(Above) Photo © Ian Britton, freefoto.com
Abbey Road, the world's oldest purpose-built recording studios which have been at the centre of a £30 million public campaign to save them, have been officially protected with a Grade II listing status.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Margaret Hodge was finally compelled to act on a recommendation by advisors after owners EMI were rumoured to have put the historic St John's Wood building up for sale, sparking uproar among music and culture lovers across the UK.
English Heritage first urged the government to list the building in 2003, insisting that the building possessed "huge cultural importance" and "a remarkable and inspiring association with music making".
The famous crossing outside Abbey Road which adorns the Beatles album named after the studios. Photo © 2004 Hans Andersen
"Music – of whichever genre – is the thread that follows us through all our lives and Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world," said Hodge, who claimed the decision reflected her own previously unheralded passion for rock 'n roll.
"It's a testament to both the importance of music in people’s lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up, that so much interest has been generated by the perceived threat to the future of Abbey Road.
"Whether your tastes are for classical, hard rock or pop music, one of your favourites is more than likely to have recorded at Abbey Road.
"My favourite song of all time, 'If I Fell' by the Beatles, was recorded there in 1964, and to have played a part in preserving this world-famous venue is as exciting for me as hearing that song for the first time."
Andrew Lloyd-Webber is "interested" in buying the building, according to his spokesperson. Photo © misstraceynolan.com
"Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road Studios," added English Heritage Chief Executive Simon Thurley, acknowledging an alumni which includes the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Radiohead.
"English Heritage has long recognised the cultural importance of Abbey Road – it contains, quite simply, the most famous recording studios in the world which act as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music.
"The listing of the building is a welcome acknowledgement of the contribution the studios have made to our musical heritage, and we hope that in some form, they can continue to play a role in inspiring the musicians of the future."
EMI are said to have expressed an "appreciation" and "understanding" for the cultural value of the building, although it remains unclear whether they will proceed with their alleged plans to put the site on the market.
A spokesman for Andrew Lloyd-Webber confirmed the composer as the first high-profile name with designs on buying Abbey Road earlier this week, responding to demands for a buyer led by broadcaster Chris Evans.
National Trust leader Fiona Reynolds said the organisation would gauge public response before deciding whether to launch a bid for the building. A public poll on the Trust's website saw 1,045 votes in favour of the idea, with only 47 visitors opposing it.
