Rock Shrine No. 42 – IBC Studios [The Who]
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In the 1950s International Broadcasting Company Recording Studios (IBC) was the leading independent studio in London. In the 60s it became home to a roll-call of amazing artists, including The Beatles (who pre-recorded a live TV show), The Bee Gees, The Small Faces, Status Quo, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Jimmy Page (as a session guitarist), Golden Earring, Adam Faith, and Duane Eddy.
Like Abbey Road Studio 2 and Trident it was noted for a room with a very high ceiling, creating great acoustics for rock bands. None tested this more than The Who, who recorded 'My Generation', 'A Quick One', 'The Who Sell Out', and 'Tommy'.
Other era-defining music created here:
1. The Kinks - You Really Got Me
2. The Yardbirds - For Your Love, Happenings Ten Years Time Ago
3. The Easybeats - Friday on My Mind
4. Cream recorded their last studio album 'Goodbye' and parts of 'Wheels Of Fire'.
5. Engineer/producer Glyn Johns recorded the Rolling Stones' first demos in 1963. In 1965 they were back in IBC to record "As Tears Go By", either their own Italian version or the Marianne Faithfull version.
Chas Chandler mastered several Jimi Hendrix records here and in the early 70s used it to record Slade. In the 80s, he bought IBC and renamed it Barn Studios.
Situated in one of the most valuable real estate areas of central London, today it houses offices.
For more information, one of the studio's engineers has created an extensive history web site: http://www.ibcstudio.co.uk/
IBC Studios, 35 Portland Place, London W1B 1QF
Comments (9)
What a role call! ...and , as you are making us aware,created behind the doors of what seems to be an unassuming "townhouse".(Could also be a hotel i suppose.)
All the best studios i have known have been converted houses. These big tall Victorian(?) places are ideal,with the "below-stairs" quarters forming the studio, the owner still able to "live above the shop".
"Real estate" -- ugh.
That's all I can say.
Word to this.
Another great addition to your series. You know, on the main M-O-S page you used to see a postage-stamp sized picture attached to the post. What happened? That disappeared.
Golden Earing? You know I went to amsterdam once and perused the record stores and there was no shortage of Golden Earing albums there.
Another great history lesson, Jonh! Alsways love these posts.
great history, thanks
Spiffy entry. And what a power spot that was...
And such an anonymous building. It hasn't changed in appearance since its heyday. A stealth studio!
This is why I have to visit London again to visit the historic sites especially music history sites. Ahh! Thank you for lesson, Jonh!