Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec

[4U&I2Grow]

Greetings Rush Forum. I'm new here as of today.

 

I want to make sure Rush fans are aware of the fate of Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada. As many know, Le Studio was the recording studio Rush used for several albums, Permanent Waves through Grace Under Pressure as I recall. Le Studio is featured in videos for Moving Pictures. Many other great artists used Le Studio - April Wine (see I Like to Rock video), Nazareth, The Police, The Stones, David Bowie, and most recently, The Easton Ellises.

 

The current status of Le Studio is unclear. It has been abandoned and gutted for several years. There is rumor that it was demolished this winter. Still waiting for confirmation. Since 2007, the property has been owned by Maximoff, with plans to develop a luxury residential community. Curious it hasn't happened yet. Officially, Le Studio has not been for sale, but it seems there has been little or no pressure from the music community to preserve the heritage of the property. I just want to make sure Le Studio doesn't go down without the Rush community knowing and without making a reasonable effort to help. Given the Circumstances, most would probably consider Le Studio a lost cause. However, I expect more from Rush fans. We've been held to very high standards. As for myself, call me a nut case, but I tend to see possibilities where others see an impossible barrier. As for action, I suggest using forum sites like this to organize. For more information, see YouTube "Le Studio, Morin Heights".

 

4U&I2Grow

formerly "Entre Nous" on iMusic circa 2000-02

[goose]

 

Time stand still!

[GeminiRising79]

This would really be sad. I wanted to visit LeStudio when I was in Mtl last month, but didn't have time. It should be spared and renovated. I certainly would do this if a member of Rush. It would be a nice investment for someone since its probably a bargain now and will surely significantly increase in value once the economy takes off. Come on, Alex..you'll be pretty comfy after this next tour..save it, si vous plait! Edited February 26, 2012 by GeminiRising79

[go2wrk@95974]

Yeah, thats a shame. Judging by MP vids,

it must've been a great place to record,

back in the day...Hope something positive

can take place , with the property in the future.

[Invisible To Telescopic Eye]

QUOTE (4U&I2Grow @ Feb 26 2012, 12:19 PM)

call me a nut case,

You're a nut case.

[Invisible To Telescopic Eye]

QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Feb 26 2012, 02:53 PM)

It would be a nice investment for someone since its probably a bargain now and will surely significantly increase in value once the economy takes off.

You're probably right, but since the building has been gutted and been sitting empty for years, the real investment is in the land it sits on which, from what the OP is saying, is the same thing the people who want to develope it into a high end residential community are thinking.

 

Here's a wiki link which has some pretty up to date info on Le Studio.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Studio

 

Here's an interesting link with chatter from people who either lived there, played or recorded there.

 

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gea...in-heights.html

 

April Wine recording there in about '79.

Edited February 26, 2012 by Invisible To Telescopic Eye

[Dylan2712]

if i wasn't a poor student but rather a millionaire, i'd buy it, restore it and reopen it. alas, only in a perfect world...

 

someone should save it..

[metaldad]

Rush should just buy the place .

[1 of the 7]

Funny, I was just watching a video today that a guy took last fall, looking in the windows of the abandoned building. How sad. I'm grateful he took the video, if it turns out it's been torn down.

[4U&I2Grow]

Even if Le Studio is torn down, I think preserving the land and Le Studio site would be significant. The lake and surroundings play into the videos these groups produced. It was the idea of Le Studio founders that the natural setting would influence the musicians and music. If nothing else, this is the lake where Rush produced the wave sounds in a rowboat for Natural Science.

 

I don't think Rush will buy Le Studio if it does go for sale. There have been opportunities before and I imagine they were aware. I suspect their philosophy is to not get caught-up in the past. Well, we don't need to either, but we can just as well choose to try to keep something like this around as opposed to sitting back resigned to someone building a mansion or clubhouse on top of it.

 

Anyway, if you care, you shouldn't hope that something will save Le Studio or the property, because it most likely won't happen. The current owners and certain players need to know there is a big group of music fans that care. I don't think they are getting that impression right now. So, there are some things that can be done, but it requires a little coordination. If Le Studio does go back on the market, it won't be cheap, but with so many Rush fans out there, plus other music fans, a fundraiser is very doable. With rich musician help, it will be that much easier.

 

E-mail me if you want to help organize: mail@huronecologic.com

[Babycat]

How sad to read of Le Studio being abandoned and might be demolished. For Rush and other artists, it's a landmark. Maybe it could be rebuilt and turned into a museum?

[Lerxster]

I don't know. I mean, they closed The Hit Factory in NYC didn't they? Far more important and historical studio than Le Studio. The age of studios has been over for years. I'm sure Rush won't buy it. That'd just be a money pit. It's kinda like Rush's Abbey Road, but.. not really. All things must pass. C'est la vie.

[Lerxster]

QUOTE (Lerxster @ Feb 27 2012, 06:08 AM)

I don't know. I mean, they closed The Hit Factory in NYC didn't they? Far more important and historical studio than Le Studio. The age of studios has been over for years. I'm sure Rush won't buy it. That'd just be a money pit. It's kinda like Rush's Abbey Road, but.. not really. All things must pass. C'est la vie.

