Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan led 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 on Saturday, and video of the performance is available.
The Dorset Echo reports more than 3,300 from all over the country were successful at securing the UK record for the biggest band playing a song together at the same time.
“It was mind-blowing, it exceeded all of our expectations,” said organizer Geoff Baker. “So many people turned up and there wasn't a spot on the beach. All of us, and the town, were astonished and everyone was great. Eight boatmen got together and went into the Bay and let off smoke flares, so you have got Ian Gillan and this huge crowd all playing and singing and seeing that. I hope it will become an institution in Lyme.”
Gillan, who lives in Lyme Regis, took time out from the band's world tour to take part and stepped in to pay for the stage to be built when arrangements for free scaffolding fell through.
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 returned again this year as one of three main songs for the event, along with Status Quo’s “Rocking All Over The World.”
Deep Purple recently wrapped up a month-long series of dates across North America.
The band have also been working on new music for the follow-up to 2013’s “NOW What?!” album.
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