Tech & Auto
David Gilmour’s Antique Houseboat Recording Studio Is A Sight To See
By DANIEL FEININGER
In 1986, David Gilmour bought an antique houseboat, The Astoria. The Pink Floyd co-frontman would then repurpose the vessel into a floating recording studio.
The Astoria was built in 1911 for the famous comedic performer Fred Karno. It was then moored at Taggs Island, alongside Karno’s hotel and casino, the Karsino.
Even though his setup saw all of Pink Floyd recording in one of The Astoria’s smaller cabins, the area offers a dramatic influx of sunlight and fresh air.
The Astoria is outfitted with recording equipment, such as ATC main monitors, active speakers, an ATC subwoofer, and a Neve 88R mixing console.
The vessel was the recording site for two of Pink Floyd’s later albums, which featured ambient background noise from the outdoors since the houseboat wasn't soundproof.
Although Pink Floyd is no longer recording albums, Gilmour has continued to use the Astoria as a place to make music as part of his solo career.