Famed Beatles' Studio Abbey Road In Jeopardy

The Beatles, of course, are a brand – and that brand has influenced nearly every aspect of American culture, from music to fashion.

Now, Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their iconic songs, is at risk of being sold – and fans are utilizing modern social platforms, Twitter and Facebook, not surprisingly, to voice their feelings and wield influence. Abbey Road was immortalized when the Beatles named an album after the storied recording studio, which to many symbolizes the band’s rock ‘n roll soul.

On a radio show, Paul McCartney encouraged fans to mobilize and save Abbey Road. As a result, The National Trust, a non-profit organization that owns the Liverpool childhood homes of Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney, started soliciting the public's opinion.

According to The National Trust, "tens of thousands" of fans have gotten in touch with the organization via Twitter, and thousands more via Facebook and e-mail. After two hours of running a poll on its website, The National Trust received 1,045 votes in favor of saving Abbey Road and 47 against. The organization says it has received requests for interviews from television networks and stations in the United States, Europe, Mexico, Japan, and Russia.

The National Trust has not – yet, at least – made a commitment to purchase Abbey Road Studios, which is being sold by EMI Group to reduce its debt. The building, located in London, is said to be worth between 10 and 30 million pounds.

Will Abbey Road Studios survive modern economic times, and if not, what will that do the legacy of the Beatles’ brand?