Watch 1,683 Guitarists Play “Smoke on the Water”
On June 4, 2007, 1,683 guitarists descended on the outfield of Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas, in an effort to shatter the world record for the most people playing the same song simultaneously, and they did it (though their record would be topped a few years later).
The song was Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” and the record was previously set back in 1994, when 1,323 people played the same song in Vancouver, British Columbia. The event was put on by the Kansas City radio station KYYS (99.7 FM) after one of its morning show hosts, Tanna Guthrie, came up with the idea.
In order to break the record, all 1,683 guitarists performed the song’s signature opening riff for five straight minutes.
Players came from all over the world to participate, with ages ranging from grade school to grandparents.
You can watch the slightly grainy (a hangover from the early days of YouTube) video above.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Since 1980, Guitar World has been the ultimate resource for guitarists. Whether you want to learn the techniques employed by your guitar heroes, read about their latest projects or simply need to know which guitar is the right one to buy, Guitar World is the place to look.
“You can only imagine the effect this had on the young Keith Richards and Eric Clapton”: 9 must-hear albums that fueled the British blues guitar boom
“We’ve made something really unique and special”: Thin Lizzy to release first new record in over 40 years – featuring brand new guitar parts from founding member Eric Bell and unheard Phil Lynott vocals