B.C. (Studio Cat)

Sometime in the late eighties, towards the start of Battery’s commercial existence, a stray cat turned up and decided to stay. He was named Battery Cat or BC and was quickly taken into the hearts of staff and clients alike. He lived for the most part at Battery until his death in September 2005. Having confirmed his reputation as the definitive studio cat, he was happiest when surrounded by lots of people, activity and music. He has met many stars along the way and even spent some time curled up in Kylie Minogues’ lap! Present during some classic recordings he would always be around when something musically momentous was happening. An expert in heat dissipation from recording consoles and other audio equipment he expressed a preference for valve gear with vent panels on the top!

In 2002 when Battery closed commercially, BC went reluctantly into retirement to live with an old engineer friend. Inevitably, after a short time he expressed his dissatisfaction with his sedate surroundings in the only way he knew how; pee everywhere – fruit bowl included. By that time Criterion had opened in Archway and a joyful BC was relocated to the environment he felt most comfortable in – the recording studio. Within 5 minutes he was asleep between the speakers whilst heavy rock blasted out and curtailed his peeing protest forthwith. 2 years later saw his triumphant return to his spiritual home, Battery Studios. Despite being in his twenties with failing eyesight and hearing, he knew where he was straight away. He still made friends with all the bands and has been name checked on many a CD. Whether stretched out across a meter bridge or curled up in a guitar case he was never happier than when in the heart of a session.

All Hail BC! Studio Cat Supreme!
We won’t forget.