Abbey Road, most famous for its Abbey Road recording studios where the likes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Oasis have made music history, is a mile-long thoroughfare located in the London Borough of Camden and the City of Westminster, running from Kilburn, through St. John's Wood, and ending at the intersection of Grove End Road and Garden Road. Whilst predominantly an affluent, residential district, the area attracts many tourists due to the infamous Abbey Road Studios and their association with The Beatles, and the nearby Lord's Cricket Ground.
Abbey Road Studios
Established in November 1931 by EMI and previously named ‘EMI Studios’, Abbey Road Studios were originally focused on the recording of classical music and opened with a performance of Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ conducted by the composer himself. The studios were later used by rock and pop artists, and Studio Two became a centre of rock music in 1958 when Cliff Richard and the Drifters recorded ‘Move It’ there. Today, the studios welcome hundreds of internationally acclaimed musicians and are the most famous and distinguished recording studios in London.
Association with The Beatles
The Beatles recorded 90% of their music at Abbey Road Studios between 1962 and 1970. Their 1969 album was named after the road on which it was recorded, further to which the studios changed their name. The notorious cover photo of the four band members walking across the zebra crossing just outside the studio entrance is one of the most parodied album covers. Tragically, several people have died at the crossing due to traffic accidents involving them re-enacting the photo.
Lord’s Cricket Ground
Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, Lord’s Cricket Ground is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the European Cricket Council. Lord's is often referred to as 'The Home of Cricket' and is home to the Marylebone Cricket Club museum, which is the oldest sports museum in the world.
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