London Studio Where Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello + Others Recorded May be Turned Into Apartments
North London’s Church Studios, which has been home to the creation of records from Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, the Eurythmics, Radiohead and more, may soon cease to exist as a recording studio and could eventually be turned into apartment space.
The BBC reports that the studio’s owner, musician David Gray, has applied to local authorities to convert the space into five apartments and an office space. Prior to being a music studio, the building was a chapel. The Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were responsible for converting it into a recording studio back in 1984. Gray purchased Church Studios in 2003.
The singer’s architect stated that the recording facilities have become obsolete and attempting to continue as functioning studio was not a viable option. Local residents are reportedly fighting the change, stating that losing the space would “have a significant effect on the vitality of the local arts scene.”
Dave Stewart, who once lived in an adjoining apartment to the studio, recently stated that he sympathizes with Gray. He adds, “It has so many memories for me, not just recording sessions. I would host evening soirees with poets, philosophers, musicians, etc … Dylan would turn up with his band and hold court or Joni Mitchell would play drums! Things have changed now. The music scene is not the same. I understand him having to sell. I wasn’t bothered about the cost of running it (always at a loss).”