Watch 374 Bagpipers Set a World Record Performing AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top”

A Massive Gathering in Melbourne

Melbourne has seen its share of loud moments, but nothing quite matched the scene at Federation Square last Wednesday. During The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash, 374 bagpipers gathered to perform AC/DC’s classic “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll).” Nearly 400 players filled the area with a powerful sound, right near the same spot where AC/DC filmed their famous 1976 flatbed-truck video.

The event became even more meaningful when two pipers from the original music video showed up. Les Kenfield and Kevin Conlon, members of the Rats of Tobruk Memorial Pipes and Drums who played with AC/DC almost 50 years ago, joined the performance. Speaking to ABC, Kenfield reflected on the moment. “It didn’t strike you at the time how big this event is until now,” he said. “Now it’s one of the greatest things – probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Breaking Records and Raising Awareness

The huge gathering didn’t just entertain the crowd—it set a new world record. The performance beat Bulgaria’s 2012 record of 333 pipers, making Melbourne’s 374-player effort the new benchmark. But for Kenfield, the record meant more than a number. He hoped the moment would bring attention to a fading tradition. “Piping is really a dying art,” he said. “If everyone over 70 resigned from my band, there would be no band left.”

The event was organized by Campbell Wilson, senior pipe major of the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band. Wilson said the hardest part wasn’t bringing so many bagpipers together—it was tuning them. Bagpipes can be difficult to manage, and he explained why: “Bagpipes are essentially four instruments in one.” With 374 players, tuning became a major challenge.

A Tribute to Rock History

AC/DC’s song remains one of the most famous uses of bagpipes in rock music, so it felt fitting for this event to honor that legacy with such a massive performance. Fans also revisited the original 1976 video, which continues to be one of the band’s most recognizable moments.

Meanwhile, AC/DC are currently touring the country, headlining stadiums with shows that have reportedly caused ground vibrations strong enough to register on the Richter Scale. The timing made the Bagpipe Bash feel even more connected to the band’s history and impact, giving fans a reason to celebrate both past and present.