The most successful pipe major in pipe band history, Richard Parkes of Field Marshal Montgomery, has announced his retirement.
In a statement, the band revealed that P/Sgt. Matt Wilson will be taking over as Pipe Major. Richard (62) has won 13 World title, more than any other Pipe Major, and over forty major championships.
Richard said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery. The band has taken me around the world and been a conduit for some of the most meaningful experiences and friendships of my life. I will miss it beyond words but I am also grateful for what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing the band flourish under Matt and Gareth [McLees’s] leadership.’
New P/M Matt Wilson said; ‘Richard leaves a legacy as a pipe major that we will not see the likes of again our lifetime. Being his Pipe Sergeant has been the highlight of my piping career.’
2024 has been a poor season by FMM standards and P/M Parkes has been involved in behind the scenes controversy following their runner-up position in last month’s World Pipe Band Championships.
It was a great privilege to have known Richard both as a competitor and as a friend.. Sean Faloon
Richard is a class act, and undoubtedly the greatest of all time. No sense is casting negative shadows. Full respect to a legendary pipe major.
I don’t think it’s negative at all.
But the editor has made a comment in his tribute which mentions “behind the scenes controversy”, which it appears most readers on his forum were completely unaware off. I know I was.
It would be good if the editor would enlighten the readers.
I will say, in my humble opinion, Inveraray were the clearest of clear winners at this year’s World’s.
Inverary’s Friday Medley was absolutely jaw-droppingly incredible. The SOUND emanating from their pipes was unreal. Boghall did the same on Saturday, where they just stood above all the rest. FMM and SFU were incredible too but Inverary just took it to a whole other dimension on that Friday Med performance. Incredible to be there (my first time).
How difficult it must be to be at the top, where 2nd place in the world championships at the highest level…is a “poor season”. Incredible.
I agree completely that 2nd place at the Worlds is a great result, especially with so many outstanding bands at the top of Grade 1. However, if I am not mistaken, this is the first season for many years that FMM has not won any of the Majors, which will be a disappointment for many band members and supporters, given their unprecedented track record.
You are mistaken, they won the European Championships at Perth this year.
Richard – STUNNING career and contribution to the piping and drumming world worldwide! Congratulations!! Thank you for all you’ve done!
Thank you Richard for your contribution to the pipe band world. You were fab!. Glad you chose your own time to silence the chanter. All the best Matt!
The greatest pipe major in history. That’s not a bad way to leave the stage.
Good luck for his retirement
What controversy has he been involved in? Be interesting to know