Legend who worked with The Beatles and David Bowie to give free talk in Leeds

A RECORDING industry legend is set to give a free talk in Leeds about his work with some of the biggest names in rock and pop music including The Beatles, David Bowie and Pink Floyd.
The BeatlesThe Beatles
The Beatles

Ken Scott, who worked as an engineer for The Beatles and producer for David Bowie, is to give to his first public talk as visiting senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University next month.

He will be discussing his life and sharing his memories of working with some of the biggest names in rock and pop.

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Mr Scott joined Leeds Beckett University as a visiting senior lecturer in the School of Film, Music and Performing Arts in September.

Ken ScottKen Scott
Ken Scott

Beginning at age 16 working in the tape library at Abbey Road studios, Mr Scott was soon promoted to assistant engineer.

His first session was on side two of the Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and he eventually took over the helm as recording engineer on ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ and the ‘White’ album.

He worked with a string of other big names in popular music including Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, the Hollies and Procol Harum before moving to independent studio Trident.

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For his work at Trident he received three Grammy nominations for best engineered pop album, a Clio Award for ‘I’d like to buy the world a Coke’, and millions of record sales with artists such as Elton John, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson and America.

David BowieDavid Bowie
David Bowie

His worked in music production with artists including David Bowie and Supertramp, before he became manager for the band of Frank Zappa alumni Missing Persons.

Mr Scott went on to receive more gold and platinum awards from around the world with acts including Level 42 and Duran Duran, as well as his work with George Harrison and the George Harrison Estate.

He published his co-written biography, ‘Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust’, in 2012, and he will be drawing from this as part of his presentation.

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Mr Scott said: “My presentation is about how I started in the music business, what got me started and continues through my work with The Beatles, Jeff Beck and David Bowie.

“The audience get to hear how some classic recordings were made through multi-track breakdowns and stories. I finish up with some of my views about modern day recordings, during which I often become very passionate and attempt to instil that passion in the audience.”

Andrew Fryer, Head of the School of Film, Music and Performing Arts at Leeds Beckett University, added: “We are honoured to present this very special event as we welcome the legendary Ken Scott to the School’s growing community of internationally-known practitioners and researchers.

“As someone who has made a global impact on the music industry as a recording engineer and producer, Ken has been an inspiration to many of us during our careers and we are all looking forward to gaining further insight into his unique expertise.”

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The ‘From Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust with Ken Scott’ talk will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday December 9 in the James Graham building lecture theatre B at the University’s Headingley Campus.

Places are free and can be booked at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/kenscott