Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, often shortened to FMM, was founded in 1945 in Drumalig, near Carryduff, Northern Ireland. A group of local farmer’s sons formed the band and named it after Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who gave permission and even donated ten shillings to help them along. Not quite venture capital, but it did the job.

The band worked its way through the grades under early leaders including Billy Maxwell and Sandy Cumming. After a period as part of Freymont Pipe Band, it re-formed as Field Marshal Montgomery in 1976 under Ricky Newell. In 1981, Richard Parkes became Pipe Major, beginning one of the most successful leadership eras in pipe band history. FMM reached Grade 1 in 1985, won its first major at Cowal in 1990, and its first World Pipe Band Championship in 1992.

Under Parkes, FMM became a Grade 1 giant, winning multiple World titles and completing Grand Slam seasons in 1993, 2011, and 2013. Parkes retired in 2024, with Matt Wilson taking over as Pipe Major. Today, FMM remains one of the most decorated and respected pipe bands in the world, with a sound sharp enough to shave granite.