The Big Bass Drum has been part of Purdue's football culture since 1921. That was the year that it was built by Indianapolis-based Leedy Corp. and introduced to the band by Bands Director Paul Spotts Emrick.
When placed on its carriage -- the drum is so immense, it needs to be carted around by four band members who are selected, according to the Purdue, "for their strength and agility" -- it stands more than 10 feet tall. The drum is eight feet in diameter and four feet wide.
Numerous celebrities, including Neil Armstrong and Harry Truman, have signed the drum's heads over the years. Signed drum heads are on display at Purdue's band facility.
Oh, and as to that claim that the drum is the world's largest? Well, there's some debate about that, because the University of Texas believes its signature drum -- known as Big Bertha -- is actually larger than Purdue's.
