At a surprisingly sparsely attended show, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers took the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts by storm Thursday night. The 9-piece Scottish rock ensemble adds bagpipes and marching percussion to the classic drummer, guitar and bass setup for a high powered and infectious sound.
In a league of their own, the Chilli’s “Bagrock” includes traditional pipe tunes (with a twist, of course!) and unique covers of contemporary anthems. Dressed in traditional Scottish kilts, the whole group was clearly having fun, but it was the front line that truly stole the show. A trio of pipers, the marching quads and snare, and the bassist and guitarist got the crowd on their feet, dancing along with Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and several Coldplay tunes, among others. With choreographed dance moves, they roamed the stage, coming right up to the edge to get the cabaret-style crowd grooving along.
After a brief intermission, the fun continued with even more energy. The audience had the chance to hear each member solo, showing off an impressive group of musicians. The band boasts four music degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and the skill of each player was evident throughout the night. Overall, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a group to see live. Until they come to a stage near you, check them out here!