Buy Rush’s Recording Studio for $18,000
If you were a fan of Rush in the early 80s, you’ll remember this video.
This clip was shot where it was recorded: Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art facility that not only held Rush in its thrall–seven Rush albums were made there, earning the place the nickname “Rush’s Abbey Road.” But it was more than just them; Le Studio also attracted clients like David Bowie, The Police, Keith Richards, Bryan Adams and the Bee Gees.
Sadly, the place fell into deep, deep disrepair and is now a hunk of junk. It was put up for sale in 2008 but with no takers over seven years, you can see why things have become rather, well, desperate.
The good news? If you’re handy with a hatchet, axe and saw (as well as a toolkit and any number of power tools) you can buy Le Studio for your very own for the low, low price of $18,000. Yes, that’s eighteen thousand dollars. The town of Morin Heights is set to put the building up for auction on Wednesday (June 17)—unpaid taxes, doncha know–with $18K as the starting bid.
[UPDATE: I’ve been going through Morin Heights official town website and I can’t find anything relating to this auction. Maybe they’ve pawned it off on a third party.]
It’s not known who might be willing to bid for the place given its condition and lack of any electronic gear, but given the history of the place, you can understand why there may be some sentimental buyers waiting in the weeds.
Rush fans are starting to come together to save the place. There’s a Kickstarter campaign called RebuildLeStudio.com launched by a Quebec drummer named Richard Baxter who is hoping to raise enough money to buy and restore the facility.
Launched on May 27 , backers have kicked in about $1,900 so far as of June 15. Anyone want to help?
UPDATE: As of his morning (June 16), 53 backers have kicked in $2,754 towards a $2.4 million goal. There are forty days left in the campaign–unless someone buys it at auction tomorrow.
UPDATE: So what happened at the auction? Here’s the story.
Neils old house in Beamsville, Ontario from the late 1970’s just sold. We followed Rush in their motorhome on the way to a concert in Niagara Falls Ny, we got beside them on the Highway honking our horn when Getty & Alex waved to us. Our brush with stardom…
How can I make the purchase for this studio
That’s quite a big place only 18 000$, I would buy it. I didn’t see that much evidence of water damage, yeah there’s moss in one of the rooms, but still, Rush recorded music in there! I sure the bids for that place will go pretty high.
Moss you say? Then Rolling Stones could never record there
Valid point.
Keith Richards already did.☺
Anyone know where the auction is taking place? Is it in person? I think Yves is on the right track…that looks like a beautiful and large property. The value must be in excess of 18K
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1461449477430036/ this group has been in existence for over 2 years. GoFundMe campaign has no expiry.
Low prices are often used to get a bidding war going. Also if repairs are more costly than the place is worth and a teardown costs more than or almost as much as the land this can happen.
Oh what a challenge it could be 🙂 Can I have dual citizenship ?
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has rush made any attempt to save the place?
Not that I’m aware…
Any update on the final selling price?
Nothing. Working on it.
I messaged the CBC guy who wrote an article on it and got this in response:
I messaged someone involved and it turns out the owners paid their back taxes, thus avoiding an auction.
Jesse
I would be intrested in this property.
I would buy it right out or partners
This is right up my alley.
Iam a Rock drummer and a paint /remodel ing contractor. Lets do this
Every 25$ Donation You will Receive a LE STUDIO Morin-Heights T-Shirt Shipping Included (Black) (RED)(Yellow)(Pink) S,M,L,XL,XXL……[email protected] with PayPal
https://www.gofundme.com/lestudiomorinheigh
Scam