Gerard Butler Celebrates with Melbourne Pipers as AC/DC World Record Falls

Melbourne Makes Musical History with Bagpipes and AC/DC

On a cool November evening in Melbourne, Federation Square pulsed with the sound of hundreds of bagpipes—a scene equal parts celebration, homage, and sheer spectacle. The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash had one goal: to unite enough pipers to shatter a world record, and to do it in true rock ‘n’ roll style with a rousing cover of AC/DC’s ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)’.

The previous record, set in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012, stood at 333 pipers. Melbourne aimed for 350. They didn’t just reach that number—they blew past it, with 374 pipers converging on the square. The air was thick with anticipation and the unmistakable drone of bagpipes. As the first notes rang out, it was clear the event was more than a record attempt; it was a nod to Melbourne’s place in rock history.

Honoring AC/DC’s Legacy—And Those Who Played Before

Just steps from Swanston Street, where AC/DC filmed the iconic music video for the same song in 1976, the gathering paid tribute to the band’s enduring Australian roots. That video featured the late Bon Scott and members of Melbourne’s Rats of Tobruk Pipe Band. Fittingly, two of those original pipers—Kevin Conlon and Les Kenfield—were in the crowd and joined the ensemble, their presence a living bridge between past and present.

The makeup of the ensemble was just as diverse as the city itself: students from Scotch College, pipers from all corners of Victoria, a visitor from New Zealand, and the eldest member—a sprightly 98-year-old—who earned a special shout-out from MC Dylan Lewis of Double J. The sense of community was palpable, with thousands packed into the square, eager to witness history and pay tribute to Australia’s rock royalty.

Gerard Butler’s Birthday Surprise Amid the Bagpipe Bash

Among the crowd, a familiar face added a dash of Hollywood to the proceedings. Gerard Butler, the Scottish actor best known for his roles in ‘300’ and ‘Olympus Has Fallen,’ was spotted at the event. Though he didn’t pick up a bagpipe, his presence didn’t go unnoticed. As the pipers wrapped up their record-breaking performance, they struck up a spirited rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ in honor of Butler, who turned 56 the next day.

For Butler, whose heritage is steeped in Scottish tradition, the moment was surely meaningful—a reminder of the power of music and cultural connection. The crowd responded with warmth, blending the celebratory energy of the birthday tribute with the exhilaration of the world record.

A Rare Gig and a Community United by Sound

“As pipers, this is a very rare gig,” said Campbell Wilson, senior pipe major of the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band. His words captured the magic of the night: a coming together not just for a record, but for a shared love of music and history. The event marked the opening of AC/DC’s Aussie POWER UP tour at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the fever for all things Acca Dacca was palpable.

For those in attendance, the bash was more than a spectacle—it was a testament to the city’s vibrant musical culture and its ability to honor both local and global legends. The bagpipe ensemble’s success was a nod to AC/DC’s lasting influence, but also to Melbourne’s own place in the world of live music.

In the end, the evening was about more than numbers. It was about legacy, community, and the unexpected intersections between rock stars, local heroes, and international guests like Gerard Butler. The record may stand for years, but the memories—of music, celebration, and connection—will linger far longer.

The fusion of rock history, local pride, and the surprise presence of Gerard Butler turned a world record attempt into a memorable celebration of tradition and togetherness. The event showed that music, whether played on bagpipes or electric guitars, has the power to unite generations and cultures in moments that transcend records and headlines. — Blunt Magazine