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Theory of a Deadman

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Theory of a Deadman (abbreviated as Theory or T.O.A.D) is a Canadian rock band from North Delta, British Columbia. Formed in 1999, the band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as 604 Records. The band includes traits of music styles, such as country and acoustic, in addition to their post-grunge and alternative rock foundation. Nine of their singles have entered the top ten of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including four songs that peaked at number one: "Bad Girlfriend", "Lowlife", "Rx (Medicate)" and "History of Violence".

Theory of a Deadman
Theory of a Deadman performing at Festival of Friends 2013
Theory of a Deadman performing at Festival of Friends 2013
Background information
Also known as
  • Theory
  • T.O.A.D
OriginNorth Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Genres
Years active1999–present
Labels
Members
  • Tyler Connolly
  • Dave Brenner
  • Dean Back
  • Joey Dandeneau
Past members
Websitetheoryofficial.com

History

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The band's logo from 2008 to 2017

Early years and self-titled album (1999–2003)

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Theory of a Deadman was initially formed in 1999 by lead guitarist/vocalist Tyler Connolly and bassist Dean Back.[1] They later became the first act to sign with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger's 604 Records imprint in 2001 after Connolly convinced Kroeger's ex-girlfriend Jodi to send him a copy of their first demo recording. Shortly afterwards; Kroeger invited Connolly to a barbecue and discussed giving his band a record deal soon after. They released their eponymous debut album Theory of a Deadman on September 17, 2002, co produced by Kroeger. The name of the band comes from a song from their first album, whose lyrics describe a man preparing to commit suicide. That track was later renamed "The Last Song".[2] The album was a large success for the band in North America, peaking at #4 in Canada and #85 in the US. The band would later tour in support of the album as an opening act for Nickelback throughout 2002 and 2003. The album was certified platinum in the United States and Canada on May 12, 2006.

Gasoline (2005–2007)

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On March 29, 2005, Theory of a Deadman released their second album, Gasoline. After the release of the album, the band toured with Shinedown and No Address. Starting on March 1, 2005, Theory began a promotional tour, headlined by Breaking Benjamin and The Exies. Songs from Gasoline appeared in the soundtrack of the 2005 video game Fahrenheit, which was released under the title Indigo Prophecy in the United States.

The band performed the theme song to World Wrestling Entertainment's No Way Out 2006 pay-per-view, a cover version of "Deadly Game" from the WWE Anthology album. The song was released on the WWE Wreckless Intent album. They also did a cover of "No Chance In Hell", the theme song for WWE chairman Vince McMahon. The song was released on WWE The Music, Vol. 8 on March 25, 2008.[3][4] They also performed the theme song for the 2011 edition of the WWE pay-per-view SummerSlam.

Scars & Souvenirs (2008–2009)

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On April 1, 2008, Theory of a Deadman released their third album, Scars & Souvenirs, from which they released eight singles: "So Happy", "By the Way", "Little Smirk", "Bad Girlfriend", "All or Nothing", "Hate My Life", "Not Meant to Be", and "Wait for Me". The song "By the Way" features vocals from Chris Daughtry and Robin Diaz. On April 6, 2008, they appeared at the Juno Awards in Calgary, Alberta, after making various stops across Canada in a promotion known as Journey to the Junos.

Theory also performed in the 96th Grey Cup halftime show, along with Suzie McNeil and Andree Watters, on November 23, 2008.[5] Along with Hinder, they supported Mötley Crüe during the 2008/2009 tour. They also played at Crüe Fest 2.[6]

Total Nonstop Action used Theory of a Deadman's song "Got it Made", from the album Scars & Souvenirs, for their special 2008 year review video.[7] The song later went on to be used by Sun Sports for Miami Heat post-game video recaps during the 2010-11 season. It was also used in the NASCAR 09 video game.

On April 9, 2009, Scars & Souvenirs was certified gold by the RIAA, with sales reaching 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone.[8]

The Truth Is... (2010–2012)

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In late 2010, it was announced that the band would start recording their fourth studio album, which was projected to be released in mid-2011.[9][better source needed] It was then confirmed by Tyler Connolly that the band's fourth album would be released on July 12, 2011.[10] The first single from the album, "Lowlife", was released on May 17, 2011.[11][better source needed] The title of the upcoming album was announced to be The Truth Is...[12]

In 2011, Theory co-headlined the second annual Carnival of Madness Tour with Alter Bridge. The supporting bands were Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way, and Emphatic. The band contributed a new song, which was co-written with The Exies singer Scott Stevens, called "Head Above Water", to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack, which was released on June 14, 2011. Another track titled "Drag Me to Hell" was made available for free through the official Roadrunner Records website on June 16, 2011.[13] The second official single, "Out Of My Head", was released on June 14, 2011. On July 1, 2011, the unreleased single, "Let Me Go", featuring Pop Idol's Cveta Majtanović, was also released via CloudMusic and for the parted collaboration music video.


