Red Hot Chilli Pipers

This Scottish pipe and drum group was formed at the start of the 00s by Stuart Cassells (b. 1979, Falkirk, Scotland; pipes), Willie Armstrong (b. Scotland; pipes), Kevin MacDonald (b. Scotland; pipes), Steven Graham (b. Scotland; drums) and Malcolm McEwan (b. Scotland; drums). With Cassells, Graham and McEwan all studying at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the group could boast a fine array of talented young players. Their modern interpretations of traditional piping songs was given added emphasis by an exhilarating live show, which led to the group appearing on stage at the 2004 T In The Park festival with the rock band the Darkness. They also released a 10-track album featuring a broad repertoire of piping tunes, including two by the late Gordon Duncan. At the start of 2007, the group made an unlikely appearance on an episode of the BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous, performing a medley of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ and Survivor’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ intercut with traditional material. To no one’s great surprise they romped away with the first prize of £10, 000. With the group riding a new wave of public support, a second studio album was released later in the year. Cassells has also worked as a solo artist.