The Purdue band is a vitally integral part of the race day tradition. I always have enjoyed watching and listening to the Purdue band, even in the years when they were beating ND. Stu, did you march on race day? Quick aside. My younger brother played clarinet in his high school band, which once marched at the track on race day. During the race, on a hot and sunny day, he shed his uniform jacket and shirt. When he got home he was redder than an Alabama home jersey. When our Mom tried to put lotion on it, he ran out the door into the front yard screaming in pain.
I'm not too old and senile to remember Mike Phipps beating ND three times. But yeah...ancient history.