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This is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nirvana's second album, Nevermind, recorded like so many others at the Sound Center Studios in Van Nuys. Sound City's 40-year run as a family-run temple of the music business ended in May. The studios on Cabrito Road off the 405 freeway have been refurbished and are now rented out to producers, though the Skeeter family still owns and manages the place. Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl bought the sound board used on the album. From today's Daily News:
"He was very humble about it," Sandy [Skeeter] recalled. "Dave said, `Thank you so much for the opportunity to own the board. I wouldn't even have the computer I'm sending you this email on if it wasn't for this board.'"I think there were a few other things that went into the record beside the board, like their songwriting and their playing and production. But he's just the right person to have the board."
Yes, these are the studios where Charles Manson recorded a demo record before launching the Sharon Tate home murders in 1969.
Video tour of Sound City's original studio: "If you're a fan of rock and roll...this is hallowed ground."
Samantha Lubbering, granddaughter of Sound City Studios owner Tom Skeeter, holds a "Nevermind" platinum record plaque. Michael Owen Baker / Daily News