Chris Hemsworth is known for wielding a mighty hammer as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it turns out he can handle drumsticks just as well!
The Australian actor surprised about 70,000 fans at Ed Sheeran’s concert in Bucharest, Romania, on August 24th with a special appearance as a drummer.
This unexpected performance is part of Hemsworth’s ongoing journey to push his limits, both mentally and physically, as featured in his docuseries Limitless With Chris Hemsworth.
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A Marvelous Surprise on Stage
During Ed Sheeran’s hit song Thinking Out Loud, the crowd was blissfully unaware that the man behind the drum kit was none other than Chris Hemsworth.
As the song wrapped up, Sheeran finally revealed the secret, asking the audience to “make some noise for Chris Hemsworth.”
The fans erupted in applause, amazed that the Hollywood star had been on stage the entire time, keeping rhythm like a seasoned musician.
But how did this collaboration come about?
Sheeran shared that Hemsworth reached out to him in December 2023, expressing an interest in learning the drums as part of his exploration of cognitive health.
This journey is part of Hemsworth’s show, Limitless, where he tackles various challenges to enhance his mental and physical well-being.
“He came to visit me, and he’s learned drums,” Sheeran explained in a video posted on Instagram.
Hemsworth himself added with a grin, “I’ve been thinking about it… a lot. It’ll be nice to put this one to bed.”
Drumming for a Cause: Behind the Scenes of Limitless
Hemsworth’s drumming debut isn’t just a new skill to add to his repertoire – it’s part of his proactive approach to managing his health.
During the first season of Limitless, Hemsworth discovered that he has a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease, which means he is 8 to 10 times more likely to develop the condition.
With Alzheimer’s already affecting his grandfather, Hemsworth is taking steps to mitigate his risk, including exploring the benefits of learning new skills like playing the drums.
Research has shown that learning a musical instrument can have significant cognitive benefits, including improving memory and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
For Hemsworth, drumming isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to keep his mind sharp and delay the potential onset of Alzheimer’s.
This thoughtful and determined approach to his health is at the heart of Limitless, where Hemsworth continually challenges himself to discover how to live better and longer.
A Trophy-Worthy Performance
After the concert, Sheeran didn’t let Hemsworth’s efforts go unnoticed.
Backstage, he presented Hemsworth with a unique trophy, a hand-holding drumsticks, as a “participation award” for “drumming excellence.”
It was a lighthearted moment that capped off an evening full of unexpected twists and turns.
Hemsworth’s drumming debut is just another example of how this Hollywood star continues to push his limits, both on and off the screen.
Whether he’s playing a superhero in the MCU or taking on new challenges in Limitless, Chris Hemsworth proves time and time again that he’s more than just a one-trick pony.
And now, thanks to his performance with Ed Sheeran, fans can add “drummer” to his ever-growing list of talents.
