124th AES convention to celebrate St.Pepper's 40th anniversary with special event

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the legendary recording by the Beatles, is one of the milestones in pop music recording. To mark the 40th Anniversary of its first release, the BBC commissioned Geoff Emerick, the EMI engineer on the original recording, to re-record the entire album – with contemporary musicians but using the original vintage equipment. The AES offers this unique production as a Special Event during the 124th Pro Audio Expo & Convention in Amsterdam, May 17-20, 2008. Geoff Emerick himself will present the Making-Of film of the remake for BBC TV and will be available for questions. “When Sgt. Pepper was released, the AES was in its twentieth year. What a nice coincidence to celebrate the fortieth and sixtieth anniversary of them together,” remarked Roger Furness, executive director of the AES. “We also want to thank APRS which is also celebrating its sixtieth jubilee, to organize this Special Event for our AES Convention,” he added. Geoff Emerick began as an assistant engineer at EMI’s legendary Abbey Road Studios and was present as a Tape Op’ when a new band called “The Beatles” recorded their first songs at the Studios. Over the next few years, he would witness the transformation of this young group into international superstars. Geoff became the Beatles Chief Engineer, he pioneered distinctive sound and recording techniques for the band. The Special Event will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2008, 11:00 to 12:30 in Room L.

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