Does a city called Wroclaw ring a bell? It’s my hometown. And it’s known for a few things, but one is closely related to this blog’s subject matter.

Every year in May, the city is frequented by thousands of guitar music enthusiasts, both amateurs and professional players, who attempt to break the world record for the largest guitar ensemble.

In 2025, for the first time in my life, my visit to Wroclaw coincided with this special event. And the timing couldn’t have been better because one of Australia’s greatest guitarists, Orianthi, was invited to form part of it, too.

PART 224 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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If you’re into guitar-driven music, you’ll know that Jimi Hendrix’s version of “Hey Joe” is an indisputable rock music standard. Anybody who wants to be somebody in the music biz knows that famous riff. The track is also the reason I’m writing this post today.

Leszek Cichoński is a blues-rock artist from Poland. In 1997, he had a crazy idea during a music workshop. He encouraged 17 guitarists to play the timeless classic together on stage. But that was only step one in his plan. Fast-forward six years, and he convinced a major city in Poland to make it an official challenge.

The objective was to break the Guinness World Record for the largest guitar ensemble. Previously, this achievement was attributed to the American instrument maker Epiphone, part of the Gibson family, which brought together 1555 guitar amateurs.

Unfortunately, the first Guitar World Record attempt in Wroclaw was unsuccessful. Less than 600 fretted instrument fans showed up in 2003. It didn’t happen in the next two years, either.

But Leszek Cichoński is not the one to give up so easily. He patiently pursued his dream. And finally, in 2006, it was made possible thanks to 1581 guitarists.

This is not the end of this story, though. The organisers took it upon themselves to break their own record. Since then, every year on May 1st, Wroclaw has been the guitar capital of the world.

There have been ups and downs in those 20+ years. Sometimes, the record has been set again. On other occasions, not enough players have registered to change the score.

There have been some interesting stats as well. In 2007, for example, the ensemble was very international. Guitar lovers from New York, Berlin, and Budapest tuned in remotely. And between 2008 and 2009, there was a sudden spike in interest: 1951 guitarists turned into 6346.

Recently, that number has been steadily rising, although not as spectacularly as before. From 2018 to 2023, each attempt was successful. But last year, it stalled again. So, the pressure was on in 2025.

To gain more exposure and encourage greater fan participation, Guitar World Record organisers regularly invite Polish and international music celebrities. Some pretty big names have visited Wroclaw on that occasion over the years. Amongst them are Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Leon Hendrix (Jimi’s brother), Jennifer Batten (who worked with Michael Jackson), Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss), and Steve Vai. In 2025, Bob Marley’s guitarist, Al Anderson, helped set the new record.

And this is where Orianthi (real name Orianthi Penny Panagaris) comes into play.

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The multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist hails from Adelaide, South Australia (SA). She is of Greek and Australian heritage.

Interestingly, her first instrument was the piano. She picked up the guitar at six at her father’s encouragement. When she was 11, she learnt to play the electric guitar. Gradually, she started joining bands, songwriting and recording her own compositions. 

At about 15, a musical fairy tale started happening for Orianthi. She played a live show for Steve Vai. Three years later, she jammed with Carlos Santana. 

She also crushed it with her independently released debut album, Violet Journey, having contributed nearly all the material, guitar, vocals, drums, production and mixing herself. With Carlos Santana’s endorsement, she moved to LA and signed with Geffen. And the rest is history.

Alice Cooper, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Prince, and Michael Jackson are just a few of the most significant artists she has worked with. She’s a well-respected session and touring guitarist with a successful solo career, too.

Additionally, Orianthi has frequently appeared on TV shows, like American Idol, and collaborated with film and video game makers. She was named one of the 12 Best Female Electric Guitar Players by Elle Magazine in 2009 already. 

So it’s no surprise that she was one of the stars of the 2025 Guitar World Record event in Wroclaw.

She performed two songs: Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” and Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”. Later, she joined other musicians on stage for the grand finale.

Orianthi also played a proper show during the 3Majówka Festival in Wrocław in the evening that same day. And judging by the number of punters who turned up to see her, Poland might have just become her new favourite touring stop.

And just before you ask: yes, this year’s attempt was successful. 8122 fretted instrument fans performed “Hey Joe” together that day, setting a new Guinness World Record.

So here’s an idea for the organisers. Maybe more influential Australian guitar players should put Wroclaw on their touring map and stop by the event?

And if you’re a guitarist yourself, next year’s event has already been locked in. So save the date – May 1st – and brush up on those chords. See you in my hometown in 2026!

_{Cover photo: Marek Maziarz + supplied}

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Watch the historic performance below:

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