of other musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar and even his latest material for Love Never Dies.
His spokesperson went on to say, “He thinks it is vital that the studios are saved for the future of the music industry in the U.K.” We’re glad he’s not the only to think so. The Financial Times is also reporting that Britain’s National Trust Fund is also discussing in whether they should be acquiring the famous landmark after they have received “astonishing outpouring of public emotion.”
The National Trust only put the issue into the proper light in terms of cultural importance when John Hewitt also told the AP, “It’s not often that the public spontaneously suggests that we should acquire a famous building. However, Abbey Road recording studios appear to be very dear to the nation’s heart.’’
Whether it’s the British National Trust or just a wealthy British composer, people all around the world have expressed their concern of preserving the studios as it is. We may feel pity for EMI, but they may also be taking a large part of history from music fans all around the world if they don’t find some noble way to sell the property.
What do you think? Should Webber or the National Trust buy Abbey Road Studios?
