The Kids in Air-merica

EIGHTIES songstress Kim Wilde secured a world record at the weekend after performing her hits 43,000ft in the air.

The Codicote-based popstar took to the skies with Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley and EastEnders’ Shane Richie to celebrate British Airways’ partnership with Comic Relief, securing the Highest Concert record.

A red-nosed Boeing 767 took the 128-strong audience up to the record-breaking height. The Kids in America singer is no stranger to performing in unusual spots after a video of her performing on a train over Christmas became a YouTube viral sensation. She said: “I’m becoming an old hand at performing on public transport. In fact I’m getting a bit of a taste for it, so when British Airways asked me to play at 43,000ft I simply couldn’t resist. It was great fun and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”

In order to break the previous Guinness World Record held by James Blunt at 42,080ft, the artists had to perform a 15-minute set at higher altitude, accompanied by musical instruments. 
They lasted 22 minutes and 36 seconds at 43,000ft.

Kim was joined by her brother Ricky on guitar and rose to the challenge belting out You Came, You Keep Me Hangin’ On and Kids in America, while Tony Hadley enthralled the crowd with acoustic renditions of True, Gold and a cover of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

As well as the highest gig award, passengers secured the highest Harlem Shake record.