Mar
26
2009
Olympic Studios closes: A sad day for music
Author: admin
On January the 30th 2009, Olympic Studios closed its doors for the last time.
- Helios console
For decades, EMI have been unable to tap into the merchandising market for Olympic in the same way they had with Abbey Road, due to legal problems concerning the use of the name “Olympic”.
Nevertheless, Olympic has up until now braved onwards, producing great music by the likes of Eric Clapton, The Who, David Bowie, Thin Lizzy, The Beatles, The Small Faces, King Crimson, Sammy Davis Jr., Paul McCartney, Björk, Roger Waters, INXS, Hawkwind and Queen amongst many others, winning numerous UK recording industry awards for “Best Studio” along the way.
- EMI TG console
In modern times this trend has continued, with Olympic being home to the last few generations of SSL large-format in-line mixing console.
Olympic Studios Studio 1 SSL K-series in-line console
To say goodbye, the last remaining staff of Olympic Studios got together in the final week of business to record a cover of The Rolling Stones classic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
Here’s their version of the song, and the video they made to go with it…
Goodbye Olympic, and thanks for all the wonderful memories! Best of luck, everyone!
Discuss this story or anything else music-related or otherwise in our forum…
http://www.realmusicforum.com/forums/article-a-sad-day-for-music-t143.html
Tags: Abbey Road, Björk, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, forum, Hawkwind, Helios, INXS, Jimi Hendrix, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, music, Olympic, Paul McCartney, Queen, recording, Roger Waters, Sammy Davis Jr., SSL, Studios, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Small Faces, The Who, Thin Lizzy
forums theme -
April 25th, 2009 at 5:18 am
I recorded there many times with Stiff Little Fingers and have the fondest memories of the place. So sad to hear it’s not working anymore. I’ll never forget it or the fine folks we worked with. If anyone has contact numbers for the likes of Bill Gill, Laurence Burrage or, best of all, the great Doug Bennett, I’d really appreciate it.
Hanx!
Jake.
April 26th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Hi Jake, great to see you at the RMF!
I used to work at Olympic myself, (4 years as a techie) so I too have many fond memories of the place.
I don’t recognise any of those names, but I do still know all the old staff (from just before it closed) so if you think anyone in particular might be able to help, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Best regards,
Phil
May 9th, 2009 at 2:57 am
I feel there were politics that caused the the closure of Olympic, EMI due to their backward thinking could not see the marketplace was changing and as Abbey Road was their primary studio, Olympic had to go.
The arrogance of not seeling the studio to Bono just made it worse, it is at this point you can see EMI’s intentions.
To me there are possible solutions in keeping the studio, if it is still there.
1.site it under the a heritage banner, publicly funded, restore it to its original and recover the equipment such as the EMI TG desk.
2.Get bono to purchase it, but clause the contract so the studio can remain an earner.
3.Get the fans to purchase it by putting a appeal (request) on sites like Youtube, 1 million fans paying £5 a piece (I am sure there are a lot more) and ask the artists to add to these funds.
As a recording engineer getting back into the scene, I am seeing how the record labels are messing up the music which fans do not want, it seems logical to fight back and put two fingers are the money grabbing companies.
We have to do something, if it is not too late
May 13th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I seem to be reminded of a similar sense of sadness pervading several years ago (although under different circumstances) when Western Recorders in LA closed doors, for what was expected to be the last time. Well, fortunately providence and good sense prevailed and its back and earning and looking better than ever (with all the important good bits still untouched) I only hope that a similar outcome can be realised also here, again through providence but more importantly, lateral thinking (that is if the good folks at EMI dont feel they can’t run the risk of allowing such a resource to fall into the hands of their competition) However, the Media can be a powerful tool to bring public attention to bear, often forcing even the corporate Goliaths to relent.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
It’s an absolute disgrace that Olympic closed. It should get a heritage banner. I hope some rich musician will see that this place needs to be saved for future generations.
