New York 1995
I've been a fan of
Stock Aitken Waterman since
1987 and I would love to
hear from other SAW fans
from all over the world.
It wasn't until 1986/87, when I discovered that I had become interested in Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). It got to my attention when I read on Mel & Kim's F.L.M. album-sleeve, that the songs were all produced by the same people. In the winter of 1987 I also read an article in a German music magazine, that was about SAW and their way of producing records. That was when they had their early hits with Rick Astley. I was impressed and started collecting their releases. Over the years I realized that unconsciously I was a fan even earlier on. From time to time I would find an old record at a fair, that I liked when I heard it on the radio, which turned out to be produced by none other than SAW (e.g. Dead or Alive, Hazell Dean & Divine). But for me SAW-mania really set in with Kylie and her wonderful string of hit records in 1988. It was in that year that I knew that I wanted to see the studios, where all those great tunes came from. All I knew was that PWL's studios were just around the corner from the 'Borough' tube station. Finally, in August of 1990 I managed to visit London for a couple of days. I was on my way to find the PWL studios, and I didn't even have their address. So I took the next 'Northern Line' and got off at 'Borough'. I instinctively went into the right direction and when I saw 'Sanctuary St.' I knew I was on the right way. When I arrived at the main building about 5-10 young fans were waiting outside and then suddenly Pete Waterman showed up. He carried some mail and holiday brochures in his hands. I took the opportunity to have my picture taken with him. At this time SAW had reached their chart peak and the singles released in that week were all minor hits (Lonnie Gordon's 'Beyond your wildest dreams', Sonia's 'End of the world' and Big Fun's 'Hey there lonely girl'). In 93 I visited the studios again, and this time I finally managed to get inside the PWL building. A very nice guy showed me around at the studio complex. I saw 'The Bunker', where Sybil's 'When I'm good and ready' was being remixed. I saw the famous recording booth and I even saw Mike Stock through a glass door, working behind the mixing desk with some engineers. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet him personally. I also saw Pete's crowded office. I learned that a young 'Miss Black America' had been there a few days earlier to record some tracks. It was Suzette Charles. The guy also told me about a possible collaboration with David Hasselhoff. I was really impressed to have been in the very studios, in which Kylie and so many others recorded some of the most amazing tunes. The only thing that made me feel miserable for several weeks afterwards, was the fact that all the photos I took inside PWL were lost, because the film in my camera wasn't inserted properly. Thanks Dad. In 1995 I discovered that Mike Stock had set up a new studio in the same area as PWL, after he had split up with Pete Waterman. So I went to Union St. and arranged an appointment with Lucy, to see the building from within. Mike & Matt were in the middle of a recording session with Nicki French, so I couldn't come in right away. I came back the next day and Des Dyer showed me the 2 studios, the archive, the rehearsal room and the office. I even had a cuppa with Des and he offered me some promo CDs . I was blown away by all the generousity and friendliness. I can still remember Mike Stock had some sheets of paper lying on his desk in the recording studio with some lyrics, which turned out to be 'Forever and a day'. (I recall the line 'my love is still alive until you're by my side' and some rhymes with survive,...) Even though I have not met Mike Stock (who is my all-time favourite writer/producer) personally, yet, I am proud to have seen both studios. And who knows, some day I will meet him. |
Music: SAW, Love This, PWL, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Almighty, Metro, Motiv8, David Morales,... Art: Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring,... Photography: Steven Meisel, Herb Ritts, Mapplethorpe,... Fashion: Gucci, Helmut Lang, Karl Lagerfeld, Prada,... Cinema: Another Country, Beautiful Thing, My Beautiful Laundrette, Beaches, Big Business, Notting Hill, Todo sobre mi madre (All about my mother)... TV: Golden Girls, The Nanny, The Simpsons, Queer as folk, TOTP, VIVA, MTV,... Travelling: LONDON, NY, Greece,... |
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