Longest drumming marathon: Steve Gaul sets world record (HD Video) TORONTO, Canada -- Steve Gaul, 40, drummed for 121 hours over six days at the Burlington Music Centre - setting the new world record for the longest drumming marathon by an individual, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com). Photo: Steve Gaul during the World's Longest Drumming Marathon.
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The Guinness world record for the longest drumming marathon by an individual lasted for 120 hours and was achieved by Russ Prager (USA).
Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the longest marathon drumming by a team: 66 hours, achieved by 11 drummers from Nexus Music College, Coventry, UK.
The 40-year-old Hamilton cancer survivor set a new World Record after drumming a continuous 121 hours at the Burlington Music Centre and concluding with a celebratory rendition of Queen's 'We Are the Champions.'
Gaul survived testicular cancer after being diagnosed in college.
"I am doing this because I wish to 'pay it forward,' Gaul wrote on his website before he started the drum marathon.
Gaul beat the record in hopes of raising $1 million for the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of his sister Toni, who died after battling para-nasal cancer for five years and lost an eye, hip and shoulder before passing away last year.
During the marathon Gaul was allowed a five minute break for each hour he played. He was able to bank unused time for later use.
He was only allowed to play songs which were recognizable and each song had to last for longer than two minutes. There also could not be more than 30 seconds between songs.
