If the 78th Fraser Pipe Band sat down with the Waterboys, the Chieftains, the Rolling Stones, and the Dave Matthews Band, and then asked some friends from a symphonic orchestra to join them at the table the resulting sound might begin to resemble the ROGUES. Over the past 16 years the performances of this CeltRock Folk Classical group have electrified audiences on two continents. They have added to their ever-growing family of fans -- affectionately known as the Rogue Army -- at music festivals, theaters, Highland Games, renaissance festivals, clubs, pubs, and corporate events -- anywhere that presents top-quality, high-energy music. This has even included regular rotation on satellite radio station, XM. Their hard won road successes have established them as artists with bona fide international acclaim. Renowned for their musical skill, quick wit, and engaging stage show the ROGUES have mastered the art of creating an immediate connection with their audiences. The ROGUES are fast becoming a household name with music lovers across the U.S. and Canada, loved by young and old of all backgrounds.
In December of 2009 the ROGUES defeated nearly 65 other bands from all over the world to win the 1st Battle of the Celtic Bands. Their win meant they appeared at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's Day, 2010. Shortly after their win the ROGUES recording of "Bonny Portmore" was chosen to appear in the 2010 film, "The Irishman", starring Christopher Walken and Val Kilmer. A week later the ROGUES were invited to perform in Chicago at the prestigious Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park. The ROGUES have performed at numerous large venues including the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, the North Texas Irish Festival, the Chicago Highland Games, and the Texas Scottish Festival, among many others. They have shared the stage with the Battlefield Band, Bad Haggis, Natalie McMaster, Seven Nations, Rathkeltair, Enter the Haggis, and the Glengarry Bhoys, to name but a few. They have also hosted their own exceptionally well-received variety shows, "Celtic Crossroads", which included performers from all over North America and Europe. The ROGUES even appeared on the red carpet with Robert Duvall at the premier of his film, "A Shot at Glory". With a unique, multi-instrumental sound that crosses the musical landscape to include traditional and original rock/pop songs, film soundtrack music, and Irish-based foot-stompers, the ROGUES are proving they have the creativity and the drive to conquer the combined worlds of Celtic, Rock, Folk, Pop, and Classical music.
The ROGUES have produced eight albums and two DVDs. Dirty Linen Magazine called "American Highlander", the ROGUES' newest album, "Outstanding" and chose it to appear on their Editor's Choice CD with such legendary performers as Billy Bragg. Few bands like the ROGUES provide both the highly polished instrumentals that only elite musicians can perform, and the rousing songs that inspire crowds to sing. Indeed, listen to the audio tracks provided on this site's music player and you will see that the ROGUES are at least two exceptional bands in one.
Discography
The Scottish Rogues (1995)
Hollerin For Haggis (1996)
Live in Canada, Eh? (1997)
Off Kilter (1999)
V.O. (2001)
Made in Texas CD (2003)
Made in Texas DVD (2003)
Roguetrip (2005)
US Air Force Constitution Hall DVD (2007)
American Highlander (2008)
Recently the ROGUES were invited to perform with the United States Air Force Symphony Orchestra. This was the beginning of the ROGUES' symphonic concert series. The show was at DAR Constitution Hall, the venue where U2, Frank Sinatra, and Earth, Wind, and Fire have performed and the site where Eddie Murphy's Delirious and Chris Rock's HBO Special were recorded. Performing before a large audience the ROGUES impressed long-time fans and newcomers alike who were awed by the power and beauty of pipes & drums standing alongside the majesty of the orchestra. The success of this concert has inspired the ROGUES to take the musical scores they had professionally arranged for the Air Force show and perform with symphonies around the world. The world class musicianship and talent that the ROGUES brought to the Air Force show has always been a hallmark of the band. Not only is founding member Randy Wothke an award-winning song writer and World Champion drummer, but the band features musicians with a combined total of no fewer than seven gold medals from the World Pipe Band Championships held in Scotland each year.
The ROGUES continue to show their support of members of the military in need. The ROGUE family includes former members of the Marines, the Army, the Air Force, the Military Police, and the 82nd Airborne. They have raised thousands of dollars for individual veterans, the US Air Force Aid Society, and Operation Ward 57, the amputee ward at Walter Reed Army Medical Centre. To this end the ROGUES started their ongoing series of fundraisers called DEAKSTOCK in 2007. They are always searching for ways to help military charities so if you have any ideas please contact them. If we're available we may even be able to perform at your military fundraiser or event.
