Observations: Not quite Iraq and roll, but...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The golden days of luxury and excess for record labels and their artists may be over, but 50C heat in a war zone are officially the most dangerous conditions for recording an album ever. Indeed, a tent on the Iraqi frontline is where the pipers and drummers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards succeeded in making the world's most dangerous CD.
Last Christmas, the military band had a hit with their debut album Spirit of the Glen. It stayed at number one in the classical charts for 14 weeks, made the Top 20 pop chart and outsold Bon Jovi, 50 Cent and Elton John. This time, the pipers had to fulfil their primary role as soldiers and embark on a six-month tour of duty in Basra, but their label Universal Music sent a mobile recording unit to the British base to finish their follow-up disc. Of course, Universal initially banned producer Jon Cohen and A&R manager Tom Lewis from going out to Basra, but a multimillion pound insurance policy – and the lure of another Christmas hit – helped them change their minds.
One piper suffered heatstroke while recording Spirit of the Glen: Journey, which will be released on 1 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments