Canadian rock band Finger Eleven kicked off its one-month tour across the country nearly two weeks ago.
The band is in Ontario now, promoting its newest album, but the members are slowly making their way west and will be performing at the Clarke Theatre Feb. 9.
Rick Jackett, the band’s rhythm guitarist, says he’s excited about touring the country.
“We haven’t done a real Canadian tour in a long time,” he said. “For us to play in this many cities across Canada is exciting.”
From Jan. 14 to Feb. 15, Finger Eleven will play in 23 Canadian cities between Ontario to B.C.
Jackett’s favourite part about touring is the shows, and this time, he notes, the production level is being bumped up and the stage setup and lighting is sure to impress. The band is promoting Life Turns Electric (released in October 2010), and will be playing songs from that album, but they will also dive into older tunes.
The band’s new album features hits like Whatever Doesn’t Kill Me and Living in a Dream. Jackett’s favourite is Love’s What You Left Me With, but he admits that changes from time to time.
It’s taken the band about a year and a half to put the album together and they will tour for another 18 months to promote it.
It’s fun writing songs and music at home, but it’s just as easy to “get on a luxury bus with your buddies and play video games,” said the 36-year-old Jackett, who has been playing guitar since he was 16 years old.
Finger Eleven, made up of Scott Anderson, James Black, Sean Anderson, Rich Beddoe and Jackett, have been together for more than 20 years.
“It’s the first and only band we’ve been in,” said Jackett, adding the friendships have lasted so long because of mutual respect.
“Over the years some people have evolved faster and there’s a certain frustration, but we’ve always believed we’re only as strong as the weakest link and we try to get everyone involved.”
And because they have shared so much time travelling together and gas station burritos, the countless bonding experiences on the road also draw them closer together.
Tickets for the Finger Eleven concert at the Clarke are available now at all Ticketmaster locations (call 604-280-4444) or online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.
For more information about the band, visit www.fingereleven.com.