A former Lyme Regis school pupil who led more than 2,000 guitarists into the record books as ‘Britain’s biggest band’ will be taking part in a massive rock tour years after giving up performing.

Ben Kapur, former musical director of Guitars On The Beach, in 2013 drew guitarists from all over Britain to set the UK record for the largest guitar band playing simultaneously - as 2,267 artists performed Buddy Holly’s Rave On.

During the 2014 performance, Mr Kapur was tipped for success by the other artists such as Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan- who performed Smoke On the Water on the beach before jamming with Dorset-based guitar legend Robbie McIntosh- who played with Paul McCartney.

Ben Kapur [3rd left, striped shirt] with GOTB house band and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan [centre, in black].Ben Kapur (third left, striped shirt) with GOTB house band and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan (centre, in black). (Image: Geoff Baker)

Now 32, after giving up the guitar to pursue a career as a photographer and fireman, Mr Kapur is picking up the guitar again for a theatre show on a 78-date nationwide tour which starts in September this year.

The show, called The Story Of Guitar Heroes, was created by Weymouth-based Phil Walker, who chose Mr Kapur ahead of hundreds of other hopefuls for the spot.

The Story of Guitar Heroes aims to recreate the sound and ambience of the greatest artists of the instrument of all time in a concert style production. It will journey through more than 50 years of iconic hits from guitar legends such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Hank Marvin, Chuck Berry, Mark Knopfler and many more.

Ben Kapur [right] performs with guitar legend Robbie McIntoshBen Kapur [right] performs with guitar legend Robbie McIntosh (Image: Geoff Baker)

Mr Kapur, said: “It’s bonkers- this is my dream gig and my first-ever tour. I’m very excited.”

Speaking about how he got involved in the production, Mr Kapur said: “A mate saw an ad saying Guitar Heroes was looking for a new player and urged me to apply.

“I didn’t think I would get it. Now I’m just buzzing and I can not wait to get on stage.

“Guitar Heroes is not a tribute band, it’s a theatre show playing the greatest songs of all the guitar legends exactly as they played them.

Ben KapurBen Kapur (Image: Geoff Baker)

Mr Kapur added that he has to learn around 30 iconic songs and will perform in almost 80 gigs between September and May 2025.

Performances will take place across the UK, from Belfast to Halifax, Crawley and Eastbourne. Guitar Heroes will be performed at the Lighthouse in Poole on Saturday, September 28, and at the Weymouth Pavilion on Friday, March 28.

For more information on the show, and how to book tickets, visit https://www.storyofguitarheroes.com/