(Forte Magazine) You used to be a roadie for
Hugh Dillon & The Rattlers as well as play in various others before The
Mahones bands. Has music always been in your blood?
(Finny McConnell) Yes I had a few bands. Mainly
old school punk bands like The Clash, Husker Du and The Replacements. That
was the sound I liked and still like!! The Mahones came about after I
discovered The Pogues and The Waterboys. Oh yeah, I did sound for Hugh and
The Rattlers once. Stories have legs!!!!
(Forte Magazine) Like many good things, the
early stages of The Mahones started over a few pints of Guinness. Is that
right?
(Finny McConnell) We got paid in Guinness and
Whiskey for the first year which is a big blur as you know!!!!
(Forte Magazine) When you came together, you booked
a one off gig on St Patrick’s Day. Was this to test the waters or tease
crowds of what could come?
(Finny McConnell) It was to make some money and
drink for free. Then the response was so good that were talking now 16 years
later while I’m on tour in
(Forte Magazine) I read somewhere that you were
not completely happy with the sound of Rise Again. How important is it for
you to remain true to yourself in your music?
(Finny McConnell) I do like rise again and the
sound. Great songs on that record!! It was the first time we had used digital
recording and it was a new thing back in 1996. Now I’m more comfortable with
it and I know how to mix analog and digital to make the best sound with the
best technology. No what I mean??
(Forte Magazine) Apparently you chose the name
The Mahones to rhyme with The Ramones. Is there any chance of The Mahones
version of Rock 'n' Roll High School?
(Finny McConnell) Yes we did indeed and we do
Sedated when we are in a Punk rock mood!!!!
(Forte Magazine) What fuels your music?
(Finny McConnell) Guinness, Whiskey and
Weed!!! Oh yeah, and the love a good guitar hook!!!
(Forte Magazine) With the risk of touching on an
unwanted subject, how did the passing of Joe affect you as people and
musicians?
(Finny McConnell) It makes you know how fragile
life is and to make the most of the time you have. Musically, Joe was the
best bass player I ever played with, and he took me to new levels of playing.
He was an inspiration for sure!! Love that fucker!!!!
(Forte Magazine) What was it like to share the
stage with some of your music inspirations in the way of The Pogues?
(Finny McConnell) It was very strange to be
singing "If I Should Fall From Grace with God" and "Dirty Old Town" with Terry
Woods on my left and Phil Chevron on my right. I bit like a Pogues fan
fantasy! Hahahaha
(Forte Magazine) What have you in store for
Australian crowds?
(Finny McConnell) I have never been there, so
I guess I'll give them all I got, or something like that. We will have to
have some drinks together also!!
(Forte Magazine) What was it like to have your
sister lend vocals to your music?
(Finny McConnell) What can I say, it was very nice to hear our voices together. Must do it again sometime!!
(Forte Magazine) Your music has the ability to
make people want to dance hard, jump around and smash things. Was this your
intention?
(Finny McConnell) Yes. Of course it was!!!!
(Forte Magazine) What does the future hold for
The Mahones?
(Finny McConnell) Many more cds and world tours.
It is what we do and love. Maybe even a stage play??
(Forte Magazine) Would you be able to
'eliminate' some of your fellow Canadians, namely Celine Dion,
Nickelback and Avril Lavigne?
(Finny McConnell) Well the lead guy from
Nickelback bought me a couple of beers at a boozecan in
(Forte Magazine) Any final words of wisdom to
impart?
(Finny McConnell) Hide your drinks, lock up your
daughters. Finny and the boys and coming to Irish Punk ya bastards!!!!
(Forte Magazine) Thank you very much for your
time Finny. It is greatly appreciated. Take care and have a great weekend.
Cheers
Wylie Caird
Forte Magazine