They Finally Let Me Into Abbey Road Studios!

[@RickBeato]

If you guys want to see me do more travel content and interviews, please consider becoming a member of the Beato Club to enable me to do more of it. Check it out here: rickbeato.com/beatoclub

[@douganderson2861]

Got it!

[@toddsyoutube2679]

Muscle Shoals perhaps?

[@tronlady1]

Rick I’d love to see you do a tribute to Sakamoto? His passing has affected me deeply and I’m only taking a guess that you were a fan too??

[@AndyA1234]

Rick please listen to Phil Gould (ex Level 42 drummer) song "Beautiful Wounds". I recommend it to everyone.

[@lpprod57]

What about the plates??? Did you see the Plate Reverbs??

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

My daughter loves the Beatles. I took her to London after her mom died. She was 13. I have that great photo of her walking across the street at Abbey Road. Heal toe. We went to Paul’s publishing house and we got to see Paul come out and get into his ride. She had a smile on her face for the entire dinner that night. What a blessing. She’s 37 now.

[@bigbadbith8422]

Great memories😊

[@jerrystephenson1172]

@StooB I love it, let the emotions flow, we're human & suppressing these things was always the masculine thing, as we were taught as men. But I have realized as an aging man, maybe we missed out.

[@stevestanley1114]

Dad of the Decade winner!

[@emailandydean]

@StooB Me too. But it proves we're human. I've cried every time I've seen Paul live.

[@emailandydean]

@@jerrystephenson1172 I'm missing out at the moment. I cant see my laptop screen.

[@Ericstrains]

I’ve said if before and I’ll say it again, I LOVE how these videos are NOT dumbed down for a general audience. It’s two pros just talking shop and it becomes such an in depth learning experience. Don’t change a thing, Rick, you’re really onto something here.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Speaking as a member of the general audience I also love that it’s not dumbed down, if there’s something I don’t understand I can look it up, I hate when things are dumbed down.

[@Jer64ss]

Yep. We laypersons get stretched by consuming challenging stuff. If it’s dumbed down, there’s no growth.

[@caspermaul7583]

Yes it is such a rare thing these days...

[@dannypembroke2372]

I’m smitten. Been hacking my Strat since the 70’s. How wonderful is it to see two guys getting so exited over these mikes. 😊

[@jmoriarty8000]

Even tho I don’t understand most it’s still cool

[@rckrtcrg1246]

Mirek Stiles is a walking encyclopedia, but his presentation is wonderfully conversational. That may always be the way he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, but we've seen so many times before that Rick brings out the best in the people he interviews. Rick was mostly in "receive mode" for this video and it shows how well he adapts to different situations. Simpler version of what I just wrote: this was brilliant!

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

I mean, it would be nice if Rick didn't cut him off or talk over him repeatedly; many times Mirek was getting in to an explanation or description and Rick cuts in, quite annoying. I'll put it down to excitement/enthusiasm for the subject matter.

[@Omertahun]

Mirek was super stiff first then he opened up and started to pour knowledge

[@Alfonso162008]

@@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261 Yeah, I noticed that too. It wasn't super annoying to me, but he did cut him off several times. But as you've said, it was probably due to how excited he was for being there. It still was a great interview and video.

[@Bebe-pg1lv]

I don't think Rick was rude, just very excited. He was excited and wanted to ask so many questions. I mean, he was at Abbey Road, can you blame him😅

[@topdazzle]

100% - but let the guy finish a sentence for God’s sake! So annoying!! Great example of “waiting to speak” rather than “actually listening”.

[@RogerPeet]

I Luv everything about The Beatles. I saw them, LIVE, in concert !! (not many of us left) It was my 9th B-day ! Aug 1965 Portland OR It was the best place to be on the Planet.

[@Beebo]

Welcome to the UK! Hope you enjoy your visit!

[@joannecunliffe8067]

Seconded! I found your visit to Abbey Road fascinating as all your videos are, Rick 🥰

[@davidkiely1223]

Great to see you in England

[@fredfred2363]

Yay, Rick's over here! 👍🏻😀🇬🇧

[@JamesDavis-sh9gh]

If you run into Paul or Ringo, surprise us!!!

[@deldia]

He’s UK music fanboy as is evident from the channel!

[@ledzepandhabs]

I am so happy that this obscure, super smart, hard working guy I discovered years ago just browsing KZbin has gotten to the point where where his great talent is now recognized and respected by the higher echelons of the music world, I am so happy for him. It is most deserved, Keep on Keepin on Rick.

[@norwegianblue2764]

Well said. I'm pretty sure Rick is the first KZbinr that I ever "subscribed" to. Loved him. Loved his content. Just wanted to show my support. Obviously I wasn't alone. Look at him now!

[@henryperkins8392]

I was just telling my brother that. I think when I subscribed he had about 250K subs. I thought he should be way more popular.. and here we are.

[@michaelherron4306]

I’m a new subscriber. Not a musican or an engineer but I love these videos. The insight just gives you much more appreciation.

