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'Red Hot' in the Big Apple
03/04/2008
Scottish pipe and drum rockers the Red Hot Chilli Pipers brought Times Square to a standstill today when they celebrated receiving a Platinum Disc from First Minister Alex Salmond.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers' 'Bagrock to the Masses' album has sold more than 45,000 copies and was the fastest selling Scottish album by a Scottish record label in 2007. It went platinum within eight weeks of being released.
The First Minister met up with the Chilli Pipers in New York where both are taking part in this year's Scotland Week programme in the build up to Saturday's Tartan Day Parade, which the Scottish pipe and drum sensations will lead down Sixth Avenue.
Presenting the Platinum Disc, the First Minister said:
"The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have been taking America by storm this week - to quote the American audiences, they really are awesome.
"It was huge fun to see the reaction of New Yorkers when the band gave an impromptu performance in the middle of Times Square today - even the local cops wanted to join in the fun - mind you, they were called Officers McPherson and McFadyen!
"They all discovered that the Red Hot Chilli Pipers' rocking performance is a musical experience like no other, and I'm delighted that the group's undoubted talent is proving such a popular element of this year's Scotland Week.
"These guys are giving American audiences a whole new slant on Scottish popular culture - and a very positive one at that.
"They have global appeal, and having also seen them get a room full of Senators and Congressmen and women on their feet, stamping and clapping along to a performance on Capitol Hill this week, I'm not at all surprised that their album has gone Platinum in double-quick time.
"I can't wait to see them perform on the biggest stage of all on Saturday when they lead the annual Tartan Day Parade down Sixth Avenue. New York won't know what's hit it!"