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The Purdue band in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Purdue band in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Purdue's 'Big Bass Drum' to Miss 1st Performance Since 1979; Can't Fit Through Tunnel

Rob GoldbergSep 16, 2021

Purdue's iconic Big Bass Drum has been seen and heard at football games for the past 100 years, but it will be conspicuously absent for Saturday's game against Notre Dame.

Gregg Doyel of the Indy Star noted the All American Marching Band will not be able to use the drum on the road at Notre Dame Stadium:

Known as the World's Largest Drum, the instrument made its first appearance at a football game in 1921 and currently weighs 565 pounds.

The band showed off the drum during a recent interview on This is Purdue:

Purdue will now have to go without the drum for Saturday's game, which could add fuel to the rivalry between the two Indiana schools.