[@JohnsDough1918]

The title makes it sound like Rick camped in front of Abbey Road until they let him in out of pity.

[@gpapa31]

I’ve done it, didn’t work. :(

[@rickbjurstrom467]

How do you know that didn't happen.

[@joeloud1]

It was like Project Mayhem

[@rangerrecon]

Wait - will that work? Don't get my hopes up...

[@ErnieV76]

😂

[@carlin462]

For those of us who can't afford the trip nor experience, I thank you for all the info you were able to share. You did millions of people a solid. We owe you. 👊

[@redsvt98]

Took me 7 years but I was finally able to save enough to schedule a trip to my lifelong dream of going to England. 2 nights in London, 3 nights in Liverpool and 1 in Manchester. I've been dreaming of those places since I was 12. Leaving May 22, 2024. Counting the days. It's my ultimate bucket list item. Been hooked since Paul started off their Ed Sullivan debut on February 9, 1964 singing, 🎶Close your eyes and I'll kiss you🎶

[@gavindaviesmusic]

@@redsvt98 Hope you had a great time, did you get to Abbey Road?

[@deckenneth]

Endlessly fascinating. Mirek is a terrific storyteller, and what a wonderful privilege to have spent a career there!

[@thebillryan]

Absolutely . I thought he was so knowledgeable and had the ability to make it make sense. For a guy like me , whose understanding of equipment you could write on the corner of a postage stamp, I was quite surprised by how much I learnt and loved about it all. Well done Mirek.

[@Friis1978]

❤

[@CellZealot]

I only hope that Mirek reads the comments if he has the time and inclination. Rick is always superlative and knows how well appreciated he is but Mirek took this interview/tour to another level and really made it special.

[@gaycha6589]

A dream job

[@stratfanstl]

I'm not a religious man nor an envious man but Abbey Road is the only location on the planet that counts as holy ground and I am very envious of Rick seeing its doors swung wide open to greet him. However, if it can't be me getting this guided tour, I can't think of anyone more suited to get this visit and be able to convey the experience to the rest of us.

[@oakenfalling]

I couldn't agree more.

[@louissanderson719]

I’m very lucky that I was able to record here as part of a 6th form project.

[@paulsawtell3991]

Oh for goodness sake it's only a recording studio and for my money the one at Whitfield Street was far better; it had a Studer 24 track mastering (ANALOGUE) tape machine, a spacious live room and one of the finest engineers I ever worked with: Mike Ross-Trevor.

[@jacprendo]

​@@paulsawtell3991 dude chill

[@derektrotter4287]

@@paulsawtell3991 really ? Pathetic

[@jimyeomans6373]

For many of your fans, your journey from pressing your nose on the window to getting an invite tour of the studio is a virtual stand-in for the rest of us.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

The engineer showing you around is a GOLDMINE of history, technology, nostalgia, and whatever “it” is that makes you pay attention. Fascinating stuff. You hit this one out of the park, Rick.

[@dodgedforgottenn]

As a former studio recording engineer and vintage recording gear nerd, this video is AMAZING!!! THE TG console, plus all the other gear, musical instruments, rooms, etc. WOW!

[@leechild4655]

There is a story of the transition from mono to stereo and how the Beatles approached it. I think it was only one Beatle that embraced the new stereo sound but a lot of folks preferred to stay with one speaker listening.

[@michele-33]

@@leechild4655 Was it Paul that was said to be more accepting of the new technology? He was the first that came to mind after reading your comment. Cheers.. Happy Easter ✨

[@steveleblanc7983]

I'm not a musician or engineer, I just love music and this was an amazing episode, Rick.

[@chasingdogs]

Couldnt agree more.

[@4422-]

You should both try it you could possibly love it even more nothing better than learning your favourite music and playing it I learned 1 song once on piano and I was well happy with my self

[@eugienecarr1355]

As a sound engineer this was a whole lot of fun indeed. You should do more recording engineering videos Rick. I’m sure you could get access to basically any studio in the world at this point 😮 Very Well done 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@stevem-h3562]

Its sad that so many of the legendary ones have gone.... Sarm West, Sarm Hook End Manor, Olympic, The Townhouse.... and thats just in the south east of the UK.

[@atroeds]

Yes please!

[@carolstoddard6280]

@eugienecarr1355 : I want to see more record- engineering-focused videos from Rick too! That’s an area I would love to know more about. 😊

[@mallorga1965]

Yeah! All of the remaining famous London studios!... And The Rolling Stones mobile which is now in Canada.

[@thomascordery7951]

Now that WOULD be a series! Yes please, Rick!

[@steveavery9389]

Rick is so good at letting people tell their story and only cutting in to clarify things generally. Great work man.

[@paulmk2290]

Full marks to Mr. Stiles, he certainly knows about the history of the place and of the equipment that is housed there. Great video.

[@slipkid35]

His depth of knowledge was amazing! What an absolute *dream come true" of a profession!

