February 17, 2010 15:20

Paul McCartney: 'I hope Abbey Road studios can be saved'

Former Beatle reacts to plans to sell iconic London recording complex

Photo Gallery: Paul McCartney
Photo: PA Photos

Paul McCartney has said he hopes Abbey Road studios in London can be saved, after record label EMI announced plans to sell it.

The iconic studios, where The Beatles recorded much of their output (immortalising it on their 1969 album 'Abbey Road'), looks set to be sold to raise money for EMI in a bid to help clear the company's debts. However, McCartney told BBC Newsnight that he was aware of a joint "bid" from people associated with the studio, and added that he hoped they would be able to save it.

"I do know that there are a few people who have been associated with the studio for a long time who were talking about mounting some bid to save it," McCartney explained.

He added, "I sympathise with them. I hope they can do something, it would be great. Obviously I've got so many memories there with The Beatles and it still is a great studio. So it would be lovely for someone to get a thing together to save it."

EMI, which is owned by private equity company terra firma, is reportedly hoping to raise £30 million from the sale to clear huge debts.