The Johnstones said despite their wild reputation, they know when to get serious (Photo Provided)
It’s not every day you hear about a band that was kicked out of “the happiest place on Earth.”
But after what The Johnstones described as a “drunken rampage,” the high-energy, punk-ska band from Ajax said they were chased down by Disneyland security and were eternally banned from the theme park.
Yet, that’s just one story in the long line of crazy and unpredictable antics The Johnstones are known for.
Even their name came out of an ironic joke about their former bassist, Kevin Johnstone, said the band. They recalled him being painfully nice and a bit nerdy, although he was eventually kicked out, but not before the name had stuck.
In spite of their reputation, The Johnstones insist they know when to get serious.
What others might classify as rebellious behaviour is merely part of the lifestyle they’ve built, they said.
The musicians said they pride themselves on being able to work hard and be professional, at the same time as selling a fresh and exciting attitude to set themselves apart.
Their aim, they said, is to be all-encompassing as a band, like their greatest influences Rancid and the Beastie Boys.
As their role-models did, The Johnstones said they want to create catchy songs and present a real stage show with comedy, a presence and a professional attitude.
The Johnstones said they refuse to keep a single type of listener in mind when writing.
They say their hope is to be widely accessible and encourage people who like all musical styles to give them a listen.
Although they said they never feel like music-making is work, they admit it can often be frustrating, yet the best ideas for songs, they say, come when they least expect them, like when laying in bed at night.
Outside of their music, they said they have a wide range of other hobbies and quirks including travel, jeopardy and an ongoing competition to be the best at twirling a basketball on one finger.
Yet the band has no shortage of touring horror stories and they said being on the road is a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
A typical day for The Johnstones, they said, may find them excitedly going to a show and then having their car break down in the middle of nowhere.
But they said what triumphs at the end of the day is their love of music.