[@farrukhahmad555]

Do you Need Acounts Services, Payment Handle , Transaction Handle all over world

[@williamstreet1148]

At the intro and ending, you are beaming like a little boy walking the streets of London - it makes me happy that your channel has become one of the preeminent music education channels on YT. It is well-deserved.

[@seenaroundboston2302]

And walking up the steps that were well-traversed by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

[@farrukhahmad555]

Do you Need Acounts Services, Payment Handle , Transaction Handle all over world

[@Guitargate]

TREMENDOUS PRODUCTION RICK! Whoever you found in London did a perfect, perfect job.

[@kane6529]

It was me Michael if you’d like me too shoot your videos in exchange for a PRS id be glad too 😂

[@tonyanddeb1012]

My wife was lucky enough to record the BBC London Olympics 2012 theme tune with Elbow in Studio Two. She was part of the small choir Elbow wrote it for. An amazing experience and I swell with pride everytime I watch the KZbin video of how it was made. She has subsequently been back and recorded some other pieces there and it never fails to make me happy!

[@feloniousmonk3049]

From Beatles to Beato.... Abbey Road gets covered. Glad all this history is being recorded, on the progress of the recording industry. This needs to be archived for eternity.

[@grizant]

Mirek is just unbelievably gracious and accommodating. To be so generous with his time and knowledge like this is just really cool to be able to watch. Rick is p. cool too, I guess.

[@mikep8683]

You're right he's not. He tries though. I suppose that's the problem in'it.

[@tdl77]

Oh, well, that’s everything he is not in my opinion. But it seems that he is trying his best!

[@rabbitshirt]

Rick is so excited about everything. He’s like a little kid, which is very refreshing. 😊

[@sunfish87]

He's got better self control than some I see . He's probably containing himself, obviously fascinated by everything music and recording. One day I hope to be integrated enough to visit Abbey road studio.

[@geldofpunk32]

I didn't like how Rick kept cutting him off and talking over him

[@joseacuna3239]

I’m no sound engineer or musician for that matter, but I really enjoy listening to people speaking about a topic they manage by memory. It shows passion and hard work together.

[@stuartwray6175]

'A topic they manage by memory'?

[@timesquare5473]

@@stuartwray6175 As opposed to looking it up in a document. Pretty rudimentary but that is how you pass exams and form an opinion on things.

[@SaintPhoenixx]

Definitely, I have a vague but unsubstantial interest in sound recording techniques but I can appreciate the effort that went into creating some of history's greatest music and the way people preserve that history is impressive. Sometimes having someone tell you a story is so much nicer than reading it on a website.

[@paulsawtell3991]

@@SaintPhoenixx Pop is not 'great music'. You may enjoy it and dance to it but that doesn't make it great.

[@neilog747]

@@stuartwray6175 Put a comma in after manage and replace by with from.

[@timitheo]

Being an ex-recording and broadcast engineer, I really appreciate Mr. Stiles' expertise in this video. Great history and technical detail. Wonderful interview.

[@maelinjoli]

another Rick Beato classic right here, I mean this guy is getting better and better and this Abbey Road Studio tour is such a gift. thank you Rick and everyone there at Abbey Road

[@ZachGrabill]

Rick is almost single handedly keeping the appreciation for this music alive. I absolutely love these interviews and special videos. Amazing.

[@leeartlee915]

You think people don’t care about 60s music anymore? That’s a sad thought.

[@STSGuitar16]

A fantastic step in the right direction of Rick being able to interview Sir Paul himself. How fantastic that would be. Rick would ask all the question all of us have wondered about for years. Paul’s interview series with Rick Rubin was fantastic, but Rick Beato just knows how to ask the right questions that really get legendary artists to open up and be more candid than you normally see. Keep up your historic work, Rick! We know you’ll certainly eventually get to talk to Paul, and we’ll all be here waiting!

[@Username89039]

What a great idea. Rick with Macca would be very interesting. (Am I allowed to say more interesting than with Rubin?! I just did.)

[@jamesharris9029]

I did think, the crowning glory of this video would be McCartney joining them. Brilliant

[@STSGuitar16]

@@jamesharris9029 Hopefully one day! Every single interview Rick has done with legendary musicians has been my favorite interviews that I have ever seen for each respective musician. He really does just have a great knack for breaking down barriers and getting to the human side of the artists, all while asking the best, most-informed questions you could ever ask for. He always has an awesome ability to ask something that I didn't even know I wanted to be asked, and it seems like artists truly enjoy talking with him. Seeing him with Macca would truly be a dream come true.

[@simontunnicliffe2107]

Definitely. That would be fantastic.

[@christianlacheze3323]

Are you comparing Rick Beato to Rick Rubin??

[@mq3868]

Absolutely fascinating! Rick clearly giddy as a school girl asking great questions and Mirek with his encyclopedic knowledge of the equipment and processes. Amazing.

