Event

Guitarist Sets Guinness World Record by Playing Through 81 Amps

Published February 26, 2024

At the soft opening of an upgraded Iowa music venue, a guitarist achieved a groundbreaking feat, setting a new Guinness World Record. The musician challenged the norms of music performance by connecting his guitar to a staggering 81 amplifiers simultaneously.

A Historic Venue Reopens

The Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, an iconic location with a rich history, recently underwent a significant renovation. The renovation cost approximately $15 million and aimed to rejuvenate the beloved venue. It was in this context that Jon Locker decided to etch his name in the record books.

Breaking Sound Barriers

During the event, Locker surpassed the former world record, which involved playing through 50 amps at once. His impressive setup captivated hundreds of onlookers who witnessed this extraordinary display of musical prowess. Locker humbly downplayed his achievement, referring to it as a 'party trick' rather than a practical musical arrangement.

Following a 13-month hiatus for upgrades, Locker's performance not only celebrated the venue's reopening but also marked the first live act to grace the Val Air stage since the overhaul. The baton will soon pass to Greensky Bluegrass, scheduled to perform as the ballroom's first official act post-renovation.

record, musician, amplifiers