On Friday, April 19, 2024, brace yourselves for the white-hot sounds of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers as they take the Washington Center for the Performing Arts mainstage by sizzling storm. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have ranked Ewan McGregor, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Player, The Scottish Rugby Team, Her Majesty the Queen and Samuel L Jackson amongst their biggest fans. With a sound that’s self-described as bagpipes with an attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show so hot it comes with a health warning, you don’t want to miss their first rollicking local appearance since 2014.
Their first album, “Bagrock to the Masses,” sold more than 100,000 copies in the UK alone and they’ve won Best Live Act in Scotland twice. This nine-piece ensemble is made up of bagpipes, guitars, keyboards and drums and they’ve played around the world performing more than 200 live shows each year.
Whatever your musical tastes beforehand, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will win you over once you’ve felt the spicy Chilli heat.
Feel the Chilli Heat with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Director Kevin MacDonald says the last time they came to our neck of the woods was full decade ago. “I can’t believe it has taken us so long to return to the area,” says MacDonald, “We’ll make it a memorable experience for our fans and supporters this year.”
He describes their sound as special because it merges rock tunes with traditional instruments which “makes it really interesting for newcomers as they probably aren’t expecting what we can do with the bagpipes. For our regular fans. I think they like coming back to hear our new material and probably some new faces within the band.”
Despite sold-out tours in the UK, USA, China, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine, Barbados, Dubai, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India (whew!), MacDonald says the band loves cozier spots like the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. “The intimacy of smaller venues means you really can engage with the audience,” he shares. “The best part of touring is getting to experience a new place every day, and without a doubt, touring the USA is our favorite experience as a band. We love the variety of cities and people that come to our shows.”
Come to the Washington Center Ready to Rock to their Red Hot Rock and Roll Songbook
Hearkening back to the familiar sight of bagpipes played by kilted Scots, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers – as they do with everything – kick it up a notch. They come with dancers, vocalists, electric guitars and basses, and so much more. MacDonald promises two hours of foot-stomping entertainment that’s sure to put a smile on any face. “Sometimes new fans will spend the entire gig trying to work out which rock song we are playing,” he laughs. “It’s really funny to watch that from the stage.”
The group is currently working on a new studio album and will be performing some of those tracks on tour. Look for the album’s debut later this summer. Get into the groove by checking out their earlier performances, or follow the band on Spotify, Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest tour stops, merch drops and album release info.
Tickets for the Washington Center performance are on sale now. Or stop by the Box Office Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 5:30 p.m. or two hours before any ticketed event. Call 360.753.8586 or email boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org with questions. Then get ready to have your mind blown, and your toe-tapping muscles stretched to their limits with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
In today’s raucous marketplace, there are choices around every corner. But savvy folks know that Domino Sugar and Domino’s Pizza are two very different things. The same is true with entertainment. Just because two band names sound the same doesn’t mean they SOUND the same, if you know what I mean.
Sponsored
