A sea of checks and shiny pipe instruments: In Australia Melbourne 374 bagpipe players together set a new world record. Thousands of spectators turned out as obligatory kilts blew in the wind and the strains of AC/DC’s iconic rock song “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” filled downtown.
“Absolutely spectacular”
The “Australian Book of Records” this morning confirmed that participants would receive new ones on Wednesday World record has been set. “Congratulations to all the pipers who have given thousands of spectators one of the greatest spectacles and sound experiences ever produced by a world record in Australia – truly spectacular,” the website says. This new record was not initially listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
The previous record was 333 players and was set in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012. The new world record was set nearly 50 years after Australian hard rock band AC/DC’s iconic 1976 music video for the same song was created. The video was also shot in Melbourne’s city center and features singer Bon Scott along with bagpipers from the Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band.
The oldest participant was 98 years old
From young players to veterans whose instruments have been cared for for decades, all are represented in the recording effort. Among them is 98-year-old Bruce Hocking, who is not only the oldest member of the ensemble, but also a living legend among bagpipes. According to the Australian Book of Records, Hocking has been playing the bagpipes since he was 14 years old and looks back over 84 years of playing experience.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251113-930-286072/1
