Historic recording studio makes sound investment
THE recording studio which helped launch the careers of legendary Birmingham bands like Duran Duran, UB40 and Ocean Colour Scene has reopened.
Highbury Studio in Kings Heath had been at the heart of some of the most famous music produced in Birmingham over 35 years – but closed in 2016.
But now local musician and businessman Chris Poole has ridden to the rescue by buying the building and breathing new life into it.
Mr Poole has spent £40,000 on refurbishing the lower floor of the newly named Rain Studios, with plans to renovate upstairs too.
Mr Poole, who also owns Shades Music, on Alcester Road, Moseley, said he was surprised by what had been left in the studio when he opened its doors.
Music memorabilia including a UB40 platinum disc and a Duran Duran original album reel were found inside.
There were also numerous photographs of some of the great bands who had recorded there.
Now Mr Poole plans to re-open the studio for bands to rehearse and he is also planning a ‘School Of Rock’ for youngsters at weekends.
“It was incredible to open those doors for the first time,” said Mr Poole, 32, from Kings Heath. “It was like going back in time. To think that some of the greatest pop bands in Birmingham’s history started out here was just unbelievable.
“We have discovered some memorabilia here that has just blown us away.
“We have given the studio downstairs a makeover but have kept it authentic, so it’s updated but how it was at the same time.
“The upstairs still remains untouched but we will get that sorted soon. When it’s all finished, there will be four rooms for bands to rehearse in.”
Highbury Studio was opened in 1980 by drummer and producer Bob Lamb, after he recorded probably the most successful album ever produced in Birmingham – Signing Off by UB40.
Duran Duran also produced their first album at the studio. Stephen Duffy and many other artists used it to rehearse and record, and Ocean Colour Scene prepared the breakthrough Moseley Shoals album there too. More recently, Ruby Turner’s album I’m Travelling On was recorded at the studio.
The likes of Duran Duran were among those to back a campaign to keep Highbury going, which also saw a limited edition vinyl album featuring exclusive new songs by Birmingham artists.
Alternative Dubstep Orchestra, Boat to Row and former Fine Young Cannibals frontman Roland Gift were among those to contribute.