| School of Sound Recording (SSR) Open Day | - SSR’s new studios are unveiled at their Open Day on Sat 29 July (11am - 4pm)
- The Open Day will be a chance to see the studios and find out about courses available
- The studios are at 65-69 Downing Street. Telephone is 0161 276 2100
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The studios became a central point for the city’s music scene in 1980s, providing rehearsal and recording space for many Mancunian bands. Indeed, it’s held in such affection that all four of the Stone Roses have been moved to comment on its demise. John Squire remembers being impressed by the musicians that would come and go in the studios. “I think my most important memory of Spirit Studios was rehearsing with the Stone Roses when Howard Jones came in and saw us for the first time,” he said.Ěý “It wasn’t long before we signed our first recording deal with Howard’s label, Thin Line.”
 | | The Stone Roses in 1989 |
Former Roses bassist Mani paid tribute to the founder of the studios, John Breakell, who he says was “instrumental in giving us free studio time in Spirit when money was tight. It gave us the springboard to launch our recording career.” Ian Brown and Reni’s praise for Spirit was a much simpler affair. Brown recalls that “Spirit Studios were the greatest recording and rehearsal rooms in the country”, adding that a lot of “important people got together down there,” while drummer Reni sums it up best of all with a suitably touching compliment. | "I will miss Spirit. Just knowing it’s gone feels like losing a tooth – a tooth used when smiling!" | | Reni sums up what it means to him now that Spirit has gone |
“I will miss Spirit. Just knowing it’s gone feels like losing a tooth – a tooth used when smiling!” Gone but not forgotten All isn’t lost though, as John Breakell’s influence on Manc music continues with SSR, and Spirit is being replaced with a purpose-built audio and media training centre, the prospect of which John is very excited about. “We are lucky to have played a small part in the success of the city’s music scene in the past, and we are determined to help continue Manchester’s creative success. We hope that the new studio complex will help that.”
 | | John Breakell and Bill Wyman at Spirit Studios |
And if the new studios weren’t enough, SSR are also offering an annual scholarship to commemorate Spirit and celebrate the launch of the new studios which will see over £10,000 go to three students each year to aid their studios in music production, sound engineering, post-production, DJ skills or whatever other path they choose to take through the school! So, as sad as it is the see the closure of such an important part of Manchester’s musical history, it seems the spirit of the place will live on after its demise. | 
