P-M Richard Parkes MBE: 40 years leading Field Marshal Montgomery – Part 1

pipes|drums speaks with the world's most successful and accomplished Grade 1 pipe-major on his four decades of leading the 12-time World Champions.

[wendygorm]

A great leader of a fantastic band. Many congratulations on all your achievements. I have watched you many times in Portrush, and once in Glasgow. You have risen to be World Champions, which is just wonderful. God bless.

[waveclipper]

As a kid I had the great privilege to be taught by Richard Parkes for about an hour back in the mid eighties prior to my Elementary grade exam. Richard taught me how to tune the drones (I can remember it quite clearly) and since that day I have been able to tune any instrument using the same principle. Although I ultimately couldn't hack the discipline required to be able to do a pipe band proper justice as a member (moved over to other instruments and musical genres), I still absolutely adore hearing a quality pipe band in full flight. The Field Marshal Montgomery are a ridiculously potent band and they invariably send tingles up my spine and electrifying gobs of adrenaline through my veins.
Richard is a superlative musician and it is a joy to watch (hear!) his continuing success.

[nanners]

Talk about World Domination! A great story from a great PM. There is not a better memory of the being in the parade at Cowl back to the ferry, I look forward to the next installment!

[ProfileP]

Great to hear from Richard Parkes MBE, feel proud living in the same city. Long live FMM!

[giuseppelogiurato]

Must be nice, having 40 years to spare... The rest of us can only dream.