February 24 - Even though the UK's English Heritage organization proclaimed Abbey Road Studios a historic building yesterday recognizing it for "Outstanding Cultural Significance", is that designation enough to preserve the iconic recording studios to the satisfaction of Beatles fans?
Listing Abbey Road Studios as a historic building is a way of saying that the building is "special and that every care should be afforded to decisions affecting its future," according to the English Heritage's official website. According to Reuters, the new status means that "although changes to its interior can be made, any proposed alterations must respect the character and preservation of the site." But that still does not prevent the building from eventually being sold to a third party who may have a different use for the building.
Fans began requesting that the National Trust charity officially save London's Abbey Road Studios, the recording studio made famous by The Beatles, immediately after EMI announced last week that they had plans to sell the studio. EMI has since changed their mind stating they have no immediate plans to sell the building and will look into ways to revitalize the building.
Over the last decade, the UK's National Trust took over John Lennon's childhood home, Mendips, and Paul McCartney's childhood home on Forthlin Road, both in Liverpool. Under the National Trust's care, these buildings are now preserved as national landmarks and open to the public for tourism.
McCartney's home was obtained through the normal acquisition process, while Lennon's home was generously donated by his widow, Yoko Ono. after she purchased the home in 2001 as a result of the death of the owner at the time.
The National Trust recently posted this statement on their website: "Given the huge public interest, we would be very happy to work with EMI and anyone else who may be involved to ensure a future for the studios that celebrates their history and continuing relevance and enables people to enjoy visiting them. While we are yet uncertain if we will be involved, and if so, how, we will endeavour to keep you up-to-date on any developments as and when they happen."
Since the National Trust is a charity, they would have to come up with the funds to purchase Abbey Road themselves, which would involve a lot of help and support from the public. Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, offered a further explanation last week on BBC Radio 2: "There's huge numbers of unknowns at the moment, but the most important question is 'Do people want it saved?' and 'Could they help us?'"
Reynolds urges fans to give their feedback to the National Trust either through e-mail or Twitter or Facebook. Twitter users can show their support with a "Save Abbey Road" Twibbon as well.
While EMI's recent vow not to sell Abbey Road Studios coupled with the "historic building" designation by the English Heritage may calm Beatles fans in the short term, a more drastic action by an organization like the National Trust may be required to truly save Abbey Road Studios for future generations.
Related articles:
Abbey Road, home of The Beatles recordings and remasters, now a famous tourist site
Ringo Starr is third solo Beatle to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (Sllideshow)
Beatlemania in LA: Paul and Ringo paint the town red at high-profile events (Slideshow)
For more Beatles news, visit Daytrippin.com and Beatles-History.net
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