August 28th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Its 6 months down the line and no sign of helping this studio.
OK, I am in, who else, lets petition people.
Engineers, get in touch with the big boys like EC and lets see what we can do.
If you want to add, its chris@soundengineers.us
Lets do something before its too late
December 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I played many nights at that studio for Phil Chapman [from Manchester]in 1973 to 1976 and loved every minute of it, my first single was ‘get your dance hall shoes on, by Mickey Anthony’ where i played lead guitar in the background, i saw many great guitars lying around and it led to me making hand made instruments for 31 years now, i will never forget that place and the many bands that recorded there what a sad thing to see it closed, Thanks Phil and thanks Billy for making me that amp from an old mains radio of 5 watts, thinking of you guys a lot, was there a guy called Rufus? there i seem to remember,Paul
January 18th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I was really saddened to learn about this. I was inspired early on to become and engineer/producer my many of the albums that were made there and dreamed of someday working there. I’ve read that U2 was going to buy the studio. Does anyone have any updates on this development?
January 18th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Hi Jake, its been a while! I too was very sorry to see Olympic close, as an ex staffer it held many happy memories for me, and was the creative home of a lot of really great mucic. Very happy to support any efforts to revive or preserve. If possible, please pass my email on to Jake.
Yes, Paul, there was a guy called Rufus there but I cant remember the surname. He was a little before my time, I think.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
who cares
January 28th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Anyone that wants to tell Nyomi Sinclare she is a heartless selfish bitch with her head stuck up her arse, can do so by emailing her at:
nyomichick@yahoo.com
Yours, the RMF team.
February 26th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I live opposite the beauty (NOT Nyomi. Obviously) and have done for years. Sad is an understatement, particularly as an artist myself. I have just heard from one of the restraunt guys that its been bought up and will be turned into flats, shops and a cinema! But who the hell is gonna want more shops when half have already closed down (partly due to its closure), more flats when we already have an abundance of residential properties here and a cinema? Us people who live here like to be able to actually leave Barnes for things like that. As gorgoeus and special as Barnes village is we need to leave for some sanity now and then plus with no tube here anyway I cant imagine people coming here just for a cinema. Im not sure if this is true. I sure do hope not. I totally agree with the Politics bit and now I hear that EMI are selling Abbey Road! Crazy!! Yes we should definitely do something xx
March 1st, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Just heard today that the studio has finally been sold to a ‘business man’ who intends to turn it into a cinema! I had been hoping that a consortium or company would come in and keep it going as a studio but sadly that looks as if it’s not going to be the case. I feel really saddened and after watching the video of all the staff having fun, I realise just how much I miss the place AND the people, because it wasn’t just a building closing here, it was a small community broken up and cast aside. I hope all those ‘Pirates’ who bang on about how great it is that music can be had for free on the internet realise how they fucked up the recording industry and I hope all their businesses come crashing down around their fucking feet!
Olympic, you will be missed and I know you will never be replaced. RIP.
Stephen
March 1st, 2010 at 11:36 pm
hi im from up north so cant do much in the way to help, but my college went down to london three years ago to have a look round the studio so i am sending a link to the olympic band video to everyone in my year, and please dont let it be turned into flatts as it was by far the best studio in london and would of been my dreem place to work.:-(
March 15th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I never worked there and am not part of the industry but this place is a part of history not just of Barnes but the UK as a whole. It will be a real shame if it is not preserved in some way. A museum might be a thought? Hope its not too late. People should not have too casual an approach to the things that are a part of who they are. That’s how you end up not knowing yourself.
June 14th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Lots of names I remember on here, Lawrence for one… happy curry nights!! I saw Doug Bennett, Keith, Phil Buckley and Rod Thear at the last Olympic drink in the Red Lion I went to… that would have been a couple of years back now. I did see Glyn Johns a short while ago when he came in to mix the Thin Lizzy album so despite the war of attrition the record companies are waging a few of us survive!
