Melbourne Shatters World Record: 374 Pipers Honor AC/DC's 'It’s a Long Way to the Top'

On November 12, 2025, Melbourne hosted an extraordinary musical spectacle, transforming Federation Square into the stage for a massive gathering of bagpipers. A total of 374 pipers convened with the specific goal of establishing a new world record for the largest bagpipe ensemble ever assembled. This monumental flash mob served as a powerful homage to the iconic AC/DC track, It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll). The original music video for this rock anthem was famously filmed in 1976 on Swanston Street, located just a few hundred meters from the site of the current event.

The event far surpassed the original 1976 video in terms of sheer scale, precision, and emotional impact. Pipers traveled from various parts of Victoria and even journeyed across the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to participate in this unique moment of musical history. Guiding this massive orchestra was Campbell Wilson, the Senior Piper of the City of Melbourne Pipe Band, who described the occasion as “a milestone in the history of the global piping community.”

Adding a particularly poignant layer to the atmosphere was Les Kenfield, a member of the Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band and a participant in the original 1976 AC/DC music video shoot. Nearly five decades after his initial involvement, Kenfield found himself once again at the heart of the action. He confessed that this day represented the “greatest act of his life,” underscoring the deep connection between the past and the present performance.

The timing of the performance amplified its significance, as it coincided with an AC/DC concert scheduled for the same evening at the MCG stadium. This created a significant cultural resonance, seamlessly bridging the band's history with its contemporary presence. Federation Square, situated only minutes away from the original filming location, became a magnet for thousands of spectators who gathered to applaud not just the music, but also the enduring legacy being honored.

The previous world record, which stood at 333 pipers and was set in Sofia in 2012, was officially broken and documented by the Australian Book of Records. The new figure of 374 participants did more than just eclipse the former achievement; it symbolized a profound unity among generations, brought together under the banner of a rock legend and the traditional national instrument.

The ensemble showcased remarkable diversity, featuring musicians ranging widely in age and experience. Among the participants were students from Scotch College, alongside a 98-year-old musician, who was recognized as the oldest piper in the entire formation.

Following the official record attempt, the ensemble delighted the crowd with further performances. At the request of the thrilled spectators, the pipers performed a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” They concluded the incredible gathering with a moving and powerful performance of “Amazing Grace,” providing a fitting and emotional finale to the day's events.

Ultimately, this event served as a vibrant, living testament to the power of music to unite eras, dissolve boundaries, and inspire truly great collective achievements across the globe.