Hundreds of bagpipers came together in Melbourne to play AC/DC’s hit It’s a Long Way to the Top, breaking a new record with 374 performers. AP Photo
Melbourne’s Federation Square turned into a lively mix of culture and rock on Wednesday as hundreds of bagpipers gathered to honour AC/DC with a bold world record attempt. The event, known as “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash,” brought 374 pipers together to perform the band’s classic hit It’s a Long Way to the Top. Their combined sound filled the city centre and drew thousands of fans who packed the square for the moment.
The location carried special meaning. The square sits steps from Swanston Street, the spot where AC/DC filmed the well-known 1976 video of the band performing the song on the back of a moving truck. That memorable scene helped cement the song’s place in rock history.
The record attempt also came hours before AC/DC returned to the stage for their first Australian show in ten years. Guitarist Angus Young, now 70, remains the only current band member who appeared in that original video. His presence added more excitement to an already spirited day.
A Mix of Ages, Memories, and Music
Pipers of all ages took part, from teenagers to older musicians, including one performer who reached 98. Many of them struggled through tightly packed crowds to reach the stage as fans pressed in for a better view.
Two of the performers, Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, carried deep personal ties to the event. Both played with AC/DC during the truck performance nearly five decades ago. Kenfield reflected on the moment with pride, saying, “It didn’t strike you at the time how big this event is until now. Now it’s one of the greatest things — probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
Once organizers confirmed that the pipers had set a new record, the group treated the crowd to a surprise. First came Happy Birthday, followed by a heartfelt version of Amazing Grace that drew loud cheers and a sea of glowing phone screens.
A New Record on the Books
The Australian Book of Records confirmed the new total of 374 pipers, breaking the previous record of 333 set in Bulgaria in 2012. The more widely known Guinness organization had not been contacted to review the attempt, but the excitement in the square seemed more than enough for those who attended.
Fans wearing AC/DC shirts filled nearly every corner of the venue. When organizers asked who planned to go to the concert afterward, dozens of hands shot up. For many, the bagpipe tribute felt like the perfect warm-up.
Fans Travel Great Distances
Some fans missed the performance only because of their dedication to the concert itself. Keegan Kohler, a 23-year-old from Ohio, had waited outside the stadium since before sunrise to be first in line. He has seen the tour across several U.S. cities but believes nothing will compare to seeing the band in Australia. “I think Aussie crowds are going to be way better than the U.S.,” he said.
He wasn’t alone. Stephen Scott, a real estate agent from North Carolina, also made the long trip after seeing shows in Europe and across America. He called the chance to see the band in Australia “the first opportunity really to do it and maybe the last.” His fiancée, Amber Thompson, joined him for the journey, noting that his passion for the band made the long trip worthwhile.
