Plans finally ‘Come Together’ for a Grade II listing for Abbey Road

Listing the studio, Margaret Hodge said:

“Music – of whichever genre - is the thread that follows us through all our lives and Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world.  It’s a testament to both the importance of music in people’s lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up, that so much interest has been generated by the perceived threat to the future of Abbey Road. 

“Whether your tastes are for classical, hard rock or pop music, one of your favourites is more than likely to have recorded at Abbey Road.  My favourite song of all time, “If I fell” by The Beatles, was recorded there in 1964, and to have played a part in preserving this world-famous venue is as exciting for me as hearing that song for the first time.  Well, almost!” 

Listing status can be conferred either through its architectural or historic merit.   Number 3 Abbey Road itself is an 1830s villa, whose interior was completely transformed by the decision to turn the building into a purpose-built recording studio, combining performance space and technical facilities to enable the recording of the performances. 

This means that listing status has been granted overwhelmingly on the historic merit of the studios.  It has huge cultural importance and a very special place in the hearts of recording artists and music-lovers alike.  The new listing status will ensure that, although changes to the interior are not prohibited, care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered.  The Abbey Road Studios have been listed in acknowledgement of their outstanding cultural interest and to ensure that recording artists for generations to come can continue to make and record music in the same rooms as musical icons of years gone by.