The undisputed kings of cowpunk, Pronghorn, will be at the Wickham Festival on Thursday 30th July. They last appeared at Wickham in 2017 so a return visit is long overdue.
In 1992 when grunge was what every self respecting alternative music fan was into, a group of friends who decided to go against the grain formed a band that the likes of Dorset and the world had never seen. 20 odd years ago they started off by busking outside Debenhams in Bournemouth and then played their first gig at the Brunswick Hotel in Charminster. It was after that gig they received their first ever review too- on collection of their gear the following morning, they discovered the landlord’s dog had left a rather large message by the drum kit.
The band was put together from the ashes of skiffle outfit ‘Hoedown at Hanks’. a Cult tribute band ‘ Blue Rain’ and local upstarts ‘the Crunchy Tractors and quickly went onto busking outside more salubrious locations, Amsterdam Central Station, Copenhagen Homeless Hostels and Cherbourg docks to name but a few. As the band’s sound evolved with a mash of punk, country and rockabilly which brought together the band’s very own genre “Cowpunk”, proper gigs soon followed and then the festivals came calling.
The line up has seen many changes over the years but the founder members, Toni Viagra and Lamma are still there, along with newbies(!) Ffi, Krusty, Gypo, Aussie Mike and Andy Law- who’ve only done the last fifteen years or so.
We are delighted to announce that our Thursday headliners will be The Red Hot Chilli Pipers who last appeared at Wickham way back in 2018. They are without a doubt are the most famous bagpipe band on the planet ever!
Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that leaves people with warm hearts and smiles on their faces. RHCP, known for their unique fusion of traditional bagpipe music and modern rock and pop are going “Back to Roots”, which is also the title of their new album which was released in early 2025.
Dubbed the “Kings of Bagrock,” they blend powerful bagpipes with, vocals, electric guitars, drums, and keyboards to create high-energy performances that captivate audiences worldwide.
Formed in 2002, the group gained international fame after winning the hugely successful BBC talent show When Will I Be Famous? in 2007. Their innovative covers of iconic rock and pop tracks, such as Journey´s “Don´t Stop believing” and Coldplay’s “Clocks,” have earned them critical acclaim, several awards, and a loyal fan base.
RHCP have collected together an impressive group of musicians, dancers and singers from Scotland and further afield, many holding World Championship titles and all exceptional performers with impressive credentials and qualifications.
Some facts and figures about the Red Hot Chilli Pipers:
- Gold disc for over 100,000 uk sales of their first album – `Backrock to the Masses
- To date, The Red Hot Chilli Piper have performed live to over 1.5 million people
- Triple platinum status for the album and DVD – `Blast Live`
- Awarded twice for `Best Live Act in Scotland`
- Nearly 6 million views on Youtube of their viral cover version of the Avici track `Wake me up`
- Nearly 20 million views on Youtube of their performance of “Leave a Light On” feat. Tom Walker
- Sell out gigs and tours in USA, UK, China,Australia,Germany,Switzerland and Australia
- Winner of the BBC TV prime time talent show `When Will I be Famous` hosted by Graham Norton
The Chillis have never been more in demand for their infectious style of feel good music which appeals right across the age range to people all over the world. They have a pool of the very best musicians from Scotland and across the globe – many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications.
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Wherever you are you are sure to have felt the Chilli heat. It’s time now to come closer to the fire.
