London is preparing for what may be the most follicly challenged moment in live music history.

American Express presents BST Hyde Park has announced it will host an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. The attempt will take place during the headline set by Pitbull on Friday 10 July, when Hyde Park is expected to transform into a shimmering sea of synthetic scalps.

The idea began, as many great ideas do, on breakfast radio. Radio 1 host Greg James floated the concept on air after Pitbull’s Hyde Park show was announced, calling for fans to unite in bald capped glory. A long time Pitbull fan, James barely finished his sentence before the artist himself got involved, texting to say he was keen to be part of the attempt.

Pitbull, whose global fanbase has enthusiastically embraced his iconic look, wasted no time in rallying supporters. He told fans that every time you put on a bald cap, you know you are about to have the time of your lives, thanking them for their love, commitment and support before signing off with his trademark enthusiasm and a firm Dale.

The record attempt builds on a phenomenon that gathered pace during Pitbull’s recent sold out shows at London’s O2 Arena, where thousands of fans arrived dressed in bald caps. The look went viral, with audiences affectionately dubbing themselves The Bald E’s. Since then, the movement has followed Pitbull across the globe, popping up at shows throughout Europe and beyond as part of his larger than life Mr Worldwide persona.

Now BST Hyde Park is giving the trend its biggest stage yet, inviting fans to take part in a fully adjudicated record attempt by Guinness World Records and, potentially, become part of music history. Tickets for the show are on sale now.

As with any world record, there are rules. All participants must wear bald caps secured firmly on the head, with hair tucked under at the front and top. Hair may hang from the back. Everyone must be gathered together at the same time and remain in position for at least one minute. This is not a casual moment for half hearted baldness.

Darcey Jackson, Director of Talent at AEG Presents European Festivals, said the team was thrilled to host what she described as a truly worldwide record attempt at Pitbull’s show. She added that they have broken world records before, but this one promises to really be the time of their lives, inviting everyone to Hyde Park with a simple call to action. Come one, come all, come bald.

Will Munford, Adjudicator at Guinness World Records, said he was looking forward to overseeing the attempt. He noted that there are few better ways to celebrate a favourite artist than coming together with fellow fans to try something amazing, wishing everyone taking part the best of luck.

Pitbull’s Hyde Park performance on 10 July will also feature special guest Kesha, with more acts still to be announced. If the record is broken, it will be achieved not by lasers or pyrotechnics, but by thousands of fans proudly embracing their inner Bald E and proving that sometimes, less hair really is more.

Tickets: https://www.bst-hydepark.com

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.