When most people think of bagpipes, they imagine them being played in traditional Scottish or Irish music, echoing across the Highlands or in ceremonial parades. However, the bagpipes have found their way into a surprising array of modern music genres, from rock to pop, folk to electronic. Musicians and bands worldwide are exploring the instrument's unique, powerful sound, incorporating it into genres that one would not typically associate with bagpipes.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at how contemporary artists use bagpipes, the genres where they’ve made their mark, and the evolution of this ancient instrument in modern music.

The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: Celtic Rock and Folk-Rock

One of the most prominent modern music genres where bagpipes play a key role is Celtic rock. This fusion of traditional Celtic melodies and modern rock elements—electric guitars, bass, and drums—has gained significant popularity in recent decades.

• The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are perhaps the best-known modern band to combine bagpipes with rock music. Formed in Scotland, this band has coined the term “bagrock” to describe their sound, which blends the energetic drive of rock music with traditional bagpipe tunes. They have gained international acclaim for their high-energy performances and unique sound.

• Wolfstone, another Scottish folk-rock band, seamlessly incorporates bagpipes into their music. They bring a raw, electric edge to the melodies, creating a dynamic sound that appeals to both traditional folk enthusiasts and rock fans alike.

• Skerryvore, a contemporary Celtic rock band from Scotland, also uses bagpipes in their music. They mix folk traditions with modern rock and pop, crafting a sound that’s both fresh and rooted in their cultural heritage. Skerryvore’s use of bagpipes is a testament to the instrument’s versatility in adapting to modern, fast-paced genres.

In these bands, the bagpipes are not just a background instrument; they often take center stage, driving the melody and giving the music a distinctive Celtic flavor that resonates with audiences far beyond the British Isles.

Bagpipes in Pop and Rock Music

Beyond Celtic rock, bagpipes have made surprising appearances in mainstream pop and rock music. While not as prevalent, the distinct sound of the bagpipes has been used by several well-known artists to add depth and cultural significance to their songs.

• Paul McCartney and Wings brought bagpipes to a global audience with the 1977 hit “Mull of Kintyre.” The song, a nostalgic tribute to McCartney’s home in Scotland, features the Campbeltown Pipe Band playing traditional Scottish pipes. The song became a massive success, topping the UK charts and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time in Britain. Its success showed that the bagpipes could work beautifully within the framework of modern pop music.

• AC/DC, the Australian rock band, also made use of bagpipes in their 1975 hit “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll).” Lead singer Bon Scott, who had Scottish roots, played the bagpipes in the song’s iconic instrumental section. The fusion of hard rock with bagpipes created a unique and memorable sound that still stands out in the band’s discography today.

• Peter Gabriel, known for his experimental and eclectic style, used bagpipes in his song “Come Talk to Me” from his 1992 album Us. The pipes add a haunting, atmospheric layer to the song, showcasing the instrument’s ability to evoke deep emotion in non-traditional settings.

These examples demonstrate how even in genres where bagpipes are unexpected, the instrument can add a powerful, unique element that complements modern music styles.

Bagpipes in Film Scores and Television

Bagpipes have long been used in film scores to evoke emotion, represent Scottish or Irish culture, or provide a sense of tradition and grandeur. The most famous examples come from films where the narrative involves Scottish history or culture, but their use has expanded beyond this context.

• Braveheart (1995), the iconic film about Scottish warrior William Wallace, made extensive use of bagpipes in its score. Composer James Horner incorporated traditional Scottish music to evoke the spirit of the Highlands and the emotional struggle of the characters. The use of bagpipes became synonymous with the film’s portrayal of Scotland’s fight for independence, and their stirring sound became central to its soundtrack.

• The Last of the Mohicans (1992) also made use of bagpipes, although the story is set in 18th-century North America. Composer Trevor Jones incorporated bagpipes in key scenes to evoke a sense of nobility and endurance, adding to the film’s emotional depth.

• Television series such as Outlander, which is set in both modern and historical Scotland, feature bagpipes prominently in the soundtrack. The show’s theme song, a rendition of “The Skye Boat Song,” uses the pipes to connect the characters and the audience with Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Through film and television, bagpipes have become a symbol of emotional intensity, bravery, and tradition. Their distinct sound carries the weight of history while still finding a place in contemporary storytelling.

Electronic Music and Bagpipes: A Surprising Combination

In more experimental genres like electronic and dance music, bagpipes have also found a home. Musicians are constantly exploring new ways to fuse traditional instruments with cutting-edge sounds, and bagpipes are no exception.

• Afro Celt Sound System, a world music fusion group, combines traditional African and Celtic sounds with modern electronic beats. The band’s use of bagpipes in an electronic context creates a mesmerizing, danceable fusion that appeals to fans of both traditional and contemporary music.

• Peatbog Faeries, a Scottish Celtic fusion band, also blend electronic music with traditional bagpipe tunes. They create an upbeat, danceable sound that combines the ancient with the modern, proving that bagpipes can be a key player in genres as diverse as electronic, house, and techno.

• Some DJs and electronic music producers have also experimented with incorporating bagpipe samples into their tracks, often using the instrument’s unique tone to create dramatic drops or climaxes in their music. This fusion of digital and traditional elements results in a modern, high-energy sound that resonates with today’s audiences.

Bagpipes: A Versatile Instrument for the Future

Bagpipes may be one of the oldest musical instruments, but their journey through modern music shows that they are anything but outdated. From traditional Celtic rock to experimental electronic fusions, bagpipes continue to evolve and find new roles in music. As artists push the boundaries of what this ancient instrument can do, we’re likely to see even more innovative uses for bagpipes in the future.

For now, though, bagpipes stand as a reminder of how rich musical traditions can be carried into the modern age. Whether as the centerpiece of a Celtic rock anthem or the surprising twist in a pop song, the bagpipes’ distinctive sound continues to captivate and inspire. Get in touch with us at Bagpipe 101, Intermediate Bagpipe Class, and Highland Bagpipe Lessons