Loretto band join Beatles legend on stage at Hampden

Published on Wednesday 23 June 2010 11:09

THEY have performed at Musselburgh's Christmas parade and been the star turn at school events.

But for one night only, members of the Loretto School Pipe Band became the backing act to one of the most famous singer-songwriters of all time – Sir Paul McCartney.

Eighteen young musicians from the private school in Musselburgh took to the stage with the Beatles legend during his concert at Hampden Park on Sunday to a crowd of 50,000 people.

The 12 pipers and seven drummers, along with four pipers from East Lothian Pipes and Drums Trust, provided the backing for the Wings classic Mull of Kintyre during the hit-laden set.

After the performance, Sir Paul praised the young musicians' performance by saying they were "one of the best bands" he had ever played with.

The band first met Sir Paul on Sunday afternoon as they had a run through of the biggest performance of their lives.

He chatted casually to them as he told them what he wanted from them and where they should stand.

Drum major Alexander English, 16, said: "When we arrived we were given our stage passes and went through into the stadium and on to a balcony section to get ourselves ready.

"We saw Paul McCartney arrive by car, which was really exciting and fantastic to see – how many people can say they have seen that?

"We then went on to the stage with him and practised, which went very well and we sorted out how we were going to sound on the night.

"We were getting ready listening to all the Beatles songs from backstage, it was fantastic.

"We came on just after a wave of Beatles songs and when we came on stage there were screams and cheers.

"It was a once in a lifetime chance and such an honour but it hasn't really sunk in yet."

Drummer Nick Finlay, 15, spoke to Sir Paul during the run-through.

He said: "I just walked on to the stage and asked him where I should stand.

"He said I could stand anywhere I felt like standing and we had a bit if a chat about it.

"At the time you sort of don't realise that you're speaking to Paul McCartney then it hits you afterwards.

"He was very down-to-earth and interacting with everyone backstage."

Piper Luke Bissell, 15, added: "It was amazing. I don't know how to put it into words.

"He was very friendly when he was talking to us during rehearsal and was very nice."

Jonathan Hewat, director of external affairs at Loretto School, said: "Sir Paul's endorsement is the ultimate accolade for the band.

"The band has been very busy recently – just this term they have performed at Edinburgh Castle, at the start of the Edinburgh Marathon, Holyrood Palace and at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

"This concert was the icing on the cake – what a once in a lifetime opportunity."