A packed Dunedin Town Hall rocked on at last Saturday evening's concert by Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a nine-piece band of Scotsmen whose fusion of music is unique and highly contagious, particularly if you love bagpipes, and rock is your all-time favourite beat.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Dunedin Town Hall, Saturday, October 1
"Bagrock" is the in term for the blazing reverberations this group has perfected since forming in 2002, and their passion and musicianship takes them worldwide.
Three champion pipers, three percussionists, including a rock 'n' roll drummer and a world champion snare drummer (reputedly the fastest hands in Scotland), a couple of guitars and a keyboard player, all kilted in black with vermillion socks, sporrans and accessories, thundered their way through a three-hour Dunedin gig, inciting tremendous approval for every number.
There was no souvenir programme and titles acknowledged with Scottish banter were not always clear, but along with the trad numbers rocked out and riffed as you've never heard before, was the beautiful Flower of Scotland and covers from bands such as Coldplay, Queen, AC/DC and even the Beatles.
The group was never still, members mastering their instruments with stamina and spirit, as pipers bent precariously back in limbo-rock poses, drummers duelled, juggled sticks and generally faced up to out-play each other - and the crowd just loved it! An absolutely beautiful pea-whistle delivery of The Hills of Argyll was a slightly quieter number, but overall the amplification was immense for the auditorium and I noticed a number of patrons had come prepared with ear-plugs. Perhaps next time, the stadium would be the ideal venue!The Invercargill Highland Pipe Band opened the concert and joined in the final Wi' a Hundred Pipers to standing ovation and tumultuous applause.
