Alley 61

Been here? Share your experience and help other music fans find this spot.

Le Studio — Rush and The Police, Morin-Heights, Quebec

Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada

45.9005° N · -74.2453° W

Get Directions

What happened here?

Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec — a residential recording facility set in the Laurentian Mountains about an hour north of Montreal — was where Rush recorded their most celebrated albums, including Moving Pictures (1981), Signals (1982), and Grace Under Pressure (1984). The studio was also where the Police recorded Ghost in the Machine (1981) and where David Bowie, Keith Richards, and Bryan Adams made significant recordings. Its lakeside setting and isolation from urban distractions made it one of Canada's most sought-after studios.

Founded by André Perry in 1972, Le Studio was built around a converted farmhouse with views over Lac Perry. The studio's large live room, combined with the natural reverb of the building's high ceilings, produced a distinctive sound that suited both Rush's progressive complexity and the Police's new wave precision. The swimming pool and surrounding woodland gave artists a retreat-like atmosphere that was hard to find in city studios. Cat Stevens recorded Numbers (1975) there, and the Bee Gees, April Wine, and Sting (solo) also used the facility.

Le Studio closed in 2003 and fell into disrepair. The building was destroyed by fire in 2017, ending any possibility of restoration. The loss of Le Studio was mourned by the Canadian music community and by Rush fans worldwide. The site in Morin-Heights retains its natural beauty, and the ruins have become an informal pilgrimage site for fans who make the drive from Montreal.

Plan your visit

No details provided for this visit.

Reviews

No reviews yet