On This Day in 1962, The Beatles Recorded at Abbey Road for the First Time
Many uncertainties marked The Beatles‘ career. Though, there was one thing that was rarely, if ever, uncertain, and that was where they were going to record. For a devout music fan, it is common knowledge that The Beatles’ home base was EMI Studios on Abbey Road in London. The Beatles did, in fact, record some of their music elsewhere. However, the majority of it was recorded and produced at the iconic studio. Well, on this day, June 6, 1962, The Beatles found their home as they recorded at Abbey Road for the very first time.
Abbey Road is a renowned studio and has been used by musicians such as Sturgill Simpson, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and many more. However, its acclaim and majesty would not be known if it weren’t for The Beatles. The studio is synonymous with the Fab Four’s illustrious career. And consequently, it is both a monument and a sacred space. However, that would not be the case if it weren’t for Brian Epstein’s tenacity and George Martin’s willingness to give The Beatles a shot at success.
The Day The Beatles Found Their Home
In 1962, The Beatles were on the cusp of success. That being said, their manager, Brian Epstein, had pitched the band to every major record label in London. All denied his pitch, except the head of Parlophone Records, George Martin, who invited The Beatles to EMI Studios on Abbey Road for an audition. So, on June 6, 1962, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and then-drummer Pete Best all went to EMI in hopes of scoring their big break.
Overseeing the audition were George Martin and engineers Ron Richards and Norman Smith. During the session, The Beatles covered a few songs and played their iconic original singles, “Love Me Do”, “P.S. I Love You”, and “Ask Me Why”. According to Smith, they didn’t impress anyone at first, as he told Sound on Sound that “The Beatles didn’t make a very good impression, apart from visually. I mean, we heard nothing of John and Paul’s songwriting ability.”
Source: americansongwriter.com/Peter Burditt
