The Red Hot Chilli Pipers brought its distinct sound to the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center in an unforgettable performance last Thursday.

Made up of nine men, the group recreated the sound of rock music with the addition of the bagpipes to produce sounds that brought the audience to its feet. Along with the bagpipes, the group incorporated the drums, guitar and keyboard.

In a style called “Bagrock,” a blend of rock music and bagpipes, the men put their own twist on many popular songs. They performed each song well; however, the best songs of the night were their covers of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” 

Some other impressive covers that the Pipers performed were ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” as well as Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” Each cover sounds similar yet very different to the original songs — the addition of the bagpipes worked wonders.

The Pipers carried an enthusiastic tone that resonated with the crowd despite their travel schedule. They talked about how they had to fly from Boston to Texas, then to North Carolina and Pennsylvania, all in the span of 72 hours. The group’s personality shone through despite their exhaustion, and they made it clear they were happy to be there. 

“It’s great to be back in America,” one piper said. “The U.S. is always the highlight of our year.” 

The group’s energy while performing on stage made it compelling to get up and dance and clap along to the music. One piper even danced around playfully and encouraged his other bandmates to do the same. The group’s energy while performing on stage made it compelling to get up and dance and clap along to the music. One Piper even danced around playfully and encouraged his other bandmates to do the same. 

Despite the show being on a Thursday night, the Pipers made it feel like the weekend with the positivity they brought to Luhrs. Several Pipers showed off their personalities while speaking to the crowd, with one joking about the rainy weather.

“I want to say a huge thank you for bringing the Scottish weather to us,” one Piper said.

The stage itself was barren aside from the group’s instruments. However, the lighting techniques that were used during the set gave off a hard rock vibe. The combination of the venue’s atmosphere and the ensemble’s music is enough to send goosebumps up anyone’s spine, and the lights added to this effect.

If this concert is anything to go off of, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers should be more popular than they are. The sound that carries the group is exactly what is missing from mainstream music. 

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