Hundreds of bagpipers made rock history in Melbourne by smashing the world record for the largest bagpipe ensemble, joining forces to play AC/DC’s legendary anthem “It’s a Long Way to the Top”—a moment that celebrated the band’s Australian roots while electrifying a global community of fans.
How Melbourne Became the World Epicenter for Bagpipes and Rock & Roll
On November 12, 2025, Melbourne’s Federation Square erupted with the thunderous sound of bagpipes as 374 pipers transformed AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top” into both a world record and a communal spectacle. The location carried deep symbolism: it’s just steps from Swanston Street, immortalized in AC/DC’s unforgettable 1976 film clip where the band played atop a moving flatbed truck—a moment widely regarded as one of the most legendary intersections of rock and street performance.
The “Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash” was more than an event; it was a musical pilgrimage celebrating both Australian rock heritage and the global language of fan devotion. The pipers’ unified rendition drew thousands of onlookers and rivaled the energy outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where AC/DC was set to deliver its first Australian concert in a decade.
The Record: Numbers, Nostalgia, and Legacy
Officially certified by the Australian Book of Records, the Melbourne gathering broke the previous record of 333 pipers (set in Bulgaria in 2012), dramatically raising the bar for musical mass participation. Organizers confirmed not only the magnitude—with the oldest piper at 98—but also the emotional resonance.
Among the ensemble were Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, founding members of the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums, who had a unique claim to AC/DC lore as original performers in the 1976 street clip. Kenfield described the moment as “probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” encapsulating the deep personal meaning such world records can hold for lifelong music lovers.
- 374 pipers formed the new world record ensemble in Melbourne
- Two participants, Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, were part of AC/DC’s original 1976 video
- The previous record of 333 pipers stood for over a decade
The better-known Guinness World Records still recognizes the Bulgarian achievement, as it had not been approached regarding the Melbourne attempt. However, the presence of multiple record adjudicators and Australia’s own certifying body gave this celebration its official stamp.
The Song: ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ and Its Timeless Power
No classic rock hit is more uniquely entwined with the bagpipe than “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Released in 1975 and famously featuring Bon Scott’s bagpipes, the track became both anthem and myth. Its music video singlehandedly transformed Swanston Street into hallowed pop culture ground, while its genre-crossover energy helped cement AC/DC’s global status.
That the record-breaking performance landed on the eve of an AC/DC stadium concert in Melbourne—featuring Angus Young, the band’s only remaining member from the 1976 shoot—created a symbolic bridge between generations of fans, musicians, and the city itself.
What This Moment Means for Fans and Rock Historians
Fandom for AC/DC isn’t local—it’s global, generational, and, as demonstrated in Melbourne, intensely communal. Fans like Keegan Kohler (who traveled from Ohio and camped outside the stadium from 4:50 a.m.) and Stephen Scott (a real estate agent from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has followed the band across continents) underscore the band’s draw. In Kohler’s words, “I think Aussie crowds are going to be way better than the U.S… more head banging, more excitement.”
This shared experience—between diehard American tourists, lifelong Australian fans, and the musicians themselves—reflected the intensity of a fan culture that continually finds new ways to participate in the band’s legacy. For AC/DC, musical milestones aren’t just moments; they’re points of communal identity and celebration.
Why This Record Matters: Echoes for the Music World and Community
By bringing together rock music and traditional Scottish bagpipes at world record scale, the event spotlighted both the power of genre-blending and the hunger for large-scale, joyous participation post-pandemic. The performance of AC/DC’s classic, along with beloved tunes like “Happy Birthday” and “Amazing Grace,” turned the city square into a massive musical commons, breaking more than just records—it shattered boundaries of style and age.
For Melbourne, the world record was a tribute to its place in musical history. For fans, it was an invitation to join a wider family—one bonded by the hard edge of electric rock and the soaring cry of pipes. For AC/DC, whose influence shows no sign of waning, it’s proof that even after 50 years, their music is still making—and breaking—history.
- Blending traditional and contemporary musical worlds enriches both genres
- Large-scale musical gatherings foster community and shared joy
- World records remain a powerful form of fan-driven tribute
Looking Forward: AC/DC’s Enduring Impact and the Unbroken Spirit of Fans
As the band hits the stage for its “Power Up Tour” and fans converge in cities across the globe, the Melbourne bagpipe event stands as a testament to the living, breathing legacy of AC/DC. It’s not just about big numbers—it’s about people, tradition, and the enduring call of rock and roll.
For those who witnessed or participated in this record, or who streamed it or followed it from afar, the message is clear: after nearly half a century, the journey for AC/DC and their global fanbase is still a long—and remarkable—way to the top.
For more on the global impact of AC/DC, their records, and classic anthems, see AP News and the Guinness World Records official list.
