The Real McKenzies are calling in a revolution

The legendary Paul McKenzie speaks to Summer Rain about the Real McKenzies, founders of the celtic punk scene, for the class struggle and its necessity still to this day, for history and tradition, but also about their show at the 10th Street Mode Festival #StreetModeON

Greek version here.

Their name leaves all the punk fans in awe, regardless of the prefix the music has, especially when we're talking about celtic or folk punk rock: The Real McKenzies started their journey in 1992 in Canada, a child of Paul McKenzie and since then they have released 12 studio albums.

More than 100 musicians have passed from the band, and they still are a well-living organism, they have uncountable tours and performances to the greatest festivals worldwide in their history and they have shared the stage with legendary bands like NOFX, Rancid, Flogging Molly, Metallica etc.

The legend himself, mr. Paul McKenzie speaks to Summer Rain, for the great history the band has written until now, class struggle and its necessity even up to this day, he answers the timeless question: "do we ever learn from past mistakes?", and talks to us about what tradition and history means to him. Of course, we didn't skip the opportunity to speak about their highly anticipated show at the 10th Street Mode Festival, on September 1st.

You are one of the founders of the celtic punk scene. What led you to this mix in the first place?

My upbringing and my heritage... both are rebel music so they are naturally drawn to one another.

How does it feel realising that you contributed to the creation of a massive musical wave that especially during the last few years millions of people follow?


Makes me feel very grateful to be a part of it. Also grateful to be part of an excellent band with an excellent line up....

Both punk and celtic music share a unique energy and a fighting attitude. Does their mixing give an extra boost to this energy?

Yes, of course it does. Why sometimes when I’m really tired from touring there is a boost of energy just knowing I get to play this music!

What effect does the political climate have on your music?

Everything. We are all exposed to political agendas big and small, some generous, Some tyrannical... but it's up to us to push forward and keep faith.

Does class struggle have the same meaning and importance still to this day?

Even more so in this day, as the rich get richer and the middle class and poor suffer. Which is why we must start a revolution now!


In your music you have found the balance between tradition/ history and a modern style like punk is. What part do history and tradition play in your everyday life?

Being an avid reader and knowing a lot about world history each and every piece of the puzzle is as important as the next. We must keep the pieces together because we know history has a way of repeating itself over and over.

Does knowing history really help us avoid future mistakes?

Read the news. You tell me.

As a band, you keep on a constant motion with changing members. Does this affect the identity and the core of the music that comes out?

Yes most certainly. With every changing member it changes the dynamic of the nucleus of the band.

How many members have passed from the band until now?

Hundreds. Most are dead.


Is there a specific reason for all those changes? Is this the way that the band keeps on progressing, through your interaction with many other musicians?

Time. Some people tire of being in a band. Some people want a family. Some stay home to do drugs. There are other reasons too, as for me, I love to be in my kilt and on a stage. If I can't do that I'd rather be dead.

With Two Devils Will Talk you mention that you are at "the top of your game". Our opinion of the album is that it's pretty awesome, but for a band to believe that it hit its peak, that's very important.

We are at the top of our game, in the midst of creating a new album when we return to Canada. I view my albums like my children, I love them all equally.

All the celtic punk bands, with you leading the way, are well-known for their live shows. Do you have a plan before getting on stage or does all that come naturally? At the end of the summer you are coming to Greece, if I'm not mistaken, for the first time -incidentally on your 25th anniversary tour. What are your thoughts on these upcoming shows?

We always empty our bladder as we so full of beer and will piss ourselves on stage. But since bladder is empty once we hit the stage we can drink much more. As for Greece we are very excited!


One of them is at the Street Mode Festival, which also celebrates its 10th year in an anniversary edition of the festival with more than 100 acts. You have performed in numerous big festivals, so, what makes such events special and unique?

The music, the people and The Real McKenzies...

Is there any other band you'd like to see perform?

We support all of our fellow band mates and will cheer them on. Electric Six will be great.

Διάβασε ακόμη:

10th Street Mode Festival full programme

Your other show here is at Gagarin 205 in Athens, which will be a full headlining show. Is there a message you'd like to send to the fans that will be there -or to both of your shows?

Yes, we love our fans very much. We wish to have a great show and party with you after! We are all human beings, be sure to say hello and raise a glass!

Thank you very much, looking forward to see you on stage!

Thank you!

Lambros Loco Papaefthimiou