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Piper Brian May is a Piper in the South East Queensland Area, He has been playing Bagpipes for over 40 years, At 19 years of age he Joined the British Army joining the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, while serving as a Guardsman Brian learnt to play the Bagpipes, and with over ten years’ experience in the regiment he took part in many prestigious events, including The Trooping of the Colour, State opening of Parliament, and the Wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

While serving in the British Army he was posted to Brunei to support British Troops serving the Sultan of Brunei. While in Brunei, he was given further instruction from Pipe Major Jimmy Rugg, ex Gordon Highlanders, who at the time was the Pipe Major of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment as well as one of the senior Pipe Majors of the British Army.

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After reaching the rank of Colour Sergeant in the British Army, Brian migrated to Australia in 1992. When he arrived in Australia he joined the 9th Bn Royal Queensland Regiment, where he worked as an Instructor at the Officer Cadet Training Unit, and also as Drum Major and Pipe Sargent of the Pipes and Drums of 9RQR. Brian has taken part in many celebrations such as Freedom of the City Parade, ANZAC Day, Reserve forces day, and many other high profile Military parades in and around Brisbane.

After leaving 9RQR Brian Joined the Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band which is one of the oldest bands in Queensland.  ​He was awarded life membership in 2009,

 

During his time with Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band he has been honoured to represented Queensland and Australia in many high profile events; winning many competitions with the band and also travelling overseas to represent state and country - including;

 

  • 2006 Winners New Zealand Grade 4 Contest

  • 2007 Moscow, Russia, Kremlin Zoria, the first international Military Tattoo in the Former Soviet Union.

  • Appearances on Celebrity Big Brother

  • Appearances on the Channel 9 Morning Show

  • 2008 Musical Support for Andre Rieu World stadium Tour (Brisbane)

  • Ipswich Military Tattoo

  • Lone Piper for many ANZAC Day performances

  • Weddings, Funerals , Birthdays, Corporate events

 

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While with Ipswich Thistle Band , Brian took a break from competition to work with the RAAF Amberley Pipes and Drums, and played at many community and military events. The main highlight was the 90th Anniversary of the birth of the RAAF  at Amberley.

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