Gerald Ford

**beloitpiper** · 3rd January 07, 09:13 PM

Did anybody else watch the 38th President's Funeral? I don't want to sound mean, but the bagpiper was terrible. I felt so embarassed for him. If you didn't see it, here's a video of it on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2npzAKnI2bQ

I mean, wow. Just....wow. That gives a a bad reputation to an instrument with an already less-than-preferential status. Hell, I would've played there for free! This guy can't even keep the bag inflated! What an embarassing day. At least they didn't mention the piper's name on air.

**Graham** · 3rd January 07, 09:41 PM

Flippin 'eck, you're right, that was terrible!!
He must have been filled with emotion and just lost his composure!

and the commentator said it was "beautiful playing"???

**Tattoo Bradley** · 3rd January 07, 09:48 PM

Wow. WHen I first read your thread I thought "ah, it can't be THAT bad..." My heart actually breaks for that guy. That's just awful. I tend to agree with some of the Youtubers comments that maybe the event was just too much for him.

**Warlock** · 3rd January 07, 09:51 PM

My Father was interred in our family graveyard on Dec. 23, 1999. It was freezing cold. The Bagpiper was in kilt and longsleeve shirt. He was trembling like a leaf in a tornado, yet he never missed a note. Maybe it was the pressure of such an honour. Some people just wouldn't be able to handle it.
The Honour Guard for the unknown soldier, is so demanding that only 1 out of 1200 who apply ever make it. While I admit the piper was bad, cut him a little slack.When JFK Jr. stepped forward and saluted his fathers casket, hardened Marines brokedown and cried. A Presidential Burial Detail Is indeed a massive honour. Imagine how he feels knowing he wasn't at his best.

**Matthew** · 3rd January 07, 10:12 PM

I feel so bad for the guy

I wonder if he just couldn't keep his composure or if he's just really that bad, let's hope it's number 1

**Warlock** · 3rd January 07, 10:16 PM

Although it could be he just plays like #2

**McMurdo** · 3rd January 07, 10:48 PM

I tend to feel bad for the "pipper" I will call him that for lack of a better word, he will never play the pipes at another funeral. Then theres the Ford family. What must they be thinking, I mean at Gerald Ford's funeral
a former President's funeral and they allow this guy to butcher that song.

Ah well I know that bagpippes are not the easiest instument to play, maybe he let the importance of the event get to him, it is a shame though.

**David Dalglish** · 3rd January 07, 11:08 PM

The piper was indeed bad, maybe he was full of emotion,for his former president

**Warlock** · 3rd January 07, 11:12 PM

Let us hope that was the reason.

**beloitpiper** · 3rd January 07, 11:19 PM

I'll just say that he lost his composure because of the pressure and emotion surrounding the event. There is really no other explanation. Every piper I know can play Amazing Grace in their sleep with one hand tied behind their back.