Actually, I think I meant The Record Plant in NYC.

[TheBluePhoenix]

QUOTE (4U&I2Grow @ Feb 26 2012, 11:19 AM)

I just want to make sure Le Studio doesn't go down without the Rush community knowing and without making a reasonable effort to help. Given the Circumstances, most would probably consider Le Studio a lost cause. However, I expect more from Rush fans. We've been held to very high standards.

For whatever reason they were apparently unable to sustain it as a business. What exactly do you expect us to do about it?

[Ancient Ways]

QUOTE (4U&I2Grow @ Feb 26 2012, 12:19 PM)

Greetings Rush Forum. I'm new here as of today. I want to make sure Rush fans are aware of the fate of Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada. As many know, Le Studio was the recording studio Rush used for several albums, Permanent Waves through Grace Under Pressure as I recall. Le Studio is featured in videos for Moving Pictures. Many other great artists used Le Studio - April Wine (see I Like to Rock video), Nazareth, The Police, The Stones, David Bowie, and most recently, The Easton Ellises. The current status of Le Studio is unclear. It has been abandoned and gutted for several years. There is rumor that it was demolished this winter. Still waiting for confirmation. Since 2007, the property has been owned by Maximoff, with plans to develop a luxury residential community. Curious it hasn't happened yet. Officially, Le Studio has not been for sale, but it seems there has been little or no pressure from the music community to preserve the heritage of the property. I just want to make sure Le Studio doesn't go down without the Rush community knowing and without making a reasonable effort to help. Given the Circumstances, most would probably consider Le Studio a lost cause. However, I expect more from Rush fans. We've been held to very high standards. As for myself, call me a nut case, but I tend to see possibilities where others see an impossible barrier. As for action, I suggest using forum sites like this to organize. For more information, see YouTube "Le Studio, Morin Heights". 4U&I2Grow formerly "Entre Nous" on iMusic circa 2000-02

Studios are going the way of the cassette unfortunately. I recently drove by Morrisound Studios here in Tampa and was surprised to see it was still there and apparently operating. Savatage and many other bands have used it. BTW, great user name.

[4U&I2Grow]

QUOTE (TheBluePhoenix @ Feb 27 2012, 09:50 AM)

QUOTE (4U&I2Grow @ Feb 26 2012, 11:19 AM) I just want to make sure Le Studio doesn't go down without the Rush community knowing and without making a reasonable effort to help. Given the Circumstances, most would probably consider Le Studio a lost cause. However, I expect more from Rush fans. We've been held to very high standards. For whatever reason they were apparently unable to sustain it as a business. What exactly do you expect us to do about it? To start with, I wouldn't mind some help contacting other Rush forum sites. Someone can set-up a web site or blog to centralize the message and communication. There are existing YouTube and Facebook pages that might work. Then, we start fundraising. If 10% of Rush fans give $10 each, it would be a good start. If the effort fails, we have an alternate purpose for the funds, like donation to a charity. We can start an on-line petition to the landowner and Morin Heights. Someone can write press releases. All of these things work to build attention and let everyone know there is a serious effort. This will draw in people with better ideas than mine i'm sure. If necessary, we call for a boycott of Morin Heights. E-mail me if interested: mail@huronecologic.com

[4U&I2Grow]

QUOTE (Ancient Ways @ Feb 27 2012, 07:25 PM)

QUOTE (4U&I2Grow @ Feb 26 2012, 12:19 PM) Greetings Rush Forum. I'm new here as of today. I want to make sure Rush fans are aware of the fate of Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada. As many know, Le Studio was the recording studio Rush used for several albums, Permanent Waves through Grace Under Pressure as I recall. Le Studio is featured in videos for Moving Pictures. Many other great artists used Le Studio - April Wine (see I Like to Rock video), Nazareth, The Police, The Stones, David Bowie, and most recently, The Easton Ellises. The current status of Le Studio is unclear. It has been abandoned and gutted for several years. There is rumor that it was demolished this winter. Still waiting for confirmation. Since 2007, the property has been owned by Maximoff, with plans to develop a luxury residential community. Curious it hasn't happened yet. Officially, Le Studio has not been for sale, but it seems there has been little or no pressure from the music community to preserve the heritage of the property. I just want to make sure Le Studio doesn't go down without the Rush community knowing and without making a reasonable effort to help. Given the Circumstances, most would probably consider Le Studio a lost cause. However, I expect more from Rush fans. We've been held to very high standards. As for myself, call me a nut case, but I tend to see possibilities where others see an impossible barrier. As for action, I suggest using forum sites like this to organize. For more information, see YouTube "Le Studio, Morin Heights". 4U&I2Grow formerly "Entre Nous" on iMusic circa 2000-02 Studios are going the way of the cassette unfortunately. I recently drove by Morrisound Studios here in Tampa and was surprised to see it was still there and apparently operating. Savatage and many other bands have used it. BTW, great user name. Thanks. Such things usually don't come to me, but this name did. I've since decided it should be 4U+I2GRO. Oh well.   This is more at other responses than yours: I'm not suggesting that anyone try to rebuild and run Le Studio. It would be great if it happened. I'm trying just to protect the building and land for a use to be determined, but something more appropriate for the music and video heritage Le Studio represents.

