Music producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman have received a heritage blue plaque in Southwark, recognizing their contributions to pop music.
The trio were instrumental in creating hits for some of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s and 90s, producing 13 chart-topping songs at Vine Yard Studios, famously known as The Hit Factory.
They played a key role in the rise of artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Bananarama.
The Southwark plaque initiative invites public nominations that are then voted on.
The plaque honors their “worldwide success and acclaim” achieved while working from this location between 1984 and 1993.
Among their numerous hits were Kylie’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 his speech, Waterman reflected, “There are countless memories associated with this place… but what stands out most is that this building was unique, and it’s different now – the area has become quite fashionable.” He further remarked, “It was our home, and the local community was wonderful.”
Aitken commented, “Southwark is steeped in history, and while I might not have recognized it myself, this certainly represents a small chapter of history for the area, particularly in the realm of pop music.”
He also noted that while their success required hard work, they experienced “some significant strokes of luck along the way, not to mention a touch of talent.”
