Undoubtedly, one of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers’ greatest attractions is the ‘cheese factor’ which envelops them; however instead of being a hindrance, it propels them to insane levels of fun and silliness. Featuring pipers, drummers, percussionists, keyboards, guitarists, bassists and even a brass section, this synchronised-dancing ‘bagrock’ outfit had the crowds dancing and cheering right the way through their hour-long set. A guitar vs bagpipe battle ensued before the group blasted out some rock anthems with a Scottish twist, including Smoke on the Water, Rocking All Over The World, We Will Rock You and Eye of the Tiger. Interspersed between these was a mix of contemporary Scottish music, including Flower of Scotland which prompted a mass sing-along in the crowd, and even a surprisingly good cover of Coldplay’s Clocks. Kitted out in black kilts and red sporrans, the band were joined onstage at various points throughout their set by three dancers who performed a mixture of highland and street dance. There’s no denying it: the Red Hot Chilli pipers sure do know how to put on a show!Stanley, Banshee Stage
Opening with the impressively epic Join Hands, local Aberdeen boys Stanley took to the relatively small Banshee Stage after an introduction by Radio 1 DJ Vic Galloway. Their brand of laidback bluesy indie-pop attracted a large crowd who seemed to be loving every minute. Mixing distinct, powerful vocals with catchy hooks and brilliant melodies, the band played through an interesting and enjoyable set, full to the brim with vintage organs and vibraphone action. Mid-set, Flowers proved to be a real hit with the crowd, and the band continued in good form.
The Beat, Voodoo Stage
Feel-good ska was the aim of the game for this band, whose 400 mile drive to sing and rap for the North East of Scotland was not in vain. The Beat’s two vocalists oozed charisma, and when they burst into a fantastic cover of Rock The Casbah, dedicated to Joe Strummer, the huge crowd went crazy, dancing and bouncing along to the good-time vibes in the tent. Playing through tunes like Tears of a Clown and Big Shot, the band whipped the crowd into a frenzy; and although it was cold and windy outside, the warmth and sunshine emanating from the stage was enough to keep everyone concerned very happy indeed. Declaring that he “love[s] the Scots”, frontman Ranking Roger promised that “next time I play here, I’m gonna wear a kilt!”Idlewild, Voodoo Stage
Oddly, a small child participated in the drum sound check before Idlewild took to the stage; the large crowd that had gathered looked on to see this small bog happily smacking drums. Not long after, the band took to the stage with a slick and well-perfected show, confirming just why they’ve been around for so long. Playing huge hits like You Held The World In Your Arms and No Emotion, the band enjoyed banter with the crowd and powered through an energetic and enthralling set. With the crowd going mental, the band stormed through old favourites like A Modern Way of Letting Go, as well as playing some brand new tracks. With the audience excited and belting out the words to pretty much everything, this was certainly one of the standout performances of the festival.
Gerry Jablonksi & The Electric Band, Banshee Stage
Beginning his set standing alone onstage, with only a guitar and a slide on his finger, Gerry Jablonski had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand from the opening chord. Strutting about like Mick Jagger, Jablonski was soon joined onstage by The Electric Band, consisting of drums, bass and harmonica. Plying his bluesy classic rock, Jablonski and co exploded through blues licks that would make even the most experienced of guitarists proud. Playing, unusually for the style, without a plectrum, Jablonski’s solos were sensational, and it seems a shame that only a small crowd had gathered to witness this stellar performance. (The only reason being, presumably, that The Levellers were playing the much larger Voodoo Stage at the same time.) The crowd was not without some well-known faces however, as Red Hot Chilli Pipers guitarist ‘The G-Man’ and Vic Galloway were both spotted rocking out in the crowd!
It was obvious that, despite the lack of a large audience to play for, the band were still having a lot of fun, and joking with each other on stage as chants of “Gerry! Gerry” a la Jerry Springer echoed around the crowd. Not to be outdone by their frontman, the band also proved they were more than capable musicians during a guitar vs harmonica battle and an insane drum solo. Ending on The Merchants of Soul, Jablonski and his band showed Wizard exactly what it means to eat, sleep and breathe rock and roll.More photos can be found here...
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