Okay, we can all stop worrying. Abbey Road studios was up for sale, then it wasn't, and now the British government has stepped in, deeming the building a historic site for preservation.
As the CBC reports, the UK Culture Ministry stepped in this morning (February 23) to announce that the 1830s London villa turned recording studio is now a Grade II historic site, the second highest category of historical importance. The categorization ensures that no modification to the building can happen without the government's approval. Changes to the interior of the studios can still be made, but "care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered."
As English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley explained in a press statement, Abbey Road studios "acts as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music. Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road studios. It contains, quite simply, the most famous recording studios in the world."
As the CBC reports, the UK Culture Ministry stepped in this morning (February 23) to announce that the 1830s London villa turned recording studio is now a Grade II historic site, the second highest category of historical importance. The categorization ensures that no modification to the building can happen without the government's approval. Changes to the interior of the studios can still be made, but "care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered."
As English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley explained in a press statement, Abbey Road studios "acts as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music. Some of the most defining sounds of the 20th century were created within the walls of the Abbey Road studios. It contains, quite simply, the most famous recording studios in the world."