I sadly miss Olympic, I can only hope that those of us who can will try to foster the ethos that Keith passed on to me.. it’s about the sound… the flappy bits of skin on the side of your head and your heart will tell you whats right… and it’s right when it’s right.. everything else is wrong.
Olympic was a happy place to work, something the accountants will never understand. I am proud to have been just a small part of Olympics history and still hope that sense will prevail and Olympic will preserved, so future aspiring musicians, engineers and technicians will be able to work there rather than just see dots on a page or screen.
June 19th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Heres the sad it, just read it was sold for 3.5 million quid, pathetic.
Remember what I said, we could have raised this amount through external funds and it would have been for the people.
Unfortunately, if my health had allowed, I would have been pushing for this – see above, but my heart gave way in October.
Just remember, we could have saved this.
June 19th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
OK.
You want to save this, even at this late stage….
Email; http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/contact-us and put your feelings in writing.
The more we complain, the more chance we have in saving this.
The time is now.
Hopefully they have not stated yet…
June 19th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
P.S.
If you want to do a group petition, email me; chris@soundengineers.us
I have set the ball rolling.
June 19th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Hey Chris, thanks for the English Heritage link, I’ve sent my “save Olympic” message to them. Hope others will too.
Best regards,
Phil
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I WORKED AS A TAPE OPP AT OLYMPIC FROM 1972-1974 . It was a amazing place too work as a 16yr old.
my many nights there working with Bowie on diamond dogs with Keith harwood. Badfinger, stones, zeppelin, bad comapny. Keith Grant was a great boss and a truly stand up guy.
i was supposed to go to a 30th anivesary drink across the st at the red lion but could not leave due to work at home in New York. I am sure everyone that has worked there has there own great memories this building should have been saved. This building has so much history its sad that its closed it was without question one of the most famous studios in recording history and its contribution should never be forgoten.
ANDY MORRIS
October 7th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
To late now folks !
I went along to an open day at Olympic today.
Heartbreaking to see studio 1 stripped bare, although it looks like they may may be keeping 3 walls and the ceiling intact ? In other words the top half of the building has been practicly destroyed and taken back to the brickwork right up to the bare rafters!
Studio 2 is still as was at the moment, as is the mix suite/coservatery but i was told that they are planning a second cinema down in studio 1 at a later date.I did sujest that they could keep it as recording studios though !!
On the possetive side, i am happy that the building will still be used for the creative arts and not executive appartments and boutiques.
To all my old work mates from my Olympic days Be proud that we were part of this amazing place.
October 30th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Now, I am depressed, the chance of seeing the inside of this studio or a bit of it and I missed it, anybody know of any contact information to ask for another open day.
Just to take photos of the remains and publish would at least help others to see what they are missing.
At least, the creative arts are going to get a look in, so someone listened, maybe the heratige stepped in.
Please email me; chris@soundengineers.us if you have anything.
Chris
December 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Ok Guys.
This is where you come in.
I need emails backing the saving of Olympic in a modified form that allows both plans to be viable Studio and Cinema.
chris@soundengineers.us
I await your response
Chris
December 10th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Hi
We have two more with emails of support, more takers please and if you know of anyone interested in contributing please forward.
chris@soundengineers.us
Best Regards
Chris
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February 17th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
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March 2nd, 2011 at 7:08 am
Sorry but I just found this out,yah behind the tymes, but hey I record in mono and shave witha straight razor. Its sad,but its happening all over. Any piece of land or structure that’s up for grabs it gets turned into flats,condos or box stores. It pisses me right off, here its like a herion addiction. They can’t stop banging houses and condos everywhere. This,this little device that I am writing this on is the major cause for all the up coming and present social and economic troubles in the world and its only gonna get worse. So keep your cell cameras clicking unjust acts of labour and posting for those to get in shit. Big brother is us being the tool of the watchful eye,hail computers and media manipulating all of us. Sorry but this all ties in with why a great studio is now gone.
Need,Want,Download,Gotta Have,and Dispose of.