Trident Studios is London’s premiere recording studio. Located in the centre of London in St. Anne’s Court, Soho, the studio has played an integral part to the recording of some of the world’s most celebrated records. Read through the following to learn more about its history, where it was located, and how to join us for a visit on our Rock N’ Roll Tour of London! Also, be sure to check out our Free Tours by Foot London page for a full list of all of the pay-what-you-like tours that we offer!
Famous Artists Who Played Here
History of Trident Studios
Founded by brothers Norman and Barry Sheffield, Trident made a name for themselves in the 1960’s and still operate today in their original location. The site of Trident Studios has been the site of pilgrimage for thousands of London visitors who want to get a glimpse of a building where hours and hours of musical history were recorded.
Why Did Trident Become The Recording Studio of Choice?
The Sheffield brothers were interested in using state of the art technology which really helped draw attention to their studio. Trident Studios were one of the first recording studios in the UK to employ an 8-track reel to reel recording deck (compared to Abbey Road’s 4-track) and to employ Dolby noise reduction. They were also known for their Bechstein Piano which, at over 100 years old, was sought out by musicians such as Elton John and The Beatles who wished to play on it.
Once Beatles began recording their work at Trident and soon other members of Apple Records began recording there as well…putting the studios on track for mega-success.
Did Trident Do Anything Else?
Trident Studios started a record production company in 1972 and one of the acts they signed…was Queen! Surprisingly, when the Queen were just starting out they struggled to find any management. As they were going to be recording in Trident Studios, they asked if the Studio would manage them and they agreed. Later, struggling to find any companies to release Queen’s debut album, the Sheffield brothers decided to launch it itself. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Were it not for Trident Studios, we may never have even heard of Queen today!
Getting There
Though the current occupiers of the original building for Trident Studios are named Trident Sound Studios Limited are so named in recognition of the origins of the building, the Studios as they would have been known and recognised by acts recording here in the 60’s and 70’s has left. Currently, they are limited to voice over and ADR work. However, you will find that the building hosts a London Blue Plaque as being the original site of many David Bowie recordings.
Located at 17 St. Anne’s Court, Soho, London W1F 0BQ (map), we visit this building on our Rock N' Roll Tour of London!
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Artists Who Recorded Here
- Carly Simon
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- Elton John
- David Bowie
- Marc Bolan/T.Rex
- Frank Zappa
- Rod Stewart
- Dusty Springfield
- Queen
- Black Sabbath
- Lou Reed
- Genesis
Singles and Albums Recorded Here
- Hey Jude, Dear Prudence, Honey Pie, Savoy Truffle, Martha My Dear, I Want You (She’s So Heavy) - The Beatles (1968-9)
- Your Song - Elton John (1970)
- Hunky Dory / The Rise and Fall of Ziggu Stardust - David Bowie (1971)
- Tresspass / Nursery Crime / A Trick of the Tail - Genesis (1970-6)
- Transformer - Lou Reed (1972)
- Crime of the Century - Supertramp (1974)
- Queen / Queen II / Sheer Heart Attack / A Night At The Opera - Queen (1971-5)
- Duty Now for the Future - Devo (1980)
- There and Back - Jeff Beck (1980)
Tours of Soho
Soho, Piccadilly, and Chinatown Tour - This tour takes you through the ages as we discuss the history of the neighorhood, how it has evolved over the years, and what it's best known for today!
Rock N' Roll Tour of London - Learn about the music movement that took over Soho in the 60s and 70s, as well as all the entertainment superstars who got their start here!
Soho and Chinatown Food Tour - Soho and Chinatown boast some of the best restaurants in the city! Come sample some of our favorite cuisines from these eclectic neighborhoods.
Self-Guided Soho, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Food Tour - Unable to join us on our food tour? No problem! Use this self-guided tour to explore Soho's foodie history on your own.
Other significant music sites in Soho:
- David Bowie Sites in London
- The Bag O' Nails
- The Marquee Club
- Ronnie Scott's
- Jimi Hendrix's London
- The Beatles' London
