My latest blog-post is my favourite so far. I took the photos in May, amongst the first that I did, because I was so keen to write about a studio which seemed to produce about half of my 1970’s record collection. But I couldn’t find a way into the story. I didn’t want it to be ‘the Bob Marley’ story, because that is a well trodden path. So I put it to one side. For months.
And then, researching Trevor Horn, I came across one line which intrigued me. And I disappeared down the most wonderful rabbit hole, coming across a story so amazing that I cannot believe there isn’t a film about it.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
Happy Christmas, everyone.
So Lucky is a sort of Zelig character really. This is an amazing story.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Also the Helios desk from that studio had a continued life – I think Chris Difford bought it.
Here you go…
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24669/lot/86/
Brilliant.
Brilliant story, brilliant writing. Hats off’!
Thank you.
Brilliant stuff Niall. Looking at that Spotty playlist I realise that I could have happily spent the entire 1970s just hanging out at that studio, polishing the mixers and emptying the ash trays on a meagre wage; the soundtrack would have kept me spellbound throughout.
You and me both. I’ve had it on shuffle for a few days and, even if I say so myself, it’s a joy.
Excellent piece, Niall; I loved the Clifford T Ward one, but this is truly a cracker. I was visualising Roland Gift playing Lucky at the various stages.
Ha yes. So was I.
Niall, once again you nail it. (heh). This is not so much ‘the road less travelled’ but ‘what road?’ – a new perspective. I thank you. If ever there was a book waiting to happen…
Thank you. Not every studio has presented such an opportunity but I don’t just want to tell a story outlining the history of the studio. This one just took a few months for the story to reveal itself.
Excellent.
Is the studio flats now?
They all seem to be.
Luxury flats 🙄
I think that’s probably the name of the book, eah- “Now luxury flats: The studios of London”
Brilliant read as always.
Thanks
Regent Sounds in Soho, where the Stones recorded their first album, became a guitar shop. That’s about the best ‘change of use’ I’ve found @paulwright. Oh, and Decca is now home to the English National Opera.
I was lucky enough to get a tour of the studio around 1989 when my flatmate Stuvvy the Trout (not his real name) was the night receptionist in Sarm West as it was then. He was quite discreet but I still heard many tales of the great and good who used the facilities at the time. Lucky Gordon was still there at the time and I remember an account my friend gave me of Demis Roussos’s prodigious appetite. So many stories are coming back to me I might post a longer reply on here later when I’m not in work. Sarm was such a place to be at the time. I remember being in the big studio where Feed the World was recorded and getting a go on a legendary piano that had featured on loads of famous tracks including Bohemian Rhapsody if my memory serves me well. Also the small room of technology with a phone box sized vocal booth where Trevor Horn worked his magic with Frankie goes to Hollywood. More later hopefully…
In case I don’t, as a footnote, I’ve only seen Stuvvy the Trout occasionally over the years. A few years ago, I saw him on Sky News picking up a Grammy – not his only one either. He deserved success.
Great memories.
Another lovely piece Niall. Thanks.
Thank you.
Best yet, Nial. Well done!
Thank you