Ritz is located in Putney. During its 40-year history it has played host to such names as The Stranglers, Blur, The Clash, Led Zeppelin and Amy Winehouse. It was acquired last year by 24/7 Productions, which provides services to the music touring, event production and TV production industries on a global basis.
"We were rehearsing at Ritz with one of our artists," explains Andrew Thornton, head production manager for 24/7, which has a client list including Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, Jessie J, Ella Henderson and Shawn Mendes. "They wanted to upgrade the facility and were looking for some investment. John Pryer, who owns 24/7, was interested in helping them and, as a result, Ritz was incorporated into the 24/7 group of companies."
Ritz continues to operate independently, but the new ownership meant it was possible to undertake a substantial refurbishment of the studios, including a new package of Sennheiser microphones and in-ear monitor systems.
"We needed audio equipment for the stage, so I contacted Phil Cummings at Sennheiser," says Andrew. "He was keen to join in and supplied a great package of live microphones for both studios, in return for which they can use us as a product demonstration facility. We also offer Sennheiser IEMs and Radio Mics as a separate rental item, which Phil supports as and when required."
The Sennheiser equipment now available at Ritz includes the entire range of wired microphones from the evolution 900 Series for both instrument and vocal as standard, plus 24/7's own stock of G3 and 2000 Series IEMs and 2000 and 5000 Series radio microphones.
Recent artists to use the new Sennheiser equipment at Ritz have included Shawn Mendes and Nathan Sykes.
(Jim Evans)
