Abby Road

Today I p[assed by the Abbey Road zebra crossing in St.John's Wood and for the first time in 50 years there were no fans. Before Lockdown, day and night their would be people posing on the iconic zebra crossing and taking photos and selfies to share with family and friends all over the world. The iconic album cover from 1969 drew the crowds and any time day or night the small the zebra and forecourt of Abbey Road studios would be crowded with international visitors, students and and music lovers. They congregated to be with like-minded individuals and share their love of the Beatles music. 
Paul McCartney actually lives nearby the still operational Abbey Road studios and he tells the story that on his way home from late night events - when the crowds of fans are fewer- but still there - he would lean out of the car and give them the thumbs up. He claims that on occasion he would stop the car and pose on the zebra crossing and chat with fans as they took selfies. Today London is in Lockdown - for the first in 50 years, the zebra crossing is deserted - I grabbed the opportunity to take my own photo on the hallowed spot - though I've lived in the area for decades. Sadly McCartney did not happen by, I'd have loved to share a duet - maybe 'All You Need is Love'. Or perhaps "Yesterday' - when all our troubles were so far away. I long for the day when I pass Abbey Road studios and the fans have returned - it may not be life changing but it will be a happy sign that we have entered a new normal and come to the end of A Long and Winding Road.