Beatles Tours - When in London, Do as the Beatles Did
by 
gisrael on April 6th, 2008
The Beatles are, of course, from Liverpool. But John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr recorded most of their songs in London, and it was there that they lived (on-and-off) for the bulk of the band’s life. Here is a look at some of the London landmarks made famous by The Fab Four.
Abbey Road Studios (3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood)
This is where much of the magic happened. It was here that the band first met their producer Sir George Martin in 1962, auditioned and signed with EMI. It was here that the vast majority of Beatles albums and singles were recorded, mixed and edited, from Please Please Me all the way through Let It Be. Even after the band broke up, the individual members continued to use these studios for many of their solo projects.
Abbey Road zebra crossing
Just a few metres from the entrance to Abbey Road Studios is the most famous crosswalk in the world, the “zebra crossing” that features on the cover of The Beatles album Abbey Road.
EMI House (20 Manchester Square, Marylebone)
The staircase of this building featured on the cover of the band’s first album, Please Please Me. It was used again for two compilation records in 1973.
Trident Studios (17 St Anne’s Court, Soho)
“Hey Jude” was recorded here, as were several tracks from The White Album, and Abbey Road.
Jane Asher’s House
(57 Wimpole Street, Marylebone)
Paul McCartney’s longtime girlfriend Jane Asher lived here with her family. From 1964-65, Paul boarded in the attic.
This is where John Lennon and Paul wrote “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, their first #1 hit in the US. Several other Beatles songs were also written in the house.
Apple Records Headquarters (3 Saville Row, Mayfair)
This was the home of The Beatles own record company. The rooftop is perhaps more famous than any London rooftop not seen in Mary Poppins. Here The Beatles played their last live concert on 30 January, 1969.
Paul McCartney’s London House (7 Cavendish Avenue, St. John’s Wood)
Paul bought this place in 1965 and moved here from the Asher house. He had a piano painted in psychedelic colours, and a dog named Martha … my dear. “Penny Lane” and “Hey Jude” were written here.
Information and Image Source (All public domain): Wikipedia
For great walking tours of Beatles sights in London, check out Richard Potter’s London Beatles Walks.
Tags: Abbey Road, Apple Records, Beatles, crosswalk, EMI, landmark, London, Paul-McCartney, tourism, zebra crossing| 1.7 |
1 opinion for Beatles Tours - When in London, Do as the Beatles Did
Apr 14, 2008 at 12:16 am
This is a great idea! I’m bookmarking this for the next time we’re in London.
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