Military Pageantry On Display At Bermuda Tattoo

October 23, 2015

A fireworks display was the finale last night [Oct 22] to an international all-star pageant of military music at the 2015 Bermuda Tattoo.

The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] was joined by military bands from the UK, Canada, Jamaica and the United States for the opening night of the RBR’s 50th anniversary tattoo.

And the audience lapped up the different musical styles on offer — from the Combined Bands of the Jamaica Defence Force and a Caribbean flavour to the US Marine Corps 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from North Carolina and a Hollywood-themed Star Wars medley.

The RBR got one of the biggest cheers of the night as they continued the silver screen theme with a Pirates of the Caribbean.

Michael Smith, a software developer from Warwick, said he attended the tattoo at the Keep Yard with his father, a retired Major in the Regiment.

Bermuda Tattoo

The show also featured pipes and drums from Scotland’s famous Black Watch, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and pipers from Bermuda and Canada.

Mr Smith, 41, from Warwick, added: “It was great — I enjoyed it. I’d probably say I liked the US Marines with Jamaica second. I had a great time.”

Teacher Siani Nester, from Paget, watched her husband Matthew perform with the specially-formed Bermuda Tattoo Choir.

Ms Nester, 39, said: “It was a lot better than I expected. I’m a Star Wars fan, so probably the US Marines were my favourite.”

She added: “There were children behind me and they were absolutely enthralled. There were people older than me in front of us and they really enjoyed it as well.”

Tattoo-Bermuda October 2015 (1)

Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown said: “It was spectacular. I am very proud of the band and all the other performers.

“This is a great venue and people have been coming up to tell me how much they enjoyed it.”

Jane Brett, the acting director of the Department of Human Affairs, from St David’s, added: “It was excellent — I love the pipes. My mother was Scottish, so it’s very emotional.”

And she added another highlight was watching goddaughter Robin Selley, aged 7, who was part of the Highland dancing display.

Ms Brett said: “I’m very proud of her and she performed very well. The Jamaica Defence Force was great, but there were all good.”

Tattoo-Bermuda October 2015 (2)

Major General Richard Cripwell, the British defence attaché at the British Embassy in Washington, jetted into Bermuda specially for the show.

Gen. Cripwell said: “The way they brought all the variety and the talent together was remarkable and to do so in such a short space of time was impressive.”

“All the performers should be very proud of themselves.”

Private Nicassa Megeit, 26, a trombone player with the Jamaica Defence Force, said: “I enjoyed the whole thing. Going out there with an audience really motivates me.

“I look forward to representing Jamaica in Bermuda.”

Tattoo-Bermuda October 2015 (3)

Sergeant Tammy Shaw, who sang a solo of the poem In Flanders Field as part of the band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards, who performed with the pipes and drums of Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, said: “It was a great show.

“It had international musicians and we’ve told all the people we have met in Bermuda to come to the show. There was a lot of talent and a lot of fun today.”

There are still some tickets for Friday night’s performance, but the Saturday night performance has virtually sold out. Tickets, which cost between $40 and $100, are available online at bdatix.com, at Pulp and Circumstance in Hamilton and Fabulous Fashions at Heron Bay Plaza, Southampton

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Comments (20)

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  1. FORMER BAND MEMBER says:

    Can the DOM please explain to the people of Bermuda why a brit, W02 Self is the massed bands Drum Major and not the RBR Drum Major Sgt Hewey. The people of bermuda await your answer Sir.

    • Rockfish#2 says:

      The buck stops with the Commanding Officer, Michael Foster Brown.
      Both men report to him.

    • Onion juice says:

      Just like anything else, Bermudians have no more use.

      • Garlic Clove says:

        @ Onion Juice. Like you and your useless washed up one eyed view of a toilet bowl. Just because your a so called Bermudian you are not entitled to to be better than anyone else. Get a life

    • DS says:

      It’s the DOM’s call. Regardless W02 Self through his sheer drive and professionalism has made a massive contribution to the RBR during his time in Bermuda and is well respected within the ranks. Not many can say that they have done as much for the Regiment.

