November 9, 2006 16:32

Abbey Road celebrates its 75th anniversary

Studio used by likes of Beatles, U2 and Pink Floyd stages bash

Photo Gallery: The Beatles
Photo: Pa Photos

Abbey Road Studios celebrates its 75th birthday tonight (November 9) with a special star-studded party.

A host of top bands and artists as well as present and former staff will attend a secret bash in London.

The recording studios, which were made world famous by The Beatles, has seen a host of famous names pass through its doors over the years including Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Kirsty MacColl, Blur, Oasis, Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers, Travis and The Spice Girls.

Earlier in the studios history, it was also the venue for classical recordings by the likes of Elgar[/a], plus popular performers including [b]Glen Miller and George Formby.

David Holley, managing director of EMI Studios, told The Independent: "Whenever I walk through the door, I sense all the ghosts around me - Elgar, John Lennon, Syd Barrett - and the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. This morning George Martin was in reception when I came in and we had a little chat. You don't get that in many jobs."

More recently U2 and Green Day recorded their newly released Skids cover 'The Saints Are Coming' at the studio (pictured).

For the full lowdown on U2 and Green Day's collaboration get next week's NME, out on newsstands nationwide on November 15.