[@DougGrinbergs]

5:52 Eleanor Rigby strings close-miked KM54 ... 23:08 reverb chamber 26:44 musical instruments 28:34 Hammond RT3 28:58 Leslie miking 31:05 upstairs control room 32:46 EMI TG transistor desk 35:57 1958 REDD tube desk 38:07 Studer J37 1" 4-track

[@bassicuk1986]

Please pin this comment

[@tattoofthesun]

Guy knows his stuff!!

[@johngalt6838]

Beatles recordings were produced so well....crisp, clear....perfect. It always stuck out to me versus other albums of the time.

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

The fifth Beatle was also a genius.

[@RobHoughton]

Rick, as far as I'm concerned, we finally have THE RIGHT person to be in this studio and ask all the questions and share all the thoughts that have been waiting to be asked by us musician/Beatle nerds. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@mattwhiteman637]

Another great video Rick. My uncle was paul McCartneys right hand man for around 40 years and in 1998 when I had dreams of becoming a sound engineer he got me a tour of Abbey road . Just walking into studio 2 gave me chills , touching the door handle knowing all of the amazing people who had put their hands on that same handle and then recording all these albums which have soundtracked my entire life just blew me away . Glad they finally let you in

[@mattwhiteman5739]

@@beatlesrgear my uncle is John Hammel , we rarely got to see him as he was always travelling the world with Paul . He retired about 5 years ago , very cool guy

[@seattlerinis8249]

It's amazing to me Rick's knowledge of music from classical to jazz to pop to rock, metal etc AND all the theory but he knows just as much about recording technology. This video and the one with Butch Vig blow me away. You learn so much.

[@elquepasadeti]

A un músico le gusta la música independientemente de estilos, etiquetas y demás gilipolleces!!

[@paulsawtell3991]

If that is so he ought to know better about regarding pop groups as 'great bands'! Maybe he does but he's not letting on.

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

Rick, on behalf of your channel fans, your fellow Ithaca College alums, and Beatles fans everywhere, THANK YOU for making and sharing this narrated tour of Abbey Road! Your own knowledge of musicians and recording studio technology and practice led you to ask all manner of informed and worthwhile questions of Mirek Stiles to delight and enlighten us about this historic facility. Had I been in your shoes my favorite part of the tour would have been traversing that famous Studio 2 staircase. What a wonderful treat to be able to vicariously share your experience here! THANK YOU again, Rick!--Don in Indiana (IC, B.Mus.Ed.1978, M.M. 1981)

[@notmyrealname9032]

Great to hear a conversation between 2 very knowledgeable people who have so much enthusiasm for their craft.

[@ctbcubed]

This was great. I love the technical side of music production. Those recording engineers were every bit as important as the artists in making the great music that came from that studio.

[@RemboUSMC]

It is so nice to see Rick smiling like a 2 year old getting a new toy. What a thrill for him and sharing with us.

[@nomad1517]

I feel like getting into a place like that is like unlocking the final level to a impossibly hard video game that you have been playing for years, and as a kid you have dreamed of that day to come. That must have been a real treat of an experience.

[@kathowed]

Absolutely - and surprisingly - fascinating! Mirek is a mine of information, and full marks to Rick for letting him run. These interviews are pure gold!

[@stevenlitkey9354]

That was AWESOME !! People don't realize how innovative musicians and engineers were back then.

[@afriedli]

That''s why George Martin is sometimes called 'the 5th Beatle.' Despite being a conventional studio guy he had an incredible intuition about the Beatles, gave them an unprecedented amount of creative freedom, and put his considerable technical skills entirely at their disposal. He had the imagination to realise he could help create a whole new era in music and the courage to throw away the old rule books and dive in!

[@steveorion6185]

I was 6 years old when I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show , it was their debut performance in the Americas . I was sold on the spot and had the Beatles 45's rpm records playing on a super mono record player , I was on another planet . Today , seeing Mr Beato at Abbey Road was a gift from the Gods . And that fact that Mr Beato was invited makes me very very proud of him and happy for him . Oh , the things that I have learned from Mr Rick Beato !!!!!!!!!!!!! Merci mon bon Ami ! so

[@JulieCollins1]

I was 16 when I saw them on the Ed Sullivan show. Amazing!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

I was lucky enough to shoot a live session there a few months back - one of the most surreal experiences of my life! It's such an incredible place with so much history it's hard not to be a little overawed and just treat it as what it is; a studio. An incredibly memorable day though!

[@hawnyfox3411]

Good to see YOU here Chris, LOVE your playing & Y.T. channel too mate

[@ksharpe10]

And you guys were smart enough to FILM it.

[@hankcentral6438]

I love how the upright piano was just the closest piano. Nothing special, just a nice piano. And then it gets used on all these iconic recordings and now we're afraid to touch it. Makes me realise you can do amazing things with the gear you already have.

[@Durwood71]

It's not about the equipment, it's about the skill of the musician.

[@leebrn8588]

@@Durwood71 Rob Christie has probably played that piano at some point in his career

[@alphabeets]

@@Durwood71 bingo!

