The quaint chapel that played host to rock and pop gods

In the quiet village of South Thoresby in Lincolnshire, a charming Victorian chapel has found a new life as a recording studio for some of Britain’s most famous rock and pop bands. Once a place for worship, the chapel now echoes with the sounds of guitars, drums, and singing, thanks to artists like Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Wet Wet Wet, and The Darkness. Andy Dransfield, the owner of Chapel Studios, remembers the excitement of hearing Kaiser Chiefs record their music there, knowing instantly that their songs would become hits. The studio is residential, which means musicians can stay for weeks at a time, working on their albums away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Andy says the rural location is a big draw for celebrities who want privacy. Sometimes, the only clue that a famous band is in town is when the postman spots equipment cases labeled with the band’s name. Musicians can visit the local pub and chat with villagers, many of whom don’t recognize them, allowing them to enjoy a normal life for a while.

The studio itself is a beautiful two-story brick building covered in thick green ivy, next to another building with arched windows. The peaceful countryside setting, with its blue skies and shady trees, makes it an ideal place for creativity. Andy’s journey began over fifty years ago, recording music with friends in a tiny garden shed. They used a four-track recorder, and the shed was so cramped that one friend had to sit outside with headphones to record the group inside. As they started making demo tapes, other local bands asked to be recorded, and Andy realized they could charge for their services. However, the shed was next to an old people’s home, and the neighbors went to bed early, just as the music was getting loud. Without soundproofing or air conditioning, and with many people smoking, it wasn’t always comfortable.

Everything changed when Andy’s friend Bram Tchaikovsky, a musician, bought the chapel with his wife and suggested turning it into a recording studio. Andy recalls the challenges of renovating the chapel, especially when they had to move six cubic meters of concrete with only two wheelbarrows. They weren’t builders, so it was exhausting work. The studio opened in 1982, and soon attracted big names like Simple Minds, who were Andy’s favorite band at the time. The Darkness also recorded part of their debut album ‘Permission To Land’ at the chapel, and there are amusing stories about their singer Justin Hawkins, who reportedly sang some songs naked. Andy eventually bought out his friend in 1986 and became the sole owner of the studio and cottage. Now, he feels it’s time for younger people to take over and continue the studio’s legacy. The property is on the market for £1. 25 million, and Andy is proud of what he has achieved, hoping the next owner will leave their own mark on this historic place.