As far as classic Australian songs go, they don’t get much more popular than ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
Often referred to as Australia’s “unofficial national anthem”, the bush ballad is one of the most well-known songs both in Australia and around the world.
While everyone from Slim Dusty to Olivia Newton-John and even André Rieu have performed the iconic track since it was written by poet Banjo Paterson in 1895, this may be the most tear-jerking rendition in recent times.
Combining the iconic Australian track with the sweet sounds of the Scottish bagpipes, a couple of students from Brisbane have delivered what may just be one of the most unique versions of the song to date.
Cameron Lawson and Fearghas Russell attend Brisbane Boys’ College in Queensland and recently returned from touring with the Edinburgh Tattoo. The boys are part of their school’s College Pipe Band and recently showcased their talent for ABC Brisbane after travelling around Scotland with their incredible talent.
Speaking to Craig Zonca and Rebecca Levingston, the boys described the experience with the Edinburgh Tattoo as “amazing” and “incredible”.
They opened to thousands of people as part of the tour for 25 nights and said the opportunity came up after their school was invited to audition for the Edinburgh Tattoo two years ago.
In a clip shared on ABC Brisbane’s Facebook page, both Cameron and Fearghas could be seen playing. Fearghas was on bagpipes, while Cameron kept the beat with the snare drum. Complete with brogues, kilts, waistcoats, ties, white shirts, sash and sporran, it was almost like being in Scotland.
In a strange twist of faith, Fearghas was actually born in Scotland and was able to introduce some of his background and experience when he joined the club at Brisbane Boy’s College.
“Senior Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) students Cameron Lawson and Fearghas Russel just got back from touring with The Edinburgh Tattoo,” ABC said when it shared the video online. “They performed in front of 200,000 people over 21 days! Bagpipes aren’t for everyone, but we think these two are pretty talented.”
The lads aren’t the only ones bringing the sound of bagpipes to a younger generation. Earlier this year a bagpipe version of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ went viral online.
Played by German bagpiper Fredolin Feinbein, the song certainly gave the original a run for its money.