The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Scotland's only tank regiment, have signed a record deal with Universal Music, home of artists from Eminem to Pavarotti. The disc of traditional Scottish tunes and classical numbers has inspired soldiers for centuries, from the battle of Waterloo to the assault into Basra in 2003.
The regiment say 'we've had an incredible time recording this album - this is music that we love. The Pipes and Drums have travelled with us all over the world; now we’re looking forward to bringing their music to an even wider audience.'
Pipe Major Derek Potter says ‘the pipes are an integral part of our regiment, and we take huge pride in our music. We’ve even had to impose a curfew on pipes practice, as the rehearsals disturb the non-pipers among us! We're very excited to be able to share our music with the world.’ Currently based in Northern Germany, the regiment have managed to record the album between tours of duty in Iraq. Jon Cohen (who has worked with The Back Street Boys , Vanessa Mae and the Sugababes) produced the album.
Military piping originated in the eighteenth century both as a way of instilling confidence in troops for battle, and for recruiting new soldiers. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have served in all the major theatres of war during the past two centuries. The regiment are busy training for future operations and have just completed an intensive exercise in Canada.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II is the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. She followed on from her Father, HM King George VI. The pipers last piped for her in 2006 at Edinburgh castle. The album includes versions Of Paul McCartney’s 'Mull Of Kintyre' and Rod Stewarts 'Sailing' as well as traditional Scottish ballads and film themes such as The Last Of The Mohicans.