Savages and Angel Acoustic EP (2013–2016)

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On November 9, 2013, it was confirmed via Theory's Twitter page that pre-production on their fifth album had started. In January 2014, they stated that they were "finishing up record number 5 next week" with release dates and news soon to come. In April 2014, Theory of a Deadman announced that a new single titled "Drown" would be released in April, with their new album Savages released in July.[14] The song "Panic Room" from the album would serve as the theme song for WWE's October pay-per-view Hell in a Cell.[15]

On April 28, 2015 the band released a 5 track acoustic EP titled Angel. On November 11, 2016, the band released a cover of the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, a tribute in recognition of his death on the seventh of the same month.[16]

Wake Up Call (2017–2018)

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Theory of a Deadman performing at the Naval Station Great Lakes, on July 3, 2018

In January 2017, the band announced that they were recording their sixth studio album. They released two cover singles shortly after—Sting's "Shape of My Heart" in February and Major Lazer's "Cold Water" on March 17.[17][18] Instead of working with the same production team in Los Angeles that they had used for their previous four albums, they decided to work with Swedish music producer Martin Terefe, and spent seven weeks recording in London at Terefe's Kensaltown Studios.[19][20] The group announced the name of their upcoming album—Wake Up Call—on July 27, 2017, with the release of its lead single, "Rx (Medicate)". The song, which handles the topic of prescription drug addiction, topped the Billboard US Mainstream Rock Songs chart for six consecutive weeks later that year,[21][22] and earned the band a "No. 1 Song Award" from the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).[23]

With the release of the new album, the band decided to undergo a name change, shortening it to Theory. The group cited that discussions involving the name of their band with people who are unfamiliar with their music was challenging. Connolly equated it to rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers frequently abbreviating their name to Chili Peppers.[24]

Wake Up Call has been described by critics as a departure from Theory of a Deadman's usual hard rock foundation, moving into pop and pop rock territory.[25][26] To promote the album, the band launched a 33-city tour in the United States during the fall of 2017.[27] The tour was extended into 2018 to include shows throughout western Canada and Europe,[19] and the group toured in Australia for the first time in their career in June 2018. Connolly told The Music, "There's a real dichotomy of Theory now, two very different sides. Not that we want to get away from our old songs, but the new songs are so diverse, such a juxtaposition. We're really working on building a big show, and trying to make it all more visual, as well."[28]

Say Nothing (2019–2022)

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The band returned to London in April 2019 to begin work on their seventh record with Terefe.[29] In August 2019, Connolly informed the public that the group would continue their 2019 headlining tour efforts in September.[30] On September 25, Theory of a Deadman announced their seventh album, Say Nothing, which was released on January 31, 2020; the news coincided with the release of the first single, accompanied by its music video, "History of Violence", a song that addresses domestic violence.[31][32] "Strangers" was the second song to be released from Say Nothing and was released on November 8; the track examines the polarizing effect of politics on society and how current events are creating a new generation of activists. It was released simultaneously with an official animated music video.[33]

The band headlined a Canadian tour, beginning on January 31, 2020, to coincide with the release of the album.[34] Two North American tours were scheduled in 2020—one with American band 10 Years, and the second with Breaking Benjamin, Bush, Saint Asonia, and Cory Marks. Both were canceled due to the restrictions on large-scale gatherings on account of the coronavirus global pandemic.[35][36]

Dinosaur (2022–present)

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On October 20, 2022, the band released a new single, "Dinosaur", which marked a return to their hard rock sound.[37]

Music styles

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Theory of a Deadman's music style has generally been regarded as post-grunge,[38][39][40][41] hard rock,[38][41][42] alternative rock,[39][40] alternative metal,[41] and pop rock.[42] The band also mixes country, pop, and acoustic elements into their sound.[40][38]

Band members

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Current members

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Tyler Connolly & Dean Back, Leeds Met Students' Union, 4/3/2010
  • Tyler Connolly – lead vocals, lead guitar (1999–present), piano (2017–present)
  • Dave Brenner – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Dean Back – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–present)
  • Joey Dandeneau – drums, backing vocals (2009–present)

