Trips With James George Harrison

The Abbey Road crossing, located in the St. John’s Wood area of London, is one of the most famous pedestrian crossings in the world. Its fame is largely attributed to The Beatles, who immortalized it on the cover of their 1969 album, “Abbey Road.” This simple zebra crossing has since become a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans from around the globe.

A short film about Abbey Road Crossing, London – shot October 2024

The decision to use the Abbey Road crossing for the album cover was practical and symbolic. Initially, The Beatles had considered naming the album “Everest” and even planned a photoshoot in the Himalayas. However, they opted for a more straightforward approach due to time constraints and logistical challenges. Paul McCartney suggested the idea of a photo at the nearby zebra crossing, just outside Abbey Road Studios 1.

So on August 8, 1969, photographer Iain Macmillan was given just ten minutes to capture the iconic image. With a police officer halting traffic, Macmillan climbed a ladder in the middle of the road and took six shots of the band walking across the street. The fifth shot, where the band members’ legs formed a perfect ‘V’ shape, was chosen for the album cover 2.

Recording the “Abbey Road” Album

The recording sessions for “Abbey Road” began in February 1969 and continued through August of the same year. This period was marked by a desire among The Beatles to return to a more harmonious and collaborative atmosphere after the tense “Let It Be” sessions3. Producer George Martin agreed to work on the album under the condition that the band would adhere to the disciplined recording methods that had characterized their earlier work 4.

Before the recording of the album, John Lennon had decided to leave the group, but that knowledge had not been released to the public yet. Despite being in the most successful band in the world, John and George Harrison wanted to leave to explore a creative life outside the ‘fishbowl’ that was the Beatles, while Paul wanted the band to continue. Notwithstanding the internal conflicts and the impending breakup of the band, they managed to produce some of their most polished and enduring work and an album that remains a cornerstone of their legacy and testament to their enduring influence on popular music.

Upon its release on September 26, 1969, “Abbey Road” was met with mixed reviews. Some critics felt the album’s production was overly polished and lacked the raw energy of earlier Beatles records 5. However, over time, “Abbey Road” has come to be regarded as one of the greatest albums in rock history. Its innovative use of technology, the strength of its songwriting, and the iconic album cover have all contributed to its lasting legacy 6. The recording of “Abbey Road” was a complex and multifaceted process that showcased the Beatles’ ability to innovate and adapt.

Historical Significance of the Area

St. John’s Wood, where Abbey Road is located, has a rich history. The area was developed in the early 19th century and became known for its grand villas and leafy streets. It has long been a desirable residential area, attracting notable residents and maintaining a sense of exclusivity.

The Abbey Road area itself is steeped in history. The road was named after Kilburn Priory, a medieval religious house located nearby. Over the years, the area has evolved, but it has always retained a sense of charm and historical significance.

Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road Studios, located at 3 Abbey Road, is one of the most famous recording studios in the world. Established in 1931 by the Gramophone Company, which later became EMI, the studios were initially intended for classical music recordings. The first major recording session held there was conducted by Sir Edward Elgar, who recorded “Land of Hope and Glory” with the London Symphony Orchestra 7.

The studios quickly became a hub for musical innovation. In the 1960s, they were at the forefront of the British Invasion, with The Beatles recording most of their albums there. The studio’s innovative recording techniques and state-of-the-art equipment allowed The Beatles to experiment and push the boundaries of popular music. Albums like “Revolver,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and “The White Album” were all recorded at Abbey Road Studios 8.

The Legacy of Abbey Road

The Abbey Road album cover has become one of the most iconic images in music history. It has been parodied and imitated countless times, cementing its place in popular culture. The crossing itself was granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage in 2010, ensuring its preservation for future generations 9.

Abbey Road Studios continues to be a leading recording facility, attracting artists from around the world. It has expanded its services to include film scoring, with many major motion pictures being recorded there. The studios have also embraced modern technology, offering services like Dolby Atmos mixing and video game scoring 10.

