Music

Google lets you run around Abbey Road Studios like one of the Beatles

by Richard Howard

The internet allows you to disseminate important information to millions, raise money for worthy causes more efficiently than ever before and keeps individuals on opposite sides of the globe connected. Which is cool and all BUT NOW YOU CAN WALK AROUND ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS.

Good old Google Maps’ street view has proved itself to be a worthy distraction tool, making hyper-realistic driving simulators and a virtual tour of Venice possible. Our favourite eggheads have outdone themselves, however; Inside Abbey Road allows you to walk through all three studios and the mastering suite located at 3 Abbey Road.

If your Beatle-loving heart’s palpitations have rendered you too lightheaded to navigate on your own, you can take a guided tour run by the disembodied voice of Sir George Martin’s son Giles. There’s also a technical tour for the gearheads and an “Off the Record” tour so you can be that guy to share little known secrets that no one will care about at the next band practice. When you’re a bit less verklempt, take the reins yourself and investigate every nook and cranny inside Abbey Road’s hallowed walls (without being firmly escorted out for “seeing what Paul’s mic tastes like”).

In each room, there are pictures and video of artists like The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence and the Machine and Oasis recording. You can even take hold of the J37 tape machine and try your hand at an old school four-track mix. Conspicuously missing? A virtual acid trip with Ringo that lets you take the tour in a yellow submarine. Way to drop the ball, Google.