It's good that there's now an unofficial guide to crossing Abbey Road.

A long time ago I used to work in the street literally behind the Abbey Road Studios and witnessed this kind of malarkey every day for a couple of years.

Many walkers would just arse about and have a laugh, some walked across timidly as if embarrassed, while the serious fans would try and get the shot exactly right, to the point where one of them invariably crossed barefoot like Paul.

The latter were usually the ones who stopped mid-way to pose, much to the annoyance of black cab drivers who often delivered a mouthful of abuse as they drove off.

in the mansion block (Neville Court) you can see in the right side of the album cover. This was 20 years ago but even then, every morning as I walked to St John's Wood tube station there would be a group of tourists 'doing' the zebra crossing. The Japanese were particularly keen at this time of the day for some reason.

And yes, I confess, I did it myself once. Christmas Day 1991. The road was quiet. I only wish the photos were not so embarrassingly awful.

The p.a.notes link has a link to a webcam and it's absolutely fascinating, if more than a little voyeuristic, to watch people's behaviour at the crossing. This being earlyish morning, there aren't that many people around and they are sidling up to the crossing, looking slightly suspicious of it and unsure of themselves, before striding across it with stiff legs and swinging arms.

http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/

With thanks, again, to B3ta.com

I bring interested students on a Beatles walking Tour around London - It's always brilliant fun, but I have a strict code of conduct for the final stop (Abbey Road, natch) I make it clear what the dos and don'ts are for getting this right and not annoying the denizens of NW8.
However, the most beautiful part of the day is seeing students on the phone to their folks in Brazil, Colombia, Spain and wherever else and seeing how their parents, through the Abbey Road webcam are so excited to see them there. The HJH are the gift that keeps on giving and I'm really excited about the tour we're doing tomorrow -as it's gonna be such a beautiful day.
BTW, this is an open invitation to any Massive members who don't fancy a day of chocolate and Sunday roasts tomorrow. Hyde Park Corner tube, exit number 1, 10.45 am.
The cost, to you my friends, is nothing.

Will give plenty of advance next time..

Someone photographed all the Abbey Roads in the UK:
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