McCartney planning new U.S. tour

Paul McCartney has listed tour dates in Phoenix on March 28 and the Hollywood Bowl on March 30 with presumably more to follow.

Abbey Road Studios receives historical status

From Billboard:

Following speculation over the sale of Abbey Road studios, the U.K. government has listed the building at Grade II, which gives it a protected status.
..."It has huge cultural importance and a very special place in the hearts of recording artists and music lovers alike," said a government statement. "The new listing status will ensure that, although changes to the interior are not prohibited, care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered.

Beatles' studio NOT for sale

Now EMI is saying it won't be selling Abbey Road Studios.

After days of speculation over the fate of the site made famous by the eponymous Beatles album, EMI released a statement saying it believes the studios should remain under its ownership.

The firm, which is owned by private equity parent Terra Firma, also said it had rejected an offer for the historic building last year.

It did however say it was in talks with “interested and appropriate third parties” about funding a “revitalisation” project.

The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: The Official Story of the Abbey Road Years 1962-1970

Report on the Plastic Ono Band gig in New York

From Billboard:

Yoko Ono revived the Plastic Ono Band for a concert on Tuesday night that was part tribute, part vanity project and all irresistible fun.

The show belonged as much to her son Sean Lennon, 34, as to Ono, 76. Looking and sounding like his famous father, Sean Lennon pulled together an all-star lineup that included Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and Bette Midler as special guests.

EMI puts Abbey Road Studios up for sale!

Wouldn't it be an awesome site for a Beatles museum?

From the Financial Times:

Abbey Road, the London recording studios immortalised by the Beatles album of the same name, has been put on the market by EMI as the music group looks to extricate itself from the debt burden of Terra Firma’s 2007 leveraged buy-out.

Getting that Abbey Road drum sound

Here's a fascinating video for musicians and anyone interested in the recording techniques that gave us the Beatles sound:

Ringo featured on NPR

Hear a 20-minute interview with Ringo on National Public Radio's World Cafe.