Bowie’s first studio

This used to be the West Hampstead Town Hall, later converted to a recording studio. From 1937 to 1980 this building housed Decca Studios controlled by Decca Records. Here, at Decca Studios, Bowie recorded his first single, "Liza Jane" in 1964 and his first album called “David Bowie” between 1966 and 1967.

Decca Studios are also “famous” for turning down The Beatles in 1962. The young Liverpudlians failed their audition at the location on 1 January 1962, and subsequently signed with Parlophone instead. The Moody Blues were more lucky and recorded five albums here. Many other famous British bands are associated with Decca Studios, including John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Marmalade, Adam and the Ants, and The Zombies.

In 1980 the studios were closed, the building was renamed Lilian Baylis House, and is currently used as rehearsal space by English National Opera.

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