Over their long and famously chaotic career, The Real McKenzies have shared stages with everyone from NOFX and Rancid to Flogging Molly, Metallica, and the late Shane MacGowan. Along the way they’ve carved out a legacy as pioneers of Celtic punk in North America, long predating the wave of bands that followed in their wake. Their music has appeared in films, video games, and countless sweaty clubs around the world, but their real reputation has always been built the old-fashioned way: relentless touring, roaring crowds, and songs made to be sung at the top of your lungs. More than thirty years on, The Real McKenzies remain exactly what they’ve always been: a hard-partying, hard-touring, bagpipe-blasting force of nature.

Introduce yourself… (Where are you from, what band do you play in etc..)

Hello, Im Kenny Lush. I play guitar in The Real McKenzies and live in Vancouver BC.

Why do you play music?

Ever since I was a kid and saw Slash playing a guitar, that wasnt even plugged in, outside of a church in a desert in the November Rain video, i ve always wanted to play guitar. Its taken me alot of cool places in the world, so to be honest I mostly play music, so I can see the world.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band? What’s a favourite book or film?

I cant speak for the rest of the band, but for me and my guitar playing Id say a major influence for me is Dan Yemin. He plays in Lifetime and Kid Dynamite. Also Matt Skiba has been a influence on my playing. As for a favorite movie thats easy. I love the Rambo series. Rambo 4 from 2008 is the best movie ever made. Well, that and Freddy Got Fingered!

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live? What would be a dream collaboration?

I always prefer playing live over recording. But if I could go into the studio and work with someone in a dream collaboration I would choose Hayley Williams, or Tom Delonge.

Describe a favourite album.

Jerseys Best Dancers by Lifetime is my favorite, so thus, THE BEST album of all time. Its 23 minutes long of the best melodic hardcore of all time.

What's your favourite local haunt?

I love my neighborhood and we got a heavy metal bar close by called Jackalopes. Its also a fun spot for a beer and I always run into someone i know.

What's your strangest experience while performing live? If I were pursuing anything other than music it would be…

In my old band I was playing the Phoenix Theatre in Petaluma California and it was known to have ghosts there. And once when I was playing i swear I saw a ghost in the upper balcony.

As far as what Id be doing if not music I cant really answer that. Because originally I was trying to be a pro wrestler and got to travel alot doing that. But Im old and broken now, so punk band is actually my fall back plan.

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Vancouver?

Vancouver has a great punk scene and a great hardcore scene. Theres some new young bands like Make It Right coming up and touring hard and theyre still in high school. The city also has some great local venues like Green Auto and The Rickshaw Theatre.

If you weren’t playing music in (your city here) where would you be ?

Id be in Portugal with my hot Portuguese wife drinking Sangria near the beach.

Any sage advice for young musicians?

Watch out for the cops in Glendale California.

New Album On Yer Bike Releases May 29, 2026

Pleased To Meet Me: Real McKenzies