Webber Eyeing Abbey Road

As the movement to preserve London’s historic Abbey Road continues to grow, one of Britain’s most respected composers expresses an interest in acquiring the famed recording studios.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, music composer of theatrical hits such as “Evita,” “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera” said through his spokesman that he’s “very interested” in buying the studio where most of his work has been recorded, according to the BBC.

Photo: AP Photo

People walk on the zebra crossing made famous from the album cover of The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ in front of Abbey Road Studios.

“He thinks it is vital that the studios are saved for the future of the music industry in the U.K.,” Webber’s spokesman said.

Webber is the latest musical heavyweight to chime in since reports emerged earlier this week claiming debt-laden record label EMI is considering selling the studio.

By mid-week Paul McCartney was on BBC radio telling “Newsnight” host Chris Evans that “a few people” associated with the studio were “mounting some bid” to save it.

The National Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed with Macca’s remarks, saying it would talk with Sir Paul about keeping the studio open.

But Webber is the first music celeb offering to purchase the studios – lock, stock and mixing boards.

“Abbey Road has such great facilities, with three major recording studios,” Webber’s spokesman said. “Andrew has probably brought more musicians to record there than anyone else, because it has the capacity to record large orchestral productions.”

Click here to read the complete BBC report.

There’s also a grass-roots campaign to save Abbey Road. Click here for the Web site and here for the Facebook page.