Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s ongoing column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with Mike Birch of Insurrection as he shared what pets the band has and their eclectic taste of music, a reminder that music goes beyond humans.
Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?
We at Insurrection have a few metal fur babies.
Stef (our vocalist) has a French Spaniel named Obi Juan Kenobi, an energetic and treat-inspired force to be reckoned with. He also has Peach the cat, an evasive but loving Princess.
Mike (guitar) has a black cat with a galaxy coat named Kane (like the wrestler). Kane is missing half his ear and has a damaged voice box (also like the wrestler). He will chokeslam you to the depths of hell (like the wrestler!)
Mart (bassist) apparently lives in a zoo. His cat army consists of Merlin, Blanche, Yoda, Fripouille and Sushi. He also has two Axolotls, Axtl Rose and Abbath (blergh!). Rounding out his army is a guinea pig named Jabba, who obviously runs the show.
Have you ever taken your pet on tour?
We avoid taking our pets on tour, as the summer heat and lack of space wouldn’t make for an inviting situation. Also, there are enough mystery smells and hair in the van on tour. We have, however, been fortunate enough to stay with friends on tour that have their own pets that we can connect with (special shout out to Ozzy in Fredericton!)
Who looks after your pet while on the road?
We all are fortunate to have very patient, loving partners who watch over our pets when we are on the road.
What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?
Obi Juan Kenobi: Baha Men- Who let the Dogs Out?
Peach: Presidents of the United States of America – self titled debut album
Kane: WWF The Music Volume 3
Merlin: Nightfall in Middle Earth
Blanche: Transylvanian Hunger
Yoda: doesn’t listen to music, only meditates
Fripouille: Black Seeds of Vengeance
Sushi: Shanti Shanti Shanti
Axtl Rose: Appetite for Destruction
Abbath: At the Heart of Winter
Jabba: Butchered at Birth
How did you introduce your pet to metal?
Once they got sucked in, there was no way out.
What animal charity means most to you?
Not exactly a charity, but I have made several donations (both money and supplies) to my local cat rescue (Spencerville TNR Cat Rescue). I live in a rural area and many cats are abandoned even during harsh winters. The workers are diligent about protecting the cats they find, especially in the winter months. It is also where I found Kane, so it has a place in my heart. Support your local pet rescues!
