Vancouver Celtic punk lifers The Real McKenzies launched their new album earlier this year. On Yer Bike is, I believe, the band's lucky 13th album, but who's really counting? They've been a band since 1992, they've got leather and patches and kilts and bagpipes. What even is music?
This loud, raucous, and triumphant band was forged decades ago by Scottish punk poet laureate Paul McKenzie. Since the early 90s, the Real McKenzies have dragged their tartan-clad chaos across continents, from sticky pub floors to festival stages, building a legacy that continues to bring fans out into the mud and rain no matter where they play.
With the new record, the band has been touring throughout the summer, and I wanted to poke them on the kinds of things they think about and prepare when going on the road. As seasoned veterans surely they must have some hard-earned wisdom and enlightened perspectives to share about gigging and touring... Or, maybe they're total goofballs.
Here's our conversation.
Hypebot: Hey McKenzies, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. You’ve been a touring band for going on 35 years. What are you reflecting on these days? How does that feel for you all?
The Real McKenzies: "I feel very fortunate to have had experienced all the highs and lows that rock and roll has to offer. With this in mind this, it has been a most interesting and enlightening experience. And it ain't over yet. Stay tuned. Much more to come..."
H: What’s something you’ve learned by spending time on the road?
TRM: "That priority should lie in securing a good performance as opposed to shirking that responsibility by indulging. To sum up, there is a time to rock and a time to party."
H: Are there any songs that trip up the band live? Or songs you can’t / won’t play for any reason?
TRM: "No!!!"
H: Which cities or venues bring the HEAT the most when you pass through there?
TRM: "Every city has its charm. For some reason people get excited about us everywhere we go."
H: How do you have to change or alter your performance on a festival stage versus a club gig, or outdoor/indoor? What are the things you’re taking into account between those environments?
TRM: "At risk of stating the obvious, weather can have a tremendous effect on outdoor shows. Whereas indoor shows are, for the most part, impervious to the elements. In terms of performance, outdoor festivals are much larger and adhering to a strict schedule is imperative. Whereas club shows can be a little more relaxed and intimate."
H: You’re about to go on the road in Europe. What do you like to do on your days off on tour? Is it different how you spend your time off overseas versus in the States?
TRM: "There are NO DAYS OFF. Play days or drive days. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO REST FOR THE WICKED!"
H: Are there annoyances when it comes to miking, or amplifying, the bagpipe? I can’t imagine soundchecks are easy…
TRM: "Yes. In the past, Murphy's Law prevailed for many years in terms of performing with the bagpipes, which is why we Real McKenzies feel blessed by having Aspy Luison as a bagpiper. He is as professional as they come and working with him is a breeze."
H: Do you think touring is essential for artists today?
TRM: "Absolutely. If you wish to perform on an international level. When you have the right crew, it can be a mirthful and enlightening experience. Carry on..."
H: What was one of the most unexpected / unpredictable occurrences that happened on tour for you?
TRM: "After 34 years of touring, of which there were many thrills, chills, and spills you could only imagine how many instances there were/are. Here and now, by virtue of merely asking questions pertaining to this matter is unexpected and graciously acknowledged."
H: What’s your favorite post-concert food to eat?
TRM: "Sardines... With your mother. And oysters too."
H: What’s the most wonderful non-musical sound ever?
TRM: "The sound of silence..... so shaddap!!!"
The Real McKenzies 2026 Tour Dates
JUL 03 — Aarburg, Switzerland @ Musigburg
JUL 04 — Eggolsheim, Germany @ Schloss Jägersburg
JUL 05 — Munich, Germany @ Rote Sonne
JUL 06 — Attnang-Puchheim, Austria @ Raw's Diner
JUL 07 — Vienna, Austria @ B72
JUL 08 — Graz, Austria @ Music-House
JUL 09 — Praha 1, Czech Republic @ Rock Café
JUL 10 — Eibelstadt, Germany @ Krach Am Bach Prölsdorf 2026
JUL 11 — Gadebusch, Germany @ ANschlachtEN Konzert Gadebusch Festival
JUL 13 — Berlin, Germany @ Lido
JUL 14 — Dresden, Germany @ Chemiefabrik
JUL 15 — Warszawa, Poland @ Klub Mechanik
JUL 16 — Wrocław, Poland @ Stary Klasztor - Sala Gotycka
JUL 17 — Marienberg, Germany @ Rock auf dem Berg
JUL 18 — Winsen (Aller), Germany @ Südwinsen Festival
JUL 20 — Lyon, France @ Bulle De Son Lyon
JUL 21 — Barcelona, Spain @ Sala Upload
JUL 22 — Madrid, Spain @ Sala Nazca Madrid
JUL 23 — Errenteria, Spain @ ORERETA
JUL 24 — Ribadeo, Spain @ Vendaval Fest 2026
JUL 25 — Coimbra, Portugal @ Rocketmen Festival 2026
AUG 19 — Osnabrück, Germany @ Bastard Club (in der Skatehalle)
AUG 20 — Möckern, Germany @ Spirit Festival Loburg 2026
AUG 21 — Köln, Germany @ MTC Club
AUG 22 — Rumst, Belgium @ Razernij - Beerdrinkers & Hellraisers 2026
AUG 23 — Bréal-sous-Montfort, France @ Festival du Roi Arthur 2026
AUG 26 — Barberaz, France @ Le Brin de Zinc
AUG 27 — Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany @ Cafe Atlantik
AUG 28 — Roth, Germany @ Wallesau Ist Blau 2026
AUG 29 — Wörrstadt, Germany @ Neuborn Open Air Festival 2026
