David Gilmour’s studio saved from flood disaster

Astoria, an old houseboat transformed into a recording facility by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, almost became another victim of the UK floods this week, ITV has reported.

Over 100 years old, the boat has been owned by Gilmour for 28 years, and was used to record sections of the band’s records A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell, as well as some of the musician’s solo material.

The studio is currently moored in Hampton, Surrey, and according to Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, Astoria narrowly avoided being sucked down the River Thames, which has seen water levels rise dramatically due to record rainfall across the country.

It was originally built for theatre impresario Fred Kamo, who designed it to be capable of hosting full 90-piece orchestra performances.

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