It’s a long way to the top… if you wanna smash a bagpiping world record.
A crowd of 374 bagpipers in Melbourne’s Federation Square has done just that with a tribute to rock legends AC/DC, ahead of their first Australian concert in a decade.
The piping world record had been held by a crowd of 333 pipers in the Bulgarian capital of Sophia since 2012.
One of the bagpipers was Croydon-based Evan Laios. This is his account of the day:
“I was alerted by friends of a pipe bash to be held in the city about AC/DC’s Long Way to the Top Rock Film. So, naturally I volunteered. Why? Because it was a fun thing to do. It was to be held at Fed Square with hundreds of like minded pipers. I could only imagine the atmosphere, it would have been electric. It was.
After making my public debut on the past weekend with the band at Maroondah Festival, this city bash would’ve capped it off. This was all exciting for me, wearing my kilt, having to talk to appreciative people on the way in, about how the pipes made an impact in their families lives.
When I got to the city with just seconds to the official warmup, I was so lost. But a venue organiser just grabbed me and parted the crowd, who clapped saying “Make way for the piper!” After a few nervous moments of setting up my drones, hemping up a loose chanter, I stood up without knocking anyone over, found my band mates and we stood still for the announcement to be made.
Then we just played as one, a big grand ol’ Scottish mosh pit. If my folks could see me now, if my mate who bequeathed his pipes could’ve looked down on me now, how proud could he have been? It didn’t end there.
Going home on the train I was surrounded by smiley people. One kid who sat opposite me remarked, “Do you get tired playing them?” Yes, I do but its fun. I gave him the last of my lollies. Chatted some more. Thats it. I’ve been piping for three years, it hasn’t been easy but when you play with a band and you’re in tune, its a wonderful thing.”
– with AAP
