On The Road to Abbey Road
/I feel like our London adventure has come full circle. The first day we arrived, my friend Fred gave us a quick tour of the St. John's Wood district and the famous Abbey Road site and studio. As we approach our last days in London, the "In My Life" Beatles tour brings us back to the same spot!
We met up with Richard Porter, one of the best walking tour guides in London, and an expert on all things Beatles, outside the Marylebone Station to begin our tour. Our first stop - right next to the station, where they filmed the opening scenes for "A Hard Days Night."
Next stop, the registry office where two of the Beatles were married, Paul & Linda McCartney and Ringo Starr & Barbara Bach.
We took a short walk to #34 Montagu, a building with a lot of Beatles history! Ringo lived there; his first son Zach (now a drummer with The Who) was born at that time. Paul wrote "Eleanor Rigby" there. And it's the building where the infamous John and Yoko "Two Virgins" picture was taken!
On to Baker Street. The Marsh & Parsons building is the former Apple Shop which had the psychedelic mural painted on the wall.
Our next stop - at 57 Wimpole Street, the home of Dr Richard Asher and his wife Margaret. Paul dated their daughter, actress Jane Asher during the early years and spent much time there. It's where Lennon and McCartney wrote "I Want To Hold Your Hand."
Saving the best for last, we wrapped up our tour in front of the legendary Abbey Road Studios and site of the iconic album cover. 90% of the Beatles music was recorded at that studio. By the way, the album was NOT named after the studio, but the road where the studio is located. Back then the studio was called EMI It didn't become Abbey Road Studios until after the album came out!
Our guide, Richard shared many stories at this site; how the original title of the "Abbey Road" album was to be called "Everest" and the cover photo to be shot at Mt. Everest! They decided upon Abbey Road as a closer and warmer site! There were many tales of fans, who would gather outside the studio in hopes of meeting their musical idols. Two lucky fans got that and more in 1968, when the Beatles were recording "Across The Universe!"
We couldn't leave without the traditional signing of the wall in front of the studio, and one more shot at taking a picture along the crosswalk!
We got our share of Beatles souvenirs at the The Beatles Coffee Shop, outside the St. John's Wood Station, including an autographed copy of Richard's book.
A great day - in my life!