Spring 2003 Fat Wreck Chords Tour featuring The Mad Caddies, Rise Against, The Real McKenzies, and The Flipsides

Review by Ashley-Kiana
Photos by Jenifer Hanen

While attending the Fat Records Tour show at the Troubadour, on Feb 23, 2003, I missed the Mad Caddies' and the Flipsides' sets but got to see Rise Against and the Real McKenzies.

Every time I see Rise Against I try and figure out what it is about them that the crowd favors so much. After seeing them yet another time they still didn't catch my attention. I spent the whole set daydreaming about the Troubadour catching on fire just like the recent Great White tragedy.

Rise Against is a hardcore band from Chicago. Although I didn't particularly like Rise Against, the crowd loved them. In fact, it seemed most of the crowd was at the show just for Rise Against. They're a talented band just not amusing enough to keep me from daydreaming.

A band that did hold my attention was the Real McKenzies. This band is a Scottish-style punk band hailing from Canada. They have to be the funniest band I have ever seen. How can you miss seeing a bunch of guys flipping up their kilts, drinking beer, and playing punk rock?! They move around on stage like no one is watching them. Although they know people really are watching them, they don't really seem to care.

While not singing or flashing the crowd, lead singer Paul McKenzie will keep you entertained with his jokes and quotes. I told Paul I would put his quote in my review. Here's your quote Paul, " If ever called by a panther, don't anther." Interpret this however you please.

If I could see this show again I would go just to see the Real McKenzies, listen to Paul's jokes for hours, and hear stories of how the band makes money while not on tour. Another Paul quote, "We take what we get between coal mining and babysitting." Note to self. If you ever decide to have kids, don't hire the McKenzies to baby-sit.

After seeing the Fat Tour held at the Troubadour, I went to the last show of the tour at Chain Reaction (April 5, 2003) -- completely different venues, completely different atmospheres. I still had fun at the Chain show but not like the Troubadour show.

First off, Chain does not allow drinking so everyone was sober. No drinking equals no bar to hang out at which equals no drunk bands to entertain me. There are also no ins and outs allowed. Aside from no entertainment during and after the bands, the Real McKenzies were funny as hell. My friends and I still left the show early.

Here is insight from one of the gals that accompanied me to both shows: Jessica Nelson- "The McKenzies are highly entertaining. More entertaining when they are under the influence. At the Chain Reaction show they were not under the influence so much and therefore were taking themselves a bit too seriously; but it is all in good fun."

My insight: Still do not ever let the McKenzies baby-sit for you!

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Photos of the Real McKenzies from the Feb. 21, 2003 show at The Scene, San Diego