Last Updated on March 3, 2020 by AIFS Abroad Customized Faculty-Led
The Beatles most iconic photo walking over the zebra crossing at the famous Abbey Road is a must see for music fans, Londoners and tourists alike. Alexandra Jonassen from AVC is studying this Fall in London, England with Southern Californian Foothills Consortium. Alexandra is both a Student Ambassador and Student Blogger. Currently, she is working on a Music in London project and will be documenting her experiences uncovering musical history, culture, events.
Iconic Abbey Road
Last month, I was able to restage one of the most iconic album covers ever made- The Beatles’ Abbey Road. Located in the borough of Camden and the City of Westminster in London, Abbey Road and its nearby recording studios stand as a historical site for many musical legends. In addition to The Beatles, famous artists such as Pink Floyd, Duran Duran, Iron Maiden, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have done work there. Almost all of the Beatles’ music was recorded there in the studios; and the zebra crossing just outside was where they shot the infamous Abbey Road album cover. I made it my mission to remake the photo myself with a group of friends.
Hardcore Devotion
Getting to the street itself wasn’t too hard a task, but capturing the shot definitely proved to be more difficult than I expected. Both ends of the crosswalk are littered with groups of people trying to capture the same image of Paul, Ringo, John, and George crossing the road. While at the same time, cars are anxiously waiting and honking from both sides of the street. It took the group a few attempts to get the perfect picture, but it was ultimately worth it. It was heartwarming to see that even after forty-eight years since the album was released, so many people still feel compelled to visit the road and nearby studios. Abbey Road really stands as a testament to the hardcore devotion of Beatles’ fans.
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Nearby on Baker’s Street, is the Rock Shop and Beatles store. While there, you can find a wide range of souvenirs including rare albums, guitar picks, and collectable figurines from many native musicians. My personal favorite purchase was my pack of patches depicting the Beatles floating in the yellow submarine. I cannot wait to add them to my jean jacket once I return home.
I highly recommend that any Beatles fan take a trip over to Abbey Road! Just knowing that you’re walking in the same steps as the band is exciting enough, but the nearby studios itself is a great historical site.
Alexandra Jonassen is a Student Ambassador and Student Blogger who is studying abroad this Fall on an AIFS Customized Faculty-Led program in London, England through the Southern California Foothills Consortium.
Follow along with Alexandra’s time study abroad in London on her Instagram: @alexandra.jonassen.