Former members

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  • Tim Hart – drums, backing vocals (1999–2004)
  • Brent Fitz – drums, backing vocals (2004–2007)
  • Robin Diaz – drums, backing vocals (2007–2008)

Timeline

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Discography

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Main articles: Theory of a Deadman discography and List of songs recorded by Theory of a Deadman

Awards

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Organization Year Category/award Nominee/work Result Ref.
BMI Pop Awards 2010 Award-Winning Song (shared with co-writer Kara DioGuardi) "Not Meant to Be" Won [43]
Canadian Radio Music Awards 2009 Fans' Choice Award Theory of a Deadman Nominated [44][45]
2010 Fans' Choice Award Theory of a Deadman Nominated [46][47]
SOCAN Song of the Year "Not Meant to Be" Nominated [46][48]
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2018 Rock Song of the Year "Rx (Medicate)" Nominated [49]
Juno Awards 2003 New Group of the Year Theory of a Deadman Won [50]
2006 Group of the Year Theory of a Deadman Nominated
Rock Album of the Year Gasoline Nominated
2018 Fan Choice Theory Nominated
Rock Album of the Year Wake Up Call Nominated
MuchMusic Video Awards 2012 MuchLOUD Rock Video of the Year "Chick Came Back" Nominated [51]
SOCAN 2010 Pop/Rock Music Award (shared with co-writer Kara DioGuardi) "Not Meant to Be" Won [52]
2012 No. 1 Song Award (shared with co-writer Christine Connolly) "Lowlife" Won [53]
2017 No. 1 Song Award "Rx (Medicate)" Won [54]
Western Canadian Music Awards 2003 Outstanding Rock Recording Theory of a Deadman Nominated [55]
2005 Outstanding Rock Recording Gasoline Nominated [56]
2009 Rock Recording of the Year Scars & Souvenirs Won [57]

