Andrew Lloyd Webber is the latest celebrity to come forth and say that he wants Abbey Road studios to remain a working recording studio — and he’s said to be willing to foot the bill!
EMI is rumored to have rejected an offer of £30 million, so Andrew would have to put up quite a pretty penny to save the studio where he has recorded for many of his musicals. The West End king has a £750 million fortune so he can certainly afford it!
But another viable option is having The National Trust purchase the studios at the urging of Sir Paul McCartney and UK DJ Chris Evans. The National Trust already owns John Lennon‘s and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, the director general of the charity explains:
“We were absolutely bowled over by Chris Evans, Sir Paul McCartney and other people saying the studios really needed to be saved, and could we help. The answer is only if people really want us to and only if they help us. So I really want to know what people think.
“Not just The Beatles, but Cliff Richard, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Oasis. Maybe they can help us because they are the kind of people who have huge affection for this place.”
The National Trust has already heard from the United States and expects to hear from Japan as well to extend their support in purchasing the property.
We’ll have to see what happens, but should this really be as big of an issue as its becoming considering other charitable efforts that could be taking its place?
We say let Andrew foot the bill!
What do U think?
[Image via WENN.]