At 12.30pm on January 17, 2026 the Gordon Duncan Tribute Pipe Band breathe new life into the legendary “Live ’N Well” concert, marking 30 years since its groundbreaking debut. This special tribute event at Celtic Connections 2026 promises an electrifying afternoon of piping, honouring the enduring legacy of Gordon Duncan.
The original Live ‘N Well album, released in 1996 by the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band under Pipe Major Ian Duncan with Gordon Duncan serving as Pipe Sergeant, helped transform the landscape of bagpipe music. Now, three decades later, the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust brings it to Celtic Connections to capture the essence of that iconic performance while celebrating Duncan’s profound impact on the genre.
Masterminded by two of Gordon Duncan’s most accomplished protégés – celebrated pipers and composers Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton – the concert will feature a hand-picked roster of elite pipers and drummers from around the world. This “Gordon Duncan Tribute Pipe Band” has been curated by Ian Duncan and Ryan King, drawing together top talent to reinterpret the timeless tracks with fresh energy and precision. The lineup draws inspiration from past tributes, evoking the spirit of events like the 2016 Just For Gordon concert, which showcased pipers such as Ian Duncan, Allan MacDonald, Lorne MacDougall, Angus MacColl, Stuart Liddell, Gary West, Ross Ainslie, Alex Duncan, and Ali Hutton. Hosting the event as MC will be Stuart Cassells, guiding audiences through a dynamic program that blends high-octane pipe-band traditions with contemporary flair.
“This high-octane show will be a heartfelt tribute to the music, arrangements, and innovation of a true master,” notes the official event description. The concert aligns perfectly with the festival’s ethos of celebration, collaboration, and connection, as highlighted by Celtic Connections Creative Producer Donald Shaw: “At the very heart of our 33rd festival are celebration, collaboration and connection. We are very excited that our 2026 edition will bring together such a wealth of talented musicians from Scotland and all over the world.”
Tickets are available now through the Celtic Connections website. For bookings call 0141 353 8000.
Celtic Connections 2026, running from January 15 to February 1, will host over 300 events with more than 1,200 artists across Glasgow’s venues, attracting around 110,000 attendees.