February 23 - Today, Abbey Road Studios in London, made famous by The Beatles and their Abbey Road album cover, was officially declared a historic building in the United Kingdom by the English Heritage. Specifically, the English Heritage has recognized Abbey Road Studios with a Grade II listing for "Outstanding Cultural Significance."
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: "Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road Studios. English Heritage has long recognized 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."
The historic building status was proposed back in 2003, and was most recently recognized in part due to EMI's recent statements about possibly selling the building.in order to raise money for the cash-strapped record label. After the uproar expressed by fans and even Sir Paul McCartney, EMI announced they would not be selling the building.
In the last decade, the U.K.'s National Trust has preserved the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in Liverpool and opened them up to the public as historic landmarks. However, the National Trust is a charity, while English Heritage is a public organization which advises the Government on historic buildings and monuments.
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."
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
Twitter: Follow the Celebrity Travel Examiner on Twitter
Comments