[@westfield90]

Truly this is hallowed ground. Just mindblowing how a studio that is so inhospitable, crowded, distracting, cold, stark produced such amazing and creative music that will last in our memories forever. A real tribute to John, Paul George, Ringo, George Martin, Geoff Emrick, Norman Smith and all the other technicians who created that magic.

[@Sammywhat]

Merik is an absolute gem of a man! What knowledge and insight to some of the best music that has ever been recorded or even conceived! Boggles the mind! Great interview, Rick!!

[@drunkenviking]

Dude! This channel is getting INSANELY good lately! It was of course genious before, but this year it is on another epic level! ❤❤❤

[@torolavgregersen8351]

Agreed! So good!😃👌🏻

[@Mister-Pink]

Brilliant. Mirek was so full of knowledge and you can see the passion he has for the kit and studio.

[@brimack5888]

You both were speaking a foreign language to me but I was enthralled. What a fantastic tour guide. Two gear-heads going at it full-on…..you’re enthusiasm and passion is infectious. FANTASTIC VIDEO. Well done. 👍

[@justinhewittmusic7040]

I’m recording my original music in Studio 2 in October 2023 over a couple of days. Rick, I checked out the space in February briefly. I swear there was an energy in there that was alive and you could feel it. Just awesome.

[@zirakzigil61]

Welcome to the UK Rick. Fascinating interview with Mirek. You made such good use of his valuable time with the respectful and informed questions you asked. We learned so much. Thank you Rick and thank you Mirek

[@titntin5178]

Its an absolute delight to see you in the UK and visiting such an amazing studio with such a history. I hope us brits make you welcome and happy while you are here:) Really fascinating piece Rick, I loved this!

[@richardpowellTV]

It was a privilege back in 1972 to record an album in studio 2 and visit as a guest in 1990. It's also a privilege to listen to Rick and Mirek talk about this iconic studio. Their knowledge is impressive. This video is a real treat...

[@gerrycoogan6544]

What album did you record?

[@richardpowellTV]

@@gerrycoogan6544 First Base. The Babe Ruth Band.

[@Strange_Club]

I got to have a look around it for about an hour in the late 80s when I accompanied a friend who was visiting to pick up some vinyl singles he'd had pressed for his band. I thought it was pretty cool at the time but I was only about 21 and really didn't fully appreciate the magnitude and privilege of being there.

[@kenschachsieck1357]

Bravo Rick! I remember watching a Paul documentary where he demonstrates how the Beatles used the 4 track machines right there in studio 2..he said all the grown-ups were upstairs in that control room. Pretty cool for us old Beatles fans..

[@sbrown9020]

Appreciate you brother. You have educated us so much

[@dark666shredder]

this man is like a music book

[@matthewphillips514]

Rick As a former engineer wanna-be i love the production side of music. I dare say you just scratched the surface of the beginning of the recording studio and the evolution of technology. I would love to see you continue this as a series to educate, as you do so well, the faithful followers on the production and technology gains of the industry. Huge strides from the tube to transistor era but even into the realm of multi-track 24 and synchronous machines to make 48 and smpte code. All the way to the modern digital world. You are amazing and this was by far one of my favorite videos of yours. Thank you.

[@Quinkermarine]

Absolutely fabulous. Nice one Rick. Cool you let Mirek tell his fascinating stories without interrupting too much like so many interviewers do. . A second visit to him and the great English music church would be another major treat. Please consider!

[@juanfranciscocamachoaguila5853]

“I came here once, but they wouldn’t let me in the door. Now I’ve been invited” Love you, Rick. Such an inspiration

[@bigvrocks2480]

It always puts a smile on my face; Every time Rick is getting special, top-tier, insight or information, he 'always' gets that special 'smile' on his face! What a great presentation into Abby Road Studios with Rick asking questions all of us may have contemplated over the past 60 years. And props o Mirek Stiles for being so forthcoming and open with all the information he shared. Thank you Rick!

[@Mudge07]

Along with the recent Peter Jackson documentary, this walk n talk thru’ really gets you beyond the name on the front door and some considerable way to understanding the creative tools available at such a historic, working studio. Truly a privilege not many get, and you shared it without question.

[@zombieman81]

A few years ago there were a series of seminars held in Studio 2 about the history of the studios, so I have been lucky enough to visit studio 2 and the control room. It was one of the rare days Studio 1 wasn't actively in use though it was still set up for a session so could peek inside to see the vast space. As part of the seminar a few people were invited up to play an E major chord using three pianos at once - I ended up on the grand piano and as the guy counted as we all played the chord I was FROZEN as I was suddenly "inside" that final chord of A Day In The Life. Beyond exhilarating!

[@Rainbirdman1]

I imagine there are a few like you. I'm recalling the first time hearing Pepper in 67 standing in our kitchen. All the way through to the end. Then, like you, I was frozen on that chord. No sound from my parents for what seemed like a hell of a long time. It's embedded in my brain permanently. Some things you just don't get over.

[@MeTube3]

Step Inside Abbey Road is back starting 5th August 2023.

