Abbey Road Studios reopen for the first time in more than 10 weeks | London Evening Standard

he historic London studios, responsible for some of the most famous recordings in pop and rock history, from The Beatles to Pink Floyd and Ed Sheeran, have announced their reopening, after a 10-week closure.

After closing for the first time in its nearly 90-year history in March, Abbey Road Studios in St John’s Wood today opened, with social distancing measures in place, to conduct a recording session virtual with jazz star Melody Gardot – and an entire orchestra.

With the Baby I’m a Fool singer joining the session from Paris via video link, engineers and musicians worked in the famous London studio, to begin work on Gardot’s next album.

“Knowing that this is the first session back at Abbey Road Studios after it reopens is an absolute honor. I was told that until Covid-19, the studio had never closed in almost 90 years of activity. Even during WWII it remained open, ”Gardot said of the session. “And the fact that we are recording the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, helping to get the music community back on track in a way that’s safe for everyone involved.” We have the impression of touching history.

Speaking exclusively to The Standard, studio general manager Isabel Garvey said: “Throughout the lockdown, clients and artists have been asking when we can reopen our doors and let them reenter the building. So, as soon as government recommendations changed to allow those who cannot work from home to return to work, it was an opportunity to reopen the studio.

“However, we have taken our time to put the appropriate health and safety measures in place to ensure that our customers and all of our staff can work in the safest environment possible. That is why we have delayed opening the doors for registration in particular until today.

With social distancing measures in place, the studio is now operating with half of its regular staff, but Garvey said she is confident the studio will continue to produce world-class recordings.

“We look forward to welcoming as many musicians, artists and clients as possible to enable music production, recording, mixing and mastering again,” Garvey said. “We want to show that, even with social distancing and health and safety measures in place, making music remains a joyful experience and that Abbey Road brings creativity, magic and inspiration to the music production process.”

Abbey Road is perhaps most often associated with The Beatles, who recorded their 12 studio albums there.