A UK drummer has set a new world record for drumming endurance, racking up 150 hours on an electronic drum kit.
Allister Brown entered the Guinness Book of Records in July, when the 43-year-old played continuously for 150 hours in memory of his late partner, Sharon Deegan, who died from pancreatic cancer in January 2021, aged 49.
The effort raised more than £23,000 in donations.
Brown tells digitalDrummer his late partner loved drums and music, “so I thought (there’s) no better way to raise money and awareness in her name than doing another drumming world record”. Brown already held two records at the time, his last for playing for 102 hours and 49 minutes.
The record in July stood at 134.5 hours.
In preparation for the record attempt, Brown trained himself to cope with sleep deprivation by staying awake for 24 hours at a time so his body and mind could get used to it.
Brown used a Jobeky electronic kit for his record session.
“I had an electronic kit at home – but nothing like the Jobeky which I will now set up proudly in my house for practising on, etc. Some gigs now require levels to be controlled as well,” he says.
Brown says he used e-drums for the record because it was staged in a functioning music school and shop, and with electronics, he could control the volume better during opening hours. “It was also easier to connect up for the live stream,” he says, noting the epic session was watched by fans around the UK and further afield.
For Brown, it was not just about drums, but about raising funds and awareness.
“After I lost Sharon to pancreatic cancer in 2021, I was devastated. I needed help with my mental health. Now I want to raise as much awareness and money for NIPANC and Mind as possible, while going for the world record. My aim is to let people understand you should never feel you’re on your own.”
Playing drums has been a much-loved hobby since getting his first kit, aged two.
While the fundraiser has officially ended, anyone wanting to support Brown’s efforts can still make a donation at www.drumathon.live.
In April, New Zealander drummer Paul Bondsfield also attempted to break the 134.5 hour record, but collapsed during his effort.
Bondsfield then channelled his ambitions into supporting Brown’s marathon: “He’s one hell of a good man. He helped me massively during my attempt with encouragement and advice.”
However, it looks like Brown may have to defend his record at some stage.
“I certainly won’t be trying soon, partly out of respect for Ali’s efforts, but I’m not quite ready yet. I think perhaps next year I’ll start thinking about it again,” Bondsfield says.