[@Fastlane05]

That's amazing Rick. So much history. We all think of Abbey Roads as the place of the Beatles or Pink Floyd, but there is such a rich recording history before that. Thank you and Abbey Roads for allowing us a sneek peek inside.

[@brianlegg6009]

Hats off to Mirek for his ability to keep up with Rick and his encyclopedic knowledge of things musical. I know it wasn't easy. Great video, Rick!

[@jeanlucdecoster]

What a well said statement. 10/10 comment

[@brianlegg6009]

@@dennisp3314 Yeah. Like "Stay in tune with", "Keep pace with", "Be in sync with", etc. I live in Rick's home state of Georgia, USA so maybe it's a Suthun Thang. 🎶"So I'll speak my southern English as natural as I please. I'm in the heart of Dixie, Dixie's in the heart of me."🎶 (Old Alabama song. If you don't know who that is, check them out!) Or in the immortal words of Marty McFly, "Ok guys this is a blues riff in B, watch me for the changes, and try to KEEP UP, ok?"

[@brianlegg6009]

@@jeanlucdecoster Thank you.

[@ckhowes]

What a wonderful interview. To gain access to someone so knowledgeable about the integration of 75+ years of developing technology into the workflow at Abbey Road, and to be able to draw them out and discuss the minutiae of recording and engineering there, was truly masterful. Kudos!

[@bassmanpedro1]

Was fortunate enough to have recorded a demo disc in Abbey Road in 1964. Don't recall which studio we were in but, compared to others we'd been in, it was HUGE! The drummer was over the other side of the room from the guitarist and me. There was definitely an isolation box; I remember the vocalist being in there with headphones on. In other smaller studios you looked through the glass into the control room and the guys in there were just a few feet away. In Abbey Road you had to crane your neck to look up at them gazing down on you! It felt weird, but we were only there the once. I imagine that you'd have quickly got used to it recording there regularly. I think the song we recorded was the old Crickets' number "Someone, Someone". We sent copies of the demo out to all the record companies but never had a response. We were devastated when, not long after, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes released it and got to number 2 in the UK charts with it. We came close but never made it. Them's the breaks.

[@kidcat3000]

Is there anywhere we could listen to that demo?

[@bassmanpedro1]

@@kidcat3000 Unfortunately no. There were obviously several copies made to be sent to different record companies, but none of us band members managed to keep one. It still causes some regrets amongst us to this day. My avatar is from those days. It was taken sometime after June '64. I originally had a red Hofner Artist bass but it was stolen from the club in Hamburg that we were playing at. The management bought the black & white one for me to replace it and we returned from Germany on July 2nd.

[@davidboyer2193]

Was Stuart Colman your producer for the Crickets project?

[@bassmanpedro1]

@@davidboyer2193 Can't recall who the producer was. I only remember our agent, the infamous Roy Tempest, being up there in the control room with someone else.

[@davidboyer2193]

@@bassmanpedro1 Thank you for your response! I mixed tracks that were cut at Abby Road Studios but have never been there. Stuart was a British producer friend of mine while I was in Nashville (I was also working there as a producer/recording engineer) and I remember he told me he had produced the Crickets, Shakin' Stevens, Cliff Richard, and many more. Stuart died (too young) in 2018 and was a great guy, although I didn't hear much of his work. Anyhow, I wish you well!

[@CraftyOldGit]

Wonderful to see the studios where music history was made are still in regular use and not just preserved as a museum. What an extraordinary storehouse of knowledge and equipment.

[@ThisOldManOfTheSea]

I’ve really enjoyed this episode which was made manifest by having the erudite, insightful and patently knowledgeable Mirek Stiles as your guide and Abbey Road imprimatur. He did an outstanding job and I look forward to hearing more from him. Congratulations to you both. 👏👏👏

[@ek2719]

This video was incredible. The amount of information imparted will preserve this wealth of knowledge for future generations. Well done Rick and Mirek. I hope you enjoyed your time in London.

[@workinprogress6697]

This was a real treat Rick it took me right back to the 27 years I spent working there... I left not long after Mirek started there. Twas' the best time of my life....

[@TheNigeltwist]

I recorded there. While sitting in the control room, one of the band went down the stairs to record some OD’s. The sound of them walking down the stairs was picked up by the studio mic. I immediately recognized it as the sound of Pink Floyd ‘s roadie walking down them during the intro to Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast.

[@vmpgsc]

This is so, so cool. It's fun watching the Abbey Road dude warm to RIck's genuine love for the Beatles.

[@martintayler23]

Such a wealth of history and information in a short 46 mins but oh so fascinating. The fact that Mirek was going to use the 4 track equipment for a special project, just shows you that digital doesn't always deliver the sound you want yet the old tube microphones and amplifiers give perhaps a warmer sound that digital cannot deliver. Thank you Rick.

[@georgio2]

How was this not boring? Loved every millisecond. Having bought all The Beatles records as they were released, this stuff was taken for granted. Up there with the Let It Be series.

