17 - Ron Macey: Always a Skydigger

"At the end of the day, that's all there is. It's friends and community, or else you're on a desert island all by yourself" — Ron Macey

"Ronny came down [to The Spadina Hotel] to check us out. We did our set, and after, I said to Josh, "I don't give a sh•t how he plays, he looks so fantastic, he's in the band". — Andy Maize

In the days of classified ads and land lines, a young and dashing Ron Macey put a callout in the back of NOW magazine, looking for a band that might need an "average bass player" (his words, not ours). Andy saw the ad, and Josh dialled the number. Before long, Ron became Skydiggers' first bassist. In doing so, he found good friends, a musical family, and a path he'd follow for many years—and several albums—to come.

Recorded on location, mid-tour, in Vancouver, B.C. Please enjoy a special conversation with Ron Macey a.k.a. "Ronny von Johnny" a.k.a. "The West Coast Millionaire". It's sweet, it's salty, it's Skydiggers. 

Songs used in this episode:

• "Je t'aime toujours, mon amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)
• "My City is Gone" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)
• "I Am A Pilgrim" - Skydiggers (Live at The Spadina Hotel, 1988)
• "Maybe It's Just Not Good Enough - Skydiggers (Skydiggers, 1990)
• "Desmond's Hip City" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)
• "Dear Henry" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)
• "All of Our Dreaming" - Skydiggers (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003)
• "Debris" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)
• "Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 2008)

Stream, download, and follow Skydiggers

Employee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers Productions
Featuring: Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson
Producer & co-host: Joel Stewart
Host and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)
Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely