Aberdeen Music Hall bore witness to the World Class Red Hot Chilli Pipers at the penultimate venue of their sold out Scottish winter tour. After a crazy year of touring the world, including their first Glastonbury appearance they certainly seemed pleased to be back on home turf for a festive party!
Seeing the Chilli Pipers during the festive period has quickly become a yearly tradition and they never EVER disappoint. Aberdeen Music Hall is probably my favourite venue to see them, not only is it stunning with great staff it also has insane acoustics and this time I had the privilege of watching the show from the balcony for the first time.
A strong team of 13 talented musicians put the rock in bag rock! From pipers, dancers, horn section, keys, percussion, guitar and rhythm section this band is not only big but they are musically mighty. They articulate their set with sheer precision that most bands and artists can only dream of. Amongst the talented band are two world class championship musicians, Ross Miller (3 times world champion piper) and Grant Cassidy (World Solo drumming champion). Within their own right, each individual musician on that stage is exceptional and as an ensemble, they pull off nothing short of remarkable with each set.
It was iconic to see three young pipers (Ross Millar, Andrew Brodie and Callum Douglas) front and centre of the stage, taking the lead, holding their own as exceptional musicians while entertaining the masses and inspiring the next generation of pipers amongst the crowd. There is no doubt about it that the future of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers is in safe hands, I’m just a little envious that they are younger than me and have far more talent than I could ever dream of having…
Ever wondered what makes you tap those toes most at a show? That would be the notorious job of the rhythm section. The sign of a good band is tight, cohesive bass and drums, united in rhythm. Jay Hepburn (Drums), Ruaridh Maclean (Bass) and Grant Cassidy (Snare & percussion) deliver this in abundance. The chemistry they have on stage is unhinged as they flawlessly create the need for the crowd to get up on their feet. Aberdeen Music Hall was bouncing, from start to finish, there were empty seats as gig goers preferred to be up dancing than seated. I hope that there are some standing only Chilli Pipers gigs to come in Scotland as, to me, it’s not a seated occasion.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers show is like no other. It isn’t just a gig, it’s an extended performance, it’s an experience. The two sets are well crafted with original material and their carefully selected covers that are bound to get the crowd up on their feet. What always fascinates me is how they structure their songs, which instruments play and why, with each instrument being considered and parts perfectly executed. Their stage design and set up allows all musicians to be seen throughout the performance which for such a large band isn’t the easiest thing to work however it is important and as a serial gig goer, the finer detail to a show matters to me as I believe it can make or break a performance.
Talking about set lists, a wonderfully moving song within the set is to witness a lone piper begin to play Highland Cathedral on a dark stage, as if this tune isn’t emotional and spine tingling enough to us Scot’s the band invite a local pipe band to the stage to perform this, as the song builds, pipers and drummers walk out from the wings and the audience is in awe. This year saw Bucksburn District Pipe Band join the stage and I’m sure I am not the only one to choke up. I think it’s a wonderful experience for the next generation of traditional musicians, to play with world class musicians, an experience they will not forget. One day, these youngsters could be the next Chilli Pipers players.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers perform to the highest of standards with a hell of a lot of infectious spirit, even on the yearly wind down the band never appear to lose steam or lack enthusiasm even after almost 10 months on the road, they never miss a beat! I strongly believe that this is what sets them apart from other touring bands and as they celebrate venturing into their 23rd year of existence there should be a lot to celebrate. You can really see why they are the most famous Bagpipe band on the planet – ever!
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers may have brought the party to the Granite City but the Quines and Loons (that’s girls and guys for those not from up these parts) were very accepting of the invite. If you are yet to check out a show, I recommend that you make the effort in 2025 to grab tickets when they are in your nearest town or city because it’s a night you won’t forget.
