Haggis X-1 (courtesy photo)
Haggis X-1, a rambunctious Celtic rock band complete with bagpipes and fiddles, makes its TCAN debut in Natick on July 17 at 8pm.
Indeed, the area’s recent love affair with the Scottish World Cup team and its Tartan Army plays into Haggis X-1’s current marketing.
Craig Downie, who contributes bagpipes, whistles, and vocals to Haggis X-1, is well aware of the Scottish sensation in the Boston area and said the team’s impact was felt in the town near Toronto where he lives, too. “There is a pub run by a Scottish couple. I was there for Scotland’s win over Haiti. The place was jumping. Nothing but Scottish songs, jerseys, and camaraderie,” he said.
As for Haggis X-1, it follows in the footsteps of Canadian group Enter the Haggis, which has performed numerous times at TCAN over the years. Enter the Haggis is still going, but has largely stopped touring.
The difference between the bands?
“Haggis X-1 is much more into musical exploration and experimentation than Enter the Haggis; especially in regard to our upcoming double album. One disc will be all original music, and the other will be our interpretation of Grateful Dead songs. Haggis X-1 is an all-encompassing, full-time project,” says Downie, one of three Enter the Haggis veterans among Haggis X-1’s members (Trevor Lewington is on vocals and guitar, and Tom Barraco handles the drums).
For those who still haven’t embraced the bagpipes regardless of the Tartan Army’s appeal, I asked Downie what those folks might be missing.
“Earplugs,” he replied.
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