Lanterna Rally

Author: Brian Sallerson

Publisher: Brian Sallerson

Published: 2022-09-28

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13:

For 10 years, AIR Studios Montserrat produced many of the biggest hits that defined the 1980s. On September 17, 1989, it all ended in a flash of wind, rain, and fury. The AIR Studios Montserrat recording studio, owned by Sir George Martin (often referred to as the "Fifth Beatle"), operated from 1979 to 1989 on the small picturesque Caribbean island of Montserrat. Playing host to some of the biggest recording artists of the 1980s, this studio produced many of the hit songs integral to the musical fabric of that decade. The isolated tropical environment of the studio's location on Montserrat created a unique creative environment not found anywhere else in the world. To many of those who worked and recorded there, it is regarded as a very "special place", an experience that left an indelible imprint on their lives. Sadly, the storied history of AIR Studios Montserrat was suddenly cut short when the destructive forces of Hurricane Hugo battered the island in September of 1989. Over 30 years later, the remains of the studio lay in ruin as the island reclaims the land that was once creative fertile ground for artists such as The Police, Dire Straits, Paul McCartney, Duran Duran, and Elton John. The prolific musical output from AIR Studios Montserrat cemented its place in music history and world culture. The studio's sudden demise at the hands of Hurricane Hugo creates an emotional ending to an important artistic enclave that touched so many people around the world. The story of its creation, operation, and demise needs to be told so it can be appreciated by the millions of music fans whose lives were defined by the music recorded there.