The Bad Piper

[Tim Little]

I don't mind the whole "heavy metal piper" schtick, but I pretty much echo this assessment of this particular performance.

I really wasn't sold on the whole performance. It just felt like a quick substitution of pipes over vocals and some of the lead guitar.

...

I think that the judge in the video hit it on the head when he (paraphrasing here) said that he was waiting for it to get interesting and then the hot girl came into the spotlight and caught his attention. That comment *does* count for something.

He's no Gordon Duncan, nor the second coming of the Red Hot Chili Pipers....

[Nick the DSM]

If you research his history a bit , you will discover he started piping as a child doing traditional piping and played in pipe bands growing up .

As a young adult , it appears he has decided to rock out with bagpipes and the whole " punk thing " . At least he stuck with the pipes .

I would venture a guess that in a few years ( once he's out of his 20's ) , he will return to his roots . Generally seems to happen that way , not always , but most of the time . He obviously loves the pipes , otherwsie he wouldn't bother with using them in this way , he would pick a different instrument if he really wants to be a rock star. ( I do understand that part of it is shock value and it's goes with being young . )

I prefer tradional piping but I do get a kick out of those who put a twist on it , sometimes one can't take life too seriously . ( once a piper as well )

We will probably see the Mad Piper in 10 yrs or so , as a traditional piper who is competing under his real name . Just a guess , given his upbringing , given he really likes the pipes and given the punk rock stuff generally fades away over time .

I don't see why he can't be a punk rocker and be a good traditional piper at the same time. If you look at some of the celtic punk bands that have emerged, most are going into their 40s and the punk stuff hasn't faded away. If anything, I think it would be awesome to have a mohawked competing piper at a highland games or competition. Change up from the usual, boring short hair people.

[MacGumerait]

I don't see why he can't be a punk rocker and be a good traditional piper at the same time. If you look at some of the celtic punk bands that have emerged, most are going into their 40s and the punk stuff hasn't faded away. If anything, I think it would be awesome to have a mohawked competing piper at a highland games or competition. Change up from the usual, boring short hair people.

Nick the DSM , I agree no problem here . I actually like it when pipers can put a creative twist on things and go outside the norm and get a little crazy , I'm all for that .

I think we are on the same page . After reading some of the posts prior to my own post , I got the impression that some thought he was a " one trick pony " and possibly played the pipes as a " Johnny come lately " and wanted to make a splash .

Just wanted to make people were aware that he has been a piper since he was a child ( not a one trick pony ) and he is obviously capable of both traditional and rocking out piping ! And yes , he should be any piper he wants to be , regardless of age .

Best to ya ! Mike

[Nick the DSM]

Nick the DSM , I agree no problem here . I actually like it when pipers can put a creative twist on things and go outside the norm and get a little crazy , I'm all for that .

I think we are on the same page . After reading some of the posts prior to my own post , I got the impression that some thought he was a " one trick pony " and possibly played the pipes as a " Johnny come lately " and wanted to make a splash .

Just wanted to make people were aware that he has been a piper since he was a child ( not a one trick pony ) and he is obviously capable of both traditional and rocking out piping ! And yes , he should be any piper he wants to be , regardless of age .

Best to ya ! Mike

I did feel that's what you said as well, I put you inquotes since I felt my response would be relevant to yours. I think he has more skill than he has shown for these talent shows, most performers would probably use flash to gather attention on it.

Cheers