Melbourne, Australia witnessed a historic moment on Wednesday as 374 bagpipers gathered to perform AC/DC’s iconic rock anthem, “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” The mass performance, dubbed “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash,” successfully broke a world record for the most bagpipers playing a single song simultaneously.
This vibrant event took place at Federation Square, a location deeply connected to the band’s history. It is the same street where AC/DC famously filmed their 1976 music video for the song, playing on the back of a moving flatbed truck.
Key Takeaways
- 374 bagpipers set a new world record in Melbourne.
- They performed AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.”
- The event coincided with AC/DC's first Australian concert in a decade.
- Two original pipers from the 1976 music video participated.
- The previous record was held by 333 pipers in Bulgaria.
A Return to Rock and Roll Roots
The record-breaking performance served as a prelude to AC/DC's highly anticipated concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, their first Australian show in ten years. The energy in Federation Square was palpable, with thousands of spectators filling the area, many sporting AC/DC merchandise.
Guitarist Angus Young, 70, is the only current band member who participated in the original 1976 music video. His presence on the current tour brings a direct link to the band’s storied past.
Record-Breaking Numbers
- Number of Pipers: 374
- Previous Record: 333 pipers (Bulgaria, 2012)
- Oldest Piper: 98 years old
- Years Since Original Video: 49
Veterans of the Original Performance
Among the hundreds of pipers were Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, two members of the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums. They had played alongside AC/DC on the truck nearly five decades ago.
“It didn’t strike you at the time how big this event is until now,” Kenfield said. “Now it’s one of the greatest things — probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Their participation added a profound historical layer to the event, connecting generations of fans and musicians.
The Atmosphere in Federation Square
The square was a sea of excitement. Pipers, some elderly, navigated through the dense crowd to reach the stage area. The collective sound of 374 bagpipes playing the iconic rock anthem filled the air, creating a truly unique sonic experience.
After being officially declared world record holders by the Australian Book of Records, the pipers continued to entertain the crowd. They played “Happy Birthday” by request, followed by an impromptu rendition of “Amazing Grace,” drawing cheers and applause from the captivated audience. Many onlookers recorded the moment on their phones.
AC/DC's Melbourne Connection
Melbourne holds a special place in AC/DC's history. Swanston Street, where Federation Square is located, was the backdrop for their memorable 1976 music video. This connection made the record attempt particularly resonant for fans and the band alike, reinforcing their Australian roots.
Global Fans Flock to Australia
The excitement surrounding AC/DC’s return to Australia extended far beyond local fans. Enthusiasts traveled thousands of miles to witness the band's performances in their home country.
Keegan Kohler, a 23-year-old electrician from Columbus, Ohio, exemplifies this dedication. He arrived at the concert stadium at 4:50 a.m. to secure a prime spot. Kohler had already attended several shows on AC/DC’s “Power Up Tour” in the United States, including Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Pittsburgh.
He expressed high expectations for the Australian leg of the tour.
“I think Aussie crowds are going to be way better than the U.S.,” Kohler stated. “I think it’s going to be more eventful, more head banging, more excitement with the crowds.”
Kohler planned to attend two shows in Melbourne and one in Sydney, the band's hometown.
A Shared Passion for Rock and Roll
Outside the stadium, Kohler reconnected with Stephen Scott, a 33-year-old real estate agent from Charlotte, North Carolina. The two had first met in line at an AC/DC concert in Detroit.
Scott had seen the current tour multiple times across Europe and the United States. His journey to Australia was driven by a long-held desire to see the band perform in their homeland.
“I’ve always talked about wanting to see them here. This is the first opportunity really to do it and maybe the last,” Scott commented, highlighting the significance of the moment for dedicated fans.
Scott’s fiancée, Amber Thompson, a 31-year-old artist, accompanied him on the 10,000-mile journey. She acknowledged Scott’s deep passion for the band.
“I enjoy it, but I probably wouldn’t be here if I didn’t know him,” Thompson said, referring to Scott as the true fan.
The record-breaking bagpipe performance and the influx of international fans underscore the enduring global appeal of AC/DC, nearly five decades after their iconic “It’s a Long Way to the Top” video first graced the streets of Melbourne.