Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HANSA STUDIOS: BOWIE'S 'HALL BY THE WALL'
Complete this analogy: London is to Abbey Road what Berlin is to…
Potsdamer Platz, Potsdamer Platz)
, of course, that seminal recording studio that has exerted
a gravitational pull on top international artists since the Cold War. The 'Big Hall by the
Wall' was how David Bowie fittingly dubbed its glorious Studio 2, better known as the
MMeiisterrsaaal (Masters' Hall), through whose arched windows one could look across the
concrete barrier and wave at the gun-toting guards in their watchtowers. In the late
'70s the White Duke recorded his tortured visions in the seminal album Heroesafter
completing Low,both part of his Berlin Trilogy. Bowie also co-produced The Idiotand
Lust for Lifewith his buddy Iggy Pop.
There's a long list of other music legends who have taken advantage of Studio 2's
special sound quality, including Nina Hagen, Nick Cave, David Byrne, Einstürzende
Neubauten, Die Ärzte, Snow Patrol, Green Day, REM and The Hives. Depeche Mode
produced three albums here - Construction Time Again,Some Great Rewardand
Black Celebration- between 1983 and 1986.
The only way to get inside this hallowed hall (and find out why Depeche Mode's
Martin Gore stripped down naked for the recording of a love song) is with the highly
recommended
Berlin Music Tours
.
SHOPPING
SHOPPING MALL
POTSDAMER PLATZ ARKADEN
7; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat; Potsdamer Platz, Potsdamer Platz)
All your basic shopping cravings will be met at this attractive indoor mall. The basement
has a Rewe supermarket, a dm drugstore and numerous fast-food outlets. Wallet-watchers
flock to British fashion discounter TK Maxx, ice cream fans to
Caffe e Gelato
on the 1st
floor.
ACCESSORIES
FIONA BENNETT
10am-7pm Mon-Sat; Kurfürstenstrasse)
Local lass Bennett creates stunning millinery for women and men who know the worth of
topping off a good outfit with not so much a fashion statement as an exclamation point.
