Beat this! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Beat this!

9:06am Monday 27th July 2009 in Search By Emma Clayton

Having been the drummer for several Bradford rock bands over the years, Stu Lockwood knows how to keep the beat.

But a recent gig required more stamina and concentration than usual. Stu found himself drumming in a stadium with nearly 600 other percussionists at a spectacular event aimed at breaking a world record.

The musicians gathered at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena and broke the world record for the largest group of drummers playing the same beat at the same time.

A total of 582 drummers – including a number of celebrity musicians – played together at the charity event, held in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“It really was a great event to be part of,” says Stu. “I was really thrilled and felt privileged to be placed on the balcony where I was overlooking 500 other drummers. It was a truly inspiring sight.

“I can imagine there’s going to be a bit of World record holding ‘tennis’ from now on, as I don’t think the US will be happy at us beating them. Having spoken with the organisers of the UK event, we now intend to keep the record too.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to each and everyone one of the kind people who sponsored me, and everyone involved with making it such a huge success. It is amazing that we have not only been successful, but so far raised a total of £34,535 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.”

Stu is currently working in the studio with his new band, Overdrive, and looks forward to gigging again around the Bradford district later this year.

Organisers of the world record drumming day, called Stick It To MS, hope to raise £50,000 for the MS Society.

Organiser Craig Glover, says they smashed the current world record of 533 drummers, set in the United States. “It was absolutely fantastic. Everyone has really enjoyed themselves – it was a really good atmosphere,” he says. “We did a simple rock groove and played for at least ten minutes.”

Drummers aged from five to 50 travelled from across the UK to take part in the record bid, believed to be the UK’s first attempt. A number of special guest drummers joined in, including Slade’s Don Powell and Cold Feet and Coronation Street actor John Thomson.

“We have video evidence and certificates, which we will now send off to get verified by Guinness World Records,” says Craig.

For more about the world record attempt, and about Stu, visit StuartLockwood.com