[@michaelharrington75]

The Beatles really struck gold by being turned down after their audition for Decca. Not only did they get the best possible producer to help them achieve what they wanted, but also were given access to one of the greatest studios in the world!

[@artrandy]

I think you'd be wrong to 'sniff' at Decca's recording studios of the 60s, however good Abbey Road was. Many people think that the engineers & studios at Broadhurst Gardens in West London, were at least on a par. If you were to listen to Moody Blues recordings for Decca, from 67 to 69, which are contemporaneous with the last Beatles recordings, I think you'll understand why..............

[@michaelharrington75]

@@artrandy Decca studios were alright, but not nearly as good as EMI. EMI made their own tape, boards, gear, and dissected any gear brought in from the outside to make sure it was up to standards.

[@gak2173]

I've always considered George Martin as the 5th Beatle.

[@Straydogger]

Yep. It took all those stars to aline to capture the magic.

[@aaronkirkland212]

@@gak2173 some call him the silent Beatle, or G.M. Beatle. I refer to him as The OG Martin.

[@PhilKelley]

Having read Geoff Emerick's book on how they recorded the Beatles, this added so much to what I imagined. Thank you for doing this. It was obvious you enjoyed it even more than I could have. Your knowledge of the recording process, and especially the history of recording, made this one of your greatest videos. More travel content would be much appreciated. I would be most interested in the Motown studio in Detroit. I grew up in the Detroit area in the 60s. After the Beatles, my favorite artists were Motown artists. My dad would take us to Gross Pointe to see Dianna Ross's mansion during our Christmas break.

[@outersurfacemusic]

Thank you so much for this tour. It was the best. For the past 30+ years, I have been reading everything I can get my hands on my regarding Abbey Road, Beatles recording sessions/techniques, Pink Floyd recording sessions/techniques, etc. I was so cool to go along with you on this amazing tour as you asked better questions than I could have if I were in your shoes. This video is very much appreciated--as is all of your other great content!

[@gpet23]

Wow what an amazing tour. I’m no Audio Engineer but listening to you two professionals was an absolute treat. Very impressed, well done 👍

[@MellowBrightMusic]

The studio is an instrument - it isn't talked about enough. I truly enjoy break-downs like this. GREAT content Rick!

[@lambdaprog]

Man. I like the technology of this era. This episode is a real delight.

[@Shooter_FPV]

This video just blows my mind!!! The history here is UNPARALLELED!!! I can see how excited Rick is during the whole thing. And Mirek was AWESOME!! So much awesome info!

[@dannyboy9978]

Your visit to Abbey Road and what you unearthed for us "regular guys" was fabulous! My entire musical life was changed by the Beatles. I first heard them when "Murray the K" played Please Please Me during 1963, before the release of I Want To Hold Your Hand. Up until then I was a Doo-wop singer at after-school dances. The hair on my arms stood up at those harmonies (Everly Brothers notwithstanding)! The Beatles inspired me to go out & buy a Mel Bay chord book and learn to accompany the records on a hand-me-down Harmony. After a lifetime in amateur music I finally got on a record, playing electric slide on 4 songs of a singer-songwriter in 1998. The recording experience was a thrill, and I learned things besides my own at-home 4-track experience which gave me the knowledge-base to really enjoy your visit. It left me wanting more! I'm in my 70s and I regret I only just discovered your videos this year. They never fail to provide entertainment & inspiration. - Dan [Beato Club member/subscriber]

[@matthurt7369]

I was lucky enough to sit at the bottom of those stairs with a pair of headphones on to listen while my mate’s mum and step dad recorded violins with the London Session Orchestra for a Lighthouse Family record about 20 years ago. I was in my mid teens. Such an incredible place and experience. An amazing video once again Rick, thank you!

[@veljkosimovic2302]

Rick, i can't imagine how you felt approaching and entering the building, when i had goosebumps by hearing "they wouldn't let me in, now i am invited" and then seeing you go in. To me, this shows that hard work and commitment pays off and quality finds it's way at the end. Kudos and many years to come with moments like this! :)

[@Seattlewilly]

Rick, Thank you for bringing us along on one of your lifelong dreams. It was so engaging even without the technical knowledge to digest everything the two of you talked about. Your facial expressions were priceless. My absolute favorite part of the visit was after you played the piano. There was a body language that looked like you were stuck between a child about to explode with joy, and a profound humility like you were unworthy to have done so. Your appreciation for the tools, the talent, and the craft, is what sets you apart. Much more than a simple content creator, you are a story teller and historian of music.

[@farrukhahmad555]

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[@Krypt24]

Oh nothing, "This piano was used by Paul and John on several Beatles recordings." You must have been freaking out! Congratulations for holding yourself together so well. It was a mind-blowing tour of THE studio!

[@nedludd3641]

It's interesting the way the sound engineer warms up as the video progresses. He's quite reserved at the start, by the end he's passionate and engaged.

