The Romaniacs was a Canadian rock band based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their music combined Eastern European, Gypsy jazz, and pop. They made extensive use of costumes and props, including a large map, during their live shows."Romaniacs setting the world on fire". Toronto Star - Toronto, Ont., Craig MacInnis Jun 1, 1988 Page: D.1
History
The Romaniacs formed in 1984. They performed at first in clubs and small venues, telling an invented story of their ethnic history of the band members."Mole-head musicians give Toronto the eyeball tonight". Toronto Star - Toronto, Ont. Greg Quill Jan 24, 1986 Page: D.10"The Romaniac Brothers music played with different twist". Winnipeg Free Press, January 23, 1987 - Page 39"Romaniacs Rock in Ethno-rhythm". Medicine Hat News via Newspaper Archives March 03, 1988 - Page 3
The band toured extensively in Canada and the United States.They had a long stint at the Saskatchewan Pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver, and that year released their first recording on cassette, entitled Ethno-Fusion. The group also toured Australia in 1988, including a week-long appearance at the Canada Pavilion during the World's Fair in Brisbane."Fiddle fanciers' delight continues". by Maria Kirley - Campbell River Mirror May 14, 2013"Quartet loaded with bunk". Winnipeg Free Press Newspaper Archives May 24, 1988 - Page 38 That year they released their first album, World on Fire."Legendary Lads have Real Success". Medicine Hat News via Newspaper Archives June 09, 1988 - Page 24
In 1990, the band contributed the song "Ecstasy of the Martyr" to the compilation album Polka Comes to Your Haus."Polka Comes to Your Haus". AllMusic. Review by Dave Sleger The Romaniacs disbanded in 1995.
Personnel
Calvin Cairns ( Myron Joseph, king romaniac) – violin Steve Bengtson (a.k.a. Steffy Levine) – mandolin and vocals Scott White – upright bass William (Billy) Butler – guitar Danny Greenspoon (a.k.a. Zoltan Flamingo Romaniac) – guitar Jim Vivian – upright bass Victor Bateman – upright bass Ron Thompson – guitar Richard Baker – guitar
Discography Ethno-Fusion World on Fire"World on Fire". WorldCat record The Ecstasy of the Martyr (a compilation released only in Japan)
References
Bibliography The Canadian Society for Traditional Music. Retrieved 10 May 2007. Scott White's past details from scottwhite.net. Retrieved 10 May 2007.