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Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to Buy Abbey Road?

With the world famous Abbey Road studios facing a sale to developers in order to raise funds for cash-strapped owners EMI, composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has put himself forward as a potential buyer. It is understood that EMI yesterday (Feb. 18) rejected an offer of just over £30million for the studios.

The response from the world of music and showbiz has been swift and vocal in response to the news that the studios face demolition if sold to property developers. The studios are an integral part of rock'n'roll history and have been used over the years by the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Oasis amongst countless others.

A source close to Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "Andrew knows that any offer will have to be north of £30million. He wants to buy Abbey Road because it is very dear to his heart. When he records there, he uses an orchestra with up to 90 musicians, and there aren't many places you can do that."

Elsewhere, Dame Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, has said that the charity would be interested in buying the studios and that offers of financial help had come through from interested parties in both Japan and America.

However, with the high price tag attached to the studios, she urged artists who have previously used the studios to step forward and help.

She told the Daily Mail: "Maybe they can help us because they are the kind of people who have huge affection for this place."

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11 Comments

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pete

of course I meant Brits, not Bris.

February 21 2010 at 10:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pete

If the Bris start thinking, the government will buy the place, keep it as a working studio and also as a living museum where people can go on tours. Tell me there wouldn't be huge lineups for that. Almost every tourist who goes to London would make a stop at Abbey Road.

February 21 2010 at 10:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
HUTCH

They let the original Cavern Club in Liverpool get torn down, it would be a shame to let Abbey Road go the way of the wrecking ball too.

February 19 2010 at 2:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
GD

Shame on the "rich and handsome" guy who hijacked this discussion. If what you say is true, why don't YOU put up some money to save Abbey Road Studios? You two remaining former Beatles: you, too! Luv ya! Use some of what used to be your fans' $$ to enshrine this place. Make it a working museum. Similar sites in the States survive.

February 19 2010 at 2:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

Yes Bill, I do know Abby Road is in England. I'm just saying the Brits should stand up on this on and not let the Japanese steal part of their history

February 19 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Brian's comment
Bill

Unfortunately, Britain is essentially broke.

February 19 2010 at 4:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mark

What about Paul and Ring wiyh all their millions. Abbey road made them now it's time to give a little back

February 19 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Mark's comment
Bill

Mark,
Paul and Ringo don't need the studio as a momento. They, along with John and George, are the reason people are interested.

February 19 2010 at 1:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

Why aren't the Brits putting this property on the historic registry or equivalent in england???? This would make it almost impossible to be knocked down or converted, but if developers bought it they would at least have to keep the studio in tact. Keep a stiff upper lip and hope Webber gets it and keeps it as it was. Many people fulfil their dreams of recording there and I hope to be one one day.

February 19 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

Are you kidding me!!!!! who in their right mind would let Japan own a piece of Abby Road?????? They own enough real estate in the USA, including many of the elite golf courses. The buck stops here.

February 19 2010 at 9:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Brian's comment
OrlandoBill

Brian, you do realize Abby Road is not in the USA, right? LOL

February 19 2010 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply