The Basel Tattoo is back and the premiere audience is completely thrilled with its anniversary show. The "crème de la crème" of international and local brass band music, royal guards, rocking bagpipe sounds and a drum spectacle by the Top Secret Drum Corps created a fantastic atmosphere in the courtyard of the barracks. The 1 participants earned thunderous applause and standing ovations for their excellent performance. Tickets are still available for the other performances.
“We had to wait a whole three years for this moment. Now we're finally back in the arena and were able to present our audience with a great anniversary program today," said the overjoyed producer Erik Julliard.
Even the opening got under your skin. With «Celtic Crest», the Basel Tattoo Anthem par excellence, interpreted by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the Basel Tattoo Choir and the Uilleann Piper Conal McDonagh an evening of the extra class was launched. The subsequent march of Massed Pipes and Drums, consisting of 200 bagpipe players and drummers, was impressive and made the arena seethe for the first time. The Bulgarian Guardsman Band and the colorful dancing Severnyashki Ensemble «Ivan Valev» presented folk music. Another highlight was Les Armaillis de la Fête des Vignerons and their song «Les Ranz des Vaches (Lyoba)». They caused great emotions and provided insight into a centuries-old tradition. The Kumudini Homes School Pipe Band from India offered refreshing intermezzi and bagpipes with a difference. It got rocky when the Red Hot Chilli Pipers picked up their instruments and performed "Wake me Up". Their enthusiasm was immediately transferred to the audience, the arena shook. The mighty Scottish act followed. Mystical bagpipe sounds, light-footed Highland dance and sonorous melodies such as "Going Home" or "Land of Light" conjured up a magical atmosphere in the arena. The Air Force Honor Guard from the USA then showed precise performances. The 50 Highland dancers of the Scottish Flings and Things impressed with an atmospheric and harmonious choreography.
The Band of Her Majesty's The Welsh Guards, a formation of the British Queen, set the first royal note. Under the direction of Major Lauren Petritz-Watts, the royal musicians shone with the anthem "Land of Hope and Glory" - pure chicken skin! Impressive was the performance of the second royal formation, His Majesty The King's Guard Band and Drill Team from Norway. They shone with amazing figures, great music and acrobatic shows by the drill team - the audience held their breath. The Swiss Army Central Band, announced as the "national team" of brass band music, exceeded expectations. Their high musical quality was clearly expressed in the pieces "Child's Anthem" and "Ashokan Farewell". As if this wasn't fantastic enough, the makers of the Basel Tattoo on top of that and served the audience the Top Secret Drum Corps. "Here you are at home" they were announced by the speaker, the audience went wild. What the drums presented this year was top class drumming and a show spectacle at the highest level - unique!
After this potpourri of fabulous music and remarkable choreography, framed by spectacular interludes, the finale of all the participants and the indispensable Lone Piper rounded off a wonderful evening. «Schwingerlüt in Schwizerland», «Amazing Grace», the «Basler Marsch» and last but not least «The Basel Tattoo Helpers' March” – as a homage to the many helpers in the background – made for a memorable final bouquet of an impressive anniversary show. The audience thanked him with a standing ovation.
"We have that Basel Tattoo brought back to life and were rewarded for our perseverance. The participants received a big round of applause tonight as a reward for their outstanding performance. That makes me incredibly happy and proud, »says Erik Julliard finally.