The Real McKenzies

The Real McKenzies is a Canadian Celtic punk band founded in 1992 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia. They are one of the founders of the Celtic punk movement, albeit 10 years after The Pogues.In addition to writing and performing original music, Real McKenzies perform traditional Scottish songs, giving them a new punk-influenced sound. They have shared stages with many other bands including Rancid, Shane MacGowan, NOFX, Flogging Molly, The Misfits, Metallica, and Voodoo Glow Skulls. In 2012, they delved into covering songs from popular Canadian singer-songwriter Stan Rogers with their version of "Barrett's Privateers" appearing on their album "Westwinds". Their 2017 album "Two Devils WIll Talk" features a cover of "Northwest Passage".Read More

It's rare that a band continues to write and perform for over three decades. Even rarer when you focus in on just Canada. However, The Real McKenzies have done just that - putting them amongst the celebrated ranks of D.O.A and Ripcordz in the Canadian punk scene and alongside The Stampeders and The Irish Rovers in the Canadian music scene overall.

Lead singer, Paul McKenzie and The Irish Rovers manager Jennifer Fahrni are cousins.