Vernon Kay has announced that BBC Radio 2 is to bid farewell to Maida Vale Studios, a historic venue that has hosted generations of music legends. Speaking on his mid-morning radio programme on August 13, Kay explained that the corporation is "closing the doors" on the studio, which withstood the Blitz during the Second World War.
Kay assured listeners that Radio 2's Piano Room, recorded at the venue, "isn't disappearing" but will be relocating to fresh premises. He said on the show: "Tracks of My Years today is taking a break, but it's still available on BBC Sounds and, of course, on the iPlayer with the mighty Alex Jones, celebrating 20 years of The One Show with The One Show special tomorrow night, Friday, an hour-long show."
End of an Era for Music
Since launching in 1934, Maida Vale Studios in north-west London has welcomed an extraordinary roster of iconic artists, including The Beatles, Nirvana, Beyoncé, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Bing Crosby. It also became the home of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the iconic John Peel Sessions.
Constructed in 1909 as the Maida Vale Roller Skating Palace and Club, it was subsequently acquired by the corporation. In recent years, the BBC determined that the studio was "wholly unsuitable for the 21st century", highlighting issues such as asbestos, and announced it would be superseded by new facilities at London's Olympic Park.
New Owners and Refurbishment
Thankfully, the legendary studios are not being demolished. Instead, a team including Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer has bought it and is refurbishing it.
BBC Radio 2's Piano Room concluded with a final performance from Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce fame. She recorded three tracks with the BBC Concert Orchestra, with Jess Cox conducting and arranging.
Final Performance and Farewell
Following the performance, Kay said: "And that's the end of a chapter for the Piano Room. We're gonna close the door on the Maida Vale Studios. It's having a revamp. It's being refurbished. And that's gonna be our last performance from there."
He added: "Remember, it began way back on the 31st of January 2022 with David Gray; 134 guests appeared on the parquet floor in Maida Vale with Ken and myself at the helm. And it's been pretty epic. Many, many Maida Vale studio memories."
Kay stated they would "move on" and seek out a new venue, before quipping that should any listeners have a garage or shed "available in the back yard" - and could "squeeze" in the orchestra and guest - they should "get in touch".
