Guitar Licks

Here’s a post I wrote a couple of weeks ago BUT DID NOT POST. This is when the story was first brought to the world’s attention! Thank God it didn’t end that way!

The world renown recording company that the Beatles once used and then purchased, has fallen on bad financial times and is about to be sold off to reduce the company’s, EMI and venture capitalists Terra Firma’s, debt. Doing so will go far in putting the company back in the black but at what cost?

Just think of some of the history or this location. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, violin maestro Yehudi Menuhin, Mike Oldfield and Jeff Beck are just some of the bands that wielded their musical magic in this place!

It originally opened in 1931 by the Gramophone Company, which later became EMI. Abbey Road, which began life as a Georgian town house built in 1831, has an impressive history. Aside from the Beatles, who recorded most of their 1960s hit singles and albums there under the direction of EMI house producer George Martin.

It’s not known if the company will sell either the brand name or the physical location which is in St. John’s Wood in North London, England. It could bring into the company’s coffers up 25 to 30 million pounds ($39 million to $47 million US).

God I hope they don’t pave paradise and put up a condo and a parking lot!

And now for the happy ending!

The financially troubled record company issued a statement following days of press reports the studio — made famous by The Beatles “Abbey Road” album — would be put up for sale. The statement noted that English Heritage — which advises the British government on historical buildings and monuments — has accelerated plans to protect Abbey Road
, which has been losing money for several years.

I guess our prayers have been answered!

Keep on Jammin’

Related Reading:

Abbey Road [Vinyl]

Abbey Road (Remastered)

The Beatles Stereo Box Set

The White Album (Remastered)

The Beatles With Tony Sheridan: First Recordings 50th Anniversary Edition