Formed in 2002, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are noted for their energetic performances and unique blend of rock music and traditional bagpipe tunes. Based in Scotland, the band has a large number of members but the lineup of the group changes depending on the nature of the performance. The backing band is made up of a number of drummers and percussionists, with both bass and electric guitars forming the rock element. The group also usually plays with a keyboard accompanist. Over this standard rock band format, the melodies of the songs and tunes played are taken by traditional Scottish bagpipes, often playing in unison to great effect. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have had several members with notable musical pedigrees over the years, including some with degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers early career

Founded by Stuart Cassells, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers took their name from the American funk/rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Cassells was the group's first musical director and it was he who had the vision for what the unique bagpipe sound could achieve in a rock context. He was awarded with BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year accolade in 2005. He was also the first ever individual to attain a degree in music with the bagpipes as his principal instrument.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers released their eponymous debut album in 2005, followed by another in 2007, entitled Bagrock to the Masses. The band first came to national attention in 2007 when they went on a BBC talent show, hosted by Graham Norton, named When Will I Be Famous?, winning the show they appeared on.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers live performances

Following their success on TV, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers began receiving bookings for one-off and often large events, such as the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the BBC Proms. In 2010, the band completed a sold-out run of shows throughout their native Scotland, and followed that up with an 11-week tour in Europe, plus a further seven weeks spent touring in America. The band was named as 'Scottish Live Act of the Year' in 2007 and gained that title again three years later. In 2014, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers released a much longed-for live album, named Live at the Lake. In 2017, the band announced a string of UK and European live tour dates.

Similar acts to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Fans of Scottish traditional music with a rocking twist should seek out tickets for acts such as Capercaillie or Runrig, both of which can be booked at StubHub.