1,000 drummers wanted to rock the Pyrenees

A small commune in Haute-Garonne, Occitanie, will be making a very big noise this summer when 1,000 drummers play along to classic rock anthems in unison.

Salies-du-Salat, better known for its therapeutic hot springs and small casino than its musical credentials, is inviting all drummers, be they amateur, semi-pro or professional, to sign up for the unique musical gathering on Sunday August 27.

"The idea is to train 33 lines of 33 musicians," said Damien Hervé, the organizer, who played guitar with the Scottish singer Murray Head. The event is part of the commune’s first ever FolieScénies festival.

"The event is not just for drummers," he said. “If some people want to sing, they will be welcome and if others want to play the guitar, all they have to do is plug in their amps.”

Four classic songs, hand-picked from French and British songbooks, will be played: Don't stop me now by Queen, Un autre monde by Téléphone, Message in a bottle by The Police and Un homme pressé by Noir désir.

The live show will be at 14:30 after a morning of rehearsals starting at 9:00. The event will be streamed live on Facebook.

To register for the 1,000 drummer challenge, costing 10 euros, click here (French only)

Salies-du-Salat is 80kms from Toulouse in the direction of Pau.

In July 2015, 1,000 Foo Fighters fans paid homage to the band with a similar mass drumming event: