LONDON — Abbey Road’s Studio One, the legendary music hub, is undergoing a significant refurbishment, but not in the way one might expect. In a place where even a fresh coat of paint could disrupt the artistic magic, the main focus of this multimillion-pound renovation is to maintain the studio’s renowned acoustics.
Sally Davis, the managing director of Abbey Road Studios, emphasized the importance of keeping the sound intact. “We don’t want to change the acoustics, so we preserved every detail in the room, ensuring the sound remains unchanged,” she explained. The studio’s acoustic reverb has been carefully maintained at 2.3 seconds, unchanged since the 1970s. Original Art Deco wall panels have been left untouched, with only a gentle cleaning to preserve their character. The wooden floor was re-sanded and oiled but not varnished, highlighting the commitment to authenticity.
Since its doors opened in 1931, Abbey Road Studio One has become an iconic landmark in the music world. It was the site where stereo sound was first invented and has since welcomed music fans from across the globe, many of whom visit daily just to stand outside and snap photos, particularly at the famous crosswalk made famous by The Beatles.
Davis noted that over a million visitors each year make this pilgrimage, many capturing their own version of the famous album cover from The Beatles’ “Abbey Road.” The upcoming biopic by Sam Mendes, featuring a new generation of stars, is expected to draw even more fans to the area.
Before The Beatles made Studio Two their home, they left their mark on Studio One with a historic live performance of “All You Need Is Love,” broadcasted to audiences worldwide in 1967. The studio’s rich history includes recordings by legendary artists such as Sir Edward Elgar, Maria Callas, and Glenn Miller, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of musical innovation.
With its expansive layout—more than double the size of Studio Two—Studio One can accommodate a 110-piece orchestra and choir, making it the preferred space for scoring major film soundtracks. Indeed, it’s reported that around six to seven out of every ten Hollywood films are scored at Abbey Road.
In a nostalgic moment, Oscar-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton described the studio as his “creative home,” expressing awe at its size, which seemed far larger than the exterior of what appears to be a typical house. Pemberton is known for his work on films like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “Ferrari,” and he fondly recalls the unique atmosphere of recording there. “What happens in Studio One creates moments that last a lifetime,” he said, reflecting on the significance of the legacy shared between artists.
To mark the reopening of Studio One, Abbey Road hosted an innovative dance performance that featured music composed at the studio. The blend of different dance styles captured the vast potential of the space, showcasing its versatility through artistic expression.
Looking forward, the first recording to take place post-refurbishment will be a top-secret project from a Hollywood franchise. Abbey Road continues to maintain its reputation for secrecy and creativity, with plans for new and exciting sounds to be created in this cherished studio.
As the refurbishment blends tradition with modern technology, Abbey Road Studios remains a testament to the enduring spirit of music-making while honoring the rich history that has come before. The studio carefully navigates change, ensuring both preservation of its legendary sound and a bright future for the music industry.
