Blow me! Paratrooper turned musician still holds world record 10 years on
A musician is still playing his victory tune ten years after writing his name in the history books with a new Guinness World Record.
Phil Palmer, from Westcroft, Wolverhampton, scooped the record for the longest sustained note using a wind or brass instrument using his clarinet in 2006.
The 63-year-old, who has been running his music tuition business Musicland in Griffiths Drive, Ashmore Park since 1993, sustained his record note for a sensational one minute, 13.38 seconds.
He was judged by Guinness World Record officials and Wednesfield Councillor Phil Bateman, and a football referee blew his whistle to kick off and finish the attempt.
Mr Palmer, who spent 12 years as a paratrooper in the 60s and 70s, said: "When I discovered the previous record I was surprised, I thought I could do it quite easily.
"It was held by a German who recorded it on a tenor horn. A lot of organising went into it, I had to organise a decibel counter and get judges and a football referee.
"I practised a lot of breathing techniques. I actually did a minute and three quarters in one practice. I'd have liked another go to set a longer record.
"It was good fun to do, it's another thing I can say I've done."
Mr Palmer has passed down his musical knowledge to his son Danny, who plays guitar and daughter Stephanie, who also plays clarinet.
"His seven-year-old granddaughter Lily also has the musical bug, and is getting keyboard lessons at the shop.
In a long and illustrious music career, Mr Palmer once once played for Prince Charles in Berlin when he was in the Army. He has also appeared played for Army officer John Frost when he appeared on This Is Your Life in 1977.
Mr Palmer is accomplished on many instruments including the clarinet, keyboard and guitar, but his talents also stretch to playing household applicances.
He appeared on TV show What's My Line playing the vacuum cleaner in front of Angela Rippon.
He said: "I certainly think I've made the most of my time, I've had a few experiences. Now I'm really enjoying passing on my knowledge to the next generation."