Visiting Abbey Road

Today, visitors to Abbey Road can walk in the footsteps of The Beatles. The crossing is a popular tourist attraction, with fans often recreating the famous album cover pose. The studios themselves are not open to the public, but the exterior is a popular spot for photographs. People from all over the world have signed the wall outside Abbey Road as a lasting tribute to their donation to the Beatles and their music. The nearby Abbey Road Shop offers a range of Beatles memorabilia and souvenirs.

Abbey Road Studios Shop Video

The Abbey Road Crossing and Abbey Road Studios are not only significant for their association with The Beatles but also for their contributions to music history. They represent a unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation, making them enduring symbols of creativity and popular cultural heritage.

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Right across the street from the Gateway to India stands India’s most famous hotel and one of the grandest in all the world, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. It is a heritage, five-star, luxury hotel which is historically known as the Taj Mahal Hotel or simply “the Taj”.

View from Mumbai Bay by Yamini vijay lawhate

As you enter the Hotel, you’ll notice a high level of security. This is because the hotel was one of the main targets of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. There are high security bomb walls, and private security and metal detectors, but the way that they are disguised or woven into the fabric of the hotel you almost don’t notice them.

Once you enter the hotel though you are overwhelmed by the level of luxury and sophistication of the lobby areas, adjoining hallways and restaurants and gift shops. This five-star hotel serves as a playground for the international rich and the rising young affluent Indian upper class. While outside the bustling streets are loud with the sounds of traffic and the crowds at the adjoining Gateway, inside you don’t hear a sound. The air is fragranced with a scent that seems to be a combination of Mandarin oil and the open sea. Everywhere is opulence. Huge crystal chandeliers, giant vases of bright colorful flowers and a sense of luxury which is combination of the British Raj and modern opulence. The people that populate this space seem to be as almost from another planet. Money seems to be no issue for them and there’s a sense that they live on an elevated plane far above most normal humans.

Yet for such a world-famous, five-star hotel and its sense of wealth and opulence, the price of a small room there is actually not that far out of reach. With a current exchange rate of 71.5 Indian rupees to one US dollar, the price for their simplest room comes in at around 302 US.

Opened in 1903, the hotel has a deep and amazing history. Established and built by Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, the hotel has played host to a wealth of royalty, political figures, and world-famous entertainers. King George V of Great Britain stayed there during his visit to India, the first British Monarch to ever visit India in 1911. American US presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have stayed there. And rumor has it that in the hotel’s Ravi Shankar Suite is where the famous Indian musician taught George Harrison of the English group The Beatles how to play the sitar in 1966.

When it first opened, the hotel was the first in India to have: electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers. Later it also had the city’s first licensed bar and India’s first all-day restaurant. Initially in 1903, it charged Rs 13 for rooms with fans and attached bathrooms, and Rs 20 with full board. During World War I, the hotel was converted into a military hospital with 600 beds.

On November 26th, 2008, the hotel became famous for another much darker reason. The hotel was attacked by a terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, which also targeted many sites in the Mumbai area resulting in the capture and death of many hostages. The final death toll of the attacks was 167 people. The casualties were mostly Indian citizens, although westerners carrying foreign passports were specifically targeted. During the three-day siege of the Taj Mahal hotel itself, the results were the destruction of the hotel’s roof and many of the public areas of the hotel. The siege was over when Indian commandos finally killed the terrorists barricaded in the hotel. At least 31 people died at the Taj. The attack on the hotel served as the subject of the 2018 movie, Hotel Mumbai starring Rav Patal and Arnie Hammer.

So if you find yourself at the Gateway of India, please cross the street and enter the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. Wander around and treat yourself to a sense of luxury that you will not find in many places in the world. Even if you can’t afford to stay at the hotel, treat yourself to High Tea in the Sea Lounge. It will be a memorable experience.

Some facts come from Wikipedia and the Taj Mahal Palace website.

Tag: George Harrison

Legacy of Abbey Road Crossing: The Beatles to Now

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Mumbai: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel

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