The Dears Conquer Foreign Lands, Play Toronto, Plan Live Album

Last December, The Dears lead man/Chart comrade Murray Lightburn told us that The Dears would be lying low as far as Canadian tour dates go this year, focusing instead on foreign markets. So far, Lightburn has stayed true to his claim, leaving fans who were spoiled by the band's constant touring last year feeling a little bit deprived.

While The Dears won't be launching a cross-country tour any time soon, they are offering a wee bit of relief for their Toronto-area faithful. According to the official Dears website, The Dears will play a rare Toronto show on May 7 at Lee's Palace. Tickets are $15 in advance (available at Soundscapes, Rotate This, Ticketmaster, CD Replay and The Horseshoe) or $18 at the door. It'll be the first chance for many fans to catch a glimpse of new guitarist Patrick Krief, who, by our count, is the fourth guitarist The Dears have employed since releasing End Of A Hollywood Bedtime Story.

Opening for The Dears will be fellow ChartAttack faves The Marble Index (who, by the way, have just made their very first single available through Puretracks). The Dears are also planning a May show for Montreal, so keep your eyes peeled on the band's website or your local listings. For the rest of you jonesing for a live Dears experience, the band are putting together a live CD that should be ready this fall. The material for the disc was captured at a show in Montreal.

Stay tuned for more details. As for that focussing on foreign markets business, The Dears will take their melodramatic ways overseas next month for two big shows in London, England. Also, after a successful tour of the American West coast earlier this year, plans underway for a U.S. release of the band's latest album, No Cities Left.