Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Alexandra (class of 2026) and features a book about the history of Abbey Road Studios in London. Thanks, Alex!

Abbey Road: The Inside Story of the World’s Most Famous Recording Studio by David Hepworth

The Beatles have been an iconic part of music history since their original formation in the 60s, and well after their break-up with their impression ever-lasting on today’s music and music culture. With over 33 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, The Beatles impression has continued through the present day generation. Fans today, whether a new fan or old, know what the Abbey Road crossing is. While the Beatles originated from Liverpool, the Abbey Road album (1969) features a picture outside the studio they often used in London. Fans today visit the crosswalk to see the studio as well as recreate the famous picture. Some may ask why fans go all the way to St. John’s Wood in London to see this? David Hepworth answers this question in his new release focused on the studio itself. Paul McCartney even gives insights into the history and the magic that lies within the studio.

I was originally inspired to write something about the Beatles since they have been a very influential band to my music taste and I find myself listening to their music quite often. I was drawn to this specific book as it talks more about the studio on Abbey Road. Although I am from the US, my family lives in London currently and we live down the road from this very crosswalk. This summer while training for a 10k, I would run past this crosswalk everyday and by the tons of people gathered outside the studio, whether they were waiting to take a recreation photo on the sidewalk or waiting to enter into the studio itself. It always amazed me how even if it was completely miserable out, cold and raining as it typically is, these people would still be there. And all of them would still be smiling and having a completely wonderful time. It made me wonder: What is so special about the inside of that studio? Is it that amazing? And while I’ve never taken a visit to the studio in my 2.5 years living there, after reading this book and learning more about it, it is on my must-visit list for when I return over winter or summer break!