The Romaniacs was a Canadian rock band based in
Vancouver, British Columbia. Their music combined Eastern European,
Gypsyjazz, and
pop.[1] They made extensive use of costumes and props, including a large map, during their live shows.[2]
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.[3][4][5]
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.[6][7] 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.