STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS — John Williams Breaks Tradition by Recording Score in Los Angeles

There is so little official Star Wars: The Force Awakens news that even a seemingly obvious tidbit is worth reporting. John Williams recently pulled out of scoring Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies due to a minor health issue. He's doing better, and we now have official word that Williams will be scoring The Force Awakens in Los Angeles. All previous Star Wars scores were recorded at Abbey Road with the London Symphony Orchestra, so this is a major break in tradition. The move is due to the tight editing and effects collaboration required to deliver the film on time.

Williams had some kind words about his long time past collaborators in both countries:

“I’ve had the privilege of working with the very best musicians in both the U.K. and the U.S. The London Symphony Orchestra has consistently performed with great artistry on all six of the prior films in the Star Wars saga, and I will be forever grateful for their commitment and dedication.  Equally, it has been my honor to have worked with my brilliant colleagues in Los Angeles, and always appreciate the invaluable contribution they’ve made to my scores and to those of other composers.”

As if you didn't already know, Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasts into theaters December 18th (USA).