The fastest fiddle player is Frankie Gavin (Ireland) who played “The Foxhunter’s Reel” at 150 bpm. The live performance took place at the Aula Maxima at the National University of Ireland (Galway), in Co. Galway, Ireland, on 20 September 2010.

A fiddle is the same instrument as a violin, but the styles in which they are played varies greatly. The violin is played slowly and normally with more classical pieces, whereas the fiddle is played at a fast pace and with more upbeat music. This category was opened after it was decided the two styles of playing were different enough to warrant separate categories, and required two different pieces of notation for the attempts. 

Frankie has recorded 16 albums with the band De Dannan. This record was set to co-incide with Arthur’s Day on 23rd September 2010. They are launching a new album on the same day which features Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. The band has performed for 3 US Presidents amongst many other dignitaries. For details on the band see http://www.vimeo.com/14548060.Repeat performance of attempt was broadcasted on national TV and radio.