[@TomStrahle]

Colette (the previous manager) gave me and my sons a tour of all three studios (and the cantina where she offered my boys beers, haha) back in 2014. Hallowed ground for me. Back when the Beatles were recording in Studio 2 the brown hanging baffles were filled with dried seaweed but because that made them very flammable they were refilled in the 70's. I forgot we went into the echo chamber. So fun to see that again. She let me play the Lady Madonna piano. Such a fun day.

[@joosepkaha1687]

Wow

[@curtandoscar]

Incredible! I would have been tingling even seeing the Lady Madonna piano, let alone playing it!

[@TomStrahle]

@@curtandoscar So fun. And we toured Studio 1 where they recorded most of the Star Wars scores, James Bond, Harry Potter and LOTR scores. It was hard to catch my breath to be sure.

[@Bebe-pg1lv]

​@@TomStrahle they recorded all that in Abbey Road? Incredible

[@danielthompson6880]

What an incredible experience to see Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studio. You and the host were so knowledgeable about all of the recording equipment that I had no idea about. Great video Rick.

[@peterd788]

Studio 1 is legendary with some of the greatest scores from iconic films recorded there.

[@Juiceboxfromspace]

This conversation was one of the most unexpectedly interesting videos I have seen. Just amazing, the level of knowledge on technical and music history between you two.

[@drneilmarinello]

Great job making your preparation look like off the cuff! Mirek Stiles is amazing; he just oozes the history of his surroundings.

[@Andy-sq3im]

What an absolute treat Rick! .. you're like a kid in a "candy" store (to use an American term) and also good to see you out an about here in the UK! Having watched most of your livestreams over the past couple of years - you very much musing over where to take the channel (and also how to make it financially viable), it feels that with the long form interviews (I just finished watching the Butch Vig one) and videos like this one, you've absolutely nailed what this channel should be all about, and very happy to become a new member of the Beato Club to keep supporting your content. I can't think of any other medium (mainstream TV, magazines, books etc.) that could deliver this type of content - really getting into the weeds of production processes etc. - in the that the KZbin platform allows, and people like yourself work so hard to deliver.

[@asky314]

Wow! ❤ I have no background in sound engineering (other than owning my own pair of ears) and I found this interview/tour absolutely fascinating. Your tour "guide" was absolutely chock full of EMI tech history which was fascinating in and of itself! I don't know how you managed to keep yourself from grinning from ear to ear or breaking out in goosebumps throughout the tour. What a dream come true to be able to walk the rooms at Abbey Road. Thank you for the shared experience and the education and thank you to Abbey Road Studios for allowing you to share their history with us. 🎉

[@reputablehype]

There's something beautifully fascinating about two people connecting passionately through their work. :)

[@jwebbw]

How cool to have toured this studio and you're just the man to have the knowledge to do so. This was considered sacred territory because it was where the Beatles created and recorded their music. Without your effort, many would have 'left the planet' without ever have seen it. A treasure, thank you very much.

[@chaysepannell]

You’re such a great asker of questions, Rick I’m really glad you got to do this and we can experience it with you

[@Durwood71]

This was basically 45 minutes of two music pros just talking shop, and I loved every second of it.

[@chaysepannell]

@@Durwood71 haha exactly!

[@GregKleist]

Wow, Rick! Just... Wow! I would feel like I was entering holy ground if I went into Studio 2. Heck, I almost cried living the experience through you. Thank you so much for sharing your tour!

[@pamr4040]

I could have listened to another hour or more of Mirek sharing his vast knowledge and experiences at Abbey Road...what a wonderful interview this is! And now, I learned that valves are tubes in older recording equipment! lol So glad they let you in this time around! 🎶♥

[@michealobanaghan4220]

Valve is just British English for tube - like tap and faucet, they mean the same thing but the two versions of English have slightly different vocabulary. You might have noticed Mirek wince and say tube once then go back to valve, the word he's used to using. Same thing, but different name.

[@jeffblack5024]

@@michealobanaghan4220 Yes, over here it's the Marshall or AC30 valve amp. Though tube was used for the TV.

[@michealobanaghan4220]

@@jeffblack5024 Ok, now that IS weird! Then again, both VOX and Marshall are British companies so I guess that's why the nomenclature came with them. I see that the Wikipedia entry for the AC30 uses 'tube'.

[@marceror]

It is good that our resident rock historian (among other roles) is getting to visit such iconic and important locations in rock history!

[@dharmaofdog7676]

This specific Interview should be shown at Berklee and EVERY School with an MP&E Program. What a Jewel. I now want to go back & re-listen to all mentioned Beatle Recordings, specifically Eleanor Rigby when they experimented with Valve Mic's at close range. Fantastic Interview as usual.

[@sombra1111]

I was there on October 5th, just a few days ago, and I knew they never let anybody in, so I was ready to just see it from the outside but, luckily for me, there was a presentation happening on that very day at that time and it was open for the public, so I was able to get in studio 1, 2 and 3. It was amazing to just be there where so much magic happened.