Beatles’ Apple Corps to transform former London headquarters into seven-story visitor destination
The Beatles’ final public performance took place on the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters located at 3 Savile Row in 1969. The iconic band’s former London base is set to undergo a transformation into a seven-storey visitor attraction, much to the excitement of fans across the globe.
Apple Corps, the Beatles’ record label, has re-acquired the historic building and plans to open it as a tourist hotspot in 2027. The upcoming attraction, named The Beatles at 3 Savile Row, will offer visitors a glimpse into the band’s legendary history. The seven floors will host various exhibits showcasing items from the Apple Corps archives, along with temporary exhibitions and a shop. But the main highlights will include a reconstructed studio where the band recorded their final album, “Let It Be,” and access to the iconic rooftop where their farewell concert took place.
Iconic band member Paul McCartney, who recently visited the Georgian mansion, expressed his excitement about the project. Reflecting on the building’s significance in the band’s history, he mentioned the multitude of special memories held within its walls. Bandmate Ringo Starr echoed McCartney’s sentiments, describing the return to 3 Savile Row as “like coming home.”
Apple Corps was founded by the Beatles in the late 1960s to manage their financial affairs and support various artistic and business ventures. After the band disbanded in 1970, the company evolved into a custodian of the band’s legacy. Its return to Savile Row is spearheaded by Tom Greene, the company’s current chief executive. Greene expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting how fans can finally step inside the historical building rather than merely capturing its exterior in photos.
The rooftop where the Beatles performed their final concert in 1969 remains a pivotal highlight in the band’s history. The impromptu performance featured several new songs, including “Get Back,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” which were captured in Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s documentary about the making of “Let It Be.” Despite being interrupted by the police that day, the Beatles managed to leave their mark with a memorable performance.
The tourism project at 3 Savile Row comes amidst a resurgence of Beatles-related content in recent years. The release of “Get Back,” a documentary helmed by Peter Jackson, offered an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s creative process. Additionally, new music has surfaced, such as the AI-enhanced single “Now and Then,” featuring recorded demos from late band members John Lennon and George Harrison.
As the Beatles’ legacy continues to inspire new generations, various film and TV projects are in the works. From biopics about individual band members to dramas focusing on different stages of the Beatles’ career, there is no shortage of content for fans. Moreover, retrospectives like the Beatles Anthology project serve to keep the band’s story alive for years to come.