Parkway Drive drummer Ben Gordon is set to appear in the new docuseries ‘Limitless: Live Better Now’, where he plays a key role in teaching Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth how to play drums — all in preparation for a massive onstage performance with Ed Sheeran in front of 70,000 fans.
The series, a follow-up to Hemsworth’s popular ‘Limitless’, premieres August 15 on Disney+ and Hulu, with a National Geographic debut following on August 25. Shot over two years across six countries, ‘Limitless: Live Better Now’ follows Hemsworth as he pushes himself physically and mentally in pursuit of healthier, more meaningful living — including climbing a 600-foot wall in the Swiss Alps, undergoing South Korean Special Forces training, and learning to play drums from scratch.
The first episode, titled “Brain Power”, sees Hemsworth take on the daunting challenge of performing live with Ed Sheeran — with just two months to prepare.
In a recent appearance on Australia’s Today, Ben Gordon discussed how his friendship with Hemsworth led to him becoming the actor’s drum coach.
“Yeah, it was good fun, actually. I’ve been friends with Chris for about seven, eight years now. We met through a mutual friend when he moved to Byron, and we’ve been mates ever since. When he got challenged by Ed Sheeran to learn drums for Limitless, I guess I was the obvious choice because I’m his only friend who’s a professional drummer. Initially, I was just going to help behind the scenes, but they ended up filming our sessions and made it part of the episode.”
When asked whether Hemsworth had any drumming talent, Gordon kept it honest.
“No, [he laughs] I have to qualify that — when he first came to me, he was really bad. But I have a lot of admiration for him because the point of the episode was to take on something he wasn’t naturally good at. He’s very talented in many areas, but he had no rhythm. He was a complete novice. That’s what made it so challenging and fun — he had the physique but lacked the coordination. Still, he got there in the end.”
The series features an impressive lineup of contributors including Gordon, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar, palliative care expert Dr. BJ Miller, neuroscientist Abigail Marsh, free solo climber Steph Davis, MMA fighter Kim Dong-hyun, and motocross legend Robbie Maddison, among others.
The official description for the “Brain Power” episode reads:
“Inspired by the benefits of learning a new skill, which aids memory and cognitive function, Chris Hemsworth takes up drumming. When he is invited to join Ed Sheeran onstage at a stadium concert, Chris has just months to master the instrument and conquer his nerves to perform in front of 70,000 fans. It’s a challenge that pushes him beyond his limits.”
Hemsworth also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the nerve-wracking experience.
“I was in and out of a press tour at the time. I had other work obligations. I have three kids, and I couldn’t cancel them, so they were still there,” he said with a laugh. “Two weeks out, it hit me — I didn’t know the song. It was too late. I went home and started drumming non-stop. I literally blistered up my fingers. I had Band-Aids all over them when I played the show.”
He added:
“I was terrified, but the experience — the adrenaline, the endorphin rush, the feeling of playing in front of 70,000 people — was unlike anything else. I was part of something much bigger than myself. It felt like a kind of universal connection. I’m very thankful for it.”
[Via Blabbermouth]
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