Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich is leading a host of respected musicians in a bid to save the BBC’s iconic Maida Vale studios.
Earlier this week Far Out reported that the pioneering studios, which have hosted the likes of The Beatles, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix and played host to the iconic John Peel Sessions, plan to move from their location in north London to a new home in east London.
Maida Vala have been running since 1946 and the building was constructed in 1909. The BBC took control of it in 1930.
Now, however, the team will be moving their building to the Stratford Waterfront development in the Olympic Park in East London as their current home contains asbestos and is in desperate need of refurbishment.
They hope to complete the move by 2022.
However, Godrich is leading a petition to stop the move from happening, he said: “This is absolutely insane!! Wrong, misguided, call it what you will – the wrong move. Don’t destroy this incredibly important part of our cultural heritage – every bit as important as Abbey Road studios…. stop!” in a series of tweets. “Don’t destroy this beautiful studio,” he added. “There are so few of these places left and this particular room is steeped in history.”
The BBC explained how the current studios are in desperate need of refurbishment and parts contain the dangerous material asbestos, all issues that Godrich reacted to: “The studios have been refurbed many times since 1930’s – asbestos is still intact. This is about money – and a pressure to move to areas that are considered in need of ‘regeneration’ but at a senseless cost. What they replace it with will never be of the same caliber.”
This is absolutely insane…!! wrong… misguided… Call it what you will – the wrong move…. don’t destroy this incredibly important part of our cultural heritage – every bit as important as Abbey Road studios…. stop!!!! #BBCSaveMaidaVale https://t.co/keRO5K3CPx
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) June 6, 2018
Don’t destroy this beautiful studio!!! There are so few of these places left and this particular room is steeped in history – Bing Crosby’s last performance was here – and this guy… https://t.co/MWG0MFDAez #BBCSaveMaidaVale
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) June 6, 2018
This is a working busy part of the BBC – there is no need to get rid of it.. This is just as important as 6 Music – they wanted to shut that down too – people protested and it’s now a massive success… don’t destroy this amazing place!!! #BBCSaveMaidaVale https://t.co/zJKZo9c11R
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) June 6, 2018
This is a working busy part of the BBC – there is no need to get rid of it.. This is just as important as 6 Music – they wanted to shut that down too – people protested and it’s now a massive success… don’t destroy this amazing place!!! #BBCSaveMaidaVale https://t.co/zJKZo9c11R
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) June 6, 2018
The studios have been refurbed many times since 1930’s – asbestos is still intact.. This is about money – and a pressure to move to areas that are considered in need of ‘regeneration’.. but at a senseless cost. What they replace it with will never be of the same caliber.. https://t.co/QqfvfjYnfZ
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) June 6, 2018
On the back of Godrich’s comments, a host of musicians and influential names joined in the #BBCSaveMaidaVale movement.
The likes of Beak>’s Geoff Barrow, Ride’s Andy Bell, Amber Coffman, Ben Frost, At the Drive-In’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and more all expressed their opposition to the move.
PLEASE EVERY
Artist/band/musician/DJ/MusicFan
please use this hash tag to tell the BBC they are wrong to close down
The historic Maida Vale Studio and replace it with a new building#BBCSaveMaidaVale@radiohead @PaulMcCartney @KasabianHQ @Adele @jeremycorbyn @BBC6Music— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) June 6, 2018
I’ve done a lot of time with both ATDI and TMV at this place. Please don’t tear it down. The engineer that works there is a master and the historic performances that have happened there are more important than a new building. #MaidaVale https://t.co/4mevHU2Auj
— CEDRIC BIXLER ZAVALA (@cedricbixler_) June 6, 2018
Please BBC – don’t close down Maida Vale. When Ride recorded radio sessions for John Peel and the rest, we couldn’t believe the 60s 70s 80s history we were becoming part of. You’re ending that for new bands if it closes. #BBCSaveMaidaVale
— Andy Bell (@Andybebop) June 6, 2018
newer does not mean better. #BBCSaveMaidaVale https://t.co/b3vpHJawBb
— Ben Frost (@ethermachines) June 6, 2018
Please #BBCSaveMaidaVale
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) June 7, 2018
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 7, 2018
What he said ? This is so wrong….Fucking love Maida Vale studios #BBCSaveMaidaVale https://t.co/vgnD9RK3db
— Gaz Coombes (@GazCoombes) June 6, 2018