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
