The Real McKenzies survive piper bomb

The Real McKenzies return to the hometown stage tomorrow (March 7) for their first show in Vancouver for almost a year. And naturally, frontman Paul McKenzie has some stories to tell in a brief call to the Straight, starting with a psychotic episode in Italy.

“We’ve been too busy,” he says, about a year that included extensive tours of both the US and Europe. “It’s kind of destroyed some members of the band and they had to go their own way. The bagpiper that was on the latest album (Gord Taylor) had a meltdown as we were coming into Milan and he opened the door at 40 kilometers an hour and jumped out. That’s the last I saw of him.”

Um, is he okay?

“I dunno. I haven’t spoken to him since, but other members of the band have.”

In case anyone’s worried, former piper Matt McNasty has rejoined for tomorrow’s show; the kickoff to a western Canadian tour that’ll be the first for a few new McKenzies, including D.O.A. alumnus Jesse Pinner (drums) and guitarist Brent Johnson, who fills in for Dirty Kurt Robinson and the big scar he’s nursing after open heart surgery.

Also new to the band is bassist Troy Zac, who replaces the legendary Gwomper.

“Gwomper and I never really saw eye-to-eye. He’s one of those people who took joy in antagonizing people and making situations, so I had to let him go,” sniffs McKenzie, adding, “You must understand that in the last 22 years, there’s been over a hundred guys in this band. It sometimes frightens promoters; ‘How come you guys can’t keep a permanent line-up?’ And I say, ‘Why can’t you pay us decently for out last 10 month tour? Maybe that’s the answer to your question.’”

The Real McKenzies play at the WISE Hall, on Thursday (March 7)