The Romaniacs

The Romaniacs was a Canadian rock band based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their music combined Eastern European, Gypsy jazz, and pop.[1] They made extensive use of costumes and props, including a large map, during their live shows.[2]

The Romaniacs
OriginCanada
GenresRock
Years active1984 (1984)–1995 (1995)
Past members
  • Calvin Cairns
  • Steve Bengtson
  • Scott White
  • William Butler
  • Danny Greenspoon
  • Ron Thompson
  • Richard Baker

History

The Romaniacs formed in 1984. They performed at first in clubs and small venues, telling an invented story of thei ethnic history of the band members.[3][4][5]

The band toured extensively in Canada and the United States.[6][7] The group also toured Australia in 1988, including a week-long appearance at the Canada Pavilion during the World's Fair in Brisbane. That year they released their first album, World on Fire.[8]

In 1990 the band contributed the song "Ecstasy of the Martyr" to the compilation album Polka Comes to Your Haus.[9] The Romaniacs disbanded in 1995.

Personnel
  • Calvin Cairns (aka Myron Joseph, king romaniac) – violin
  • Steve Bengtson (aka Steffy Levine) – mandolin and vocals
  • Scott White – upright bass
  • William (Billy) Butler – guitar
  • Danny Greenspoon (aka Zoltan Flamingo Romaniac) – guitar
  • Jim Vivian – upright bass
  • Victor Bateman – upright bass
  • Ron Thompson – guitar
  • Richard Baker – guitar

Discography
  • Ethno-Fusion
  • World on Fire[10]
  • The Ecstasy of the Martyr (a compilation released only in Japan)

References
  1. David H. Flaherty; Frank E. Manning (1993). The Beaver Bites Back?: American Popular Culture in Canada. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. pp. 206–. ISBN 978-0-7735-1120-0.
  2. "Romaniacs setting the world on fire". Toronto Star - Toronto, Ont., Craig MacInnis Jun 1, 1988 Page: D.1
  3. "Mole-head musicians give Toronto the eyeball tonight". Toronto Star - Toronto, Ont. Greg Quill Jan 24, 1986 Page: D.10
  4. "The Romaniac Brothers music played with different twist". Winnipeg Free Press, January 23, 1987 - Page 39
  5. "Romaniacs Rock in Ethno-rhythm". Medicine Hat News via Newspaper Archives March 03, 1988 - Page 3
  6. "Fiddle fanciers' delight continues". by Maria Kirley - Campbell River Mirror May 14, 2013
  7. "Quartet loaded with bunk". Winnipeg Free Press Newspaper Archives May 24, 1988 - Page 38
  8. "Legendary Lads have Real Success". Medicine Hat News via Newspaper Archives June 09, 1988 - Page 24
  9. "Polka Comes to Your Haus". AllMusic. Review by Dave Sleger
  10. "World on Fire". WorldCat record

Bibliography
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