Bill Bailey learning the bagpipes ahead of Scotland shows in tribute to Sean Lock
Bill Bailey has revealed he is learning the bagpipes as he heads to Scotland for a string of shows.
The stand-up comic and Strictly Come Dancing winner, 60, is perfecting his pipe playing in time for shows at Glasgow's Armadillo on August 22, and Edinburgh Playhouse on August 23 and 24.
He said: 'I'm learning the bagpipes. I've got the basics. I wouldn't say I'm an expert. I have a wonderful set of bagpipes that I own and I've had the bag changed into the Bailey tartan. It's just a fantastic and such a powerful instrument.'
He plans to play the pipes on his latest Thoughtifier tour dates in a tribute to fellow comedian Sean Lock, who died of cancer, aged 58, as he says 'they have that commemorative, haunting quality'.
He added: 'There's something quite primal about it, especially in a small theatre. There'll be some classic stirring Scottish tunes.
'A drummer comes on and starts beating out the rhythm to a variety of different songs and it gets the hairs standing on the back of the neck every time.'
Bill will also be in conversation with former SNP MP Mhairi Black at Edinburgh's Gilded Balloon on August 25.
He said: 'The first time we drove to Edinburgh, we got lost. We were in a little Ford Fiesta. The car wasn't absolutely in mint condition so we had to avoid motorways.
'We got to our digs in Leith at six in the morning and next door there was a pub open.
'I came back many years after that and I love the whole experience.'
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