Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan will lead thousands of amateur guitarists through the band’s signature song, “Smoke On The Water”, at the 2014 Guitars On The Beach event in Lyme Regis, UK as organizers attempt to set a world record for the most guitarists playing a song together at the same time.
Gillan contacted event head Geoff Baker to see if he could help out at the upcoming September event on September 6th.
“I hear you might be doing Smoke with the massed guitars and, if that is the case,” wrote Gillan, “I thought I’d offer my services if you need a singer.”
“My jaw hit the floor,” says Baker. “This is sensational news.”
Gillan will take a break from Deep Purple’s US tour to attend the event.
Last year, Guitars On The Beach set a UK record with 2,267 players performing Buddy Holly's “Rave On” on the Lyme Regis front beach.
In addition to “Smoke On The Water”, the Holly tune returns again this year as one of three main songs for the event, along with Status Quo’s “Rocking All Over The World.”
“Clearly Smoke On The Water will now be the main event for many,” explains Baker. “It’s the classic guitar riff and not difficult to play. Massed guitar bands in America, Germany, Canada and Poland have all had a crack at the world record playing Smoke – but none of them has ever been led by Ian Gillan before.”
“This is going to be amazing, and many more people will now want to take part,” he added. “It’s quite something to write home about, that you once played with Ian Gillan in a band with thousands of guitarists.”
For full event details and to sign up, visit guitarsonthebeach.co.uk
See also:
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Deep Purple working on new music
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