Melbourne’s Federation Square turned into a sea of tartan on Wednesday as 374 bagpipers made history, breaking the world record for the largest-ever bagpipe ensemble. Thousands of spectators packed the CBD to witness the mass performance of AC/DC’s anthem “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll),” a song forever linked with the city’s rock heritage.
The previous record of 333 pipers, set in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012, was blown away as musicians from across Victoria gathered to contribute their pipes to the attempt. For a few hours, Fed Square echoed with the unmistakable drone of bagpipes, blending tradition with rock ’n’ roll in a uniquely Australian spectacle.
The event carried special significance, coming nearly 50 years after AC/DC filmed the iconic music video for the same track along Swanston Street, just steps away from the square. That clip famously featured lead singer Bon Scott playing alongside members of the Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band, cementing the bagpipe’s place in Australian rock history.
Among Wednesday’s performers was Les Kenfield, one of the original pipers from the 1976 video. Despite his legendary status, Kenfield admitted to feeling nervous before stepping onto the stage again, saying the scale of the record-breaking ensemble gave him jitters.
The performance was not only a nod to AC/DC’s legacy but also a celebration of Melbourne’s vibrant music culture. With the band set to play their first Australian concert in a decade at the nearby MCG, the timing of the record attempt added to the city’s electric atmosphere.
Organizers hailed the achievement as a triumph of community spirit, bringing together school bands, veteran pipers, and newcomers alike. For the crowd, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment: the sound of hundreds of bagpipes roaring in unison to a rock classic that has defined generations.
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