The Bad Piper

**PEEDYC** · 22nd September 12, 08:22 AM

He goes under the name of Cam McKaze and is from Perth in Oz. He has been playing in one band or another or by himself for over 15 years.

**Mike_Oettle** · 25th September 12, 01:31 PM

Not really my style of music, but his pipes (as an instrument) tip the scale in getting my attention, and the fire-breathing modification is quite sensational.
Regards,
Mike

**piperchris** · 25th September 12, 02:55 PM

I actually find this offensive. Yeah, I suppose this guy wants to make bagpipes cool, hip and hot by shoe-horning them into heavy metal music, but as a piper and a traditionalist I find it rediculous, stupid and sad. The tatoos, mohawks and metal studs are supposed to badass but I think they're an affront to the dignity of the highland pipes. This kind of cheapens them and the world of piping actually. He is well named: the "bad" piper!

**Rathmir** · 25th September 12, 03:00 PM

Very entertaining. He reminded me of a group called Tartanic that I saw at a RenFaire.

**TheOfficialBren** · 25th September 12, 03:19 PM

I have edited my previous post as it was a bit too harsh. After watching it again I decided to tone down my critique and get off my musical pedistal.

In my opinion AC/DC was a poor choice of song (why didn't he write his OWN song?!). 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.

The leather, studs, contact lenses, and mowhawk were a bit gimmicky. While I understand that it's a show it was a just an okay show. I can understand why some pipers might say he cheapens pipes by making them a flash-in-the-pan novelty.
As soon as he came onstage I thought, "does this bloke really expect to have a sustainable career as a rock n roll piper?"
As someone who works in entertainment in Los Angeles the answer is, "no." BUT the rock n roll pipes can be fun for a bit. I'd like to hear him do some original tunes that he has composed himself.
The fire was cool. His pipes are a high quality instrument. Decent tone. He plays pretty solidly.

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.

I apologise if my comment is a bit harsh but I do this for a living and feel qualified to comment on the matter, just like the other professionals do on here when the proverbial ball is in their court. Just my tuppence.

To each their own.

**Downunder Kilt** · 25th September 12, 04:04 PM

TheOfficialBren, I think you have gone a bit overboard on the insult department in relation to this performer. Okay you don't like his performance but to claim "He comes across as a bit of a tool and a bit of a wannabe." without even knowing the guy is a a bit rough. He does what he does and you do what you do. he has been doing it for 15 or so years, so there must be those out there that like it.
By all means have a differing opinion but must it get down to insults?

**TheOfficialBren** · 25th September 12, 10:05 PM

You are correct. I truely apologise. I meant no offense and retract the comment. I was too harsh.

**Nick the DSM** · 27th September 12, 02:39 PM

I thought it was great. I'm a piper as well, I play traditional tunes, and I still think this is awesome. I can understand why people would hate on this, it's not your thing. Gotcha. I'm willing to bet he is a competent piper even when not doing his own thing. In my opinion, he's a genuine musician. He likes to perform. To dismiss him as a musician because of his looks and antics is a bit prejudice.

**ALyon** · 27th September 12, 07:33 PM

You might also look at it this way, he may not be doing anything traditional but take a look at some of the other things that come up on the side of youtube. There is a few hits of music we would consider more proper. If just a few of those 700, 000 people scroll down and see him playing with Saskia Konz or just get interested in the sound, they will find the things we all love to hear. Not to mention that if he was playing music of a more traditional theme we may never have seen him. If you like him or not we are talking about him. The things that set him aside, be it good or bad, bring attention to bagpipes and kilts.

**MacGumerait** · 27th September 12, 11:58 PM

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 .