A Dream Come True: Rogers & Butler’s Journey to Abbey Road

There’s a reason Abbey Road Studios is revered in the music world—it’s not just a studio; it’s a piece of rock ‘n’ roll mythology. When Rogers & Butler set foot in the hallowed rooms of Studio 3, they were on a mission to capture the classic British sound that defined an era. Guided by an unforgettable nudge from none other than Rod Argent of The Zombies, Edward Rogers and Steve Butler found themselves on a whirlwind tour that led them to this iconic studio. Here, they reflect on the magic, the hustle, and the thrill of recording their latest album, Studio 3.

What Inspired Booking a Session at Abbey Road?

For musicians, recording at Abbey Road is a rite of passage. While on tour with The Zombies, Edward and Steve were encouraged by Rod Argent, who had his fair share of Abbey Road memories, to set their sights on recording there. “Rod really inspired us,” they share. “With some follow-up and persistence, we were able to make it happen.” This was more than a session—it was a lifetime goal realized through grit and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll serendipity.

Personal Favorites from Studio 3

Ed: “Scarlett Letter”
“This track closes out Studio 3 with an echo of the English psychedelic pop period (‘66-‘68). To me, it has that Dukes of Stratosphear-meets-Pink Floyd sound you can only really pull off at a studio of Abbey Road’s quality. I couldn’t imagine a more fitting closer to the album.”

Steve: “Burnt By The Sun”
“‘Burnt By The Sun’ stretched me musically and compositionally. Ed suggested an early Pink Floyd style, which I had to study a bit since I’ve never been a huge Floyd fan. But it ended up feeling right, like we nailed something truly unique.”

Memorable Moments from the Studio

Recording at Abbey Road was more than just about the sound—it was about the energy in the room, the feeling that history was woven into the walls. “When we walked in, we were totally awestruck, but then we buckled down and worked our butts off for two days straight. Adrenaline was our fuel,” the duo recalls.

Ed adds, “Our one rehearsal was at Holloway Road, not far from where Joe Meek’s studio was. The session was special, too, because we worked with British musicians Ian Button and Andy Lewis for the first time. Plus, taking a meal break in the Abbey Road canteen made me think of all the legendary artists who probably sat right where we were sitting.”

Steve has his own standout memory: “I rarely stepped into the control room—I just trusted our producer, Don Piper, to guide us. The process reminded me of how records were made in the ‘60s. The whole experience was one of pure trust and focus, almost like we were making music with a sense of urgency that only added to the vibe.”

For Rogers & Butler, recording at Abbey Road was a creative and personal milestone, blending decades of influence into a sound only this legendary studio could bring to life. Studio 3 doesn’t just pay homage to the past; it captures it in a way that feels fresh, energized, and entirely their own. Now, fans can experience that Abbey Road magic woven through every track.

Out now via Think Like A Key Music on CD, LP and streaming platforms.