Red Hot Chili Pipers bringing ‘bagrock’ to Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids

Music fans have had their share of misconceptions when it comes to the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Many fans believe that the unusual tribute act is a Chili Peppers cover band. However, not one Chili Pepper tune is ever delivered during a Chili Piper set.

“Funnily enough, we play zero (Chili Pepper songs),” Red Hot Chili Piper manager Ross White said while calling from Easton, Pa. “Although we took inspiration from the Peppers’ band name, we don’t cover or play any of their songs. We are by no means a tribute to the Peppers. We play a whole range of music inspired by bands such as Queen, Journey and even Stevie Wonder.”

The bagpipe-fueled band, formed in Scotland in 2002, will perform Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. The Celtic rockers have considered playing songs written by Los Angeles funk-rock Red Hot Chili Peppers, but a bagpipe can only play nine notes.

“None of (their songs) ever really have seemed to work with the range that bagpipes can cover musically,” White said. “Bagpipes can only cover one scale, so not every song can work, which naturally steers us in a certain direction when we have ideas of what we’d like to do.”

There are Chili Pepper fans who have bought Chili Piper tickets. It’s not a bad situation. Music aficionados will catch an experienced band that plays with considerable energy, at a reasonable price.

In 2007, the group appeared on a BBC reality show, “When Will I Be Famous,” won 10,000 pounds and became a known entity in the United Kingdom. The Chili Pipers subsequently broke through in the United States and play theaters and corporate events.

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With three pipers, two guitarists, a drummer, a bongo player and a singer, the Chili Pipers band members are a dynamic ball of energy live, whether they’re delivering unique versions of Coldplay’s “Clocks,” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” or their show stopper, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.’ ”

It’s not surprising the adventurous British band The Darkness added the Chili Pipers for a festival date.

And while the Red Hot Chili Peppers haven’t spoken with the Pipers, the iconic band has acknowledged the Chili Pipers.

“Apparently the Peppers have heard of us and are in full support of us taking inspiration from their band name,” White said.

Unlike many tribute acts, the Chili Pipers band has released a number of studio albums that sell, including 2005’s eponymous release, 2007’s “Bagrock to the Masses,” 2010’s “Music for the Kilted Generation,” 2013’s “Breathe,” 2016’s “Octane” and 2019’s “Fresh Air.”

As much as the band enjoys the studio, it’s live where the Chili Pipers impress. The group has twice been awarded the accolade of best live act in Scotland. That’s quite an honor considering Scotland is home to such stellar live recording artists as Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai, and the Jesus and Mary Chain.

The Chili Pipers have played to more than 1 million music fans. Their performance of “Leave a Light On,” with Tom Walker, has racked up more than 7 million YouTube views.

The Chili Pipers is one of the most successful cover bands in the world. It’s all due to adding a twist to iconic material and endless work.

The group has an audience for its truly unique sound. The Edinburgh, Scotland, band has played all around the world, just like the Chili Peppers, and according to White, the group loves playing Iowa.

“We’ve been to Iowa many times over the years,” White said. “There are too many memories to count.”