Adrian Kerridge RIP

When he retired as chairman of the Lansdowne group of studios in may 2010 Adrian told the IBS he had been 58 years in the business starting by sweeping up dog-ends at IBC studios. His connection with broadcasting began in the 1950s when he went touring the UK on behalf of Radio Luxembourg to record interviews for Bob Danvers-Walker assisted by Joe Meek and the connection continued throughout his national service when he worked for BFBS the British forces broadcasting service. During this period IBC jazz producer Denis Preston decided to set up his own studio and founded Lansdowne studios in 1958 with Joe Meek. Adrian joined the new company on January 1st 1959 and when Joe left after a row with Denis Adrian took over the operation of the studio. Lansdowne was London’s first independent music recording studio and Adrian was soon recording a string of hits by artistes including Dave Clark, Acker Bilk, Roger Whittaker and many more. Broadcasting clients included the BBC Black and White Minstrels and Yorkshire television The Beiderbeck Affair and a telecine suite was established in the 1980s.

In 1987 Adrian together with business partner pianist and composer Johnny Pearson negotiated the purchase of CTS studios in Wembley and when the redevelopment of Wembley stadium led to the closure of CTS Adrian negotiated the use of the Watford colosseum which in addition to being an excellent venue for orchestral recording provided a home for the BBC concert orchestra when Golders Green hippodrome was closed.

Adrian was a sponsor of the Institute for many years and supported several IBS microphone placement seminars by providing excellent facilities at both CTS studios in February 1994 and at Lansdowne in December 2003 and October 2004. Adrian received a lifetime achievement award from the APRS of which he was at one time Chairman in November 1998 alongside Sir George Martin.