  2. Legalgal says:

    Best man for the job?!

    Can anyone tell me if their is a rain plan? Going tonight but weather is looking dismal.

    • Bye darn de rerd says:

      It looked dismal last night but it didn’t rain!

    • Me Again says:

      Best man for the job is then one behind the brit.

    • Codfish says:

      I guess you know the answer now. It came down in buckets but most stayed until the end. Great (wet) show!

  3. Raymond says:

    Drum Major Dewey could not be Drum Major for the massed bands and lead his own troops into the arena. At such a prestigious event, is it surprising he wanted to lead his own soldiers? Love people looking for problems when there are none!

    • FORMER BAND MAMBER says:

      Drum Major Furbert let his band and massed bands during his time here in local tattoos. You point has no cedit.

    • Rockfish#2 says:

      Drum Major Hewey has been deprived of the opportunity to perform at this tattoo,on his home soil.
      He was not required to lead the Regiment Band during the grand finale. As the bottom photo clearly shows, he was standing BEHIND the British soldier and not leading the Regiment band. His rightful place was in front of the mass bands then leading them off. Furthermore, everything the British soldier did, Hewey did also.
      Those responsible for the fiasco should hang their heads in shame!

      This Tattoo will be remembered by many Bermudians. Unfortunately, for the wrong reasons.

      • Raymond says:

        Who said anything about being “required”? You clearly don’t know much about military etiquette. Drum Major Dewey is acting as Drum Major of the RBR Band – that’s why, like every other drum major from Jamaicans to Scots, he is behind the parade Drum Major. He couldn’t be Drum Major of the Regiment band, his troops, which he trained and leads, and Drum Major of the parade. It’s not that hard to grasp, surely? And if Drum Major Dewey had been parade Drum Major, who would have led the RBR Band? We are not like bigger and richer countries – we can’t just borrow someone from the 2nd or 3rd Battalion. Honestly, people…………!

        • Former Band Memeber says:

          Raymond, you have no clue what so ever on what is going on. you are just trying your best to find any reasoning to accept the face that a guest worker it taking a roll that he should be holding

          I was at the show Sat night anf gald the powers to be came to his sences and Royal Bermuda Regiment Drum Major Hewey was the Tattoo Drum Major, and not that Brit with a stick. D/M Hewey did a Great job.

  4. Rockfish#2 says:

    You do not know what you are talking about. I most certainly do.
    Have you spoken to Hewey, do you know him? Have you seen his instructions? Have a discussion with former drum majors who have participated in tattoos
    and educate yourself.
    The photo referenced clearly makes my point. Hewey did not lead the Bermuda Regiment band on for the grand finale because be was tasked with following the British soldier. He was the only drum major to do so!
    Do your homework please.

    • Rockfish#2 says:

      Typo…## he was tasked ##

    • Raymond says:

      As the host country, Bermuda has the honour of taking the field first for the massed bands. So clearly he would be behind the parade drum major. As drum major of the Royal Bermuda Regiment. Still, hope you enjoyed the show. I’m a bit bored with this now. Former UK serviceman and Bda Regiment at your service! Been to the Edinburgh Tattoo as well – quite a big affair – and never heard the Jocks complain because an English officer led the finale.

      • Former Band Memeber says:

        clearly you have no idea what you are saying. go back to stroking those brits.. in warwick.

  5. Rockfish#2 says:

    Now that Hewey has been publicly embarrassed, what do you think he is likely to do?
    Will the British soldier now become the Regiment drum major? Or will he return to his regular job in the stores.

  6. Rockfish#2 says:

    Raymond,

    Hewey took his RIGHTFUL place as the Tattoo drum major last night. Next time get your facts straight before uttering nonsense!
    And yes, I do know of which I speak, clearly, you don’t.