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The modern-day Celtic bards known as The Real McKenzies hail from Vancouver, BC and are a punk band deeply rooted in their Scottish heritage with a sound best described as the Sex Pistols meet Scottish folk legend Robbie Burns. The Scottish term Ceilidh (pronounced kee-lee), is the main reason why The Real McKenzies formed and their chief inspiration. Ceilidh, according to The McKenzies, is a Gaelic word meaning “A wicked party which carries on for days”. Founded by frontman Paul McKenzie in 1994, he cites his family as another motivating factor, “As a lad, my parents and grandparents would dress me up in a kilt and make me sing and dance to traditional Scottish music. Starting a Scottish punk band is my way of getting revenge!” You’re probably wondering how it is that group of Canadians can rightly rollick and roam the countryside in the name of Scotland. Paul McKenzie offers an explanation, “A great many Scots immigrated to Canada. Ya see, the Scottish went north and the Irish went south…as they often do.”

The Real McKenzies are true gadabouts at heart. Fueled by an insatiable appetite for filthy punk shows, Scotch whisky, and all out mayhem, these kilt-clad punks continue on their quest to bring their patented brand of music to the masses.

THE REAL McKENZIES have carved out a role as modern minstrels through a relentless commitment to playing live music over the past 18 years. Fueled by an insatiable longing to entertain, the band is truly at home in front of an audience regardless of the size or venue. Whether playing monumental rock clubs or a busy neighborhood street corner, electric or acoustic instruments, THE McKENZIES immediately captivate any crowd through their jovial and heartfelt style. Guitars and bagpipes play off each other as Paul McKenzie spins yarns of times long past and regales with tales of endless drunken revelries. Shine Not Burn (the motto of the McKenzie Clan) is the first release that captures and delivers the essence of a REAL McKENZIES live performance. Recorded in August 2009 at Wild at Heart in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Shine Not Burn utilizes acoustic instrumentation to add an intimate aspect that has not been heard on any previous McKENZIES releases. Exploiting the incredible talents of the band’s roster (including former members of the legendary bands Descendents, Good Riddance, and DOA), while adding a second set of bagpipes to the mix, the music on Shine Not Burn is the perfect complement to Paul’s trademark banter and passionate singing. For the listener it brings to life the experience of a REAL McKENZIES show without actually being there.

The Real McKenzies previously released 10,000 Shots, their first album for Fat, which followed two full lengths on Honest Don’s: Loch’d & Loaded and Oot & Aboot.

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Date	Location	Club	Tickets
See all The Real McKenzies shows...
02/09/12	Gronningen, Netherlands	Vera
02/10/12	Dortrecht, Belgium	Bibelot
02/11/12	Sursee, Switzerland	Kuturwerk 118