The Massed Pipes & Drums opened the show by spelling out REMT 75. I’m on the curve of the 5.
This year, once again, I was privileged to be accepted to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT). While last year’s performance was a grand new adventure for me, this year was extra special! 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of the first Military Tattoo held in Edinburgh Castle, and I knew a great show was planned. Neither the show, nor the experience disappointed!
A closer shot of me in “the 5” during the closing scene of the show.
The Tattoo’s theme of “Tattoo ’75, The Heroes Who Made Us” celebrated not only the acts and traditions from the show’s long history, but the local heroes who contribute today to make our society a better place. With a new Creative Director, Alan Lane, the show returned to its military roots. The Royal Regiment of Scotland was well represented with both the brass band and the bulk of the pipes and drums present. Poland and Ukraine had military brass bands present and the U.S. Army’s Old Guard fife and drum corps, along with the U.S. Air Force’s precision drill team, represented the United States Military perfectly.
The band also performed in Glasgow during the “Piping Live” events before the World Pipe Band Championships.
As with last year, I was part of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes & Drums. This band made up three of the eleven files of the Massed Pipes & Drums. Numbering over 85 musicians, it is the largest band on parade and, actually, the largest performing pipe band in the world. Musicians from all over the world apply and audition each year to be a member, with the final choices being made by the band’s leadership and the head of the Army School of Bagpipes and Scottish Drumming. To be part of such an outstanding group of musicians is a privilege and pure joy which makes up for the challenge and hard work that goes into getting ready for the show’s production. This year was especially challenging with rehearsal days of 14 hours the norm! A great treat was to once again perform with my friend, Drum Major Colleen Wilson from Clovis, CA and with first-time performer, drummer Daren Olson. Daren is the lead drummer for the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums, and I’ve known and performed with him for years.
The REMT Pipes & Drums paying respect to the Scottish War Memorial chapel, Edinburgh Castle.
This was on top of getting back together with many of the performers from last year and meeting new performers from the 19 countries that were represented by the band, Tattoo Dancers and Tattoo Fiddlers that make up the entire REMT Performers. There was a large Canadian contingent this year. Both in the REMT Pipes & Drums/performers and the participation of the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band from Ontario.
The “Canadian” contingent. Both from the REMT Performers and the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band.
Daren was fortunate to be able to contribute to the performance’s history! His mother-in-law was present at the very first Tattoo, 75 years ago! She was in attendance this year with Daren’s family and was the subject of a BBC interview.
It was great to perform with my friend, Daren Olson, who is a member of the California Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums. Here, with his Mother-in-Law who attended the very first Tattoo.
For me, one of the best parts was a new feature where the performers would go out and meet the audience before the show. This led me to meet three WW2 veterans; one from the Royal Scots Rgt., a Polish Tank Rgt. veteran, and a fine lady that was in the WAFs. I was particularly honored to be chosen to meet Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, during a “meet and greet” luncheon after the last day of rehearsals. To say that HRH is a gracious professional at making people feel at ease is an understatement.
HRH, Princess Anne is the Royal Patron of the REMT. Getting to meet her was a special honour.
From the music and drill, to the people and experience of the show, this year’s Tattoo created memories of a lifetime. I was very fortunate to be selected to be part of such a fine group of musicians and performers. Marching across the Castle’s draw bridge to open the show never gets old. Nor does performing before a packed house of close to 9000. For me, getting to meet so many fine people, who came from all corners of the world to see the show was icing on the cake. To do this with friends, new and old, is an honour to appreciate forever.
The thrill of marching out of the Castle and forming up the Massed Pipes & Drums never got old.
Charles Martin, Piper
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 