References

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  1. ^ "Theory of a Deadman". Musicworld. November 13, 2002. Retrieved November 13, 2002.
  2. ^ "Theory Of A Deadman Biography". Rock.about.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  3. ^ "WWE builds brand with boutique sections". Videobusiness.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  4. ^ "WWE: The Music, vol. 8". RSonybmgstore.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2008. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  5. ^ "CFL names Grey Cup halftime entertainment". OurSports Central. October 13, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
  6. ^ "Cruefest 2 Comes to Virginia Beach Amphitheater". Dailypress.com. Archived from the original on July 24, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  7. ^ "TNA 2008 Year In Review Music Video". YouTube. December 28, 2008. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  8. ^ "Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - July 24, 2014". RIAA. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  9. ^ TOADM. "Theory of a Deadman (TOADM) on Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  10. ^ "Tyler Connolly From Theory of A Deadman Checks In From His Car On The Way To The Studio!". Roadrunner Records. December 7, 2011. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  11. ^ "Theory Of A Deadman". Theory Of A Deadman. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  12. ^ "THEORY OF A DEADMAN To Release 'The Truth Is...' In July". Roadrunner Records. April 25, 2011. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  13. ^ [1] Archived June 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ "Twitter / TOADM: Preproduction starts today ..." Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  15. ^ "WWE Main Event Match Announced, WWE Hell In A Cell Theme, Former Presidential Candidate On RAW". Wrestling Inc. September 29, 2014.
  16. ^ "Hallelujah". Open.spotify.com.
  17. ^ DiVita, Joe (February 11, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Offer Up Moving Cover of Sting's 'Shape of My Heart'". Loudwire.com. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  18. ^ @TOADM (March 17, 2017). "Excited to share our cover of @MAJORLAZER ft @justinbieber & @MOMOMOYOUTH's "Cold Water"! Get it here: http://www.flyt.it/toadm_coldwater" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ^ a b Zillich, Tom (December 15, 2017). "'Rx (Medicate)' the Biggest Song of Theory of a Deadman's 16-year Career, North Delta Bassist Raves". Surrey Now-Leader. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  20. ^ 10 Questions with Tyler Connolly from Theory of a Deadman. Two Doods Reviews. December 9, 2017. Event occurs at 2:14. Archived from the original on June 11, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  21. ^ Zillich, Tom (July 27, 2017). "VIDEO: New Theory of a Deadman song deals with prescription drug addiction". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  22. ^ Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart – Rx (Medicate)
  23. ^ Druckman, Howard (November 16, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Earn SOCAN No. 1 Song Award for "Rx (Medicate)"". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  24. ^ Theory Interview — Stingray PausePlay. Stingray Music. December 13, 2017. Event occurs at 0:19. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  25. ^ "Album Review of Wake Up Call by Theory of a Deadman". Alternative Addiction. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  26. ^ Podplesky, Azaria (November 9, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Trade Hard Rock for Pop-rock on 'Wake Up Call'". The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  27. ^ Hunt, Chase (July 29, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Announce 'Wake Up Call' and Fall Tour". AXS. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  28. ^ "Theory of a Deadman Reveal Details of Their First Ever Australian Tour". The Music. April 12, 2018. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  29. ^ "Record 7 is upon us!! We start recording in april in jolly ole England with #martinterefe so stay tuned!! #theory #record7". Instagram. March 17, 2019. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  30. ^ Divita, Joe (May 28, 2019). "Theory of a Deadman Announce Fall U.S. Tour, Working on New Album". Loudwire.com. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  31. ^ Hafke, Tim (September 25, 2019). "Theory of a Deadman Embrace Newfound Political Identity on 'Say Nothing'". Alternative Press. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  32. ^ "Theory – History of Violence (Official Video)". YouTube. September 25, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  33. ^ Whitmore, Laura B. (November 8, 2019). "Theory's "Strangers" Boldly Rocks a Stark Anthem on the State of Humanity". Parade. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  34. ^ "Theory of a Deadman to Release 'Say Nothing' Album in January; "History of Violence" Video Available". Blabbermouth.net. September 25, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
  35. ^ @TheoryMusic (March 18, 2020). "TOUR UPDATE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak & ban on public gatherings, we have decided to postpone our upcoming Spring headline tour (4/09 - 5/16) to a later date. To be clear, we are not cancelling, just moving dates to an undisclosed time — all tickets will be honored" (Tweet). Retrieved July 30, 2020 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ "Breaking Benjamin's Summer 2020 U.S. Tour with Bush and Theory of a Deadman Is Officially Canceled". Blabbermouth.net. May 19, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
  37. ^ "Theory Of A Deadman Releases New Single 'Dinosaur'". Blabbermouth.net. October 20, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  38. ^ a b c Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Theory of a Deadman Bio". AllMusic. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  39. ^ a b Huey, Michelle (July 12, 2016). "Theory of a Deadman is loving the casino circuit; The post grunge rock group performs Thursday at Inn of the Mountain Gods". Ruidosonews. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  40. ^ a b c Rivadavia, Eduardo (August 7, 2017). "Updated: Theory of a Deadman to replace Papa Roach at fair concert". Nrtoday. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  41. ^ a b c "Theory of a Deadman coming to Cranbrook". e-know. May 25, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  42. ^ a b Hafke, Tim (September 25, 2019). "Theory Of A Deadman embrace newfound political identity on 'Say Nothing". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  43. ^ "BMI Pop Awards 2010". May 19, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  44. ^ "Hedley, Finger Eleven nominated for Fans' Choice Award". CBC News. December 11, 2008. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  45. ^ "Hedley from 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards". E!. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  46. ^ a b "Karl Wolf and Nickelback Lead Nominations for 2010 Canadian Radio Music Awards". January 12, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  47. ^ "B.C. Bands Dominate Fans' Choice Awards". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. December 15, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  48. ^ Turner, Nischelle; Quan, Denise (September 25, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen Wants to Give You a 'Kiss'". CNN. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  49. ^ Mastrogiannis, Nicole (March 7, 2018). "Foo Fighters Win iHeartRadio Music Award for Rock Song of the Year". iHeartMedia. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  50. ^ "Theory of a Deadman – The JUNO Awards". Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  51. ^ Sager, Jessica (June 17, 2012). "2012 MuchMusic Video Awards Winners List". Townsquare Media. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  52. ^ "21st Annual SOCAN Awards Toronto 2010 – Winners List". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  53. ^ "SOCAN Annual Report 2012" (PDF). Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. p. 47. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  54. ^ Druckman, Howard (November 16, 2017). "Theory of a Deadman Earn SOCAN No. 1 Song Award for "Rx (Medicate)"". Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  55. ^ "2003 Awards". Western Canadian Music Alliance. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  56. ^ "2005 Awards". Western Canadian Music Alliance. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  57. ^ "Winners of the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards". ChrisD.ca. September 20, 2009. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
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Preceded by Grey Cup Halftime Show
2008 		Succeeded by
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