Stock Aitken Waterman was presented with a commemorative Blue Plaque for his musical achievements in London on Wednesday afternoon (22/01/25) and hailed the accolade as a “tremendous honour”.
Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman came together to receive tribute from the Southwark Heritage Association for their immense contribution to British music.
The Blue Plaque is installed at Vine Yard Studios – their former music studios where they made the majority of their incredible hit records – in Borough near London Bridge.
Dozens of fans were there to witness the special ceremony.
Speaking before the unveiling, Aitken told the crowd: “What a wonderful honor this is, and thank you everyone for coming.
“It was a very special place for us.
“I think it’s because it’s hidden from view – but above all because it had thick walls, so that the noise wouldn’t escape and disturb the neighbors! »
Their recognition comes as they won the Southwark Blue Plaque competition after 1,257 people voted for the trio of producers.
Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi came in second with 450 votes, followed by Ensign’s John Davis with 108.
Stock said: “I would like to thank Southwark Borough Council for all the work they have done to organize this.
-“And also a big thank you to Paul Smith.
“He started this over three years ago, Tony King, they all put in the time and effort to make this happen, and much to our delight and thank you for making it happen. I’m really happy.
The pop pioneers – who launched the music careers of many stars including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Rick Astley – have achieved 13 number one singles in the UK.
They are recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful songwriters and producers of all time.
Speaking of the greatness of the local community towards them while recording the charity singles Ferry Aid, for the Zeebrugge disaster in 1987, and Band Aid II, to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine relief efforts in 1989, Waterman said: “The local community The community has been great to us, especially when we did Band Aid II and Ferry Aid.
“The kids would come in and some of them would end up working for us. It was an incredible community.
“The music industry has changed – but thanks for coming. »
The unveiling comes just ahead of the 40th anniversary of the songwriting and production team’s first number one hit, Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)”, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in March 1985.
Alongside Kylie, Jason and Rick, Stock Aitken Waterman has also created hit records for artists including Bananarama, Sir Cliff Richard, Princess, Donna Summer, Sonia, Mel and Kim, Samantha Fox, Sinitta, Big Fun, Hazell Dean, Brother Beyond and many others. more.
