Mark drums-up support for the guards’ band recording in Iraq

Nov 20 2008 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian soldier has helped record a new CD from the front line in Iraq.

Mark Lovell from Livingston, is part of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, plays drums on the new ‘Spirit of the Glen: Journey’ album.

The Royal Scots had been in the middle of recording the CD when they were sent for a six-month tour of duty in Iraq.

Fearful that the album wouldn’t be finished in time for Christmas, bosses at Universal Music sent a mobile recording unit out to the British base in Basra.

Mark explained the reason behind the moves.

He said: “The fact that the Scots DG Pipes Drums even existed was one of the major reasons I joined the Army.

“Having played in the band for over seven years, it was amazing to be at number one on the classical charts for 14 weeks in 2007.

“Now we are all hoping we achieve the same success with this one.

“Recording in Iraq was a new experience for every member of the band, which is hard to even put into words, but is something I, nor the other lads, will ever forget.”

The pipers and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards had a huge hit last Christmas when ‘Spirit of the Glen’ stayed at number one in the classical charts for 14 weeks.

It also reached the pop charts top 20 and outsold acts such as Bon Jovi, 50 Cent and Elton John.

New album, ‘Spirit of the Glen: Journey’, features ‘Abide With Me’, ‘In Flanders Field’ and ‘Dawning of the Day’, among other many favourites from the band’s repertoire.

In addition, the piping section on ‘Flowers of the Forest’ was recorded at the end of the runway with the hum of Basra audible in the background, over which Jim Naughtie reads the poem ‘For The Fallen’.