Longest career as a band member

John Gannon (Ireland, b. 27 May 1918) has been a registered member of the St James’s Brass and Reed Band (est. 1800) since 22 March 1936, taking his continuous active service with the band to 81 years as of 22 March 2017. He became a life member of the band in 1961, after 25 years' service.

John was 98 years 299 days old when he achieved his record. He actually joined the band in 1934 but didn't formally become a member until he fully signed up and started paying subscriptions in 1936. He became a life member of the band in 1961, after 25 years’ service, at which time he became exempt from paying subs. His son John joined the band in 1975 and plays trumpet. While he has limited his playing in recent years, he most recently attended the band's AGM in February 2017.