Gordon Pipers

Gordon Pipers – Bagpipe band. Founded by Dr. Wallace Gordon Diehl in 1962, the Gordon Pipers is a bagpipe band in Indianapolis known mainly through their asscociation with the Indianapolis 500. The band’s first performance took place at the Hoosier Grand Prix in June of 1962, and Tony Hulman, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, enjoyed the presence of the pipes and drums so much that he invited them to entertain for the WFBM Auto Tour, which they did for ten years. Billed as the “Gasoline Alley Gordon Pipers,” the band made its first appearance at the Indy 500 in 1963. Since then, the Indy 500 Gordon Pipers tradition has included performances for opening day, time trials, the 500 Parade, and the actual race. The Pipers made their first trip to Victory Lane in 1967, when they played for winner A.J. Foyt. Over the years, the Gordon Pipers have become a mainstay at other Indy events, such as the St. Paddy’s Day Parade and the Indy Irish Fest. Outside of Indianapolis, the Pipers have performed in Scotland (three-week yours in 1970 and 1972), the Daytona 500, the National Soap Box Derby (1965 and 1966), and the World Bagpipe Games Competition in Toronto. From 1989 to 1992, they played as the opening act for Rod Stewart, who is now an honorary member of the Gordon Pipers.