It’s a long way to the top – but Melbourne’s bagpipers are ready to give it a crack. In a tribute to AC/DC’s most iconic music moment, Fed Square will host The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash on Wednesday 12 November, calling on pipers from across Victoria to gather, tune up and help smash a world record.
Presented by Fed Square and supported by City of Melbourne and ABC Radio Melbourne, the event pays homage to the legendary 1976 It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) video, filmed on Swanston Street with Bon Scott and the Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band on a flatbed truck.
Nearly 50 years on, that moment remains etched into Melbourne’s rock history – and now, the city is ready to turn the volume back up.
The challenge? To beat Bulgaria’s long-standing world record of 333 pipers performing together, set in 2012. With AC/DC returning to Melbourne this summer for their long-awaited MCG shows, organisers are expecting hundreds of pipers to fill the square in a thunderous sea of tartan, drones and rock ’n’ roll energy.
Anyone with a set of pipes -from seasoned pros to enthusiastic learners – can register, download the sheet music, and join the attempt. Costumes are encouraged: kilts, school uniforms or even skinny jeans in true Angus Young style.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece says it’s a chance to bring the city together in celebration, while Katrina Sedgwick, CEO of MAP Co, describes the event as a perfect reflection of Melbourne’s creative spirit.
Whether you’re playing, cheering or covering your ears, this is one gig you won’t want to miss. Registration details and sheet music are available via fedsquare.com.
