Image: Chris Hemsworth surprises fans as drummer at Ed Sheeran concert [YouTube, National Geographic]
Actor Chris Hemsworth is surely best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel franchise. But even outside of Asgard, he has set himself big goals, as can be seen in the National Geographic series "Limitless: Live Better Now". This series, in which Hemsworth takes on numerous challenges for a better, longer, and healthier life, will enter its second round in 2025. And as part of season 2, the actor set himself the goal of learning to play the drums in just two months – and not just for television. The goal: to perform in front of 70,000 people at the concert of singer-songwriter star Ed Sheeran.
Ben Gordon from Parkway Drive as coach
Playing the drums takes skill, and for a concert of this scale, two months is a tight schedule. But with the right coach, Chris Hemsworth actually achieved his goal. Ben Gordon from Parkway Drive taught him on the drums before his performance – the two have known each other for years. The result could be heard live by 70,000 fans in the Bucharest National Arena in Romania.
On Instagram, Ben from Parkway Drive has already shared some behind-the-scenes photos, as well as a message to the fans:
"Check out my mate @chrishemsworth smashing it on the drums with the legend @teddysphotos !"
However, it was not an easy path to the stage. Ben not only talks about the fun but also about the challenges of coaching Chris Hemsworth:
Naturally, Chris Hemsworth also reached his limits along the way, as he stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. After all, a big performance was on the schedule:
"And about two weeks out, I realized I didn’t know the song. I was in the space of no return. It was too late basically. So I went home and started drumming, and I literally blistered up my fingers that week. When I did the show, I had band-aids all over my fingers. So I thought of nothing else, and while it’s not the best way of working, I operate a little better in that space sometimes. Fear can be a pretty good motivator until it’s breathing down your neck. Sometimes, the reality is not as vivid. So I certainly was terrified, but the experience and the elation and the somewhat out-of-body feeling that I was absorbed in while playing — and then, afterward, the kick of endorphins — was unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced."
A look behind the scenes is available here:
Also check out the trailer for the full season:
