Wilco’s annual Solid Sound Festival brought extra whimsy to North Adams, Massachusetts, over the weekend when the band teamed up with yo-yo performer John Higby, The Breeders, and thousands of attendees to set a new world record for the largest simultaneous yo-yo event.
On Saturday, June 27th, they all gathered at Joe’s Field with 5,000 special-edition yo-yos provided by Ben & Jerry’s and Duncan Toys Company, shattering the previous record of 2,036 people spinning yo-yos together.
Higby, a native of Western Massachusetts and multi-Guinness World Record holder, hosted the record-breaking event. He later gave a separate performance in which he balanced on a giant rolling yo-yo.
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“An absolute dream come true!” Higby wrote in an Instagram post about his overall experience. “7000 people! My heroes @solidsoundfest My heroes @wilco @thebreeders @poomis @jonsteinmeier @jordanklepper”
Check out photos and video from the yo-yo world record at Solid Sound Festival below.
Solid Sound Festival took place June 26th through 28th at MASS MoCA, featuring performances from Wilco, The Breeders, Billy Bragg, Gang of Four, special guest Natalie Merchant, and more. Other non-musical programming included John Hodgman’s Comedy Cabaret.
Wilco are currently on a tour that will run through the summer and fall (get tickets here), while The Breeders will resume their own trek (get tickets here) in August.
