I've been trying hard to get my head round this news - and failing. I think the world runs too fast for people these days.

The Irish piper Mick O' Brien was over in Pitlochry working on the Highland Sessions and was driving through the town with the producer and Allan MacDonald.

They passed the bin-lorry and who was out there working but Gordon himself. Mick - quick as a flash - said "Jeez if that's the way the Scots treat their master pipers, I'm out of here!"

I was just listening again to Thunderstruck there - what a player.

I know it will not be possible for everyone who would like to pay their respects to be in Pitlochry tomorrow. Maybe, those who cannot attend could try to set some time aside for some quiet contemplation between 12.45 and 1.15pm.
The power of prayer, if we all participate, might help those who have been left behind with so much grief.

an amazing down to earth guy, will be very sadly missed and i pray he rests in peace. Amazing piper and will never be forgotten
condolances to his family and friends

A great loss...

Having played in the Juvenile band of "the Vale" many years ago I have always been in awe of both Gordon and Ian.

Years later by chance listening to Gordon play at the humble Birnam highland games brought back the same admiration and inspiration.

Having left his legacy of such masterpieces as The Sout Dragon, Zito the Bubbleman and the amazing Andy Renwick's Ferret. Gordon is the reason that I am still a piper.

M

...

A thought for Gordon at the time of his funeral.

Going down to the beach just now and we'll think about him there.....

Humility in your genius
Generosity in your spirit
Fingers bristled on sacred chanter
Singing drones delighted in your joy
King of all pipers
God bless you Gordy

Love and respect
Ali,Sean and Seumy

From Brittany :
Sad......so sad !! to learn this bad news
Condoleances to his family :(

ONE of the Reference PIPERS in the world.
Immortal tunes.

RIP

The hundreds of us who were in the church, in the hall, standing outside and present at the graveside knew we were also representing many many thousands who couldn't be there.

Goodbye Gordie, and thanks for the memories.

I've never met him, and feel that because i never will, feel a deep sense of regret. Where he lead with the music, I, to the best of my ability will try to follow. Like many of the posters here, I cut my teeth playing his tunes, until his Circular breath album where I reached the limit of my ability. When I heard the news, I spent the rest of the time since hoping it wouldn't be so. I had to play that day, and felt self conscious about it knowing that he might be able to hear me from the other side, but then felt someone say, "go on, play it". I suppose we owe it to Gordon to continue his work as best we can.

As regards the final track on the Thunderstruck album, I remember a review in piperanddrummer.com that missed the point saying that it didn't really work. For me, the genius of this track was that it showcased the drumming of John Scullion, who had previously been replaced as leading Drummer of the Scottish Power pipe band. Scullion comes from a very proud drumming family and although I don't know the inside story of how that happened, this gave him the chance to show the world that he is still a drummer. This would have been extremely generous of Gordon given that it was his project. Although I may be well wide of the mark, it seems to agree with what people say about him.

Another problem I have with the review was when it said that the "Lorient mornings" track featured an "out of tune" chanter; Given the last weeks news and how gordon makes the pipes cry here, I defy anyone to listen to this and not well up.

RIP Gordon, and thanks

k

Regrets here too at never having heard the man play live. I went to Doune Castle near Dunblane (yes, where the Monty Python Holy Grail film was partly shot) and piped, to the best of my modest ability, from 12.45 to 1.15pm today. Finished with The Bloody Fields o' Flanders (Freedom Come All Ye tune), and as I was on the roof, the sound should have carried a fair distance.

Gordon Duncan's tunes "Just For Seumas/The Thin Man", and others, helped me through some very dark times and set me on a new path in life, for which I will always be grateful.

Did anyone else pipe in his memory, who didn't go to the funeral ? Where, and what tunes ?

Nice one Grant, a fitting tribute.

A beautiful obituary from Rob Adams in today's Herald

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/52983.html

As a man gordon was a good man, I enjoyed a few beers with gordon - He never stopped composing - I rember showing him my pc and he said fork sake you can do all that --- I said i am just showing you the basic's --- he was off in a world of his own He saw that the computers were the way forward. His words were fork the huffing and puffing get it all on here man --- but his heart was in blowing god rest his heart

wee tone

I still cant belive he is not here

f*ck sake gordy mines a double bells

I just bought all of gordon's cd's and will flood the usenet a few times with them -- let some more people know the music

I have so many great memories of Gordon dating back to the late 80s, and now they are all flooding back with waves of sadness and deep affection. I'm tremendously sorry for his family, who showed their strength and unity at yesterday's funeral. It was a cold day - the winter solstice - and the scenes at the church and cemetery were unforgettable. Family, friends and admirers filled the church and a throng of hundreds more listened on speakers outside. It was such a sad day but amazing too for the display of respect, support, appreciation and love. Dougie MacLean said "it was like a nation saying farewell to its champion."
We'll never forget you Gordy. Your music and unique spirit live on.
xxx

Absolutely ******* tragic, excuse my French.

I listen mostly to new stuff but between Gordon's passing and Martyn Bennett's we are bereft of modern traditional Scots talent!

Alistair

* forum admin

ardenmohr, I don't want to start a discussion about this on this important thread but please do not insult Martyn and Gordan's memories with such ignorance.

Terrible news from Scotland, one of the best pipers I've ever listened to has death. When I listened to him the first time I felt somithing special, the music that he made is undescriptible. It's a terrible lose to Scotland and a terrible lose to the whole people who likes music and specially in Asturies, where we know his music and where he was an idol to all the people which play the pipe and loves folk music.

RIP
DEP

I first heard Gordon's talent through his playing with Dougie Maclean and from that I went on to buy his own CD's. I saw him play just weeks ago at Dougie's friend's gig at Pitlochry where he played a set on the pipes and also whistle with Dougie...a song from 'Who Am I' they had composed together in the back of their van after supping Long Island Teas whilst on tour in the US ...... in the song there is a line 'And we'll drink to the Wild Ones' so here's a toast to you Gordie we will miss your talent God Bless!