Tony Balony(former Real McKenzies Anthony Walker) is one of the most noteworthy singer/songwriters to come out of Canada. Defying most comparisons or labels, Balony's skilled guitar work and boisterous banter shine throughout the songs with raw gritty soulful vigor. - Jesus.
Tony Balony has been an integral face in Vancouver's underground music scene pretty much since the beginning. While the Smiling Buddha was mothering the likes of DOA, The Dishrags, Pointed Sticks, Young Canadians and the like, Tony was down front with his own armada of bands . Showing genuine talent and zeal he has trod the boards with such notable acts as, Melody Pimps Sluts & Bozos, the Thirsty Souls, Art Bergmann, Bludgeoned Pigs, Braineaters, Actionauts and Ant-heads (To name a few) later forming world renowned Scots rockers, the Real McKenzies.
Several CDs,videos [Tony can be seen performing one of his songs from the Real McKenzies album 'Clash of the Tartans' in the video 'Mainland' on youtube] and a beer commercial later, Tony decided to step out on his own appearing first on the Alejandro'Escovedo 101' tribute album as the Walkerband then releasing a full length disc of his own.
Joined by Walter Brady and Alex Koch (on bass and drums), this hot band continues to carve exciting new paths through the musicscape with their new CD Standing Rubes Only and powerful live performances. Balony describes the album as sounding like "Exile on Main Street if Captain Beefheart did it,".. well, maybe Tom Harrison from the Vancouver Province newspaper was closer in his review -"Balony has developed an original style, certainly different, sometimes stentorian, sometimes menacingly imposing and allways featuring a beguiling sense of phrasing. His versatile guitar playing might get the attention but songs such as 'Arrogant One', 'Pontiac' the angry 'TVX' or Alejandro Escovedo's 'Tugboat' stand out with subsequent listens".
It's been a busy year for me and the crew. Just finished working with (in no particular order) Kid Rock, George Michael, Crosby Stills Nash, Monty Python (Spamalot), Billy Idol, Stevie Wonder, REM, Jesus Christ Superstar, Iron Maiden, Etc Etc. the list goes on...
We helped build life-size inflatable robot dinosaurs. They looked real with the right lighting, sound FX, and proper puppetry. The huge set and stage design helped the illusion. We turned GMPlace into a post-modern prehistoric jungle scene. Back stage, the dinosaurs weren't quite so ferocious so we managed to get a few good photos.
plus... we have new pics from the U2 tour, so come and see. all you roadies and stagehands out there... keep the pictures and postcards coming! WE LOVE IT!
Hey what's new my friend!!! I don't have so much time to be around here lately. I have been working like a dog and all my time is spending in working and killing hippies. I did some mime's massacre too in your honour. Cheers!
HEY! HO! BALONY!!!...JP5 will Rock with The Rude Rube Boys...Sooner Than Later!!!...Until then...I've got your hit Video/ditty "Mainland" up from your McKenzie Days ...(On The Gerry-Jenn My. Sp.)....The song "Accident Prone" on the JP5 Sp. was written from the inspiration of you getting a "Rusty Nail" through the foot at The End of the Video Shoot for Mainland!!!...Ya Gotta Love being taken away in an ambulance!!!....Reality Dictates FICTION!!!......Luv G.J. & The JP5ers....psst.... HEADS UP!!!!::::the image above is JP5's new T-shirt design...Kurt's pal Liz is printing them up cheap if The Rube's are looking for a silkscreener (F.I.Y.!)....X!
It runs in the family is the band name and a fresh song, Up in smoke, has been posted in this competion, My first, I have the oppertunity to win $25,000 and you could win stuff like 2 tickets to lalapollozza and other stuff please take the time to vote, you could vote daily til the end of may http://www. 25000. ca" target="_blank" title="Redpipe. ca - $25000">..http://25000. ca/img/tools/votenow300x250. gif" alt="Vote Now!" />
"JP5" CAN'T GET ENOUGH BALONY IN OUR GERRY-JENNY CRAIG DIET!!!!!!" Har! Har!!!!...."APRIL FOOL'S!!!">.... Mr. PONTIAC!!!!!...(Poor, Ole, Nerd, Thinks, It's, A, CADDY!!!!LAC!!!!)... GET IT!!!???!!!!.giver!!!!....X!....JP5!!!!
HEY! HO! BALONY!!!...I THOUGHT I'd Run Into You At The New York Doll's!!!!...Fishin' Jim Gave Me A Copy Of "Mainland"...(& I ran into Danny Nowvak the same night!!!)....Thats what you call a "COINKY-DINK!!!"......I 'm planning to make noise with youse Rube-Stars "Sooner Than L:ater!!!!".....Luv G-Jenn...X!