The death had been reported of well-known drummer and former RSPBA adjudicator, Joe Noble. He was 82.
Joe had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and died at home in Bearsden, Glasgow.
He started his drumming career in the 214th Glasgow Company of the Boys’ Brigade. He originally wanted to be a piper but as the company band had a surfeit, and a shortage of drummers, he was encouraged to switch to the latter.
He was farmed out to Alex Healy the then leading tip of the Grade 1 Renfrew band and given a crash course in rudiments. Once perfected, these rudiments and the musical education he received from the 214’s Pipe Major, Alex MacIvor, were the backbone of Joe’s musical career throughout his life.
He enjoyed several successful years with the 214, winning every Juvenile award and some significant Grade 3 and Grade 2 prizes along the way.
At 17 he joined the Renfrew corps under another 214 graduate, Andy Hosie. They gelled instantly and in 1965 won the Grade 1 World Pipe Band Championships Drumming title at Forfar.
When Andy Hosie retired, Joe took over the corps and was with them in their various incarnations, B Cal Renfrew, Babcock Renfrew, for several years. He also played in the City of Glasgow band and the Toyota band under P/M Hugh MacInnes.
Joe was an outstanding solo drummer and won the World Solo Drumming title on two occasions, 1972 and ’74. In 1974, as Leading Drummer with B Cal Renfrew, he also secured the World Corps title at Stirling against the might of Alex Duthart and Shotts.
Retiring from bands in the late 80s, he was welcomed onto the RSPBA Judging Panel and qualified as both a drumming and ensemble adjudicator. He travelled the world to officiate at band competitions and was instrumental in helping establish pipe band events in Argentina.
Joe was also a successful businessman. With a background in the insurance industry, he formed the Band Room, a Glasgow-based percussion retailer, selling all manner of drums. After a couple of years he and his wife Irene invited P/M Ian McLellan of Strathclyde Police fame to open a piping department in the shop.
This was instantly successful and the Band Room became a popular drop-in spot for all pipe band enthusiasts visiting the city. Joe later sold the business in difficult circumstances and then lost his wife Irene.
At 75 Joe retired from judging and enjoyed travel, and visiting competitions and art galleries with his new wife Lynn. He was a patron of Inveraray Highland Games and was present at this year’s event. Sincere condolences to Lynn and Joe’s family and friends at this time. RW
In 1990, the St. Andrew’s Society of the River Plate Pipes and Drums was invited to compete in Scotland, an opportunity made possible with the support of our friends at the South American Piping Association (S.A.P.A.).
Our drum corps faced a significant challenge—our equipment was antiquated and far from competitive standards. Upon seeing this, Joe didn’t hesitate for a moment. In a gesture of remarkable generosity, he lent us a complete set of drums, transforming our sound and giving us the tools we needed to compete on a world stage. It was an act of true selflessness that we will never forget.
Later, when our band decided to purchase our own drums, we naturally turned to Joe’s “Band Room.” It was a moment of poetic justice—or perhaps, divine providence—that we became his very first clients. This connection only deepened the bond we felt with him.
Joe’s impact on the Pipe Band community in Argentina, and indeed across South America, went far beyond that single act of generosity. He continued to support bands across the continent, offering not just his expertise and instruction, but also serving as an adjudicator at South America’s Pipe Band Gatherings. His influence even reached the budding Piping community in the south of Spain, where he made lasting friendships, particularly with the Sur Pipes Band from Málaga.
The Pipe Band community of South America will deeply miss Joe. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lynn, and to his extended family and friends.
With sincere sympathy,
Leslie Thomson
Former Pipe Major, St. Andrew’s Society of the River Plate Pipes and Drums
Pipe Major, Sur Pipes Band (Málaga)
Joe was a drumming legend, always teady to encourage and support bands at all levels. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Very sad news. Joe was a true gentleman and always fun to be around. My condolences to Lynn and the entire Noble family.
Very sorry to hear this Joe was a great guy! Thoughts and prayers out to his family.
Such a shame. I remember Joe as being approachable, helpful, and charming. A real star…
Sorry to hear this sad news. I played alongside Joe in the Toyota Band.
He was always ready with words of encouragement and unselfish with his knowledge and talent.
He’ll be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Lynn and the family.
So sad to hear of Joe’s passing, an absolute gentleman sincere condolences to his family.
Always the gentleman