I came to London with the purpose of attending an NFL game. The Philadelphia Eagles would be playing the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the NFL UK experience, and I couldn’t miss that! I guess you can say I’m a passionate fan.
I possess quite a similar passion for music. Though I enjoy a wide range of music genres, I have a particular appreciation for classic rock. And let’s face it, when we think of rock, we often think of the British: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, David Bowie … the list goes on. Even one-fourth of the Monkees were British (Davey Jones), and that’s as rock n’ roll as it gets, right? Ironically, David Bowie’s real name was David Jones, but he changed it because Davey Jones of the Monkees was already using it.
So It stands to reason, that if this is the land of legendary musicians, then surely some legendary music must have come out of here. There is one place in particular that has produced some of the most famous music of all time, and it is only a few tube stops away. I’m quite sure you’re aware of it—Abbey Road Studios!
I was in London sixteen years ago, and though I was able to visit a majority of the top attractions, I always regretted that I didn’t make it to Abbey Road. I had no intentions of missing this time around.
It was now Saturday, the day before the game. We had been in London all week and had completed the list of attractions we set out to see—with the exception of two. The Beefeater Distillery and Abbey Road. We wouldn’t have time for both, so the Beefeater Distillery would have to wait for a future trip.
Wrong Stop
We had used the subway system (the tube) to get around the city all week. I heavily relied on the app, Rome2Rio, which would tell us what stations to use when traveling to and from our destinations. Our success rate had been pretty good until today. St. John’s Wood stop is only a few blocks from Abbey Road Studio, but we ended up at West Hampstead, almost a mile and a half away. Better yet, the app was showing it was just a short walk from the station.
So—somehow we were led off the beating path, into what seemed to be a proper mugging environment, but eventually found our way back to a residential neighborhood. We continued on, thinking it was just up the road. When we arrived at our location—according to the app—I knew something wasn’t right. I switched over to Google Maps only to discover we nowhere near our destination. Plan B—we hopped a famous London double decker bus; problem solved! Well, that’s another part of the world I can now say I’ve been.
Abbey Road Studios
Located at 3 Abbey Road, Abbey Road Studios was established November 1931 by the Gramophone Company, a predecessor to EMI. The studios are synonymous with the work of legendary artists such as the Beatles and Pink Floyd, but it was the Beatles’ album Abbey Road—along with it’s cover, depicting the members of the band crossing the street—that made Abbey Road iconic.
It has since become a tourist attraction in it’s own right. It is a must-stop location for tourists, all with the intention of getting a picture in the now famous crosswalk. Having a huge appreciation for it’s musical history, and the fact that I was also a tourist, I felt it appropriate to get a picture of myself crossing this legendary street.
The bus dropped us off across the street from Abbey Road Studios. You know what that meant? We had to cross—and cross we did, just like the Beatles! But I will tell you, it is not a safe undertaking. The traffic flow is quite heavy—so as you attempt your “Beatles pic,” just hope the next driver isn’t checking a text message.
Eagles Crossing
Approaching the crosswalk, the chant was heard clearly: E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES! Perhaps they were preparing to record “Fly Eagles Fly” inside the studios. Well, probably not. Either way, it was great to see fellow Eagles fans out in full force. Birds’ fans could be spotted at all the tourist spots throughout the week—this was no different!
I joined the crowds in playing “frogger,” and safely managed my way across the street. Just to the right, we approached Abbey Road Studios. I took a moment to fully appreciate what I was looking at. So much music that was meaningful to me was created inside there! I can’t even begin to tell you how many hours of my youth were spent listening to music created in this very building. I still remember when I was young—before laptops—sitting for hours at the computer in my basemen, because that’s where the stereo was. I wore out my CD player with albums like Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Standing here where that music was created brought me full circle.
In my adult years I have come to acquire a David Gilmour (Pink Floyd guitarist) model Fender Stratocaster guitar—perhaps a small example of the influence that music has had on me. Meanwhile, that influential music originated within those walls in front of me. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tough trying to wrap my head around it.
If you visit, don’t forget to write on the “graffiti wall” outside the studios!
Gift Shop
I’m not quite certain, but I’m pretty confident tours of the studios are not available. I guess I’ll get my chance when I get around to making that album. I did make it to the gift show, though. What a dangerous place that is. As soon as I walked in, I thought to myself, I’m going to go broke in here. I kinda wanted everything in there!
After loading up on souvenirs, we departed Abbey Road. One last walk in the famous crosswalk and were on our way to St. John’s Wood Underground station—the one we probably should have arrived at in the first place. Where should we go? Well, we were here on Philly business (kinda), it seemed only fitting we headed into Kensington (you’d have to be from Philly to appreciate that).
