The Dears To Open For Sloan

The speculation and rumour is over. The Dears will be joining Sloan for the fab four's Ontario and Quebec tour dates.

"We're truly honoured," says Murray Lightburn, the frontman for The Dears.

Sloan have always been known for their willingness to take up-and-comers on tour with them over the years. In the past they've toured with Danko Jones, The Flashing Lights, Local Rabbits and others. By adding The Dears to the bill, Sloan are again showing that impeccable musical taste we love 'em for.

Lightburn says the band even have some secret plans to one-up the scissor-kick showmanship of Sloan's Chris Murphy.

"I'm growing a beard and not shaving until the end of the tour," says Lightburn. "Besides, we have George [Donoso, drummer]."

Things remain busy in The Dears' camp above and beyond their Sloan tour dates. Their EP Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique is in the Top 10 of the Canadian college radio charts, they've been writing and recording new music and Lightburn figures they're finally going to tour out West soon.

"There's semi-plans. The wheels are getting geared up to be set in motion," he says with a laugh. "The band is prepared. It looks like we're going to be going out on our own."

When asked if Lightburn thought the new Sloan song "The Other Man" represented an uncomfortable moral decline for that band, he politely brushed off such speculation.

"I haven't heard it yet. I don't have that kind of priviledge," he said. "I'm still just a man of the people."

Catch The Dears with Sloan here:
Oct. 12 Montreal, QC @ Cabaret
Oct. 15 Peterborough, ON @ The Vibe
Oct. 16 Ottawa, ON @ Barrymore's
Oct. 17 Ottawa, ON @ Barrymore's
Oct. 20 Quebec City, QC @ Kashmir
Oct. 21 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
Oct. 22 Kingston, ON @ Grand Theatre
Oct. 23 Thorold, ON @ Front 54
Oct. 25 Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
Oct. 27 Kitchener, ON @ The Lyric