When Theory of a Deadman commands the stage, there are no frills or gimmicks.
Guitarist Dave Brenner can’t describe the band’s live performances. He said it will simply play 40 minutes worth of music this fall and “try to play it really well.”
On Nov. 30, the rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Cavo will open up for Daughtry on the Leave This Town tour in the O’Connell Center. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $29.50 to $39.50.
“A lot of the people that are coming to the Daughtry shows don’t know who the hell we are,” Brenner said. “Hopefully they like what we do.”
Before forming a band, singer and lead guitarist Tyler Connolly, bassist Dean Beck and Brenner held jobs involving glass, water bottles and fire protection services.
“They were all fun jobs,” Brenner said. “We were all happy to say good-bye to them.”
Because their community was small, Connolly, Beck and Brenner knew one another far before recording an album.
Connolly’s demo tape differed from the others, however, catching the ear of Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger. He was signed to Kroeger’s label, and the band developed, releasing its self-titled debut in 2002. “Nothing Could Come Between Us,” the album’s hit single, bears strong resemblance to Nickelback hits with its raspy melodic vocals and catchy mid-tempo playing.
Theory of a Deadman has since evolved into a pure rock band.
Brenner said “Scars & Souvenirs,” the 2008 record, involved “a lot of jamming.” The album remains their focus for now. Members have dabbled in new material on the side, but they haven’t put any songs together yet, Brenner said.
Aside from music, Theory of a Deadman is involved with the Music Fashion Project. It picks a “charity style” T-shirt and a portion of purchases goes to band’s favorite music-related charity.
The band has toured with acts like Mötley Crüe and Godsmack on Crüe Fest 2. Brenner said he had fun hanging out on that tour because the bands clicked.
Coming from Crüe Fest, Theory of a Deadman didn’t know what to expect at Daughtry concerts. Daughtry has been really accepting, Brenner said, and crowds pack into venues by the time it performs.
“They’ve been digging our music,” he said. “We’re happy.”
