We caught up with Paul McKenzie, frontman of Celtic punk legends The Real McKenzies, before their show at Ace of Spades in Sacramento. The conversation — as expected — turned into a hilarious, chaotic, and candid dive into touring, beer, band flatulence, and snorting Guinness. Buckle up.
How are you doing today?
I’m doing great! It’s great to be here in Sacramento. We pulled in this morning and already the benevolence of the individuals took us to the pool, gave us sandwiches with beer… it’s all very, very nice.
Oh yeah, we take care of our own around here, and we’re really excited to have you!
Well, I’m happy to be here — yes, yes!
Let’s talk about some records. You have many albums. The most recent one was Westwinds. Is there any one you particularly liked or was your favorite to make?
Well, Westwinds we just did, and it’s the most memorable — because, of course, the others were years ago.
The reason we call the album Westwinds… it’s a cryptic reference to the flatulence of the band members, and I want to get them back for that.
I was curious about that! I know you’ve got a lot of nautical themes — “wind from the west,” so it’s still kind of nautical… windy… a little bit?
Let me tell you, it takes many sailors to sail a boat.
How many members are in the band?
There are seven now… six… wait a minute.
We’ve got:
- A bass player
- Two guitar players
- A drummer
- A piper
-
A singer (that’s me!)
That’s six, right?
All men?
Yes. We used to have a female fiddle player — we’ve had lots of female fiddle players over the years. But for some reason, they tend to abscond and leave our hearts broken.
Do you think it’s maybe because of the flatulence?
No, I don’t think so. I think it’s the harsh five-star action. They just can’t take it.
You tour a lot, right? You’ve been doing this for many years…
They say 20, but I can only remember 10. And the rule is: if you don’t remember it, it didn’t happen — for half the time. So, if you do the math…We’ve been to Africa, the Balkans, all through Europe and Scandinavia, all across North America. And we’re looking forward to more. We’re breaking into Mexico and South America. And, of course, after a 7-year hiatus from America, we’ll be coming back here quite a bit more.
You’re from Vancouver, and I know there’s been some kind of issue with playing in the U.S. — is that Homeland Security-related?
Yes. It’s called the P2 work visa. Step one: join the Musicians’ Union. Step two: apply for the visa. A guy at the border asked me, “You got a P2?” I said, “Yeah, I got a P2 — don’t you? If we P2 together, we can cross borders.”
(Kidding!)
Did he laugh?
No. You cannot joke with those people. It’s no joke. Hey, you know what fashionable Al-Qaeda are wearing for underpants this year?
No, what?
Fruit of the Boom.
You are awesome. I can’t wait to hang out later! So what kind of beer do you drink?
Let’s see… I’ve got a 30-pack of Tecate, a 12-pack of Sierra Nevada, and a six-pack of that Pyramid Apricot Ale — for breakfast. Then we’re gonna pop next door for some Guinness.
Of course! Have you ever snorted Guinness?
No… I almost admitted something, but I remembered I’m on camera.
You should really try it. It’s good for the brain.
Does it hit you straight to the brain? Bang? I’m interested now. We might have to go try this…
So with all those visa issues and the costs — has that deterred you from coming to the U.S.?
Depends on what kind of detour you’re talking about. It’s kind of shitty either way. It’s expensive — and then there’s gas prices, beer prices…
Have you ever considered moving to the U.S. or Scotland permanently?
Moving to Scotland? I consider that every time I go. The hardest part about going to Scotland… is leaving.
So when are you going again?
We’ll be in Scotland this summer.
So what’s next for the band after this tour?
After the American tour, we get two weeks off. Then we do a two-month European summer festival tour. Then it’s back in the studio. And the whole f***ing thing starts all over again. Be careful what you wish for, kids. Stay in school. Eat your greens.
To the kids listening who love your music and want to start a band — what would you tell them?
Study. Don’t do bad drugs — stay away from that. When the gate opens, everybody’s running. If you mess around, you deplete your chances of winning. Only drink good beer and whiskey.
Bands that have influenced you — but are no longer around. Any you’d love to see get back together?
That’s impossible — because they’re dead.
I was hoping that wasn’t the answer…
I’m old.
You’re not old! What are you, 47?
39. For the last 12 years.
I’m 23…
Well, in that case…If you want a real answer:
- The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
- Ian Dury & The Blockheads
- Andy Stewart (dead)
- Sir Harry Lauder (dead)
- Marilyn Monroe — dead.
I loved the way she sang “Happy Birthday” to the President…
Hanging with Paul McKenzie of The Real McKenzies was everything we hoped for — raw, hilarious, and full of wild tour stories (plus a few too many jokes about bodily functions). From visa struggles to breakfast beers and heartfelt advice for up-and-coming bands, Paulie gave us the full McKenzie experience.
Watch the full video interview below
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Categories: Interviews, Music, The Real McKenzies
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