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​Hans Zimmer has reportedly bought BBC’s Maida Vale Studios

today30/06/2023 18

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Hans Zimmer has reportedly purchased the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios in West London for the sum of £10.5 million.

According to The Daily Mail, the German film composer is looking to use the studio site to write major film scores, of which he’s already composed the likes of Gladiator, Inception, and The Lion King.

Read this next: Hans Zimmer’s 40-year career celebrated in new documentary

Zimmer has now reportedly acquired the studios – formerly a roller rink until the BBC purchased the space in 1933 – in a huge multi-million package. It follows a 2018 announcement from the BBC that the studio would close by 2023.

The composer reportedly purchased the Grade II-listed building, which has previously hosted artists including David Bowie, Beyoncé, and Nirvana, through 14th Street Music, his music production and publishing company, in recent weeks.

Unnamed ‘sources’ reportedly told the outlet that Zimmer hopes to expand his company from its current home in California, with one person saying: “It is a real coup. The building is beautiful and it is so rich in history.

Read this next: BBC puts iconic Maida Vale recording studio up for sale

“It’s the kind of place that anyone who is passionate about music loves to spend time in. It is special,” they added. “And it appears that vibe will continue with Hans taking it on.”

In December, the BBC put the iconic studio space up for sale at an asking price of £10.5 million.

It was contested by a number of musicians, including Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich who said on Twitter: “Don’t destroy this beautiful studio! There are so few of these places left and this particular room is steeped in history.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter

Written by: Tim Hopkins

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