BBC Radio 2 sets new record to mark Guinness World Records anniversary
On the night when BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ celebrated the Guinness World Record 60th Anniversary, the programme managed to set its own new record. In a PopMaster reversal of sorts, Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce was able to recognise 13 ABBA songs played in a minute, by Swedish pianist Robert Wells.
Published: 18 January 2016
I’m used to asking the questions on my Radio 2 ‘PopMaster’ quiz, but the tables have turned this evening. Now I know how it feels.
Ken Bruce says: “What a night. A new Guinness World Record has been set with some fantastic renditions of ABBA from Robert Wells on the piano. We did it, and I’ve got to say you do feel the pressure when the clock is ticking, but that makes it all the more exciting. I’m used to asking the questions on my Radio 2 ‘PopMaster’ quiz, but the tables have turned this evening. Now I know how it feels.”
Without being able to see each other throughout the challenge, Ken Bruce and Robert Wells worked together to set a new Guinness World Record during this special live programme.
On The Chris Evans Radio 2 Breakfast Show this week, Robert Wells said: "I started with Classical music. I'm a crazy Chopin lover, but I also love Status Quo, ABBA, AC/DC, all these. So it's a mix that I call Rhapsody in Rock, and we do Proms-like concerts in Sweden. I have my own symphony orchestra."
Robert Wells is a composer and singer best known for his acclaimed musical Rhapsody In Rock, an infusion of musical genres ranging from classical to rock ‘n’ roll. The world-renowned pianist composed the official television theme music for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and has also collaborated with the likes of Celine Dion. The setting of this new record sees one Swedish phenomena paying homage to another.
Talking about the moment itself, Robert says: “I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, especially as I’ve never done anything like this before. And now I’ve helped to set a new Guinness World Record, which is a great honour because ABBA is one of my all-time favourite bands. I couldn’t have done it without Ken Bruce, so well done to him too.”
Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday says: “Congratulations to Super Troupers Robert and Ken on a fantastic effort. As with any Guinness World Records attempt, the Winner Takes It All and tonight was no exception - they leave as new world record holders, and That’s The Name of the Game. Stop me, I could go On and On and On. Seriously, stop me…”
During the evening, Friday Night Is Music Night celebrated the highest, longest, shortest, most fantastic Guinness World Records in music. With the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Mike Dixon, the show included music from the best-selling group 'The Beatles'; and a Judy Garland song celebrating the highest number of Wizard of Oz characters gathered in one place - 1,150.
CM
