Pop music producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman have been celebrated with a prestigious heritage blue plaque in Southwark, marking their contributions to the music industry.
The trio, known for their pivotal role in shaping 1980s and 90s pop, created some of the most iconic tracks of the era at Vine Yard Studios, also known as The Hit Factory.
During their time at The Hit Factory between 1984 and 1993, they crafted 13 number one hits and launched the careers of artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Bananarama.
The Southwark plaque recognizes their global success and acclaim, showcasing their groundbreaking work during that period.
Notable hits that defined their legacy include Kylie Minogue’s I Should Be So Lucky, Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, Bananarama’s Venus, and Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).
During the ceremony, Pete Waterman reflected on the significance of the location.
“There are so many memories here… but the most important thing was this building was special, and it’s different now – this area is quite trendy,” he said.
“But it was home to us, and the local community was fantastic.”
Matt Aitken added, “There’s a lot of history in Southwark, and I wouldn’t have said it myself, but it was a small piece of history for the area, and certainly a piece of history for pop music anyway.”
He acknowledged the hard work behind their success, admitting that their journey also involved “some big strokes of luck and a little bit of talent.”
Their legacy continues to shine, not just through the hits they created, but also through their lasting influence on pop music.
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