When they disbanded in 2000, Winnipeg hardcore heavyweights Guy Smiley were at the top of their game.

A year earlier, the four-piece had released Alkaline, its third and most successful album up to that point, on Smallman Records, Epitaph Europe and Devil Doll USA.

“The way the band ended was kind of rough and we never got to play a final show because we were at odds with each other,” says Kun, 38. “As the years progressed, we matured and we felt it was time.”

This Saturday, Jan. 29, the band – vocalist Derk Kun, guitarist Paul Stewart, bassist Jamie Fyles and drummer Ryan Francis – will reunite for a show at the Royal Albert.

Formed in 1992, Guy Smiley made a name for itself as one of Canada’s premiere hardcore bands.

Known for their intense live show, the band toured across the country coast to coast 30 times, in addition to numerous tours of the United States and Europe.

“We were always really busy on the road,” Kun says when asked what his favourite part of being in the band was.

“Those were always the real highlights – touring with the bands we respect and love, like Misfits, Pennywise, Face to Face, NOFX, Ignite, H2O, Good Riddance and AFI.”

“ When we decided to do this show, I thought, ‘I don’t know if anyone’s going to remember us.’ But people seem excited for it. We definitely appreciate the support we get from Winnipeg.

Derek Kun

The band has been practicing two to three times a week since July to ensure that Saturday’s show is tight and energetic.

Fans can expect to hear classics like The Canadian Way, Alkaline and Lead Strong, as well as two songs the band recorded for Epitaph but never released – Red Ten and Memories of Today.

“More than anything, it’s been therapeutic to get back into a room with those guys,” says Kun. “We’ve grown together as friends and it’s nice to chat about the old times again, and all the things we went through.”

Meanwhile, Kun’s current band, punk four-piece Burnthe8track, has recorded six songs for its third full-length, The Coming Storm.

The band is in the midst of writing the final songs for the album, which they hope to release later this year.

Kun also works full-time as a high school art teacher.

“In the summer of 2008, Burnthe8track came off a 26-country tour. I’d been on the road the greater part of 15 years at that point, so I decided to finish my education degree,” he explains. “I really love it. I like the fact that I can (teach) and then come home and do music.”

Kun is looking forward to Saturday’s show, and he’s pleasantly surprised by the interest the reunion gig is receiving.

“When we decided to do this show, I thought, ‘I don’t know if anyone’s going to remember us,’” he says. “But people seem excited for it. We definitely appreciate the support we get from Winnipeg.”

Published in Volume 65, Number 17 of The Uniter (January 27, 2011)