Neil Cockayne has been our bass drummer since the start of the 2000 season. Prior to that, he spent the last seven years in our snare section, firstly under Alan Barron, then Jamie Green and latterly under Norrie Thomson. He is one of the 'stalwarts' of our band and long may he continue to be so.

When Did You Start Playing And Who With?

I started playing when I was 14, with Moffat PB but it only lasted until I was 20, as I had an ambition to be a rock drummer. This lasted until I was approx. 35 (yes I know that's too old for a pop star!) When I realised this was not to be so, I rejoined Moffat to try my hand again at pipe band drumming.

What Inspired You To Start Playing?

Initially I was watching Top of the Pops on TV when Jimmy Hendrix was playing (seeing Noel Reading the drummer play was quite inspirational) also, listening to jazz drummers like Buddy Rich. The problem was how do I learn? The only drumming outlet for this meant I would have join a Pipe Band i.e. Moffat. Here I learned all the basic rudiments but my real interest at that time was "kit playing". It was not until I was 35 that I really became interested in pipe band drumming when I signed up for the RSPBA summer school to enable me to learn to read drum scores. This brought me into contact with the famous Eric Ward (see below).

What Other Bands Do You Like To See And Hear?

Favourite bands? many over the years, namely, Strathclyde Police, Simon Fraser Uni'.

Who/What Has Influenced You In Your Playing?

Seeing Eric Ward for the first time was pretty much a huge shock to me as really the only other pipe band drummers that I had seen playing were other Grade 4 players at massed bands (I led a sheltered life!). Therefore, you can imagine how I felt (pretty much, pack this lark in, take up tambourine playing!). The RSPBA summer school really was probably a big shock which made me want to play and advance my drumming skills.

Do You Have Any Favourite Tunes Or Musical Pieces?

Too many to mention but the Masons Apron springs to mind as one of them.

What Other Hobbies Do You Have?

Gastronomic devises, I'm a dab hand in the kitchen! Keeping Fit. (I have a tendancy to trundle occasionally along the streets of Dumfries). Drawing and painting (not quite Claude Monet).

What Other Types Of Music Do You Like To Listen To?

I enjoy all types of music. My only dislike is old Country and Western. I cannot abide the Johnny Cashes of this world.

Do You Play Any Other Instruments?

I can blaw an odd tune on the mouthy!

Any Amusing Moments That Stick In Your Mind From Your Years In Pipe Bands?

The time when we visited Isle of Skye. Jamie Green decreed that "naebody in this Ban' has ever seen me drunk". A short time after, Jamie was asked by Alistair (one of our tenor drummers) to stand on one leg and touch his nose with one finger - Jamie collapsed into a crumpled heap on the tarmac! Much to the hilarity of all watching. Back at our Hostel (Jamie was now comatose on the sofa) we then lifted Jamie, and sofa, outside into the freezing cold air and left him to snooze away the rest of his alcohol induced evening (for a while anyway). Also, Might High Street on Gala Saturday when Moffat Band was being led by Drum Major Tucker Adamson from Lockerbie. As the parade approached Well Street (at which point the Parade turns left) we (the drummers) realised that nobody had told Tucker to take a left up Well Street, he boldly marched straight on down the street on his own the rest of the parade all disappeared out of sight.

What's Been The Best Band Trip (Not Necessarily With D&G Police)?

I think that the Norway trip with the Police was by far the funniest experience. Perhaps I won't elaborate any further though!

What, If Anything Annoys You In The Pipe Band World?

Big-headed buggers who think their God's Gift and drummers who continually rattle on their skins when all competition is finished. Last year at one of the Majors some old retired sod decided to hold court in the beer tent by continually rattling out unintelligible drivel with sticks on a table. Now that annoyed me!

What Are The Highlights Of Your Playing Career?

Got to be when we (the police) won Grade 4 Champion of Champions and Champion of Champion Drum Corps. The jubilation I felt (and the rest of the Band) was amazing.

And Are There Any Low Points?

Definitely when I was dropped from the corps in season 1999. I realised that my snare playing days (Grade 2) were more or less over (at least in competition).

What Are Your Goals Within The Pipe Band World?

To continue to improve on Bass Drum. Win Grade 2 (for now).

Finally, If You Could Be Re-Incarnated As Anyone, At Any Point In History, Who Would It Be?

A second world war Bomber Pilot (not one who was shot down!!). Buddy Rich when the jazz bands were at their height. Either Claude Monet or Pierre August Renoir as the popularity of Impressionist painting exploded across Europe (turn of the 20th century).