1987 World Pipe Band Championships – II

May 28, 2007 on 4:36 pm by Michael Grey | In Pipe Bands, Video | 5 Comments

This is the second video in the set. This time the march, strathspey and reel, ‘Brig. Ronald Cheape of Tiroran’, ‘Blair Drummond’ and ‘Charlie’s Welcome’.

Two things struck me when I watched this video: first how silly we look as we manfully proceed to the performance area and then promptly turn in, away from the audience (will pipe bands ever change and perform with the audience in mind?) and second, the results.

The “results section” is fascinating. Furtive brows, nervous, silent oath-making, relief, joy all rolled into one.

It was after this rain swept event that I finally ditched the (huge) glasses and went for contact lenses.

So here’s a handy tip: Don’t wear eyeglasses in the rain and think you’ll see the pipe major’s fingers – or anything else.

M.

5 Comments

  1. This is absolutely terrific – the commentary on both videos is a great touch and really adds to it.

    The audio quality is surprisingly good – comes across well, and more than makes up for the purple/pink sky. 🙂

    Oh, and good call on the glasses. More on aesthetic grounds than anything else. 🙂 🙂

    Comment by Mikael — May 29, 2007 #

  2. Thanks, Mikael, I (and my old glasses) appreciate your comments. M

    Comment by mike — May 29, 2007 #

  3. I remember the day well, listening to the 78FH, standing in the rain next to _____ the P-S of a contending Grade 1 Scottish band. “I hope the &^%*ing skies open up and the lightning strikes their fawncy silver pipes,” I vividly remember him saying. That didn’t happen, but another form of lightning did strike.

    Comment by Andra B — May 30, 2007 #

  4. Nice videos Mike. I remember that day, too. 2nd prize seemed pretty crappy at the time [and especially the year following] but not bad in retrospect. First would’ve been better.

    I still have Gandy’s tie, which I traded for after the results. He sold mine on eBay for big dollars. [not] Funny to see Alex Dickie stuff his jacket full of beer. Good to know he did that on your bus, too.

    Comment by iainmacd — June 3, 2007 #

  5. Thanks, Iain. I can’t remember who has my tie but I do have a nice old SFU tie hanging up somewhere. M

    Comment by mike — June 4, 2007 #

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