Scott's Tour of Real World Studios
I just returned from a visit to the UK. It was a birthday pigrimage
for me, and it was one of the best birthday celebrations I have
ever had. First I would like to thank my good friend Emma and
her Parent's for having me stay with them while I was out and
about in London and elsewhere. Their kindess and hospitality helped
make this such an enjoyable trip for me, and I was very happy
to see my friend Emma again after six Months.
I saw quite a bit of England in a weeks time having stayed in
London, I visited Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and the most special
place of all for me, the little village of Box and Peter Gabriel's
Realworld Studios.
I was very fortunate to have been able to visit the studios, since
there are normally never any open tours given, let alone private
ones. I owe my gratitude to Owen Leech, the studio Manager at
Realworld for allowing me this opportunity on my birthday last
week. It was about the best gift I have ever had and I am grateful
for the experience.
Peter's studios are just outside the Town of Bath in a little
Village called Box. The countryside out there is simply beautiful.
The famed Solsbury Hill is located just outside of Bath too. I
also made a pilgrimage there too, but that will be a different
e-mail. All I have to say is that it is a very special place,
and I know why Peter escaped there quite a bit and wrote a song
about it.
The studios were converted from an Old mill that was centered
on creek on of a a small dirt road called "Old Mill RD".
The Big Room
There are three studio rooms, the main studio being the newest structure. The main studio is where most of the Realworld artists record. Peter has his own work room which is nestled back in the trees away from the other buildings. I have also included a photo of the Grand Piano in which Peter recorded "Father, Son".
His new album is finally being mixed down, and if you look on
the walls, you can see the sheets with the songlists and working
titles. It has been almost 10 years since he has released a full
length album, and this one has been delayed many times. It should
be finally released in the Summer of 2002. Needless to say, Peter
takes a longtime to record albums, but I told Owen that it is
always well worth the wait. He seemed to agree, but we both thought
it has been a bit too long and I am sure every PG fan would agree.
Unfortunately, Peter wasn't around on the day I came out, but
it was cool to see his work room and all the studios. Owen helped
build the studios, converting them from the old mill buildings,
and Peter then asked him if he would like to manage the place,
so he agreed. Owen asked me about my job, and I told him I do
a lot of high end fashion film/video stuff and such, but I did
not like the fashion business at all. He said "It is almost
as bad as the music business". I agreed whole heartedly!
We both agreed that Peter's Realworld label was an exception to
this, and Owen said "This place is an exception" which
I too agreed.
Owen showed me around and then let me go on my own to take more
photos. I went back to the reception office left Peter a few gifts(A
book, A series of photos I had taken of Gorillas, and a one page
letter I wrote to him).
Everyone wished me a happy birthday and the receptionist snapped
a picture of me in front of the reception office.
I left feeling very satisfied and happy to have the opportunity
to have the tour and I just wanted to share this piece of my trip
with everyone that frequents the SH website because it was so
special for me to have experienced this. It was a very peaceful
place and everyone was very kind to me. I will cherish the moment
forever.