Deep Purple’s Steve Morse Joins “Thanks Jimi Festival” to Help Set New World Record for Most Guitarists Playing Together

Press release
Source: David Price

2009 marks the 6th annual “Thanks Jimi Festival,” a worldwide movement to establish May 1st as “World Guitar Day.” Each year the festival attracts guitar players from around the world who gather to celebrate the legacy and inspiration of Jimi Hendrix. It is a free, open-air event featuring top Polish music stars and notable international guests. The climax of the event is an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for “Largest Guitar Ensemble." 2008 saw 1,951 guitar players (electric, acoustic and bass) playing “Hey Joe." And while "Hey Joe” will be on the song list again this year, with the participation of Steve Morse, the iconic guitar tune “Smoke on the Water” is being added to the repertoire.

Founded in 2003 by top Polish guitarist Leszek Cichoński and with support of the city of Wrocław (the mayor of which, Rafał Dutkiewicz, has taken part playing guitar himself every year), the event has grown steadily every year and fills the beautiful medieval central city square with up to 10,000 participants, supporters and spectators. They hope, with Deep Purple’s participation, to push well past the previous numbers. The event takes place live and, though only those taking part in event itn Wrocław count towards the record, others are participating online and via smaller affiliated events taking part around the world.

A concert by Deep Purple follows nearby.

For more information, visit http://www.cichonski.art.pl/eng/record.htm.

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