[Alexmai]

More than a studio, it can be converted in a Rock Museum

[New Digital Man]

Am i right in saying that Neil brought Le Studio to the attention of Alex and Geddy as he lived on the lake very close by at the time? I'm thinking the house with all the memories that he eventually sold? Edited February 28, 2012 by New Digital Man

[Draco]

Although the effort can be appreciated, this is something that just won't fly. Historic landmarks go by the wrecking ball all the time. To use another historic facility in Quebec, if the Montreal Forum can be turned into a shopping centre, and to be honest, if Yankee Stadium can come down, then I'm afraid Le Studio is going to meet the same fate. It's just not viable anymore, and whatever may happen to it, "in the name of progress", is going to happen.

[4U&I2Grow]

QUOTE (New Digital Man @ Feb 28 2012, 04:41 PM)

Am i right in saying that Neil brought Le Studio to the attention of Alex and Geddy as he lived on the lake very close by at the time? I'm thinking the house with all the memories that he eventually sold?

New Digital Man,

I read somewhere that Neil had a place near there, but the rest I don't know.

[4U&I2Grow]

QUOTE (Draco @ Mar 1 2012, 07:18 PM)

Although the effort can be appreciated, this is something that just won't fly. Historic landmarks go by the wrecking ball all the time. To use another historic facility in Quebec, if the Montreal Forum can be turned into a shopping centre, and to be honest, if Yankee Stadium can come down, then I'm afraid Le Studio is going to meet the same fate. It's just not viable anymore, and whatever may happen to it, "in the name of progress", is going to happen.

Draco,

It is easy to be fatalistic about such things. I know all too well. However, when people do nothing, they self-fulfill their prophecies. For 20+ years I have worked to defend natural areas from development. I've lost battles, but I've won some too, and a few just fell into place. We've protected several hundred acres of higher quality natural areas (forests, wetlands, Endangered species) that were under threat of residential or commercial development. I was fortunate to protect the woods where I used to play and explore as a boy in my old neighborhood, later with Rush songs going through my head. Long story, but the owner once had a Subdivision site plan for this 20-acre woods and had just returned from a meeting with his engineer when I met with him at his house. I never had to battle for this site, well not much anyway. I was just prepared. The development partners eventually dropped the project. Their representative contacted me because they knew I was interested. I was able to make preservation work through my working relationship with a county agency that needed to preserve wetland as mitigation for a permit. The owner of an adjoining parcel ended up selling cheap. I thought getting that would be near impossible, but the owner was wonderful to work with. Granted, this situation was unusual, but it does happen. Your stadium examples are not really fair comparisons as the redevelopment pressure on those areas is exceptional and I think in some cases the demolition is proposed by the teams to build a bigger "better" stadium.

 

So anyway, no one in this entire forum has expressed any interest in helping yet. Is there really no one?

 

E-mail me at: mail@huronecologic.com

[JackRelax]

It's a little unclear what you are asking people to do. Is this fundraising? I suspect a property like that in land value alone would be in the multi-million dollar range. Just a guess.

 

Don't get me wrong. It's a cool idea.

Edited March 2, 2012 by JackRelax

[Draco]

QUOTE (JackRelax @ Mar 1 2012, 10:41 PM)

It's a little unclear what you are asking people to do. Is this fundraising? I suspect a property like that in land value alone would be in the multi-million dollar range. Just a guess.

I would agree. Something like this is going to be in the millions of dollars easy. Just a bit out of our leagues.

[4U&I2Grow]

QUOTE (JackRelax @ Mar 2 2012, 01:41 AM)

It's a little unclear what you are asking people to do. Is this fundraising? I suspect a property like that in land value alone would be in the multi-million dollar range. Just a guess. Don't get me wrong. It's a cool idea.

JackRelax,

It would be a lot of text to lay out all details here. I did post some ideas earlier. Contacting other Rush web sites is the start. I've only got to this, Counterparts, and Rush Con so far. Rush Chronicles won't let me create an account for some reason. Then, we need someone to create a small web site I think, or blog. Something free like Google Blogger would work. I just don't have time so if I could assign that to someone else, that would be nice. Then, same deal for starting a petition at that petition web site I hear about once in a while. Someone needs to write some press releases to the media, and I suppose, try to contact some of the musicians that recorded there just to make sure they are aware. It is largely an awareness-building effort to start. A fundraiser could be set up fairly quickly. A credit card or pay pal thing could be put on the web site. Eventually, a non-profit could be set up to make donations tax-deductible. It's not hard at all. There is likely an existing organization that would work with us. Someone will ask, "But what if we can't buy the place? What do we do with the money?" The deal from the out-set will be that donations will be used for purchase if possible, but if all fails, it will be donated to a charity, and i suppose we could give each donor a range of choices.

So, e-mail me at mail@huronecologic.com if you're interested in helping. Thanks.