Howling Heavy Metal Bagpipes in Honokaa
Bagpipes have made their way into rock music for many decades now. Their first notable appearance might have been on Eric Burdon & The Animals’ 1968 anti-war hit “Sky Pilot.” After the sound effects of a fighter plane crashing and exploding, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards start playing “All the Bluebonnets Are Over the Border.” Almost ten years later, AC/DC released “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll).” In the ‘80s, Big Country brought us “In a Big Country,” which was heavily played on MTV. Although it’s hard to find evidence of bagpipes in a Hawaiian song, one international band has repeatedly brought rock and Celtic culture to the Big Island– they’re called Celtic Pipes Rock!
A Celtica Pipes Rock (CPR) concert features rock music with a Celtic/Scottish twist. It has become a nearly annual tradition in Honokaa, thanks to promoter Les Hershorn, the band’s lively performances, and the loyal fans who fill the venues. Last Friday’s show marked their fourth appearance on the Big Island.
CPR features Duncan Knight (bagpipes), Aya Georgieva (violin, keyboards), Gajus Stappen (electric guitar and founder), Harald Weinkum (bass), and Tom Cadek (drums). Missing this year was Jane Espie, the group’s second piper and Duncan Knight’s sister. Apparently, there was an illness in the family, and she couldn’t join this leg of the tour. It’s a shame because she brought the band to a higher energy level – even playing the pipes while on her back!
Highlighting CPR’s concert was the Hawaii Irish Dance troupe. The Big Island ensemble features eight female dancers who were invited to perform twice on the dancefloor while CPR played. Five men, dressed in traditional kilts, waved various county flags as the women danced both collectively and solo.
CPR kicked off this year’s show with thunderous paired drumming over the sound of pre-recorded eerie chants. At opposite ends of the stage, Stappen and Weinkum played beats on single tom-toms, then paused with their arms raised above their heads, drumsticks in hand. Drummer Cadek added crashing cymbals, whipping the crowd into an early frenzy. Some concertgoers were initially shy about hitting the dancefloor for a close-up look at higher decibels, but eventually, fans of all ages crowded in.
CPR split the show into two sets with a short intermission. Sadly, the theatre has no liquor license and only serves hot popcorn, not cold beer. Imagine how wild the show would’ve been if the crowd had been fueled by Guinness and shots of Irish whiskey.
Much of the setlist included songs from their catalog, along with a few classic rock staples like Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll.” Dressed in matching black and red kilts, knee-high stompers, and instruments decorated with steampunk gadgets, CPR is a thrill to watch.
Guitarist Stappen is a talented performer, and when given a solo, he explodes with energy! He confidently adopts rock god stances while sustaining piercing notes. Violinist Georgieva holds her own, often swaying with towering bassist Weinkum. Her violin adds an exciting texture to the band’s distinctive sound. I’m not sure how piper Duncan Knight manages to keep his stamina, as his instrument must be the hardest to play—especially during a two-hour show! He must have superhuman lungs and the endurance of a Dizzy Gillespie marathon runner. There are also playful moments when musicians run between each other or do a syncopated foot shuffle. Watching them in an outdoor stadium show when the bagpipes shoot flames must be incredible. Check out their "Live at Montelago" DVD for a taste of that, along with a choir and full orchestra.
No doubt CPR will return for Big Island show number five next year, and when they do, be sure to hit the dance floor early and wear your kilt and boots!
Setlist I: Steamphonia | Romance | Cape Horn | Itchy Fingers | Harbor in the Sky | Excalibur | Andy R’s Ferret | Loch Lomond | Film Music Medley | Visitors I &II | Whiskey in the Jar | Seven Nations/ Scotland | Cork Hill/ The Goat Herd | Smoke on the Water/Megawatt |
Setlist II: Beyond Avalon | What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor | Nautilus | Iron Angel | The Last Voyage of the Great Michael | We Will Rock You/I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll | Shipping Up To Boston | Amazing Grace
Encore: Atholl
For the latest tour and music info, please visit Celtica Pipes’ official site: https://celticarocks.com
Steve Roby is a music journalist and best-selling author, originally from San Francisco. He’s been featured in the NY Times, Rolling Stone, and Billboard Magazine. Roby is also the Managing Editor of Big Island Music Magazine.
Photos: Steve Roby
