Record Plant Studios in Sausalito

Today, Isabel and I went to see "The Record Plant" studios in Sausalito, a European-style village, located directly across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

"The Record Plant" studios are three famous studios, founded and opened by Gary Kellgren (creative genius, producer and studio designer of "The Record Plant") and Chris Stone. The first Record Plant studio had been opened in New York City in 1968. The next year, they opened a studio in Los Angeles. In 1972, they also opened this studio in Sausalito.

Many of the legendary, top-selling albums of all time were recorded at those studios (e.g. The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Electric Ladyland in New York City, John Lennon: Imagine also in New York City, Queen: The Works in Los Angeles...).

Well-known albums recorded or mixed at this studio in Sausalito:

• Supernatural by Carlos Santana
• Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
• Graffiti Bridge by Prince
• Load by Metallica
• ReLoad by Metallica
• Music Box by Mariah Carey
• Sports by Huey Lewis and the News
  

We tried to call the studios to have a look behind the scenes – nothing but a recorded greeting, but we went to see, even if they weren’t going to answer their phone for us. But when we came there, we stand in front of closed doors. The letters were still in the mailbox, the doorbell was covered with tape, the phone, with which the doorman can be called, was dead. The legendary Plant Studios looked empty, deserted and closed. Some old couches and chairs stood behind the building, which is totally coated with wood. Old couches from the Studios? When we tried to ring the doorbell, no one answered. We asked the neighbours - but nobody had any idea, what happened to the Plant Studios.

A photo of the run-down building: Isabel infront of "The Record Plant Studio" in Sausalito

We contacted Mari Tamburo from the Plant Studios via E-Mail. She said to us, that the Plant Studios was forced out of their Sausalito location earlier this year. They are still trying to retrieve the remainder of their property. We will stay in contact with Mari - maybe we can figure out an interesting story about that topic. So stay tuned!

How can you help? - You can sign the online petition to support the efforts to preserve the building and restore the studios, as it is currently in danger of development.

Help Preserve The Plant's Music Legacy: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/PreserveThePlant