Abbey Road Reopens Legendary Studio One Following Extensive Restoration
After closing for the first time in history in 2024, the studio has reopened.
Abbey Road has reopened the legendary Studio One following an extensive restoration. The north-west London recording space closed in late 2024 for the first time in history to allow for the renovation to take place. The studio will now resume operation for recording sessions.
On March 27, the studio celebrated the reopening with Synergy In Motion, which combined contemporary dance and music. The choreography was helmed by Royal Ballet choreographer Joseph Toonga and set to the film scores of composer Daniel Pemberton (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), remixed and arranged by Abbey Road’s Artist in Residence, Jordan Rakei.
“The reopening of Studio One sees Abbey Road embrace a renewed energy that not only honours our legacy but also looks forward to the future,” Abbey Road’s managing director Sally Davies said in a statement following the festivities. ”Last night’s multidisciplinary Synergy In Motion celebration was the perfect way to usher in this new era, with an evening that championed innovation and creativity at every turn.”
Abbey Road describes Studio One as the “world’s largest purpose-built recording studio.” It can comfortably host 100-piece orchestras and has primarily been used for the recording of classical and movie scores. A number of blockbusters have recorded their soundtracks in the studio, including much of John Williams’ oeuvre, such as Raiders of The Lost Ark, Star Wars: The Return of The Jedi, as well as the Harry Potter movies. A variety of contemporary musicians have also recorded in the space, including Harry Styles, U2, Noel Gallagher, Little Simz, Sam Smith, and Celeste.
Studio One’s refurbishments involved the replacing of the 20-year old 72-channel AMS Neve 88RS SP2 recording console with an 84-channel AMS Neve 88RS SP3D recording console, as well as extensive acoustic treatment and the installation of new fabric. The live room, where the musicians are stationed, now includes 10 rows of wool serge, as well as the integration of 3 rows of 9 LED pendants to increase visibility.
The Abbey Road premises was first built as a residential townhouse in 1831. A century later, it was converted into a recording studio and reopened as EMI Studios. A number of classical greats including Edward Elgar and Sergei Prokofiev recorded there. In 1958, Studio Two was opened. The Beatles recorded in the room and named their 1969 album after Abbey Road. The studio is currently owned by Universal Music imprint Virgin Records.
