The air crackled with anticipation in Hamilton’s newly renovated TD Coliseum. But this wasn’t just another concert; it was a homecoming of sorts, a musical bridge spanning continents and generations, all thanks to a legend named Paul McCartney.
As the final notes of “Mull of Kintyre” faded, a wave of emotion washed over the stage. The Paris Port Dover Pipe Band, having just finished their performance, began to walk off, but the moment wasn’t over. Pipe Major Gord Black noticed a Scottish guitar handler, tears welling in his eyes, struggling to lift McCartney’s guitar.
It was a profoundly moving experience for the band, many fighting back their own tears. McCartney, acknowledging the deep connection, spoke of his crew members from Scotland, visibly touched by the performance. He understood the weight of the music, the echoes of a shared heritage.
McCartney famously reserves “Mull of Kintyre” for performances in Commonwealth countries, a song imbued with a particular resonance for those with roots in those lands. But for Black, this night held an even deeper significance – a chance to showcase a new generation of talent.
He had brought a group of young pipers and drummers – some barely teenagers – onto the stage, a bold move that paid off spectacularly. “This was a huge challenge, and they all came through in a big way,” Black recalled, his voice filled with pride.
The validation wasn’t just from the roaring applause of the packed arena, but from McCartney himself. He met each young performer’s gaze, a silent acknowledgment of their skill and courage – a moment Black knew they would cherish forever.
The stage held 27 pipers and drummers alongside McCartney’s seasoned band: Wix Wickens, Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel Jr., and the Hot City Horns. Yet, Black insisted on highlighting the contributions of the youth, the future of the band.
These weren’t children who grew up with the Beatles; some weren’t even born when Wings soared to fame. Yet, Ben Lees (16), Rowan Paniccia (19), Thelonious Tracy (14), Haroon Awan (14), Maya Croome (12), and Iona Lees (12) mastered their parts with remarkable precision.
“They know the music and they knew this was big,” Black said, beaming. “And they all did so great. I am so proud of all of them.” He founded the band 25 years ago, driven by a passion for teaching young people the art of piping and drumming, and this night was the culmination of that dedication.
McCartney and his team were incredibly supportive, even ensuring a friend of the band had a prime spot for photos and video. The invitation had arrived just a month prior, a secret kept and meticulously rehearsed. Remarkably, McCartney even expressed familiarity with the town of Paris, Ontario and the surrounding area.
The band had the honor of piping McCartney into the arena with “Scotland the Brave,” a gesture that visibly moved the music icon, who touched his heart in response. A sound check followed, easing the nerves of the young performers before they joined McCartney for the encore of “Mull of Kintyre.”
“Playing with Sir Paul is always a thrill,” Black admitted. This wasn’t their first collaboration – they’d shared the stage in 2010 and 2015 – but the inclusion of so many young musicians made this performance uniquely special. The energy was electric, the reward immeasurable.
The tribute felt particularly fitting, given Hamilton’s own Scottish roots. The city was named after George Hamilton, a founder whose parents emigrated from Scotland in the 18th century. It was a night that honored the past while embracing the future.
Twelve-year-old Iona Lees, reflecting on the experience, described McCartney as a “talented singer, especially at that age,” marveling at his enduring energy. Maya Croome, also 12, was struck by his kindness and humor, finding him “a lot sweeter” than she’d imagined.
Fifteen-year-old Haroon Awan admitted to initial stress, but found reassurance in rehearsals and McCartney’s encouragement. “Paul is very nice and he’s pretty funny, too,” he shared. The young musicians had not only played with a legend, they had connected with him on a personal level.
No one present that night will soon forget the moment Paul McCartney and the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band brought a piece of Scotland to Hamilton, a testament to the power of music to transcend generations and connect cultures.
